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WS 33: Distribution Modifications for Systems that serve 3,300 people or fewer

Approval for altering a distribution system

Contact

MassDEP Drinking Water Program

Phone

Program Director 617-292-5770

Online

MassDEP Drinking Water Program program.director-dwp@mass.gov

The Details

What you need

This approval serves to protect the public's health and welfare by insuring that minimum drinking water requirements are met in the modification of a drinking water distribution system, such as storage tanks, distribution pump stations, and transmission main installation. Legislative authority is stated in MGL Chapter 111, section 160A. Regulatory authority is stated in 310 CMR 22.04 of the Drinking Water Regulations.

Public water suppliers or their representatives must apply if they want approval for modification of their distribution system.

If the water supplier or their representative apply for this approval it may be necessary to apply for other water treatment approvals WS 23 or WS 24.

Note: Approvals of this type may require MEPA review. Please carefully examine 301 CMR 11.00, the MEPA Regulations, to determine if your project exceeds the MEPA review thresholds, or for more information contact the MEPA Unit of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston MA 02114 (617) 626-1020). MassDEP cannot begin technical review of the application until the MEPA process has been completed, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Copies of MEPA filings (with reference to any applicable Transmittal numbers) should be sent to the appropriate program offices in Boston and the MEPA Coordinator in the appropriate Regional Office.

Note: These additional requirements are intended to serve as a guide to the applicant. It does not necessarily include all additional requirements.

How to apply

See details below.

Next steps

  1. Review the instructions

    Guidance on how to prepare your application, including a completeness checklist.

    Instructions: WS 33 (PDF 112.35 KB)

  2. Complete the Application Form

    You may fill out and save the Microsoft Word form on your computer.  The PDF version has to be printed out and completed by hand.

    Application: WS 33 (DOC 192.5 KB)
    Application: WS 33 (PDF 33.47 KB)

  3. Obtain a Transmittal Form and Number

    A unique Transmittal Number is needed for each application you submit to MassDEP.

    Transmittal Form & Number for Permit Application & Payment 

  4. Lookup the Permit Application Fee

    Permit Application Timelines and Fees Schedule (PDF 245.62 KB)

  5. Mail Your Application and Fee Payment

    Submit your application fee payment and a copy of your Transmittal Form to:

    Department of Environmental Protection
    P.O. Box 4062
    Boston, MA 02211

    Submit your completed, signed application and your original Transmittal Form to the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office (see listing below).

    MassDEP Regional Offices by Community 

Contact

Address
MassDEP Boston
1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Directions 
Phone
Program Director 617-292-5770
Online
MassDEP Drinking Water Program program.director-dwp@mass.gov

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