Access to clean water is crucial for our individual health, the health of our community, and the health of our environment. It is important to recognize the direct (bathing, drinking, cooking, etc.) and indirect (energy production, industry, and commerce) uses of water, how they intertwine, and why the water needs to stay clean. Without proper sanitation, the water can become contaminated, which may lead to several pathogens such as Legionella, Giardia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. Coli, Hepatitis A, and many other parasites that can cause waterborne illnesses.

In Williams County, the groundwater used for direct and indirect purposes comes from an aquifer. This aquifer is the source of drinking water for thousands of people in the rural areas, cities, and villages throughout Williams County. To ensure this water is protected from contamination, residential and commercial well drillers are licensed and inspected and must adhere to certain well installation standards. Agricultural wells are not regulated under the jurisdiction of the Williams County Health Department.

If you need a new well or work needs to be done on an existing well, it must be done by a Registered Private Water Systems Contractor and most work requires a permit.

The Ohio Department of Health registers contractors. The current lists can be found at the links below:

Registered Private Water Systems Contractors Based In Ohio | Ohio Department of Health

Registered Private Water Systems Contractors Based Out of State | Ohio Department of Health

Please contact the Environmental Public Health Division at 419-485-3141 or by email to discuss your needs for any of the following:

• Permit/Application for a new or replacement well
• Connecting your existing well to a new/different/additional house or building
• Work on your existing well
• Water samples