Water Supply

Public Water Supply Protection

Access to clean and safe water, both for consumption and to facilitate proper sanitation and hygiene, is critical to sustaining human health and life. The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has two fundamental goals: ensure the availability of an adequate quantity of water for domestic, commercial, and fire-protection purposes. And ensure the quality of water available is safe for its intended use.

Since the entire hydrologic system is naturally interconnected, with ground water reserves linked to surface water in lakes and streams, protection and management of those resources requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Related Department of Health programs include, the permitting of well construction, well maintenance, residential well resting, Rockland County's Private Well Testing (PWT) Law and Realty Subdivision Laws.

Forms & Resources

• Application for Backflow Prevention Device (DOH-347)
• Application for Public Water Supply Improvement (DOH-348)
• Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies
• Backflow Prevention Assembly Installation Guidelines
• Certified Backflow Prevention Testers
• PFOA/PFOS Information
• Report on Test and Maintenance of Backflow Prevention Device (DOH-1013)
• Water Supplier Acknowledgment
• Water System Operation Report (DOH-360CUV)

Water Conservation Links

• Drought Information
• Water Saving Tips
• WaterSense & Conservation Measures

Regulations

• New York Public Health Law, Article 11, Title II- Realty Subdivision Laws
• New York State Sanitary Code, Part 5- Drinking Water Supplies
• Rockland County Sanitary Code, Article II- Protection of Drinking Water Sources and Supplies
• Rockland County Sanitary Code, Article V- Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

Well Permitting Program

To protect Rockland's groundwater, well construction, maintenance and decommission activities must comply with New York State and Rockland County Sanitary Codes. These services must also be performed by a registered well contractor. Permits are required to:

• drill a water supply well
• drill a geothermal well
• drill resource evaluation wells, monitoring wells or soil borings
• decommission a well
• perform maintenance or repairs on a well

Forms & Resources

• Application for Well Contractor Registration
• Application to Construct a Geothermal Well
• Application to Construct a Resource Evaluation Well
• Application to Construct a Water Supply Well
• Application to Decommission a Well
• Application to Perform Well Maintenance
• Property Owner Affidavit
• Pump Contractor Affidavit
• PWT Registered Laboratories
• Registered Well Contractors
• Well Completion Report
• Well Contractor Affidavit

Regulations

• New York State Sanitary Code, Subpart 5-1- Drinking Water Supplies
• New York State Sanitary Sanitary Code, Appendix 5-B- Standards for Water Wells
• Rockland County Private Well Testing Law- Chapter 389 of the Laws of Rockland County
• Rockland County Sanitary Code, Article II- Protection of Drinking Water Sources and Supplies

Residential Well Testing

RCDOH recommends homeowners test their well for bacteria every year. Our staff can collect a water sample from your home and deliver it to a local laboratory for bacteria, copper or lead analyses. Staff will also assist in explaining the lab results and any follow-up actions. Call 845-364-2595 for an appointment.

Private Well Testing

Rockland's Private Well Testing (PWT) Law requires more comprehensive testing using a registered laboratory.  Test results are valid for 1 year and required for the following:

• a newly constructed well
• property transfer or sale
• rental properties; (retest every 5 years or when the property is sold)

Forms & Resources

• PWT Affidavit of Compliance
• PWT Law
• PWT Realtor Responsibilities Brochure
• PWT Registered Laboratories
• PWT Summary of Law Brochure

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