(1) A proposed subdivision must be connected to a public water supply or wastewater system if any boundary of the subdivision is within 500 feet of the public system and the public system meets the requirements of (2) (a) and (b) . The department may grant a waiver, pursuant to ARM 17.36.601, of the requirement to connect to a public system if the applicant demonstrates that connection to the public system is physically or economically impractical, or that easements can not be obtained. For purposes of this rule, a connection is economically practical if the cost of connection is less than or equal to three times the cost of installation of an approvable system on the site.

(2) The reviewing authority may not approve the connection of a proposed subdivision to an existing public system unless:

(a) the existing public system is approved by the department and is in compliance with the provisions of Title 75, chapter 6, part 1, MCA, and ARM Title 17, chapters 30 and 38;

(b) the managing entity of the public system certifies to the reviewing authority, on a form acceptable to the department, that:

(i) the system has an adequate capacity to meet the needs of the subdivision;

(ii) the connections are authorized;

(iii) the system is in compliance with ARM Title 17, chapter 38, and all other applicable department regulations; and

(iv) the appropriate water rights exist for this connection or the managing entity has made application for the appropriate water rights for their system and any connections; and

(c) the applicant submits to the reviewing authority the name and public water supply ID (PWSID) number of the public system.

(3) If the proposed additional connections will create a new public system, the applicant shall submit plans and specifications for the entire system (existing and proposed) for review and approval by the department in accordance with the provisions of Title 75, chapter 6, part 1, MCA, and ARM Title 17, chapters 30 and 38.