(A) As used in this section and section 6109.072 of the Revised Code:

Terms Used In Ohio Code 6109.071

  • director: includes an authorized representative of the director. See Ohio Code 6109.01
  • Public water system: includes any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of the system and used primarily in connection with the system, any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control that are used primarily in connection with the system, and any water supply system serving an agricultural labor camp as defined in section 3733. See Ohio Code 6109.01

(1) “Public water system well” means a well for use by a public water system.

(2) “Well” means any excavation by digging, boring, drilling, driving, or other method for the purpose of removing ground water from an aquifer. “Well” does not include a private water system well or a monitoring well.

(B) The director of environmental protection may require a public water system to decrease its pumping rates if either of the following applies:

(1) The public water system is pumping at a rate that is drawing or has the potential to draw contaminants into the public water system or a public water system well.

(2) The chief of the division of water resources in the department of natural resources revokes, suspends, or amends a permit issued under section 1521.29 or 1522.12 of the Revised Code or requires a decrease in withdrawal with respect to either such permit.