Any person proposing to operate, construct, install, add to or make major modification of a public water system shall, prior to construction of such, file with the board an application for a permit to do so, together with complete plans and specifications and a statement containing a general description of the proposed public water system or of the proposed changes in the existing system, showing the geographical location thereof with relation to the source of water supply and the manner of storage, purification, treatment or delivery proposed or used for the supply, and all the sanitary and health conditions surrounding and affecting the said supply and the works, system and plant. The plans and specifications and statements shall be in such form and shall detail such matters as the board by regulation shall require.