Before modifications are made to any existing public water system in a manner which may affect the quality of water produced, that system must submit an application detailing the proposed changes to the Drinking Water Program for approval.
Public Water System Change Application (PDF) is used to capture information necessary for DWP staff to review and approve proposed construction, addition, or alteration at a Public Water System involving the source, treatment, or storage of water.
When requesting review and approval of water system changes, please complete the application and provide applicable information as requested.
Please note: The Drinking Water Program has 30 days to review your application and provide approval from the receipt of a complete application package. Submit your application as soon as possible to prevent delaying your anticipated start date. No changes can be made to the water system before written approval is received from the DWP.
Large-scale projects for which plans and specifications have been prepared by an engineering firm (standpipes/reservoirs, entire treatment plant construction/modification, pump/booster station designs) may submit the prepared plans and specifications in place of the Drinking Water System Change Application. The proposal must include a reason for the project, the estimated project schedule, and a statement by the system's Primary Operator acknowledging approval of the proposed plan.
Some changes don’t require the submittal of a full application but may still require review and approval by the DWP. For any of the below changes, please reach out directly to your Public Water System Inspector to see if the change qualifies for an expedited review:
- Installation of basic, sediment filters, except granulated activated carbon (DWP requires NSF certification on the housing and filter unit/cartridge)
- Installation of a carbon cartridge-type filter for Taste & Odor control on a system that does not chlorinate (DWP requires proof of NSF certification on the housing and filter unit/cartridge). A filter for removing chlorine in disinfection requires a complete review.
- Any cartridge-type filter installed to manage aesthetics for secondary contaminants (DWP requires proof of NSF certification on housing and filter unit/cartridge).
- Ion-exchange one-for-one media change-out with media for the same purpose (DWP requires proof of NSF certification for the media). Replacement of media with a different product (from a different manufacturer or product) must go through full approval.
- Minor plumbing modifications that do not impact the treatment train, including the installation of miscellaneous valves and fittings (less than 3” size do not require NSF certification, see DWP Rules for this NSF exemption)
- Change out of bladder tanks, even if sizes are changed (DWP requires proof of NSF certification)
- Change out of atmospheric storage tanks, even if the size has changed, unless the atmospheric tank is also being used for contact time (we need proof of NSF certification)
- Pump replacement without other changes
- Adding additional service line(s) to an existing PWS.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact DWP Engineering: Email dwpengineering.dhhs@maine.gov or phone (207) 592-0456.