Private Water Systems
Some Hamilton County residents are not connected to the public water supply and therefore use a Private Water System, such as a well or cistern. In these cases, Hamilton County Public Health sanitarians inspect the systems to ensure that safe drinking water is available for the property’s residents.
All private water systems in the Health District’s jurisdiction (except Cincinnati, Norwood, Sharonville, Springdale and St. Bernard) must be permitted by Hamilton County Public Health.
Application Form
Contact Hamilton County Public Health’s Water Quality Division at (513) 946-7862 for information about obtaining an application to install, alter or abandon a private water system. All applications to install private water systems must be approved by the Health District.
- Applications for Private Water System permits must specify the name of the contractor who will be installing, altering or abandoning the system.
- Permits expire within one year of issue date.
- After installation, Private Water Systems owners have 30 days to complete and return completion form.
- Private Water Systems owners must receive well log from contractors.
Inspections and Water Sampling
- Health District sanitarians inspect contractors during the drilling and construction process to ensure compliance with the Ohio's Private Water System rules.
- Total coliform samples will be collected at a point of human consumption, not from hoses or yard hydrants. If sample is positive for total coliform, subsequent sampling will occur at the water supply source, prior to the pressure tank or any treatment.
- Nitrate prescreening is conducted. If sample is positive for nitrate, further testing may be necessary.
Construction and Location
- Private Water Systems using a well must be equipped with a down-turned sampling faucet, not less than eight inches above the floor/ground, in the water system prior to any treatment or disinfection.
- Private Water Systems requiring continuous disinfection must be equipped with a down-turned sampling faucet, not less than eight inches above the floor/ground, before and after retention tank or UV light system.
- All pipes must meet ANSI/NSF standard 61 or equivalent.
- Private Water Systems must be at least 10 feet from a property line and easement and five feet from a private driveway.
Start Up and Operation
The person who constructs, develops, installs, alters, or repairs a Private Water System must disinfect the system immediately following completion of work performed by that individual.
Disinfection must follow procedures outlined in the Disinfecting Water Wells fact sheet.
Continuous Disinfection
- Chlorination, iodination, ultraviolet (UV) light, and ozonation systems can be used for disinfection. Must first flush the entire system with chlorine solution when using UV light systems or ozonation.
- Private Water System owners with continuous disinfection systems must keep a test kit or testing materials to determine the proper disinfection for their systems.
Sealing or Abating a Private Water System
A sealing permit is required when abandoning a Private Water System. Contact Water Quality staff at (513) 946-7862 for information about this process.
Private Water System Fee Schedule
New Application (single family) $250.00
New Application (non-single family) $300.00
Alteration (single family) $100.00
Alteration (non-single family) $150.00
Well Sealing Permit (single family) $45.00
Well Sealing Permit (non-single family) $55.00
Private Water Variances $155.00
Water Hauler Inspections $100.00
Water Sample Collection $50.00
Work with No Permit (additional fee) $100.00
*prices subject to change