Public Water Supply Protection
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.
Realty Subdivision Laws also require RCDOH to confirm that available resources constitute a safe and adequate water supply before approving any new subdivisions or expansion of existing water supply systems.
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 Conservation Links
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 be performed by a registered well contractor. Permits are required to:
- drill a water supply well
- drill a geothermal well
- decommission a well
- perform maintenance or repairs on a well
- drill resource evaluation wells, monitoring wells or soil borings
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
- 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.
Rockland's Private Well Testing (PWT) Law requires more comprehensive testing using a registered laboratory for the following:
- a newly constructed well
- property transfer or sale
- rental properties; (retest every 5 years)