Plan Review for Community Water Systems

Specific information on project types

Watermain (new and replacement)
Wells
Pumphouses
Booster Stations
Storage Tanks (includes storage tank interior coating, tank mixing systems)
Chemical Feed Systems (new and temporary)
Treatment Plants (new, renovations, and additions)

Fact Sheets/Guidance Documents

• Biological Treatment for Ammonia Removal (PDF)
• Biological Treatment for Nitrate Removal (PDF)
• Biological Treatment for Iron and Manganese Removal (PDF)
• Guidance for Biological Treatment Processes for Surface Water Taste and Odor Removal (PDF)

What do I submit along with the plans and specifications?

• Completed Plan Review Fee Sheet (PDF)
• Check for total fee (payable to “Minnesota Department of Health”

Where do I submit plans and specifications?

When submitting plans and specifications via U.S. Mail, send to:

Minnesota Department of Health
Drinking Water Protection Unit – Community Plan Review
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975

When submitting plans and specifications via courier service, send to:

Minnesota Department of Health
Drinking Water Protection Unit – Community Plan Review
625 North Robert Street
St. Paul, MN 55155

• For information on submitting plans, refer to the table on this page:
  • Plan Review Submittal Guidance

How many copies of the plans and specifications do I submit?

• Two copies for wells, pumphouses, booster stations, storage tanks, chemical feed systems, and treatment plants.
• One copy for watermain projects.
• Two copies for all Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) projects, including watermains.
• An additional set should be sent if an approved, stamped copy is desired by the project owner or submitter.

How do I determine the fee?

One plan review fee is required for each type of project proposed in the plans and specifications. For example, if a project proposing a new well and pumphouse is submitted, fees of $250 for the well and $150 for the pumphouse are required and a total fee of $400 must be included. The review of pumphouses and treatment plants includes the review of any chemical feed associated with those types of projects, so an additional fee for chemical feed is not required.

How long does it take the MDH to complete the review of a project?

Plans are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Watermain projects typically take 2-4 weeks for the review to be completed and the report issued.  Other projects typically take 3-6 weeks to be completed since the plan review process for these types of projects is much more involved.  If corrections or changes to the plans need to be made and a request for additional information is sent, review of the project will not be completed until revised plans are received that satisfy all of the required changes. The review of plans may be longer in the spring and early summer; the time of review varies depending on the number of plans that are waiting to be reviewed and the season. Please be aware that no construction shall begin until the plans and specifications have been reviewed and approved by the MDH.

What do I do if I have questions?

For general information, please contact us at 651-201-4700. To set up a meeting or discuss your particular design, you may contact one of the plan review engineers listed below:

• David Weum at david.weum@state.mn.us or 651-201-4684
• Chad Kolstad at chad.kolstad@state.mn.us or 651-201-3972