"Rules Governing Public Water Supplies" ~ Contents

This site contains links to the rules and regulations applicable to public water systems for the State of North Carolina. The rules are found in Title 15A, Subchapter 18C of the North Carolina Administrative Codes.  Because the state "Rules Governing Public Water Systems" has adopted both state laws and federal regulations by reference, copies of these adoptions are incorporated into the rules on line. Each adoption is preceded by "ADOPTED BY REFERENCE" and printed in bold print. The rules and regulations are as current as possible as of September 2004. The most recent version of federal regulations 40 C.F.R. Part 141  and Part 142 may also be found at the internet address http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov.

These documents are provided as a courtesy to the public.  Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these documents; however, the Public Water Supply Section does not guarantee the accuracy this information.  Compliance with requirements of the regulations and statutes is the responsibility of the individual water system owners.  If any discrepancies are found, please notify us by sending an e-mail message to deh.service@ncmail.net with the subject line "PWSS Rules."

To view or print the rules in PDF Format you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (download Adobe Acrobat Reader).  Due to formatting problems with the previously available HTML versions, the individual sections are now available in Microsoft Word.

• PDF Format Only:         "Rules Governing Public Water Systems" (complete text)
  ***Note: Complete text has not yet been updated to include the Groundwater Rule and other rules effective 10/1/2009. Updated text is contained within the individual rules shown below***
  Text of new or updated rules effective 10/1/2009
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .0100 Protection of Public Water Supplies
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .0200 Location of Sources of Public Water Supplies
• Plan Review Rules
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0300 Submission of Plans, Specifications, and Reports
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0400 Water Supply Design Criteria
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0500 Supplemental Design Criteria
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0600 Raw Surface Water Facilities
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0700 Surface Water Treatment Facilities
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0800 Hydropneumatic Storage Tanks
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .0900 Distribution Systems
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .1000 Disinfection of Water Supply Systems
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .1100 Protection of Unfiltered Public Water Supplies
  • Word - PDF Format:    Section .1200 Protection of Filtered Water Supplies
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1300 Operation of Public Water Supplies
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1400 Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1500 Water Quality Standards
  • Note: Rule .1523 was updated in 2006. Rule .1523 - Word - PDF
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1600 Variances and Exemptions
• NOT INCLUDED/IN PROCESS OF BEING REPEALED:  Section .1700 Water Supply Systems Grants
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1800 Local Plan Approval Program
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .1900 Administrative Penalties
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .2000 Filtration and Disinfection
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .2100 Operating Permits
• Word - PDF Format:    Section .2200 Ground Water Systems
  
• Word - PDF Format:    Appendix A: Pertinent General Statutes from Article 10
• Word - PDF Format:    Appendix B: Selected Industry Standards  
• Word - PDF Format:    Appendix C: Plan Approval and Capacity Development

• Word - PDF Format:    Appendix D: Subchapter 1N - Drinking Water Treatment Fund Rules

Printed copies of the “Rules Governing Public Water Systems” are now available at a cost of $8.50 per copy (price is subject to change). Please contact Pansy Johnson before ordering to verify the current price. Checks or money orders should be made payable to DENR-Public Water Supply Section and mailed to: Public Water Supply Section, 1634 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1634. Copies may also be purchased in Room 1B501 of the Parker-Lincoln Building, 2728 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh . Cash is no longer accepted.