Private Water Systems

The Environmental Health Division protects residents who use private water systems. A private water system includes wells, cisterns, springs, ponds, and hauled water storage tanks. Private systems serve 25 or fewer people, less than sixty days out of the year, and have less than 15 service connections. These would include single water supplies that serve homes, small businesses, small churches, small mobile home parks or communities with fewer than 25 residents.

The Ashtabula County Health Department enforces private water system rules and laws, which are set forth by the Ohio Department of Health under Section 3701.322 to 3701.347 of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 3701-28 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Any variances from the health code must be approved by the Ashtabula County Health Department. The environmental health division issues permits for installation of new private water systems and for alterations to existing systems. The division also provides water testing of private water systems.

Permits

Any homeowner or builder that is beginning construction of a new home is required to contact the Ashtabula County Health Department for a site evaluation. After the evaluation is complete a permit for a new private water system can be issued.

An alteration permit is considered a major change to the construction or configuration of an existing system such as adding a disinfecting device, deepening a well, replacing casing, etc. Private water systems are classified according to the type of dwelling, single family or multi-family dwelling. A single family dwelling is a home where only one family resides. A multi-family dwelling could be a duplex home or some small business operations.

Private water system permits are good for one year. During this one-year timeframe, the installation or alteration must be performed, the system must pass a final inspection, and the water supply must pass a water test to insure safety. The water test analyzes coliform bacteria and nitrates.

Fees

Well Permit $ 204.00 Water Sample $ 25.00

Well Permit – Alteration $ 115.00      Real Estate –water     $ 25.00
                                                         Real Estate-septic       $125.00

Chemical Water Samples are performed by our Department.   Please contact us for types of chemical testing is available for along with pricing at (440) 576 - 6010 option 5.

Chlorination Procedure for Drilled Wells

Application for water sample on an Existing Water Well (Personal Use, Title 8, Day Cares, Etc)

Application for water/septic test for Sale/Re-financing of Home (Real Estate Inspection)

Variance Request Form (used if well will not be required distances from required items and/or well or casing not required depths) Fee $75.00