Section Env-Ws 373.04 - Concept Approval for a Proposed Non-Community Water System(a) No well construction or water system design shall commence on a proposed non-community water system until a concept approval is issued by the department.(b) The issuance of a concept approval for a proposed non-community water system shall be based on the following criteria: (1) Water service from another approved public water system is not available, determined based on the willingness of the potential provider to offer service and a comparison of the overall project cost to extend water service versus the overall project cost of constructing the proposednon-community water system;(2) The method of operation of the proposed non-community water systemis adequate to ensure that all applicable requirements of Env-Ws 300 are met;(3) The proposed non-community water system is consistentwith state, regional, or local water resource/water supply management plans for the area;(4) The proposed non-community water system ownership and operation is consistent with other New Hampshire public utility commission (PUC) franchises in the area; and(5) The proposed water system will use the best feasible source ofwateravailable.(c) For purposes of this section, the best feasible source of water shall be determined based on a comparison of alternatives based on project cost and other technical factors. Such a comparison shall include capital and operational costs to provide an equivalent level of safe and reliable water supply service, for both domestic and fire flow needs, from an entity having adequate financial and managerial capability.(d) Favorable criteria for the best source of water supplyconcept shall include: (1) Larger public water systems;(2) Public water systems that have full time employees who have higher levels of training and experience in the water works profession;(3) Public water systems with large volume water storage tank(s); and(4) Public water systems that have available equipment, controls, and communications that better ensure the reliability of operations and water quality.(e) To requestconcept approval, the applicant shall submita brief letter identifying the following: (1) The s ize of the proposed system;(2) The type of the proposed system;(3) The n ature of the proposed system; and(4) A map specifically locating the proposed service area.N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Ws 373.04
(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Env-Ws 300); ss by #8499, eff 11-30-05