Private water systems are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3701.344 of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 3701-28 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
This program covers siting and installation of drinking water wells. Inspections are performed at the drilling site prior to installation to determine proper location of the well. Properly locating a well means that the regulations on distance set backs from possible contamination sources, structures and property lines are met. Upon completion of the well, water samples are collected to ensure bacteria-free water. Annually, well drillers are observed in the process of drilling a well to determine that regulation requirements for construction of a well are met.
Property owners are required to obtain permits prior to well drilling. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for a site inspection, 419-586-3251, Option 4.
Another component to this program is the voluntary water sample collection service. Anyone utilizing a well in Mercer County can request a bacteriological water test. An environmental staff member will come to your home to collect the sample. The fee for sample collection is $42.00 per sample, payable at the time of sample collection. (You may also contact the Celina Water Treatment Plant to perform your own test. See below for contact information.) The water is tested using standard drinking water indicators, which are called total coliform bacteria. If the bacteria are found in the water, the water is considered unsafe for drinking. In the case of an unsafe result, we will recommend that you disinfect your well. See below for instructions.
For a complete listing of registered private water systems contractors for the entire State of Ohio, please visit https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/private-water-systems-program/info-for-homeowners/
Well Disinfection Instructions
Completion Form (pump form) – updated 2018
Microbiological Standards for private water systems 2012
Well Water Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Celina Water Treatment Plant 419-586-2270
Brookside Laboratory, New Bremen, Ohio 419-977-2766
Ohio Department of Health, Private Water Systems homepage: ODH Private Water Systems
Ohio Department of Natural Resources website (to look up records of well drilling logs in Ohio): Water Well Log Search
