1. (1) Approval of Engineering Plans and Specifications

   1. (a) Complete plans and specifications for all public drinking water projects, as described in R309-500-5, shall be approved in writing (Plan Approval) by the Director prior to the commencement of construction. The Director may also authorize the Engineering Manager for the Division to issue Plan Approvals. A minimum 30-day review time should be assumed.
   2. (b) Appropriate engineering reports, supporting information and master plans may also be required by the Director as needed to evaluate the proposed project. A certificate of convenience and necessity or an exemption therefrom, issued by the Public Service Commission, shall be filed with the Director prior to approval of any plans or specifications for projects described in R309-500-4(1) as new or previously un-reviewed water system.

2. (2) Acceptable Design and Construction Methods

   1. (a) The design and construction methods of all public drinking water facilities shall conform to the applicable standards contained in R309-500 through R309-550 of these rules. The Division may require modifications to plans and specifications before approval is granted.

   2. (b) There may be times in which the requirements of the applicable standards contained in R309-500 through R309-550 are not appropriate. Thus, the Director may grant an "exception" to portions of these standards if it can be shown that the granting of such an exception will not jeopardize the public health. The Director may also authorize the Engineering Manager for the Division to grant exceptions to the separation requirements under R309-550-7 if the requirements of this rule are met. In order for the Division to consider such a request, the public drinking water system shall submit a written request directly from the management of the public drinking water system, preferably on system letterhead, that includes the following:

      1. (i) citation of the specific rule for which the "exception" is being requested;
      2. (ii) a detailed explanation, drawings may be included, of why the conditions of rule cannot be met;
      3. (iii) what the system proposes, drawings may be included, in lieu of rule;

      4. (iv) justification the proposed alternative will protect the public health to a similar or better degree than required by rule.

         Physical conditions as well as cost may be justification for requesting an "exception-to-rule."

   3. (c) Alternative or new treatment techniques may be developed which are not specifically addressed by the applicable standards contained in R309-500 through R309-550. These treatment techniques may be accepted by the Director if it can be shown that:

      1. (i) They will result in a finished water meeting the requirements of R309-200 of these regulations.
      2. (ii) The technique will produce finished water which will protect public health to the same extent provided by comparable treatment processes outlined in the applicable standards contained in R309-500 through R309-550.
      3. (iii) The technique is as reliable as any comparable treatment process governed by the applicable standards contained in R309-500 through R309-550.

3. (3) Description of "Public Drinking Water Project"

   Refer to R309-500-5 for the description of a public drinking water project and R309-500-6 for required items to be submitted for plan approval.

4. (4) Specifications for the drilling of a public water supply well may be prepared and submitted by a licensed well driller holding a current Utah Well Driller's Permit if authorized by the Director.

5. (5) Drawing Quality and Size

   Drawings which are submitted shall be compatible with Division of Drinking Water Document storage. Drawings which are illegible or of unusual size will not be accepted for review. Drawing size shall not exceed 30" x 42" nor be less than 8-1/2" x 11".

6. (6) Requirements After Approval of Plans for Construction

   After the approval of plans for construction, and prior to operation of any facilities dealing with drinking water, the items required by R309-500-9 shall be submitted and an operating permit received.

The following requirements pertain to the construction of public water systems.

KEY: drinking water, watershed management

Date of Last Change: March 2, 2026

Notice of Continuation: February 10, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 19-4-104