Below are regulations and guidance for public water suppliers and water operators and for those designing and installing public water treatment and distribution systems, wells, septic systems and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems.
The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) currently regulates the operation of over 630 public water systems (PWS). These public water systems include publicly owned water systems and privately owned water systems that meet the definition of a public water system.
Public water systems in Dutchess County require a permit to operate. Applications are submitted electronically through our E-permits Application.
Public Water System owners and operators are required to provide DCDOH with laboratory sampling results, monthly operation reports, and other necessary documents. This can be done online through our DRIP Application.
Some types of public water systems are required to be operated by a certified water operator. New operator applications should be submitted to the DCDOH to give an initial review. Based on their findings, they submit to the state for their review and the issuing of certificates. Renewal applications should be submitted directly to the New York State Department of Health.
For the remaining public water systems that do not require a certified water operator, DC DOH conducts the necessary sampling and analysis. They also conduct regular inspections of all public water systems.
Maintaining an adequate separation between wells and contaminants is a core component in the protection of water quality. Projects involving the construction of or the modification to public water system infrastructure must be designed by a registered New York State professional engineer. These projects are reviewed for compliance with local, State, and national drinking water standards by Dutchess County’s public health engineers or by the New York State Department of Health or by the Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Well driller certifications are issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Well drillers must obtain a permit from DCDOH before drilling or rehabilitating a drinking water well. Dutchess County’s public health engineers are responsible for the review and approval of all well permit applications for drinking water wells.
Professionals should also take the local Aquifer Law into consideration when planning projects involving new public water system wells..
You can look up the status of review of an engineering plan submission online.
Below are regulations and guidance for contractors and developers or those designing/repairing and installing public water treatment and distribution systems, wells, septic systems and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulates the operation of most privately and publicly owned wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems in Dutchess County, with exception of individual residential onsite wastewater treatment systems, and commercial projects using less than 1000 gallons per day.
The NYSDEC also permits all wastewater discharges to groundwater of 1,000 gallons per day or more, all surface water discharges, and all industrial wastewater discharges.
Some sewage collection, treatment and disposal systems are required to be operated by a certified operator. Please contact the NYSDEC about wastewater operator certifications and renewals.
The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) and the NYSDEC investigate reports of wastewater discharges to the surface of the ground
Wastewater operators should be aware of potential safety hazards and how to best prevent disease.
Infrastructure Improvements
Projects involving the construction of or the modification to wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems must be designed by a registered New York State professional engineer. These projects are reviewed for compliance with local and State laws, polices, and procedures by Dutchess County’s public health engineers or by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or by the Environmental Facilities Corporation.
You can look up the status of review of an engineering plan submission online.
For the projects below that also had or will have a well and/or septic system, it is important to know all the necessary steps.
Dutchess County has a process for contractors to submit a notice of intent for repairs of sewage disposal systems at existing residential homes.
Dutchess County has received funds from New York State to participate in New York State’s Septic System Replacement Fund. The program financially assists homeowners in replacing existing cesspools and septic systems that may have a negative impact on local waterbodies.
