Public Water System Inspections

The Field Inspection 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.

Sanitary Surveys - A sanitary survey is a complete review of the water system to identify deficiencies and make recommendations for system improvements. The sanitary survey is also a chance for the public water system 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 - Information on technical assistance available to public water systems.

Watershed Inspections - Field Inspectors and the Compliance Officers conduct yearly watershed inspections 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. Field Inspectors provide this service.

SRF Project Management - Four Field Engineers also serve as Project Managers for the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) 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 Field Staff conducts an on-site confirmation inspection.

If you have questions about your public water system or private well, please contact your Field 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