Before detailed plans and specifications are prepared for the construction of new public water systems or major improvements to existing public water systems are prepared, the owner or his authorized agent shall submit to the Arkansas Department of Health a preliminary report containing data and information sufficient for the complete understanding of the proposed work. The “Recommended Standards for Waterworks” by the Great Lakes - Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers (Ten States Standards) is recommended as a guide. An inspection by Arkansas Department of Health staff of all proposed surface water and all groundwater source locations shall be conducted as part of the review of the preliminary report.

For proposed new Community Public Water Systems and Non-Transient Non-Community Public Water Systems, the preliminary report shall include sufficient information to demonstrate the system's technical, financial, and managerial capacity to comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (See Section VII. H.). The Department shall not approve the construction of any new Community Public Water System or Non-Transient Non-Community Public Water System unless the Department formally concurs that the report demonstrates the system's technical, financial, and managerial capacity to comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.