Public Health Engineering Department was established in 1927 to provide safe drinking water supply and sewerage facilities in Uttar Pradesh. In year 1946, it was rechristened as Local Self Government Engineering department (LSGED). Further, In 1975 it was converted to Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural) through Uttar Pradesh Water Supply and Sewerage ACT, 1975 (ACT No. 43, 1975).

As per this ACT Jal Nigam has jurisdiction over whole Uttar Pradesh (except Cantonment Area). The basic objective of creating this corporation was Development and Regulation of Water Supply & Sewerage Services and for matters connected therewith.

As Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural) has juridiction over both Rural and Urban Areas.