April 19, 2011
NOTICE TO ENGINEERS, DEVELOPERS AND CONTRACTORS
Private Water System Permitting
The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) deems any
2-inch or larger private service line connections to the public water system servicing more than
one structure as an extension of the public water distribution system, therefore requiring a
permit. As of August 1, 2010 NCDENR transferred this authority and duty to CharlotteMecklenburg Utilities (CMU) for these types of metered connections. Therefore any 2-inch or
larger private water main providing water service to more than one structure will require a permit
through CMU. NCDENR is no longer issuing permits for these types of water mains if connected
to the CMU water distribution system.
The assigned duties, responsibilities, and requirements of CMU as they relate to these systems
are:
1. The Review and Approval of Water Distribution Plans, Applications and associated
Specifications, if necessary
2. Issuing Permits for the Approved Plans
3. Issuance of the "Authorization to Construct" notice for Approved and Permitted Plans
4. Collecting the Engineer and Owner Certifications
5. Issuing “Final Approval” notice for the project, which authorizes activation.
In order to ensure proper permitting and activation of these systems, CMU will place Certificate
of Occupancy (CO) Holds on these types of projects. The CO Holds will be removed once CMU
is in receipt of the Engineer and Owner Certifications and a Final Approval notice is issued.
Project submittal (including plans and specifications), construction, and testing shall adhere to
standards and criteria adopted under the authority of the Standards for CMU Private Water
Design and Construction and CHAPTER 130A-317 of the North Carolina General Statues. All
project information shall be submitted to CMU in lieu of NCDENR. Please be aware that plan
approval and permitting through the CMU submittal process does not address all applicable
laws, rules, standards, criteria and other approvals and licenses that may be required by the
local, state or federal government. Contact the Developer Funded Projects Section of CMU at
704-399-2221 for an extension application and applicable permit fees.
Note that NCDENR will continue issuing permits for public water systems such as subdivisions
or business parks receiving their water supply from a source other than CMU. Such sources of
supply include, but are not limited to well or surface water or another utility provider, such as
Utilities, Inc. or Aqua Carolina. In addition, typical large diameter water main extensions,
treatment facilities and major public distribution system modifications, such as booster stations
and storage tanks will require permits through NCDENR.
5100 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28216
(Main) 704-399-2221 (Fax) 704-399-9656