Minimum Design Standards for Public Water Supply

The Engineering and Permits Unit reviews and approves plans and specifications for drinking water projects for Kansas public water supply systems and issues permits for completed projects. Reviews are based on KDHE's minimum design standards entitled Policies, General Considerations, and Design Requirements for Public Water Supply Systems in Kansas, 2008 edition as well as other generally recognized drinking water design standards. 

Minimum Design Standards

KDHE's minimum design standards were previously revised in 1995. Since 1995, additional regulations have been promulgated by USEPA, based in part on the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. KDHE decided to revise the 1995 bulletin to address these recent regulatory changes, to address recent technological developments, and to update obsolescent design criteria. The 2008 edition of KDHE's minimum design standards was independently peer reviewed through the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas (ACEC). The State of Kansas appreciates the efforts of ACEC and its participating members.

Submitting Project Information

KDHE requests that one set of 11 by 17-inch plans and project specifications be submitted for all projects along with a public water supply permit application. Additional sets of plans, plan title sheets, project specifications, project manual covers and/or frontice sheets may be included in the submittal where the intent is to have them returned with the approval stamp of the Division of Environment. A public water supply permit application is not necessary for waterline only projects where the total length of waterline to be installed is less than one mile. However, 11 by 17-inch plans and project specifications are still required for such projects. Additional information pertaining to water quality information, geotechnical reports, ownership/easement, equipment specific designs, etc. may also be required depending on the proposed scope of work to be completed.

Drinking Water Projects

Drinking water projects which generate new or alter existing waste streams must have a waste stream disposal review completed and a consensus reached regarding waste stream disposal. The Waste Stream Summary Review and Disposal Method Consensus Process is coordinated by KDHE through the Chief of the Engineering and Permits Unit. This process must be completed and a consensus regarding waste stream disposal reached prior to the development of reports, memorandums, project design, or submittal of project plans and specifications so that the consensus on waste disposal can be incorporated in the project's documentation early on. In addition, waste disposal costs can be a significant percentage of the total project cost so it is important to have these costs included when evaluating options.

KDHE's Minimum Design Standards Entitled: "Policies, General Considerations, and Design Requirements for Public Water Supply Systems Kansas," 2008 edition.