Two sections in the Drinking Water Branch review and approve engineering plans. The Permits and Plans Review Section is responsible for issuing construction permits for new or upgraded water treatment plants as well as public and semipublic water treatment systems. The Distribution Section deals with all aspects of the distribution of water from a treatment plant.

The review of drinking water plans and projects includes the use of the 1997 edition of  Recommended Standards for Water Works, also referred to as Ten State Standards. This is a guide to the design and preparation of plans and specifications for public water supply systems. The book is intended to establish, as far as practical, uniformity of practice among several states. It was prepared by the Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers. Available from Health Education Services (HES).

DRINKING WATER FORMS Forms include waterline submittal checklist, sanction exception form and monitoring and reporting forms.

CONSTRUCTION PERMITS  Prior to issuing a construction permit, the Permits and Plans Review Section reviews plans and specifications with respect to sanitary features of design. The waterline submittal checklist form (Form #DEP7102) should accompany the application submittal.

OPERATIONAL PERMITS  Operational permits are issued by the Permits and Plans Review Section for water treatment systems that produce their own drinking water. The operational permits address sampling and analytical laboratory requirements, frequency of reporting, operator certification requirements and special conditions that may be required. If a new treatment plant is proposed or the source of raw water for an existing water system is to be changed, then water quality analyses are required.  Refer to the general design criteria for surface water systems and groundwater systems. The waterline submittal checklist form (Form #DEP7102) should accompany the application. Preliminary engineering plans submitted by accredited engineers are reviewed for new or upgraded water treatment facilities. 

SANCTIONS  The Permits and Plans Review Section also reviews requests for sanctions, which include waterline extension sanctions and tap-on sanctions. The Sanction Exception Form must accompany exception requests. 

REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  For a complete list of requirements on the design, construction and approval of drinking water treatment systems and water distribution, refer to public water supply regulations in 401 KAR 8:100. For a list of applicable fees for the permits, refer to the regulations in 401 KAR 8:050.

WATERLINE EXTENSIONS  The Distribution Section reviews and approves plans for waterline extensions, pump stations and storage tanks. 

For more information about drinking water permits in Kentucky, contact:

Mike Riley, supervisor
Permits and Plans Review Section
Drinking Water Branch
Division of Water
14 Reilly Road
Frankfort,KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-8158 ext. 592
Fax: 502-564-9899
E-mail: jmike.riley@ky.gov

For general information about water, contact: