Mississippi Administrative Code Title 33 - Public Health - Local Governments And Rural Water Systems Improvements Board
Mississippi Administrative Code — Title 33
Public Health – Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Board
1. Purpose of Title 33
Title 33 governs the administration of public health programs related to water systems in Mississippi. It primarily covers financial and technical support for local governments and rural water systems to improve drinking water infrastructure.
The goal is to:
Ensure safe drinking water for communities.
Support rural and small public water systems in compliance with state and federal standards.
Provide funding for construction, repair, and improvements of water systems.
2. Role of the Board
The Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Board is the governing authority under Title 33. Its main responsibilities are:
Administer financial assistance programs for public water systems.
Oversee the Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWSIRLF) program.
Approve projects for funding, ensuring alignment with public health priorities.
Monitor compliance with water quality standards.
3. Composition of the Board
The Board typically consists of nine members, including representatives from:
State Health Department (Chairperson)
Mississippi Development Authority
Department of Environmental Quality
Department of Finance and Administration
Mississippi Association of Supervisors
Mississippi Municipal League
American Council of Engineering Companies
USDA Rural Development (state director)
A manager from a rural water system (Governor-appointed)
Each member may have an alternate to serve in their absence.
4. Core Programs Under Title 33
A. Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWSIRLF)
Provides low-interest loans for improvements, repairs, and upgrades to public water systems.
Supports projects that ensure compliance with drinking water quality standards.
Encourages system modernization, expansion, and long-term sustainability.
B. Emergency Loan Fund Program
Offers short-term emergency funding for urgent repairs, contamination issues, or infrastructure failure that threatens public health.
Ensures rapid response to emergencies affecting water supply.
5. Project Funding Process
Intended Use Plan (IUP):
The Board develops an annual plan outlining funding priorities for projects.
The plan ensures public input and transparency in project selection.
Project Ranking:
Projects are prioritized based on:
Public health risk reduction
Compliance with federal and state standards
System readiness and technical feasibility
Size and needs of the community
Loan Application and Approval:
Eligible systems submit proposals to the Board.
Board evaluates and approves loans based on the priority criteria.
6. Eligibility and Oversight
Eligible entities include local governments, municipalities, and rural water systems.
The Board monitors projects to ensure that:
Funds are used as intended
Water quality improvements meet required standards
Projects are completed on time and within budget
The Board also ensures alignment with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
7. Key Objectives
Expand safe drinking water access to rural and underserved areas.
Improve infrastructure reliability and capacity.
Protect public health by maintaining compliance with water quality regulations.
Provide financial and technical assistance to ensure sustainable water systems.
8. Summary Table
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Authority | Mississippi Administrative Code, Title 33 |
| Focus | Public health – water system improvements |
| Administered by | Local Governments & Rural Water Systems Improvements Board |
| Main Programs | Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund; Emergency Loan Fund |
| Purpose | Safe, reliable, and compliant public water systems |
| Key Processes | Project ranking, loan approval, monitoring, annual Intended Use Plan |
| Target Beneficiaries | Local governments, municipalities, rural water systems |
9. Conclusion
Title 33 provides a comprehensive framework for improving public water systems in Mississippi. By combining financial support, project prioritization, and oversight, the Board ensures that rural and local communities have safe, reliable drinking water and meet public health standards.
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