Public Water System Inspections

The Public Water System Inspection (PWSI) team acts as the "eyes and ears" of the Drinking Water Program, conducting on-site inspections and providing technical assistance, as needed, to public water systems. Public Water System Inspectors conduct inspections for several reasons and with varying regulatory impact.

• Sanitary Surveys: A Sanitary Survey is a complete review of a public water system to identify deficiencies and make recommendations for system improvements. The sanitary survey is also a chance for the PWS operators to ask questions and learn about other requirements. Inspections are the responsibility of the public water system but the Drinking Water Program provides this service. Community water systems are inspected every 3 years, while Non-Transient, Non-Community and Transient water systems are inspected every 5 years.


• Small System Sanitary Survey Procedure (PDF)
• Large System Sanitary Survey Procedure (PDF)


• Technical Assistance: Guidance and technical assistance is available to all public water systems.


• Watershed Inspections: Public Water System Inspectors conduct yearly watershed reviews of all surface water systems that have a filtration waiver.


• Construction Inspection and Plan Review: Any changes or additions to a public water system need to be inspected. The PWSI team provides this service.


• DWSRF Project Management: The Engineering Review team serve as Project Managers for Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) projects. This includes design review and construction inspection.


• Deregulation Inspections: When a PWS feels that it no longer meets the definition of a PWS, the district PWSI conducts an on-site confirmation inspection.

If you have questions about public water system inspections, please contact your Public Water System Inspector.

Additional Resources

• Sanitary Seal Well Cap Program (PDF)
• Do's and Don'ts: Protecting Your Wellhead and Drinking Water Supply (PDF)
• Maintaining Pipes and Storage Tanks (PDF)
• Raw Water Sampling Tap Guidelines (PDF)
• Cross Connections
• Source Water Protection
• Sampling
• Treatment
• Engineering Resources