007.18.2-XIV. Distribution System
AR ADC 007.18.2-XIVArkansas Administrative CodeEffective: January 27, 2020
Effective: January 27, 2020
Ark. Admin. Code 007.18.2-XIV
007.18.2-XIV. Distribution System
All public water supply distribution systems shall be tested and constructed using materials and construction methods in accordance with the latest edition of the applicable AWWA standards and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.
The operating routine shall include necessary protective measures to detect and remove or destroy any contaminant of concern or regulation that might enter the distribution system. Every precaution must be taken against the possibility of sewage contamination of the water in the distribution system. Water mains and sanitary sewers shall be constructed as far apart as practicable, and shall be separated by undisturbed and compacted earth. A minimum horizontal distance of ten feet should be maintained between water lines and sewer lines or other sources of contamination. Water lines and sewers shall not be laid in the same trench except on the written approval of the Arkansas Department of Health. Water mains necessarily in close proximity to sewers must be placed so that the bottom of the water line will be at least 18 inches above the top of the sewer line at its highest point. If this distance must unavoidably be reduced, the water line or the sewer line must be encased in watertight pipe with sealed watertight ends extending at least ten feet either side of the crossing. Any joint in the encasement pipe is to be mechanically restrained. The encasement pipe may be vented to the surface if carrying water or sewer under pressure. Where a water line must unavoidably pass beneath the sewer line, at least 18 inches of separation must be maintained between the outside of the two pipes in addition to the preceding encasement requirement. Exceptions to this must be approved in writing by the Arkansas Department of Health
A minimum horizontal distance of three feet shall be maintained between water lines and other underground utilities of a nonsanitary nature (gas, electric, etc.). Exceptions to this must be approved in writing by the Arkansas Department of Health.
The distribution system shall be properly arranged and of ample capacity to insure a supply of water to all parts of the system to meet any reasonable demand, including fire, if applicable, without producing a condition of negative pressure in any part of the system. A minimum pressure of 20 pounds per square inch shall be maintained, except under emergency conditions such as a fire flow or main break. Pipes shall have sufficient structural strength and shall be properly supported and reinforced where necessary to guard against structural failures and resulting sanitary hazards. All drains, such as hydrant drips or valve pits, shall discharge onto the ground surface where possible, or into dry pits or gravel pockets, but not into any sewer.
An accurate up-date record shall be kept of the location of every item in the distribution system with all mains, valves and other underground structures carefully referenced to reasonably permanent aboveground objects in order that the underground structure may be properly located. Such records should show all pipes carrying domestic sewage or toxic industrial wastes located within 10 feet of any element of the distribution system.
All water pipes must be located at sufficient depth to protect the pipe from the direct effect of traffic and at least below maximum frost depth of the locality, or be otherwise protected.
Valves shall be located at frequent intervals along all water mains and at such points to permit closing off of any section of a water main for repairs or testing without affecting water service to any extended area. All valves shall be tested for leakage and operation by routine inspection at frequent intervals. Leaky stuffing boxes shall be properly and promptly repaired.
Blowoffs shall be so located that the distribution system may be properly flushed, and so that danger of contamination of the water line by backflow will be eliminated. No blowoff shall be connected to any sewer or storm drain, submerged in any surface water or installed in any manner that will permit backsiphonage into the distribution system. The discharge of the blowoff shall be located above natural grade, and be screened, capped, or plugged.
Construction shall be carried out so as to insure a water distribution system free from leaks, thoroughly supported to prevent settlement or breakage of pipes and thoroughly sterilized to remove all possibility of infection or contamination. Particular care must be taken to guard against the entrance of sewage into the trench during or after construction. Any sewage matter that might be found in the trench shall be carefully removed and the location sterilized with a suitable chlorine compound spread over the area. Ample provision must be made to remove all ground or surface water from the trenches and no such water shall be allowed to enter the pipe. The interior of all pipe, fittings, and other accessories shall be kept free from dirt and foreign matter at all times. They shall be carefully inspected and thoroughly cleaned before laying. After laying and before completion of backfill, lines shall be tested in accordance with the latest edition of the applicable AWWA specifications for the pipe material being used.
The use of secondhand or used pipe is prohibited unless it was previously used for the distribution of potable water, or approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Before being placed in service, all new water distribution systems, extensions to existing systems, any valved section of such extension or any replacement of the water distribution system shall be properly disinfected. Prior to disinfection, all dirt shall be removed by thorough flushing. All valves and appurtenances affected shall be operated while the pipeline is filled with the disinfecting agent. Following disinfection, all treated water shall be thoroughly flushed from the pipeline and bacteriological samples shall be taken to determine the efficiency of the disinfection procedure. Before the system or line is placed in service, two consecutive series of samples must show that the water is bacteriologically safe for drinking purposes. Disinfection and bacteriological sampling shall conform with American Water Works Association, “Standard Specifications for Disinfecting Water Mains,” C651-14, or the latest revision thereof.
No public water system shall provide service to a new building or residence in an unsewered area until the customer provides written documentation that the Department of Health has approved plans for construction of a sewage disposal facility for the building or residence, or that no disposal system approval is required by the Department of Health for the building.
No public water system shall provide new service to any building or residence until the customer provides written documentation that the service line and building plumbing were inspected by the system's certified plumbing inspector, and found to be in substantial compliance with the State Plumbing Code (Rules Governing Construction, Installation, and Inspection of Plumbing and Drainage).
If the system has no certified plumbing inspector, the written documentation shall be obtained from the Department of Health's Area Plumbing Inspector or a certified inspector designated by the Area Inspector.
Credits
Amended April 1, 2010; March 23, 2012; Feb. 23, 2014; Jan. 27, 2020.
Current with amendments received through February 15, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credit for details.
Ark. Admin. Code 007.18.2-XIV, AR ADC 007.18.2-XIV
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