A water system must obtain a construction permit from the department prior to construction of a new public water system, expansions, alterations or modifications of an existing public water system. This includes waterline extensions, waterline replacements, drilling a water supply well, constructing a storage tank, adding a disinfection system, treatment changes, building a pump station or other improvements or modifications.

The department is responsible for reviewing and approving engineering documents submitted by public water systems. Drinking water permits and engineering staff ensure engineering documents meet the Safe Drinking Water Regulations and Design Standards. 

Design Standards

Construction of new public water systems and expansions, alterations or modifications of existing public water systems must conform to the department’s design standards. These standards consist of proven technology, engineering principles and sound water works practices used by consulting engineers to prepare plans and specifications for submittal to the department for review and approval.

Public water systems proposing a new technology or unproven processes not addressed in the department's design standards must conduct a pilot study and submit documentation demonstrating the technology or process is effective.

Water System Classifications

Community Water System - A public water system which serves at least 15 service connections and is operated on a year-round basis or regularly serves at least 25 residents on a year-round basis. These systems include towns, water districts, subdivisions, mobile home parks and residential facilities such as nursing homes or prisons.

Nontransient Noncommunity Water System - A public water system that is not a community water system and that regularly serves at least 25 of the same persons over six months per year. These systems include schools and factories.

Transient Noncommunity Water System - A public water system that is not a community water system, which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. These systems include restaurants, resorts and campgrounds. These smaller systems are typically located in rural areas where it is not feasible to connect to a municipal water supply or water district.

Length of Permit

The construction permit shall be valid for two years from the date of authorization provided construction commences within the two year timeframe.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Applications

Fact Sheets

Fees

No fees for this permit.

Timeline/ Process

No specific timeline is required to issue or deny this permit. Applications should be submitted at least 30 working days prior to the date on which action by the department is desired. The department will request additional information if the application is not complete, which may delay the review process.

Public Participation

Fluoridation Modification Public Notice

Any public water system or public water supply district that intends to make modifications to fluoridation of its water supply shall notify the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health and Senior Services as well as its customers of its intentions at least 90 days prior to any vote on the matter.

Administrative Hearing Commission

Anyone who is adversely affected by the director's decision to issue, deny, suspend or revoke a permit must appeal within 30 days of the decision to the Administrative Hearing Commission as provided by 621.250.3 RSMo. All appeals must be filed by petition and send to:

Administrative Hearing Commission
PO Box 1557
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-2422
Fax: 573-751-5018
Website: Administrative Hearing Commission

Requirements

Reporting

Once construction is complete, the applicant must obtain final construction approval from the department. In order to do this, you will need to have your engineer complete a Statement of Work Completed form and as-builts drawings if changes were made during construction. When the form and as-builts are received, the department will conduct a final inspection and issue a final construction approval.

Public water systems utilizing a new technology or unproven process not addressed in the department's design standards, must conduct and submit an engineering evaluation within six months of the end of the first year of the performance period and within six months of the end of the performance period. 

Renewal

If construction is not commenced two years after the date of issuance or there is a halt in construction of more than two years, the approval to construct will be void unless a time extension has been granted by the department. Contact the department's Permits and Engineering Unit to request a time extension. 

Resources

Engineering Report

An engineering report is required for some construction permit applications such as adding a new source of water, increasing storage capacity and changes to treatment to meet safe drinking water regulations. The report provides alternative solutions to issues dealing with water quality, maintaining sufficient flow and pressure, regionalization and/or consolidation and other water system components.

Owner Supervised Program

An owner supervised program allows a public water system to obtain approval to construct several waterline extensions or replacements without submittal of a construction permit application. Approval is granted for a period of up to five years. Required information to obtain an owner supervised program is located in Chapter 1.8 of the Minimum Design Standards for Missouri Community Water Systems PUB2489.

Permit to Dispense

No water may be dispensed or be made available to the public by any person without first applying for in writing and receiving a permit to dispense water, except as exempted in subsection (3) (A) of the Code of State Regulations 10 CSR 60-3.010.

Pilot Study

Pilot studies must have protocols, including proposed testing parameters and length of study period, approved by the department prior to initiating the pilot study. For more information about pilot studies, please refer to the Minimum Design Standards for Missouri Community Water Systems PUB2489.

Standard Specifications

For waterline projects, a water system may request approval of standard specifications in lieu of submitting technical specifications with each construction permit application for approval by the department. After approval, staff use the information as a reference for each new construction permit application submitted.

State Revolving Fund

The department's State Revolving Fund is available for financial assistance. A state revolving fund (SRF) is a loan program that is capitalized by federal grants, state appropriations and dedicated revenues. 

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