Water Engineering

Water engineering for Florida land development

MES designs the water side of Florida development. That covers water main extensions, service lines and meters, backflow prevention and fire flow checks, plus the permits that go with them.

We start by confirming service with the utility that will serve the site. Available service and capacity set the design.

How water permitting works in Florida

New public water system construction needs a permit. FDEP's district offices handle it in most of the state. In Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Palm Beach, Polk and Volusia counties, the county health department runs the program.

A main extension that carries finished drinking water, with no treatment, pumping or storage, can go under a general permit. The notice goes in at least 30 days before construction (Rule 62-555.405, F.A.C.).

Before new mains go into service, the permittee files a certification of construction completion with bacteriological results. Service starts only after written clearance (Rule 62-555.345, F.A.C.).

The serving utility reviews the connection too. Every community water system must run a cross-connection control program, so the utility sets the backflow protection for your service (Rule 62-555.360, F.A.C.).

New groundwater or surface water withdrawals can need a water use permit from one of the five water management districts. Read about Florida consumptive use permits.

Work nearby

In Jacksonville, an ice vending machine sits in a parking lot and runs on a shallow well. We are designing a potable water service from the local utility so the well can be disconnected.

The plan shows the point of connection to the utility's main, the meter, the backflow prevention assembly and the service line to the machine. It will be signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer. See the four Florida ice vending sites.

Common questions

Does a water main extension in Florida need a permit?

Yes, before construction. Many extensions qualify for the general permit. A project that does not meet its conditions, such as one with treatment, pumping or storage, needs a specific permit.

Who reviews water systems in Hillsborough County?

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County runs the drinking water program there under delegation from FDEP. The serving utility reviews the connection as well.

When can a new water main go into service?

After written clearance. For a general permit, clearance comes within 14 days of a satisfactory certification. For a specific permit, it comes within 30 days.