Arkansas Department of Health
Center for Local Public Health - Environmental Health Branch - Engineering Section

GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPRINGS

FOR BULK WATER PURCHASES AND BOTTLING PLANTS

The initial step for the development of a spring as a public drinking water source (which includes use as a source for bottled water) is to submit a preliminary engineering report to the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Engineering, so that a preliminary evaluation can be made of the spring’s acceptability for development. It is recommended that the services of a consulting engineer be retained. The information submitted should consist of the following items at a minimum (additional information may be requested).

A vicinity map showing the location of the spring with reference to a major landmark.

The location of any potential sources of contamination within a one mile radius (e.g.; septic tanks, landfills, dumps, animal waste disposal sites, chemical storage tanks or industrial facilities).

The spring’s recharge area should be indicated, if known; otherwise, the best estimate of recharge area from local sources, state geologist, your consultant, etc. should be supplied.

Susceptibility of the site to flooding either from flood waters of heavy runoff.

An inorganic analysis of water from the source from a private lab for the primary and secondary contaminants of the National Primary Drinking Water Standards.

A contact name and address, and phone number where the submitter can be reached during office hours.

Once the above information is received and it is determined that further evaluation is warranted, a site inspection will be made. Arrangements will be made with the contact person to perform a joint site inspection and collect water samples for analysis in the Department of Health’s laboratory.

Based upon the information submitted, the results of the site inspection, and the water quality analysis, a determination of preliminary acceptability will be made. If the spring is acceptable, then the contact person will be so advised and detailed engineering plans and specifications will be required for the final project review and approval.

A submittal of the final engineering plans and specifications must contain the following information at a minimum, plus any other pertinent information necessary to complete the review process.

A listing of the persons of corporations involved including names, addresses, and phone numbers of owner(s), bottler(s), transport company(ies), and/or buyer(s) whether in Arkansas or out of state.

A layout of property boundaries showing the locations of all facilities, topographic features and other pertinent items.

Detailed plans showing how the spring is to be developed to prohibit the entry of any possible outside contamination.

Detailed plans and specifications on the truck loading facility or bottling plant treatment facility indicating all piping, treatment equipment, pumps, storage tanks, buildings, etc. As a minimum, water treatment must consist of continuous feed disinfection and filtration as approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Engineering.

For bottling plants refer to the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Bottling Plants for additional requirements.

A plan review fee of 1 percent of the estimated project cost not to exceed $500 is required. The minimum review fee is $50.

Two copies of the plans and specifications. For bottling plants, an additional set of plans is needed.

All information is to be submitted to:

Arkansas Department of Health

Division of Engineering, Slot 37

4815 West Markham

Little Rock, AR 72205-3867

References:

Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Water Systems

Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Bottling Plants

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

Act 399 of 1987