Rules Governing Public Water Systems

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 July 2010.  The most recent version of federal regulations may be found at the following C.F.R. websites: 40 C.F.R. Part 141; 40 C.F.R. Part 142.

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 of 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 you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (download Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Revised Rules (Effective July 1, 2019)

North Carolina Adminstrative Code Title 15A Chapter 18 Rules (NC OAH)

• Section .0100 Protection of Public Water Supplies
• Section .0200 Location of Sources of Public Water Supplies
• Section .0300 Submission of Plans, Specifications, and Reports
• Section .0400 Water Supply Design Criteria
• Section .0500 Supplemental Design Criteria
• Section .0600 Raw Surface Water Facilities
• Section .0700 Surface Water Treatment Facilities
• Section .0800 Hydropneumatic Storage Tanks
• Section .0900 Distribution Systems
• Section .1000 Disinfection of Water Supply Systems
• Section .1100 Protection of Unfiltered Public Water Supplies
• Section .1200 Protection of Filtered Water Supplies
• Section .1300 Operation of Public Water Supplies
  • Rule .1305 Source Water Protection Planning
• Section .1400 Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies
• Section .1500 Water Quality Standards
• Section .1600 Variances and Exemptions
• Section .1700 Water Supply Systems Grants (Repealed Effective April 1, 2014)
• Section .1800 Local Plan Approval Program
• Section .1900 Administrative Penalties
• Section .2000 Filtration and Disinfection
• Section .2100 Operating Permits
• Section .2200 Ground Water Systems
• Appendix A: Pertinent General Statutes from Article 10
• Appendix B: Selected Industry Standards
• Appendix C: Plan Approval and Capacity Development

Printed copies of the "Rules Governing Public Water Systems" are now available at a cost of $12.27 per copy (price is subject to change).  Checks or money orders should be made payable to DEQ-Public Water Supply Section and mailed to:  Public Water Supply Section, 1634 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1634.  Copies may also be purchased on the 13th floor of the Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh 27604.  Cash is no longer accepted.