No. 27659 (Amendment): R317-1. Definitions and General Requirements

DAR File No.: 27659
Filed: 01/14/2005, 04:05
Received by: NL

 

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The proposed amendments are being made to bring all the R317 rules into conformity with the changing from "Total Coliform" or "Fecal Coliform" bacteria to "E. coli" in Rule R317-2 entitled Standards of Quality for Waters of the State. (DAR NOTE: The proposed amendment to Rule R317-2 was published in the January 1, 2005, issue of the Utah State Bulletin under DAR No. 27593.)

 

Summary of the rule or change:

"Total Coliform" or "Fecal Coliform" bacteria and their associated numeric criteria are changed to (or augmented with) "E. coli" and its associated numeric criteria.

 

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 19-5-104

 

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to state budget. The proposed amendments change one method of measuring bacteria for another. The costs of the current and proposed analysis methods are substantially the same.

 

local governments:

The proposed amendments change one method of measuring bacteria for another. The costs of the current and proposed analysis methods are substantially the same. There are no anticipated costs or savings to local government.

 

other persons:

The proposed amendments change one method of measuring bacteria for another. The costs of the current and proposed analysis methods are substantially the same. There are no anticipated costs or savings to other persons.

 

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no anticipated additional compliance costs for affected persons. The proposed amendments change one method of measuring bacteria for another. The costs of the current and proposed analysis methods are substantially the same.

 

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

There are no anticipated additional compliance costs for affected businesses. The proposed amendments change one method of measuring bacteria for another. The costs of the current and proposed analysis methods are substantially the same.

 

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Environmental Quality
Water Quality
CANNON HEALTH BLDG
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84116-3231

 

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Dave Wham at the above address, by phone at 801-538-6052, by FAX at 801-538-6016, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

 

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

03/11/2005

 

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

3/02/2005 at 7:00 PM, City Library, 303 N 100 E, West Room, Cedar City, UT and 3/04/2005 at 3:00 PM, Cannon Heath Building, 288 N 1460 W, Room 125, Salt Lake City, UT

 

This rule may become effective on:

04/01/2005

 

Authorized by:

Dianne R. Nielson, Executive Director

 

 

RULE TEXT

R317. Environmental Quality, Water Quality.

R317-1. Definitions and General Requirements.

R317-1-1. Definitions.

1.1 "Absorption system" means a device constructed under the ground surface to receive and to distribute effluent in such a manner that the effluent is effectively filtered and retained below ground surface.

1.2 "Board" means the Utah Water Quality Board.

1.3 "BOD" means 5-day, 20 degrees C. biochemical oxygen demand.

1.4 "Body Politic" means the State or its agencies or any political subdivision of the State to include a county, city, town, improvement district, taxing district or any other governmental subdivision or public corporation of the State.

1.5 "Building sewer" means the pipe which carries wastewater from the building drain to a public sewer, a wastewater disposal system or other point of disposal. It is synonymous with "house sewer".

1.6 "CBOD" means 5-day, 20 degrees C., carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand.

1.7 "Deep well" means a drinking water supply source which complies with all the applicable provisions of the State of Utah Public Drinking Water Regulations.

1.8 "Digested sludge" means sludge in which the volatile solids content has been reduced to about 50% by a suitable biological treatment process.

1.9 "Division" means the Utah State Division of Water Quality.

1.10 "Domestic wastewater" means a combination of the liquid or water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and other establishments with installed plumbing facilities, together with those from industrial establishments, and with such ground water, surface water, and storm water as may be present. It is synonymous with the term "sewage".

1.11 "Effluent" means the liquid discharge from any unit of a wastewater treatment works, including a septic tank.

1.12 "Human pathogens" means specific causative agents of disease in humans such as bacteria or viruses.

1.13 "Onsite wastewater system" means an underground wastewater disposal system for domestic wastewater which is designed for a capacity of 5,000 gallons per day or less and is not designed to serve multiple dwelling units which are owned by separate owners except condominiums and twin homes. It usually consists of a building sewer, a septic tank and an absorptions system.

