R309-105-10. Operation and Maintenance Procedures

All routine operation and maintenance of public water supplies shall be carried out with due regard for public health and safety. The following sections describe procedures which shall be used in carrying out some common operation and maintenance procedures.

(1) Chemical Addition

(a) Water system operators shall determine that all chemicals added to water intended for human consumption are suitable for potable water use and comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 60.

(b) No chemicals or other substances shall be added to public water supplies unless the chemical addition facilities and chemical type have been reviewed and approved by the Director.

(c) Chlorine, when used in the distribution system, shall be added in sufficient quantity to achieve either "breakpoint" and yield a detectable free chlorine residual or a detectable combined chlorine residual in the distribution system at points to be determined by the Director. Residual checks shall be taken a minimum of three times each week by the operator of any system using disinfectants. The Director may, however, reduce the frequency of residual checks if he determines that this would be an unwarranted hardship on the water system operator and, furthermore, the disinfection equipment has a verified record of reliable operation. Suppliers, when checking for residuals, shall use test kits and methods which meet the requirements of the U.S. EPA. The "DPD" test method is recommended for free chlorine residuals. Information on the suppliers of this equipment is available from the Division of Drinking Water.

(2) New and Repaired Mains

(a) All new water mains shall meet the requirements of R309-550-6 with regard to materials of construction. All products in contact with culinary water shall comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 61.

(b) All new and repaired water mains or appurtenances shall be disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standard C651-92. The chlorine solution shall be flushed from the water main with potable water prior to the main being placed in use.

(c) All products used to recoat the interiors of storage structures and which may come in contact with culinary water shall comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 61.

(3) Reservoir Maintenance and Disinfection

After a reservoir has been entered for maintenance or re-coating, it shall be disinfected prior to being placed into service. Procedures given in AWWA Standard C651-92 shall be followed in this regard.

(4) Spring Collection Area Maintenance

(a) Spring collection areas shall be periodically cleared of deep rooted vegetation to prevent root growth from clogging collection lines. Frequent hand or mechanical clearing of spring collection areas is strongly recommended. It is advantageous to encourage the growth of grasses and other shallow rooted vegetation for erosion control and to inhibit the growth of more detrimental flora.

(b) No pesticide (e.g., herbicide) may be applied on a spring collection area without the prior written approval of the Director. Such approval shall be given 1) only when acceptable pesticides are proposed; 2) when the pesticide product manufacturer certifies that no harmful substance will be imparted to the water; and 3) only when spring development meets the requirements of these rules (see R309-515-7).

(5) Security

All water system facilities such as spring junction boxes, well houses, reservoirs, and treatment facilities shall be secure.

(6) Seasonal Operation

Water systems operated seasonally shall be disinfected and flushed according to the techniques given in AWWA Standard C651-92 and C652-92 prior to each season's use. A satisfactory bacteriologic sample shall be achieved prior to use. During the non-use period, care shall be taken to close all openings into the system.

(7) Pump Lubricants

All oil lubricated pumps for culinary wells shall utilize mineral oils suitable for human consumption as determined by the Director. To assure proper performance, and to prevent the voiding of any warranties which may be in force, the water supplier should confirm with individual pump manufacturers that the oil which is selected will have the necessary properties to perform satisfactorily.