Approval of Water and Sewer Sources
When a facility is licensed for the first time , even if it was an existing standing building, it is necessary to get the water system and/or sewer system changes or plans approved. Even if the facility is served by city water and/ or city sewer, there must be approval as outlined below before approval for occupancy of the facility can be given.
- Septic Sewer Systems must be approved by the local county Health Department. If they were not approved at the time they were built, you might need to rebuild the system and get it approved. If it was approved when it was constructed, the Health Department will have a copy of the approval from which one can determine if it is large enough for the anticipated need.
- Sewer service from the City for Large Facilities must be approved from DHEC in Columbia. Contact the Construction Management section of Environmental Quality Control. The department must be furnished plans showing pipe sizes and lengths, including existing pipes if any. For sewer service for small facilities, contact the local authority.
- Water source from a Well must be approved by DHEC in Columbia. Contact Water Facilities Permitting Division in the Bureau of Water.
- Water source from City Water must be approved by DHEC in Columbia. Contact Water Facilities Permitting Division in the Bureau of Water. The department must be furnished plans showing pipe sizes and lengths, including existing pipes, if any.
When water systems are completed or modified outside or any additions or modifications are made inside the building, it is necessary to get the water system tested or retested for bacteria count and cleanliness. This is contracted for by the owner/operator and must be done by a recognized testing agency. Click here for a list of some agencies which are recognized as qualified.