1.14 "Industrial wastes" means the liquid wastes from industrial processes as distinct from wastes derived principally from dwellings, business buildings, institutions and the like. It is synonymous with the term "industrial wastewater".

1.15 "Influent" means the total wastewater flow entering a wastewater treatment works.

1.16 "Large underground wastewater disposal system" means the same type of device as described under 1.1.13 above, except that it is designed to handle more than 5,000 gallons per day of domestic wastewater which originates in multiple dwellings, commercial establishments, recreational facilities, schools, or any other wastewater disposal system not covered in 1.1.13 above. The Board controls the installation of such systems.

1.17 "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, company, or body politic, including any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (Section 19-1-103).

1.18 "Point source" means any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return flow from irrigated agriculture.

1.19 "Polished Secondary Treatment" means a treatment process that can produce an effluent meeting or exceeding the following standards:

A. The arithmetic mean of BOD values determined on effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 15 mg/l, nor shall the arithmetic mean exceed 20 mg/l during any 7-day period.

B. The arithmetic mean of SS values determined on effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 10 mg/l, nor shall the arithmetic mean exceed 12 mg/l during any 7-day period.

C. The geometric mean of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria in effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed either 200 per 100 ml or 20 per 100 ml respectively, nor shall the geometric mean exceed 250 per 100 ml or 25 per 100 ml respectively during any 7-day period; or, the geometric mean of E. coli bacteria in effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 13 per 100 ml nor shall the geometric mean exceed 16 per 100 ml during any 7-day period.

D. The effluent pH values shall be maintained within the limits of 6.5 to 9.0.

1.20 "Pollution" means such contamination, or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of any waters of the state, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous or solid substance into any waters of the state as will create a nuisance or render such waters harmful or detrimental or injurious to public health, safety or welfare, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.

1.21 "Seepage trench" means a modified seepage pit, an absorption system consisting of trenches filled with coarse filter material into which septic tank effluent is discharged.

1.22 "Seepage pit" means an absorption system consisting of a covered pit into which effluent is discharged.

1.23 "Septic tank" means a water-tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a drainage system or part thereof, designed and constructed so as to retain solids, digest organic matter through a period of detention and allow the liquids to discharge into the soil outside of the tank through an underground absorption system meeting the requirements of these regulations.

1.24 "Shallow well" means a well providing a source of drinking water which does not meet the requirements of a "deep well".

1.25 "Sludge" means the accumulation of solids which have settled from wastewater. As initially accumulated, and prior to treatment, it is known as "raw sludge".

1.26 "SS" means suspended solids.

1.27 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) means the maximum amount of a particular pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet state water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources.

1.28 "Treatment works" means any plant, disposal field, lagoon, dam, pumping station, incinerator, or other works used for the purpose of treating, stabilizing or holding wastes. (Section 19-5-102).

1.29 "Wastes" means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharged into water. (Section 19-5-102).

1.30 "Wastewater" means sewage, industrial waste or other liquid substances which might cause pollution of waters of the state. Intercepted ground water which is uncontaminated by wastes is not included.

1.31 "Waters of the state" means all streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, water-courses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and all other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, public or private, which are contained within, flow through, or border upon this state or any portion thereof, except that bodies of water confined to and retained within the limits of private property, and which do not develop into or constitute a nuisance, or a public health hazard, or a menace to fish and wildlife, shall not be considered to be "waters of the state" under this definition (Section 19-5-102).

1.32 "Underground Wastewater Disposal System" means a system for underground disposal of domestic wastewater. It usually consists of a building sewer, a septic tank, and an absorption system. It includes onsite wastewater systems and large underground wastewater disposal systems.

 

R317-1-3. Requirements for Waste Discharges.

3.1 Deadline For Compliance With Water Quality Standards.

All persons discharging wastes into any of the waters of the State on the effective date of these regulations shall provide the degree of wastewater treatment determined necessary to insure compliance with the requirements of R317-2 (Water Quality Standards) as soon as practicable but not later than June 30, 1983, except that the Board may, on a case-by-case basis, allow an extension to the deadline for compliance with these requirements for specific criteria listed in R317-2 where it is determined that the designated use is not being impaired or significant use improvement would not occur or where there is a reasonable question as to the validity of a specific criterion or for other valid reasons as determined by the Board.

3.2 Deadline For Compliance With Secondary Treatment Requirements.

All persons discharging wastes from point sources into any of the waters of the State shall provide treatment processes which will produce secondary effluent meeting or exceeding the following effluent quality standards.

A. The arithmetic mean of BOD values determined on effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 25 mg/l, nor shall the arithmetic mean exceed 35 mg/l during any 7-day period. In addition, if the treatment plant influent is of domestic or municipal sewage origin, the BOD values of effluent samples shall not be greater than 15% of the BOD values of influent samples collected in the same time period. As an alternative, if agreed to by the person discharging wastes, the following effluent quality standard may be established as a requirement of the discharge permit and must be met: The arithmetic mean of CBOD values determined on effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 20 mg/l nor shall the arithmetic mean exceed 30 mg/l during any 7-day period. In addition, if the treatment plant influent is of domestic or municipal sewage origin, the CBOD values of effluent samples shall not be greater than 15% of the CBOD values of influent samples collected in the same time period.

B. The arithmetic mean of SS values determined on effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 25 mg/l, nor shall the arithmetic mean exceed 35 mg/l during any 7-day period. In addition, if the treatment plant influent is of domestic or municipal sewage origin, the SS values of effluent samples shall not be greater than 15% of the SS values of influent samples collected in the same time period.

C. The geometric mean of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria in effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed either 2000 per 100 ml or 200 per 100 ml respectively, nor shall the geometric mean exceed 2500 per 100 ml or 250 per 100 ml respectively, during any 7-day period; or, the geometric mean of E. coli bacteria in effluent samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 126 per 100 ml nor shall the geometric mean exceed 158 per 100 ml respectively during any 7-day period. Exceptions to this requirement may be allowed by the Board on a case-by-case basis where domestic wastewater is not a part of the effluent and where water quality standards are not violated.

D. The effluent values for pH shall be maintained within the limits of 6.5 and 9.0.

E. Exceptions to the 85% removal requirements may be allowed on a case-by-case basis where infiltration makes such removal requirements infeasible and where water quality standards are not violated.

F. The Board may allow exceptions to the requirements of (A), (B) and (D) above on a case-by-case basis where the discharge will be of short duration and where there will be of no significant detrimental affect on receiving water quality or downstream beneficial uses.

G. The Board may allow on a case-by-case basis that the BOD5 and TSS effluent concentrations for discharging domestic wastewater lagoons shall not exceed 45 mg/l for a monthly average nor 65 mg/l for a weekly average provided the following criteria are met:

1. The lagoon system is operating within the organic and hydraulic design capacity established by R317-3,

2. The lagoon system is being properly operated and maintained,

3. The treatment system is meeting all other permit limits,

4. There are no significant or categorical industrial users (IU) defined by 40 CFR Part 403, unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Executive Secretary to the Utah Water Quality Board that the IU is not contributing constituents in concentrations or quantities likely to significantly effect the treatment works,

5. A Waste Load Allocation (WLA) indicates that the increased permit limits would not impair beneficial uses of the receiving stream.

3.3 Extensions To Deadlines For Compliance.

The Board may, upon application of a waste discharger, allow extensions on a case-by-case basis to the compliance deadlines in Section 1.3.2 above where it can be shown that despite good faith effort, construction cannot be completed within the time required.

3.4 Pollutants In Diverted Water Returned To Stream.

A user of surface water diverted from waters of the State will not be required to remove any pollutants which such user has not added before returning the diverted flow to the original watercourse, provided there is no increase in concentration of pollutants in the diverted water. Should the pollutant constituent concentration of the intake surface waters to a facility exceed the effluent limitations for such facility under a federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit or a permit issued pursuant to State authority, then the effluent limitations shall become equal to the constituent concentrations in the intake surface waters of such facility. This section does not apply to irrigation return flow.

 

R317-1-4. Utilization and Isolation of Domestic Wastewater Treatment Works Effluent.

