Water System Transfers

Water systems will sometimes change characteristics that may move the water system into a different classification that results in an upgrade from a DOH regulated Limited Use Public Water System to a public water system that is covered under the FSDWA, or a downgrade from a FSDWA public water system to a DOH Limited Use Public Water System.

Changes in water system characteristics may include an increase or decrease in the number of service connections or population, the lack of the provision of water for oral consumption, or a change in the type of business being served by the respective water system.

In order for the transfer process to be conducted in a manner that's acceptable to both agencies, its important that representatives from both agencies conduct an on-site joint inspection of the water system and an interview with the owners or agents of the property and water system.

The DOH and DEP Central Offices have jointly developed a public water system transfer form that is to be completed and signed by the personnel from both agencies during the joint inspection, officially transferring the water system to the other agency. A copy of the signed transfer form is provided to the representatives of each agency.

Following the official transfer of the water system, copies of all water system files are promptly sent to the receiving agency's office.

Water systems shall only be transferred once from one agency to another during any given calendar year.

See Appendix B of the DEP/DOH Interagency Agreement (pdf <1mb) and the DEP/DOH Interagency Transfer Form (pdf <1mb).

During the interagency transfer process for public water systems, it's important that a mutual agreement is made by the representatives of both the CHDs and the DEP District Offices during the joint inspection. If however a disagreement exists between the agencies as to the proper jurisdiction of the water system, then the issue should be brought to the attention of the DOH and DEP Central Offices for resolution.