Approvals and Permits

Approvals

An approval must be obtained from the Drinking Water Program for:

• Creation of a new Public Water System.
• Connection of a new or reconnection of a previously used but currently inactive drinking water source.
• Closure or deactivation of a drinking water source.
• Implementation of Site Sampling, Backflow Prevention and Emergency Operations plans.
• Closure of a Public Water System.

The Drinking Water Program does not review or approve drinking water infrastructure projects for the construction of water distribution system pipelines, pressure reducing valve stations, ground water wells, storage tanks, booster pump stations, ground water production facilities or water treatment facilities. Infrastructure projects are reviewed and approved by the Subdivision, Infrastructure and Planning Program or the Water and Wastewater Treatment Program. For questions concerning these types of approvals please contact these programs directly.

Creation of a New Public Water System

Three types of Public Water Systems are regulated by the Drinking Water Program:

• Community Public Water System
• Non-Transient Non-Community Public Water System
• Transient Non-Community Public Water System

Creation of a new Public Water System requires a series of approvals from a number of different regulatory agencies. The requirements for creating a new Public Water System, Non-Transient Non-Community Public Water System or Transient Non-Community Public Water System are listed in a Fact Sheet for each type of system. The Fact Sheet can be found on the Forms/Applications page.

Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information on how to create a new Public Water System.

Connection of a New or Reconnection of a Previously Used Drinking Water Source

Typical drinking water sources to a Public Water System are ground water wells or surface water treatment plants. Prior to connecting a new drinking water source or reconnecting a previously used but currently inactive drinking water source to a Public Water System, a Source Approval must be obtained from the Drinking Water Program. The application form for a Drinking Water Source Approval can be found on the Forms/Applications page.

Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information on how to obtain a drinking water source approval.

Closure or Deactivation of a Drinking Water Source

The Drinking Water Program must be notified when a drinking water source is to be closed or is to be deactivated for more than three years. Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information regarding the notification, closure and deactivation requirements.

Site Sampling, Backflow Prevention and Emergency Operation Plans

Site Sampling, Backflow Prevention and Emergency Operation Plans for Public Water Systems require an approval by the Drinking Water Program prior to their implementation. Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information on how to obtain these plan approvals.

Closure of a Public Water System

The Drinking Water Program must be notified when a Public Water System is to be closed. Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information regarding the notification and closure requirements.

Permits

An operating permit must be obtained from the Drinking Water Program for:

• A Community Public Water System.
• A Non-Community Public Water System.
• Potable Water Transportation (hauling).

Additional information about operating permits can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

Issuance of Permits

An initial operating permit will be issued for a new Public Water System after a New Source Approval has been issued by the Department for PWS.

Vehicles hauling water for drinking or “potable” uses must be operated with a permit. In order to qualify for a permit, the vehicle must be inspected and must comply with all regulations listed in Chapter V, Section 2 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code and Title 18, Chapter 4, Section 125 of the Arizona Administrative Code. Potable water transportation operating permits are issued by the Department’s Solid Waste program.

Please contact the Solid Waste Program to obtain additional information about Potable Water Transportation operating permits.

Permit Fees and Renewals

The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule in Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. The fee for a Public Water System (PWS) operating permit is based on the type of PWS, the size of the population served by the PWS and the number of well and treatment plant infrastructure components associated with the PWS.

The Department’s Business Operations Division sends notices for operating permit renewal fees on annual basis. Renewal eligibility is contingent on compliance with the rules and regulations.

Closure of a Permit

Please contact the Drinking Water Program to obtain additional information on how to close a Public Water System.