4.1 Untreated Domestic Wastewater. Untreated domestic wastewater or effluent not meeting secondary treatment standards as defined by these regulations shall be isolated from all public contact until suitably treated. Land disposal or land treatment of such wastewater or effluent may be accomplished by use of an approved total containment lagoon as defined in R317-3 or by such other treatment approved by the Board as being feasible and equally protective of human health and the environment.

4.2 Submittal of Reuse Project Plan. If a person intends to reuse or provide for the reuse of treated domestic wastewater directly for any purpose, except on the treatment plant site as described in R317-1-4.6, a Reuse Project Plan must be submitted to the Division of Water Quality. A copy of the plan must also be submitted to the local health department. Any needed construction of wastewater treatment and delivery systems would also be covered by a construction permit as required in section R317-1-2.2 of this rule. The plan must contain the following information. At least items A and B should be provided before construction begins. All items must be provided before any water deliveries are made.

A. A description of the source, quantity, quality, and use of the treated wastewater to be delivered, the location of the reuse site, and how the requirements of this rule would be met.

B. Evidence that the State Engineer has agreed that the proposed reuse project planned water use is consistent with the water rights for the sources of water comprising the flows to the treatment plant which will be used in the reuse project.

C. An operation and management plan to include:

1. A copy of the contract with the user, if other than the treatment entity.

2. A labeling and separation plan for the prevention of cross connections between reclaimed water distribution lines and potable water lines. Guidance for distribution systems is available from the Division of Water Quality.

3. Schedules for routine maintenance.

4. A contingency plan for system failure or upsets.

D. If the water will be delivered to another entity for distribution and use, a copy of the contract covering how the requirements of this rule will be met.

4.3 Use of Treated Domestic Wastewater Effluent Where Human Exposure is Likely (Type I)

A. Uses Allowed

1. Residential irrigation, including landscape irrigation at individual houses.

2. Urban uses, which includes non-residential landscape irrigation, golf course irrigation, toilet flushing, fire protection, and other uses with similar potential for human exposure.

3. Irrigation of food crops where the applied reclaimed water is likely to have direct contact with the edible part. Type I water is required for all spray irrigation of food crops.

4. Irrigation of pasture for milking animals.

5. Impoundments of wastewater where direct human contact is likely to occur.

6. All Type II uses listed in 4.4.A below.

B. Required Treatment Processes

1. Secondary treatment process, which may include activated sludge, trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, oxidation ditches, and stabilization ponds. The secondary treatment process should produce effluent in which both the BOD and total suspended solids concentrations do not exceed 25 mg/l as a monthly mean.

2. Filtration, which includes passing the wastewater through filter media such as sand and/or anthracite or approved membrane processes.

3. Disinfection to destroy, inactivate, or remove pathogenic microorganisms by chemical, physical, or biological means. Disinfection may be accomplished by chlorination, ozonation, or other chemical disinfectants, UV radiation, membrane processes, or other approved processes.

C. Water Quality Limits. The quality of effluent before use must meet the following standards. Testing methods and procedures shall be performed according to Standards Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, eighteenth edition, 1992, or as otherwise approved by the Executive Secretary.

1. The monthly arithmetic mean of BOD shall not exceed 10 mg/l as determined by daily composite sampling. Composite samples shall be comprised of at least six flow proportionate samples taken over a 24-hour period.

2. The daily arithmetic mean turbidity shall not exceed 2 NTU, and turbidity shall not exceed 5 NTU at any time. Turbidity shall be measured continuously. The turbidity standard shall be met prior to disinfection. If the turbidity standard cannot be met, but it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Executive Secretary that there exists a consistent correlation between turbidity and the total suspended solids, then an alternate turbidity standard may be established. This will allow continuous turbidity monitoring for quality control while maintaining the intent of the turbidity standard, which is to have 5 mg/l total suspended solids or less to assure adequate disinfection.

3. The weekly median [fecal coliform]E. coli concentration shall be none detected, as determined from daily grab samples, and no sample shall exceed [14]9 organisms/100 ml.

