Water Supply

If public water and sewer systems are available for your property, you should check to see what the cost is, to be sure it fits your budget.  If these utilities aren't available, then you must rely on a well or cistern to meet your everyday needs. Bear in mind that there are some lots that do not have a reliable source of ground water.  This can be best ascertained by inquiring of the immediate neighbors, as to the reliability of their wells.  For engineering and construction data about existing wells, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Water's web site page on well logs.  Our office also has Groundwater Resources Maps of the Miami Valley, which gives information about potential production of well output.

It is the new homeowner's responsibility to see that water from an existing well is safe to drink.  It is a good idea to have it tested once a year for bacteria, nitrates, etc. 

Some other factors to consider are as follows: Is your lot large enough to isolate the septic system leach field from the well head?  It might also be a good idea to find out about the quality of the water supply on surrounding properties, and whether or not a water softener, iron filter or other conditioner is needed.  One other consideration might be whether or not there is an adequate water supply for a geothermal heating system.