Division Links

Exceptions to Rule Requirements

R309-500 through 550

The Director of the Division of Drinking Water may grant exceptions to the requirements of R309-500 through 550. A public water system unable to meet the design, construction, or operational requirements of these rules may request an exception if it can provide an alternative to the rule requirement and show that granting the exception will not jeopardize public health.

Requesting an exception

To request an exception, prepare a letter that meets these requirements (a Project Notification Form is not required).

  1. A written request, preferably on water system letterhead, from the management of the Public Water System to the Director of the Division of Drinking Water
  2. Cite the specific rule to which the exception is being requested
  3. Provide a detailed explanation of why the requirements of the rule cannot be met (include drawings if appropriate)
  4. Describe what will be done to meet the intent of the rule in place of meeting the requirements of the rule (include drawings if appropriate)
  5. Provide an alternative to the rule requirements and justification of how it will meet or exceed the public health requirements of the rule that cannot be met

Address the written exception request to the Director, Utah Division of Drinking Water, P.O. Box 144830, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4830. Submit the request to [email protected] or mail it to the director at the address provided.

Water/Sewer Separation Exception Requests

We receive frequent requests for exceptions to the water/sewer separation requirements of R309-550-7. Reference the flowchart below to determine whether a Water/Sewer Separation Exception is needed.

Is an exception required?

Tree diagram showing the requirements and if an exception is needed or not. The same information is stated another way in the next section.

*Requirements of R309-500-7(3) are met if:

  • The groundwater is not high
  • Water transmission lines that may become unpressurized will not be installed within 20 feet of sewer lines
  • Disturbances of existing lines are prevented or minimized
  • Corrosive conditions do not exist
  • When sewer force main crosses under existing water main, all portions of the sewer force main within 10′ (horizontally) of the water main will be enclosed in a continuous sleeve
  • When a new water main crosses over an existing sewer force main, the water main will be constructed of pipe materials with a minimum rated working pressure of 200 psi or equivalent pressure rating
  • Water service laterals will conform to requirements for separation of water and sewer lines

How to request an exception to R309-550-7

(A formal letter is not required.)

  1. Complete the request template (Use download button)
  2. Complete the request spreadsheet
  3. Submit both to [email protected]
  4. Download image

Individual Booster Pump Exception Requests

R309-105-9(3), R309-540-5(4)(c), and R309-550-11(3) prohibit the use of an individual booster pump at a service connected to a public water supply main. The Individual Booster Pumps – Exception Policy describes the information that a public water system must provide to the division when requesting an exception to the individual booster pump prohibition.


Last Updated:

Tags:

Back to top