4. The total residual chlorine shall be measured continuously and shall at no time be less than 1.0 mg/l after 30 minutes contact time at peak flow. If an alternative disinfection process is used, it must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Executive Secretary that the alternative process is comparable to that achieved by chlorination with a 1 mg/l residual after 30 minutes contact time. If the effectiveness cannot be related to chlorination, then the effectiveness of the alternative disinfection process must be demonstrated by testing for pathogen destruction as determined by the Executive Secretary. A 1 mg/l total chlorine residual is required after disinfection and before the reclaimed water goes into the distribution system.

5. The pH as determined by daily grab samples or continuous monitoring shall be between 6 and 9.

D. Other Requirements

1. An alternative disposal option or diversion to storage must be automatically activated if turbidity exceeds or chlorine residual drops below the instantaneous required value for more than 5 minutes. 2. Any irrigation must be at least 50 feet from any potable water well. Impoundments of reclaimed water, if not sealed, must be at least 500 feet from any potable water well.

3. Requirements for ground water discharge permits, if required, shall be determined in accordance with R317-6.

4. For residential landscape irrigation at individual homes, additional quality control restrictions may be required by the Executive Secretary. Proposals for such uses should also be submitted to the local health authority to determine any conditions they may require.

4.4 Use of Treated Domestic Wastewater Effluent Where Human Exposure is Unlikely (Type II)

A. Uses Allowed

1. Irrigation of sod farms, silviculture, limited access highway rights of way, and other areas where human access is restricted or unlikely to occur.

2. Irrigation of food crops where the applied reclaimed water is not likely to have direct contact with the edible part, whether the food will be processed or not (spray irrigation not allowed).

3. Irrigation of animal feed crops other than pasture used for milking animals.

4. Impoundments of wastewater where direct human contact is not allowed or is unlikely to occur.

5. Cooling water. Use for cooling towers which produce aerosols in populated areas may have special restrictions imposed.

6. Soil compaction or dust control in construction areas.

B. Required Treatment Processes

1. Secondary treatment process, which may include activated sludge, trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, oxidation ditches, and stabilization ponds. Secondary treatment should produce effluent in which both the BOD and total suspended solids do not exceed 25 mg/l as a monthly mean.

2. Disinfection to destroy, inactivate, or remove pathogenic microorganisms by chemical, physical, or biological means. Disinfection may be accomplished by chlorination, ozonation, or other chemical disinfectants, UV radiation, membrane processes, or other approved processes.

C. Water Quality Limits. The quality of effluent before use must meet the following standards. Testing methods and procedures shall be performed according to Standards Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, eighteenth edition, 1992, or as otherwise approved by the Executive Secretary.

1. The monthly arithmetic mean of BOD shall not exceed 25 mg/l as determined by weekly composite sampling. Composite samples shall be comprised of at least six flow proportionate samples taken over a 24-hour period.

2. The monthly arithmetic mean total suspended solids concentration shall not exceed 25 mg/l as determined by daily composite sampling. The weekly mean total suspended solids concentration shall not exceed 35 mg/l.

3. The weekly median [fecal coliform]E. coli concentration shall not exceed [200]126 organisms/100 ml, as determined from daily grab samples, and no sample shall exceed [800]500 organisms/100 ml.

4. The pH as determined by daily grab samples or continuous monitoring shall be between 6 and 9.

5. At the discretion of the Executive Secretary, the sampling frequency to determine compliance with water quality limits for effluent from lagoon systems used to irrigate agricultural crops, may be reduced to monthly grab sampling for BOD, and weekly grab sampling for [fecal coliform]E. coli, TSS and pH.

D. Other Requirements

1. An alternative disposal option or diversion to storage must be available in case quality requirements are not met.

2. Any irrigation must be at least 300 feet from any potable water well. Spray irrigation must be at least 300 feet from areas intended for public access. This distance may be reduced or increased by the Executive Secretary, based on the type of spray irrigation equipment used and other factors. Impoundments of reclaimed water, if not sealed, must be at least 500 feet from any potable water well.

3. Requirements for ground water discharge permits, if required, shall be determined in accordance with R317-6.

4. Public access to effluent storage and irrigation or disposal sites shall be restricted by a stock-tight fence or other comparable means which shall be posted and controlled to exclude the public.

