If you are a new community public water system, a community public water system making a modification to the system, or a noncommunity public water system installing treatment to meet an MCL (e.g. treatment for E. coli, nitrates, etc.), you must submit an application prior to construction. In-kind replacements do not need a PWS Permit Application. For additional questions on if an application is needed for a modification, the PWS should contact Technical and Financial Services Section for the region.

If it is a new finished water source, please visit the New Finished Water Sources page.

If it is a new surface water source, please visit the New Surface Water Sources page.

If it is a new groundwater source that is non-GUDI, please visit the New Groundwater Sources page.

If a groundwater source is determined to be GUDI by DEP, the system must provide filtration consistent with surface water treatment.

GUDI is the acronym for Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water and is defined in 25 Pa. Code § 109.101 of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Regulations as “any water beneath the surface of the ground with the presence of insects or other macroorganisms, algae, organic debris or large diameter pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, or significant and relatively rapid shifts in water characteristics such as turbidity, temperature, conductivity or pH which closely correlate to climatological or surface water conditions. The term does not include finished water.”

For more information regarding new groundwater sources, please visit the New Groundwater Sources page.

For a new PWS Permit, the application package should include the application page and all relevant modules.

Example 1: A new PWS that uses only groundwater sources, will need to submit the application package to include the following modules:

Module 1 – Completeness Report

Module 2 – General Design Data

Module 3A – Groundwater Source

Module 8 – Disinfection

Module 12 – Chemicals and Chemical Handling

Plus, any additional modules based on treatment requirements

Example 2: An existing PWS installing new flocculation basins will need to submit the application package to include the following modules:

Module 1 – Completeness Report

Module 2 – General Design Data

Module 4 – Pretreatment

DEP’s Permit Decision Guarantee (PDG) policy (021-2100-001) requires DEP to make a decision on a PWS permit within 120 business days of receipt of an administratively complete application package; however, it is critical for a PWS to have a preliminary conference, submit a complete application package, and respond to deficiencies in a timely manner to prevent voiding the PDG.

While a PWS should submit an application package at least 60 business days prior to the anticipated date of operation for a minor modification or transfer, it is important to contact DEP to ensure appropriate information is submitted and DEP determines that the modification is not substantial.

Approval times depend on the quality of the application package submitted and the timeliness of any administrative or technical deficiencies that require additional information from the applicant. The more administrative or technical deficiencies, generally, the longer the review time will be, and any deficiencies that are not remedied within the time requested will void the PDG policy.

In accordance with 25 Pa. Code § 109.503 of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Regulations, an aquifer test is required for groundwater sources that will be utilized at a PWS. DEP approval is required prior to conducting the aquifer test.

For additional information, please visit the New Groundwater Sources page.

The water supplier should contact DEP prior to drilling a well for public water supply so that a site survey can be conducted.

A PWS must submit a Transfer of Public Water Supply Permit Application (3900-PM-BSDW0400) at least 60 business days prior to transfer of ownership.

In-kind replacement of equipment does not require a permit modification; however, new equipment must meet the exact same make, model, and specifications as the old equipment, including NSF certification for all equipment which will come into contact or may affect the quality of potable water. Below are some examples of replacements that are not in-kind replacement. For further questions on in-kind replacement, water systems should contact their sanitarian or permit engineer at the Regional or District Office for guidance.

Examples that are not in-kind replacement:

-Replacement of a 30 gpm 2 HP fixed speed pump with a 50 gpm 5 HP variable speed pump that can be set to pump at 30 gpm. NOT IN-KIND REPLACEMENT

-Replacement of an ENCOM Tank Co. model EX-203 30 gal contact tank with a new ENCOM Tank Co. model EX-203; however the new model EX-203 is a 40 gal contact tank. NOT IN-KIND REPLACEMENT

A Professional Engineer must sign an application involving the installation of new water supply/treatment facilities or modifications to existing facilities. A Professional Geologist is also required when a water system is adding a new groundwater source.

The Pilot Studies page provides information on what is required to submit a pilot study for approval and information require to be submitted in the Pilot Study Report.

For other questions:
Call your local DEP regional or district office.

Or contact:
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Safe Drinking Water
Permits Division
P.O. Box 8467
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8467
Fax: (717) 772-5630
Phone: (717) 787-9633