The Environmental Health Staff is responsible for administering Chapter 3701-28 of the Ohio Administrative Code (private water system rules). This program reviews and approves permits for the construction, alteration and abandonment of private water systems. A private water system is defined as a water supply system for the provision of water for human consumption, other than a public water supply system. This includes all water wells, cisterns, springs, ponds and hauled water storage tanks.
What We Do
- Issue permits for new private water systems
- Issue permits for alteration of private water systems
- Issue permits for abandonment of private water systems
- Provide field consultation regarding existing wells
- Inspect and sample new/altered wells to verify compliance
- Provide water sampling for water quality parameters
- Private water system inspections and water sampling for real estate transfers
- Review private water system variance requests to present to the Board
Permits Forms
Private Water System Forms - Ohio Department of Health 
Applications
Private Water System Variance Application
Fees
- Drilling Permit Fee - $324
- Well Alternation Permit Fee - $90
- Variance Application Fee - $25
- Water Testing Fees - $50 if sanitarian takes sample; $35 is homeowner takes sample
- Request for Loan Inspection Services
- Water Sample Only (Total Coliform- No Written Report) - $50
- Water Sample w/Written Report to Describe System - $100
- Sewage Disposal System - $150
- Sewage & Water System w/Written Report - $225
- We accept cash, checks, money orders, debit or credit cards for payment.
- Make checks and money orders payable to the Knox County Health Department.
Law
Ohio Private Water Systems – Ohio Administrative Code 3701-28
Additional Information
ODNR for well logs, sealing reports & water tables 
Homeowner Instructions on Disinfecting a Well
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my water tested?
Complete and submit the Water Sample Request Form
How do I get a private water system permit?
Homeowners can obtain applications for permits from the Ohio Department of Health website and then submit them with the required fee to the health department’s Environmental Health Division. Contractors may also file permit applications for the homeowner.
How do I apply for a variance?
Complete and submit the Water System Variance Application
How do I get information on an existing well?
View ODNR's information on existing wells
Upcoming Events
- Late Clinic - Open until 7p Tue. 18 Jun, 2013 (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
- Late Clinic - Open until 7p Tue. 16 Jul, 2013 (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
- Late Clinic - Open until 7p Tue. 20 Aug, 2013 (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
- Late Clinic - Open until 7p Tue. 17 Sep, 2013 (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
- Late Clinic - Open until 7p Tue. 15 Oct, 2013 (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
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Public Health is about focused community efforts to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the environment. It is what we do with our community partners to ensure conditions that support the health and well- being of our residents.