4.5 Records. Records of volume and quality of treated wastewater delivered for reuse shall be maintained and submitted monthly in accordance with R317-1-2.7. If monthly operating reports are already being submitted to the Division of Water Quality, the data on water delivered for reuse may be submitted on the same form.

4.6 Use of Secondary Effluent at Plant Site. Secondary effluent may be used at the treatment plant site in the following manner provided there is no cross-connection with a potable water system:

A. Chlorinator injector water for wastewater chlorination facilities, provided all pipes and outlets carrying the effluent are suitably labeled.

B. Water for hosing down wastewater clarifiers, filters and related units, provided all pipes and outlets carrying the effluent are suitably labeled.

C. Irrigation of landscaped areas around the treatment plant from which the public is excluded.

4.7 Other Uses of Effluents. Proposed uses of effluents not identified above, including industrial uses, shall be considered for approval by the Board based on a case-specific analysis of human health and environmental concerns.

4.8 Reclaimed Water Distribution Systems. Where reclaimed water is to be provided by pressure pipeline, unless contained in surface pipes wholly on private property and for agricultural purposes, the following requirements will apply. The requirements will apply to all new systems constructed after May 4, 1998, and it is recommended that the accessible portions of existing reclaimed water distribution systems be retrofitted to comply with these rules. Requirements for secondary irrigation systems proposed for conversion from use of non-reclaimed water to use with reclaimed water will be considered on an individual basis considering protection of public health and the environment. Any person or agency that is constructing all or part of the distribution system must obtain a construction permit from the Division of Water Quality prior to beginning construction.

A. Distribution Lines

1. Minimum Separation.

a. Horizontal Separation. Reclaimed water main distribution lines parallel to potable (culinary) water lines shall be installed at least ten feet horizontally from the potable water lines. Reclaimed water main distribution lines parallel to sanitary sewer lines shall be installed at least ten feet horizontally from the sanitary sewer line if the sanitary sewer line is located above the reclaimed water main and three feet horizontally from the sanitary sewer line if the sanitary sewer line is located below the reclaimed water main.

b. Vertical Separation. At crossings of reclaimed water main distribution lines with potable water lines and sanitary sewer lines the order of the lines from lowest in elevation to highest should be; sanitary sewer line, reclaimed water line, and potable water line. A minimum 18 inches vertical separation between these utilities shall be provided as measured from outside of pipe to outside of pipe. The crossings shall be arranged so that the reclaimed water line joints will be equidistant and as far as possible from the water line joints and the sewer line joints. If the reclaimed water line must cross above the potable water line, the vertical separation shall be a minimum 18 inches and the reclaimed water line shall be encased in a continuous pipe sleeve to a distance on each side of the crossing equal to the depth of the potable water line from the ground surface. If the reclaimed water line must cross below the sanitary sewer line, the vertical separation shall be a minimum 18 inches and the reclaimed water line shall be encased in a continuous pipe sleeve to a distance on each side of the crossing equal to the depth of the reclaimed water line from the ground surface.

c. Special Provisions. Where the horizontal and/or vertical separation as required above cannot be maintained, special construction requirements shall be provided in accordance with requirements in R317-3 for protection of potable water lines. Existing pressure lines carrying reclaimed water shall not be required to meet these requirements.

2. Depth of Installation. To provide protection of the installed pipeline, reclaimed water lines should be installed with a minimum depth of bury of three feet.

3. Reclaimed Water Pipe Identification.

a. General. All new buried pipe, including service lines, valves, and other appurtenances, shall be colored purple, Pantone 522 or equivalent. If fading or discoloration of the purple pipe is experienced during construction, identification tape is recommended. Locating wire along the pipe is also recommended.

b. Identification Tape. If identification tape is installed along with the purple pipe, it shall be prepared with white or black printing on a purple field, color Pantone 512 or equivalent, having the words, "Caution: Reclaimed Water-- Do Not Drink". The overall width of the tape shall be at least three inches. Identification tape shall be installed 12 inches above the transmission pipe longitudinally and shall be centered.

