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Environmental Health Division
Plumbing Plan Review for Licensed Well Contractors
In 2025, the Minnesota Legislature amended Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.43, subd. 2a to require the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to delegate some plan review and inspection responsibilities to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for work performed by a well contractor or limited well/boring contractor as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.46, subd. 6. This delegation is in effect as of January 1, 2026.
MDH must issue plan approvals and perform the required field inspections in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 1300.0215, and must enforce the Minnesota Plumbing Code in its entirety with regards to the specified work.
Summary of requirements
- Licensed well contractors are in the business of designing and installing water service lines, also referred to as the “building supply” in the Minnesota Plumbing Code.
- The scope of water service line work for licensed well contractors is defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.46, subd. 6.
- Some plans must still be submitted either to DLI or to municipalities as described in the flow chart below.
- Some inspections will be conducted by the local building official as described in the “Inspections” section below.
When and where to submit plans
Information when and where to submit plans can be found on the Plumbing Plan Review for Licensed Well Contractors Flowchart (PDF).
(Click on above image to enlarge)
The Minnesota Plumbing Code comprises the Uniform Plumbing Code, incorporated by reference at Minnesota Rules, part 4714.0050, and Minnesota-specific amendments codified in Minnesota Rules, chapter 4714. The Minnesota Plumbing Code includes material and installation requirements for building supplies.
Plan review and inspection of water service lines includes but is not limited to:
- Use of approved materials
- Proper joints
- Separation from contaminant sources
- Sizing to meet peak demands
- Proper installation techniques including pipe bedding
- Tracer wire
- Sample taps
The form for submitting water service line plans can be found at Water Service Line Plan Submittal Form (PDF).
Inspections will be performed by either the local building official or by MDH depending on the project location.
Inspection by Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (Building Official)
Projects located in municipalities that have adopted the building code will be inspected by the local building official. You can determine if your project is located in a municipality that has adopted the building code by searching by city or township in the Minnesota State Building Code Jurisdiction Directory.
Inspection by MDH
Most water service line installations conducted by MDH can qualify for a photo inspection. The process is described in the Water Service Photo Inspection Process (PDF) and an inspection checklist for the field is available at Water Service Photo Inspection Checklist (PDF). Ideally inspections are completed prior to covering the work. If covering is done prior to inspection, corrective action, including re-excavation, will be required for any installations that do not meet code requirements.
Pressure Testing
Pressure tests must be accompanied by an affidavit signed by the contractor and the owner or owner’s agent who witnessed the test. The affidavit must state the type of test, testing pressure and timed length of test. Only testing procedures from Minnesota Plumbing Code, Section 609.4 will be allowed. An affidavit form is available at Water Service Line Pressure Testing (PDF).
For more information
For information on MDH plan review, contact MDH Drinking Water Protection Plan Review at drinkingwaterplanreview.mdh@state.mn.us or visit Plan Review for Drinking Water Systems. For questions related to Noncommunity Plan Review contact John Galt at 651-201-4699. For questions related to Community Plan Review contact David Weum at 651-201-4684.
For information on DLI plan review and inspections, contact DLI Plumbing Plan Review and Inspections at 651-284-5063 or iMS.bldplb.dli@state.mn.us, or visit Plumbing | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.