Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-28: Private Water Systems
Administered locally by Licking County Public Health.
This page summarizes the rule for homeowners and is not legal advice. Confirm your specific job with the authority above.
What counts as a repair
Rule 3701-28-01 defines "repair" as the act of fixing or replacing substandard or damaged devices to restore a private water system or component to proper working condition that does not require a permit. It says repair includes servicing or replacing pumps or pumping equipment, storage or pressure tanks, switches and well caps, and gives examples: replacing a submersible pump with a submersible pump, or changing from a jet pump to a submersible pump or the reverse.
Extending casing that currently terminates at or above the surface of the ground is also considered a repair. Repair does not include an alteration to the casing or wall of a water well.
When a permit is required
Rule 3701-28-03(A) says no person shall construct, alter or seal a private water system, test well or part thereof unless a valid permit has been issued by the board of health. Because "repair" is defined separately from alteration, a like-for-like pump swap is a repair, while changes to the well's construction fall under the permit requirement.
If your job involves the well casing, the well wall, converting the well configuration or sealing a well, ask Licking County Public Health before work starts.
Who may do the work for hire
Rule 3701-28-18 requires private water systems contractors to register annually with the Ohio Department of Health and to meet the surety bond requirements. Paragraph (A)(1) says only registered contractors may service, repair or install pumping equipment for a private water system, or perform inspections, evaluations or sampling for hire.
The rule also provides that registration is not required of an owner who performs repair, maintenance or service work that does not require a permit on the system serving their own dwelling, or of a person who aids the owner without compensation. Read paragraph (A)(2) for the exact wording.
Disinfection after pump work
Rule 3701-28-11(E) requires new, repaired or altered wells to be disinfected before water is removed for human consumption. The person performing the repair is responsible for disinfecting at the time of completion of their portion of the work.
What to do next
This page summarizes the rule text as published on codes.ohio.gov and is not legal advice. Local health districts administer the program, so if your job is not a plain pump, tank or switch swap, contact Licking County Public Health before work begins.