(1) A permit shall be issued by the Oregon Health Authority when there are economic or other compelling factors such that the water supplier is unable to install the water treatment facilities or to meet the maximum contaminant levels.

(2) The authority shall prescribe a compliance schedule, including interim measures to eliminate the risk to health, which sets a specific time limit for the water supplier operating on a permit to install the water treatment facilities or to meet the maximum contaminant levels.

(3) For so long as the water supplier operates on a permit, the water supplier must notify its customers at least once every three months why the water system is, or remains, out of compliance.

(4) When the authority announces its intention to grant a permit, the authority shall:

(a) Hold a public hearing in the affected area prior to granting the permit; or

(b) Serve notice of intent to issue the permit either personally, or by registered or certified mail to all customers connected to the water system, or by publication in a newspaper in general circulation in the area. If no hearing is requested within 10 days of the date that notice is given, the authority may finalize the permit.

(5) The document evidencing the permit shall contain a statement of the conditions under which the water system may operate. [1981 c.749 § 9; 1983 c.271 § 6; 2009 c.595 § 843]