Drinking Water Protection
- Drinking Water Protection Home
- About Us
- A-Z Index of Contaminants in Water
- Community Public Water Supply
- Drinking Water Grants and Loans
- Drinking Water Institute
- Drinking Water in Schools and Child Cares
- Drinking Water Revolving Fund
- Laws and Rules
- Noncommunity Public Water Supply
- Source Water Protection
- Water Operator and Certification Training
- Drinking Water Protection Contacts
Related Topics
- Annual Reports
- Drinking Water Risk Communication Toolkit
- Drinking Water Protection External Resources
- Fact Sheets
- Forms
- Invisible Heroes Videos: Minnesota's Drinking Water Providers
- Noncom Notes Newsletter
- Sample Collection Procedures (videos, pictures, written instructions)
- Waterline Newsletter
Related Sites
- 10 States Standards
- Clean Water Fund
- Health Risk Assessment – Guidance Values and Standards for Water
- Minnesota Well Index
- Water and Health
- Wells and Borings
Environmental Health Division
About Plan Review
Why is plan review required?
Minnesota Rules, part 4720.0010 states that prior to the installation, alteration, or extension of any water supply infrastructure, plans and specifications must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for review and approval. Review of these projects is necessary to:
- Protect public health.
- Verify that the design complies with rules and standards that are enforced by the MDH.
- Allow changes to be made before construction begins, which is typically less expensive than making changes after construction is completed.
What standards are referenced in the review of projects?
- Minnesota Water Supply Regulations (Minnesota Rules, chapter 4720)
- 10 State Standards (Great Lakes Upper Mississippi River Board Recommended Standards for Water Works)
- City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) Standard Utility Specifications (PDF)
- Minnesota Plumbing Code
- Minnesota Rules Regarding Wells and Borings (Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725)
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Listings for Certified Drinking Water Chemicals (Standard 60)
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Listings for Drinking Water System Components (Standard 61)
- Other National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Water Treatment Listings
- Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Certifications Directory
Who can submit plans to the MDH for review?
For municipal projects, the plans and specifications must be signed and submitted by an engineer registered in the state of Minnesota. It is recommended that projects for non-municipal systems also be planned and signed by a registered engineer. However, plans and specifications for non-municipal or non-community systems may instead be signed and submitted by a licensed contractor who is performing the work.
What sizes of drawings are acceptable?
We accept full- or half-size drawings. If half size drawings are submitted, the relevant piping and equipment must be shown so that it is easily readable. It is recommended that site plan drawings have a scale of 1-inch equals 50 feet.
Can I submit plans and specifications electronically?
We currently are not able to accept submissions of plans and specifications electronically. However, addendums or minor modifications to plans may be submitted electronically as e-mail attachments or by fax provided that they are easily readable. Plan sheets must be sized to print on 11-inch by 17-inch paper.
How long is a report on plans valid?
A report on plans is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued. If a project is not constructed within that time, plans will have to be resubmitted and approved prior to construction. However, another plan review fee would not be required.
Does the plan review process differ between community and noncommunity water supply systems?
Yes. Find more information on the plan review process for each type of system below.