A water system must obtain a construction permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources before constructing a new public water system or expanding, altering or modifying an existing public water system. This includes waterline extensions, waterline replacements, drilling a water supply well, constructing a storage tank, adding a disinfection system, changing treatment, building a pump station or other improvements or modifications. Visit Public Water Systems for general information about public water systems and how they are classified.

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. 

Owner Supervised Program

An owner supervised program allows a public water system to obtain approval to construct several waterline extensions or replacements without submitting 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 Length

Valid for two years from the date of authorization, provided construction begins within the two year timeframe.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Application

The water system submits a construction permit application to the department. 

Exemptions

Deviation from the mandatory “shall” or “must” requirements will be considered by the department based on several factors. For more information, visit the following webpages.

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.

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.

Fees

No fees for this permit.

Timeline/ Process

There is no specific processing time required to issue or deny this permit. 

Applications should be submitted at least 30 working days before 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 must notify the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as its customers, of its intentions at least 90 days before any vote on the matter.

Appeal Procedures

Anyone who is adversely affected by the department's decision to issue, deny, suspend or revoke a permit may be entitled to pursue an appeal before the Administrative Hearing Commission. The petition must be filed with the commission within 30 days of the decision, according to the procedures outlined in section 621.250, RSMo. For more information, please review the Administrative Hearing Commission's Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Requirements

Final Construction Approval

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.

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 10 CSR 60-3.010(3)(A).

Engineering Evaluation

Public water systems using 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 does not begin two years after the permit issuance date, or there is a halt in construction of more than two years, the approval to construct will be void unless the department grants a time extension. Contact the department's Permits and Engineering Unit to request a time extension. 

Resources

Fact Sheets

Pilot Study

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

State Revolving Fund

The department's State Revolving Fund is available for financial assistance. The Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) is a loan program that is capitalized by federal grants, state appropriations and dedicated revenues. 

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