4. Conversion of existing water lines. Existing water lines that are being converted to use with reclaimed water shall first be accurately located and comply with leak test standards in accordance with AWWA Standard C-600 and in coordination with regulatory agencies. The pipeline must be physically disconnected from any potable water lines and brought into compliance with current State cross connection rules and requirements (R309-102-5), and must meet minimum separation requirements in section 4.8.A.1 of this rule above. If the existing lines meet approval of the water supplier and the Division, the lines shall be approved for reclaimed water distribution. If regulatory compliance of the system (accurate location and verification of no cross connections) cannot be verified with record drawings, televising, or otherwise, the lines shall be uncovered, inspected, and identified prior to use. All accessible portions of the system must be retrofitted to meet the requirements of this rule.

5. Valve Boxes and Other Surface Identification. All valve covers shall be of non-interchangeable shape with potable water covers, and shall have an inscription cast on the top surface stating "Reclaimed Water". Valve boxes shall meet AWWA standards. All above ground facilities shall be consistently color coded (purple, Pantone 512) and marked to differentiate reclaimed water facilities from potable water facilities.

6. Blow-off Assemblies. If either an in-line type or end-of-line type blow-off or drain assembly is installed in the system, the Division of Water Quality shall be consulted on acceptable discharge or runoff locations.

B. Storage. If storage or impoundment of reclaimed water is provided, the following requirements apply:

1. Fencing. For Type I effluent, no fencing is required by this rule, but may be required by local laws or ordinances. For Type II effluent, see R317-1-4.4.D.4 above.

2. Identification. All storage facilities shall be identified by signs prepared according to the requirements of Section 4.8.D.6 below. Signs shall be posted on the surrounding fence at minimum 500 foot intervals and at the entrance of each facility. If there is no fence, signs shall be located as a minimum on each side of the facility or at minimum 250 foot intervals or at all accessible points.

C. Pumping Facilities.

1. Marking. All exposed and above ground piping, fittings, pumps, valves, etc., shall be painted purple, Pantone 512. In addition, all piping shall be identified using an accepted means of labeling reading "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink." In a fenced pump station area, signs shall be posted on the fence on all sides.

2. Sealing Water. Any potable water used as seal water for reclaimed water pumps seals shall be protected from backflow with a reduced pressure principle device.

D. Other Requirements.

1. Backflow Protection. In no case shall a connection be made between the potable and reclaimed water system. If it is necessary to put potable water into the reclaimed distribution system, an approved air gap must be provided to protect the potable water system. A reduced pressure principle device may be used only when approved by the Division of Water Quality, the local health department, and the potable water supplier.

2. Drinking Fountains. Drinking fountains and other public facilities shall be placed out of any spray irrigation area in which reclaimed water is used, or shall be otherwise protected from contact with the reclaimed water. Exterior drinking fountains and other public facilities shall be shown and called out on the construction plans. If no exterior drinking fountains, picnic tables, food establishments, or other public facilities are present in the design area, then it shall be specifically stated on the plans that none are to exist.

3. Hose Bibs. Hose bibs on reclaimed water systems in public areas and at individual residences shall be prohibited. In public, non-residential areas, replacement of hose bibs with quick couplers is recommended.

4. Equipment and Facilities. To ensure the protection of public health, any equipment or facilities such as tanks, temporary piping or valves, and portable pumps which have been used for conveying reclaimed water may not be reused for conveying potable water.

5. Warning Labels. Warning labels shall be installed on designated facilities such as, but not limited to, controller panels and washdown or blow-off hydrants on water trucks, and temporary construction services. The labels shall indicate the system contains reclaimed water that is unsafe to drink.

6. Warning signs. Where reclaimed water is stored or impounded, or used for irrigation in public areas, warning signs shall be installed and contain, as a minimum, 1/2 inch purple letters (Pantone 512) on a white or other high contrast background notifying the public that the water is unsafe to drink. Signs may also have a purple background with white or other high contrast lettering. Warning signs and labels shall read, "Warning: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink". The signs shall include the international symbol for Do Not Drink.

 

KEY: water pollution, waste disposal, industrial waste, effluent standards

[March 29, 2004]2005

Notice of Continuation October 7, 2002

19-5