Water Sanitation

The Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO), in conjunction with the Building Codes Department (BCD), provides oversight to ensure compliance with the State of Minnesota (MDH and MN Plumbing Code) and University safety requirements regarding water sanitation. These procedures were developed as a means of informing and minimizing potential hazards.

Drinking water

The University of Minnesota will enforce the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regulations for drinking water protection to ensure a safe and adequate supply of drinking water to the public.

Complaints about drinking water should be directed to the EHO at 612-625-6152/612-625-3318.

1. EHO evaluation of complaints may include discussion, inquiry, sampling, testing, line flushing, laboratory analysis, equipment replacement, etc. as necessary to obtain resolution.
2. In cases of suspected water contamination, the EHO may limit or cease food service operations, close drinking fountains, and remove from service vending machines attached to the water supply.
3. Any well water quality problems identified which may endanger public health will be addressed promptly by a certified well maintenance company with consultation and oversight of the EHO.

University Facilities Management will notify BCD immediately when:

1. Chemical or microbial contamination of the drinking water supply is suspected.
2. There is a long-term planned outage or water-main breaks.
3. There are other circumstances such as the failure of a backflow preventer which has resulted water supply contamination.

Drinking Water Wells

Installation of new wells intended for potable water supply will be constructed in consultation with BCD and in accordance with MN Statutes, Chapter 103I, and Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725.

Community Sourced Water in Campus Buildings

All plumbing for drinking water must comply with the Minnesota State Plumbing Code as applied by the University Building Codes Official. See also Plumbing Permit Information Application. Any construction or renovation project which results in the installation or addition of potable water lines will require water line disinfection and subsequent bacteriological testing by BCD before approval to use is granted.

Swimming Pools

The University of Minnesota will enforce the State of Minnesota Rules Chapter 4717, Public Swimming Pool Rules Minnesota Pool Code (Minnesota Rules, Parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3975), Minnesota Statutes (144.1222 Public Pools "Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act") and Federal Legislation ( H.R.6—303 to 309, Title XIV—Pool and Spa Safety). All swimming pools, special purpose and therapeutic pools shall be maintained in compliance with these rules.

University Pool operators must:

• obtain training and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification per Minnesota Rules
• maintain swimming pools in safe and sanitary conditions
• maintain current pool operator certification
• monitor and document required daily tests
• submit pool logs monthly to the EHO
• report all pool related illness and injury to the EHO at 612-625-6152 as soon as possible after notification
• close pools whenever lifesaving equipment is not available.

Pools will be closed by the EHO when conditions endanger the health or safety of the users.

Pool Construction

Construction/renovation of new or existing swimming pools may not begin until plans are submitted and approved by BCD and the EHO. Once pool construction/renovation is completed, inspections by BCD and the EHO are required prior to opening. The EHO will close pools that have been constructed or physically altered without approval of plans.