Will your site survive a Department of Water Management inspection? Find out now

A Department of Water Management inspection can determine whether your site meets strict water regulations or faces costly penalties. From verifying permits to testing wastewater discharge, inspectors check for compliance at every level. 

Minetek provides advanced wastewater evaporation solutions to help businesses stay compliant. Our high-efficiency evaporation systems can reduce or eliminate wastewater volumes that need treatment to help ensure that discharge water meets environmental standards. 

Staying ahead of regulations starts with the right approach—here’s how to prepare for an inspection and avoid compliance risks.

What should you do to pass a water management inspection?

Keep all permits and records updated.

No matter how the Department of Water Management is named in your area, the inspection standards remain somewhat similar. One of the first things inspectors check is whether all necessary permits, such as withdrawal, discharge and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, are current and readily available.

Control water quality before discharge.

Regularly testing water sources, including tailings dam water and runoff, ensures compliance with regulatory discharge limits. Implementing wastewater treatment solutions like filtration and chemical treatment at a water treatment plant can help manage water quality and keep contaminant levels in check.

However, you can also turn to evaporation systems, which can reduce wastewater, therefore lessening the amount of water that needs to be treated before discharge. In some cases, it can even eliminate wastewater and the need for treatment altogether.

Train your team on water management procedures and spill response.

Routine internal inspections and staff training keep operations aligned with regulatory expectations. A Department of Water Management inspector will expect teams to understand monitoring, reporting and compliance requirements. 

What are the responsibilities of the Department of Water Management?

The department regulates water use and wastewater discharge.

The Department of Water Management is responsible for regulating water resources and infrastructure. While it is known by this name in Chicago, similar agencies operate across the United States under different titles. One of its primary roles is to oversee the use of industrial water and manage water disposal in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 

Industries must obtain proper permits to ensure water compliance, and the department enforces the conditions tied to these permits. Monitoring adherence to laws like the Clean Water Act helps prevent resource depletion and contamination.

Just as a water management plant plays a role in handling wastewater, regulatory oversight ensures that businesses take responsibility for their impact on local water sources.

It helps businesses understand compliance rules.

To help businesses meet regulations, the Department of Water Management offers training resources on how to manage excess water and implement environmental compliance solutions, as well as regulatory updates.

What do inspectors check during a site visit?

They review permits and water management records.

Inspectors often start with paperwork. They verify that all required permits are valid, up-to-date and properly displayed. 

Beyond permits, they check whether facilities have a documented Water Management Plan or a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that aligns with regulatory requirements. 

They inspect equipment and storage areas.

Site inspections include a close look at wastewater treatment systems, storage tanks and containment measures. Inspectors check for leaks, improper waste handling or any conditions that could lead to contamination. 

Facilities that rely on a water and wastewater treatment plant must also ensure proper operation to meet environmental standards and prevent compliance issues. Moreover, inspectors assess general housekeeping practices, ensuring hazardous materials are stored correctly to prevent environmental risks.

Inspectors evaluate any sensitive areas nearby.

If a facility operates a wastewater evaporation system or uses landfill water treatment solutions, inspectors check for potential risks to nearby rivers, groundwater or protected ecosystems. Visible signs of pollution, such as discolored water or damaged vegetation, lead to immediate investigation and corrective measures.

How does Minetek help businesses meet water regulations?

We help manage wastewater with advanced evaporation.

Controlling wastewater volumes is a major challenge for industries. Minetek’s high-efficiency evaporators use evaporation technology that makes compliance with environmental regulations easier.

Unlike a wastewater treatment facility, which processes water through chemical or filtration methods, Minetek’s evaporation systems offer a mobile and low-infrastructure alternative by reducing wastewater volumes at the source. In some cases, evaporation can even eliminate the need for treatment altogether when all wastewater is evaporated

We also provide water quality analysis services.

Effective water management begins with understanding wastewater composition. Minetek provides detailed water quality assessments, helping industries identify contaminants and develop the right wastewater evaporation strategy. 

Unlike a wastewater management plant, which relies on extensive infrastructure to treat and process wastewater, Minetek’s evaporation systems provide a scalable solution that efficiently reduces water volumes without chemical intervention. 

We provide smart solutions to ensure compliance.

Minetek’s Environmental Management System (EMS) provides real-time monitoring of weather and site conditions. It optimizes evaporator performance based on data and ensures that businesses can efficiently manage wastewater and meet regulatory requirements set by the Department of Water Management and other agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a floating water evaporator work?

A floating water evaporator accelerates water loss by spraying a fine mist into the air. It consists of a floating platform with a pumping mechanism that draws water from a reservoir and disperses it through specialized nozzles. 

As opposed to a land-based unit, a floating evaporator is mounted on a heavy-duty pontoon structure complete with floats and pipework.

The process enhances evaporation, whether used as a floating water evaporator for mining or in other applications, leaving behind concentrated solids or contaminants in the water source.

How can companies ensure compliance with water regulations?

Companies ensure compliance with water regulations by monitoring wastewater quality, adhering to permit requirements and maintaining accurate records. 

While a waste water treatment plant relies on filtration and chemical processes to manage discharge, companies can also use mechanical evaporation systems to reduce or eliminate wastewater volumes efficiently. This means less water volume that needs to be treated before discharge.

Evaporation is also more cost-effective than treatment solutions and doesn’t use any chemicals in the process, which can lessen the overall environmental impact of wastewater management.

What are the risks of improper wastewater management?

Improper wastewater management risks environmental pollution, legal penalties and financial losses. Contaminated water can harm aquatic life and public water supplies. Regulatory violations may result in fines, lawsuits or operational shutdowns. Companies could also face reputational damage and costly cleanups if wastewater is not properly treated and disposed of.

Minetek: Engineering smarter solutions for heavy industry

For industries that demand efficiency, reliability and compliance, Minetek delivers proven solutions. With over 600 successful projects in more than 30 countries, we engineer and implement advanced air, water and sound systems tailored to mining, oil and gas, and industrial sectors. 

Our expertise spans over 150 years, combining innovation with practical, cost-effective engineering. At Minetek, we don’t settle for off-the-shelf answers. Our team redefines industry standards, tackling complex challenges with forward-thinking design and precision execution. 

If you’re ready for a partner that delivers results, inquire today and see how we can help your operation perform at its best.