Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-20-.17

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 335-6-20-.17 - Distribution Pipelines

The design and construction of municipal reclaimed water distribution pipelines shall comply with applicable provisions of chapter 335-6-3. The design and construction of municipal reclaimed water distribution pipelines shall also comply with applicable provisions of rule 335-7-7-.03.

(1) Reclaimed water mains shall be treated as non-potable mains when considering their separation from potable water. Reclaimed water mains shall be treated as potable water mains when considering their separation from sanitary sewers.

(2) For a system that proposes to use an alternative to the distribution pipeline requirements in this chapter, rule 335-7-7-.03, or chapter 335-6-3, the design engineer shall submit to the Department for review data demonstrating that the installation of an alternative will protect public health and the environment.

(3) A reclaimed water distribution system and the continued distribution systems of all of its customers shall have specific requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Maximum obtainable separation of reclaimed water lines and potable water lines shall be practiced. A minimum horizontal separation of three feet (outside of pipe to outside of pipe) shall be maintained between reclaimed water lines and either potable water mains or sewage collection lines. A minimum of eighteen inches shall be provided between the bottom of any potable water supply line and the top of the reclaimed water line.

(b) The residential customers shall have installed a permanent underground supply distribution system. Existing distribution systems may be utilized for reuse; however, the system shall be modified so that no reuse water shall enter a potable water system.

(c) A public information program is required to inform designated users and the public of what reclaimed water is and to answer questions about connection to the system. All designated users wishing to connect to the system must participate in the public information program and have their participation documented. This public information program may be in the form of a seminar, video, multimedia electronic presentation or other appropriate media.

(d) As-built plans of the reclaimed water systems, showing valve locations, tap locations and size of taps shall be available to the permittee at all times.

(e) The customer shall not allow the reclaimed water to enter dwellings.

(f) The customer shall sign a written agreement with the permittee prior to being connected to the reuse system. Irrigation shall occur only during periods approved in the written user agreement.

(g) The customer shall not allow reclaimed water to be reused for consumption (human or animal), interconnecting with another water source, irrigation of edible crops (gardens), body contact recreation, filling of swimming pools, or sharing a common reclaimed service between properties.

(h) Operation and maintenance of the reclaimed water system including valves, outlets, couplers and sprinkler heads shall be performed by personnel who have completed the public educational program(s).

(i) Precautions shall be taken to ensure that reclaimed water will not be sprayed on any facility or area not designated for application. Low trajectory nozzles, or other means to minimize aerosol formation shall be used within 100 feet of public eating, drinking and bathing facilities and in all residential applications.

(j) Malfunctioning irrigation systems and line breaks shall be repaired immediately. Improper operation allowing runoff during operation may be grounds to terminate service to the customer.

(k) Reuse through hose bibs or faucets may be allowed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. If allowed, hoses and hose bibs shall be through cam-lock connection assemblies to be provided by the permittee at the location specified by the permittee. Specific provisions must be in any written reuse agreements to ensure that reclaimed water is strictly reused for irrigation purposes and will not be utilized for any of the restricted items identified in these regulations.

(l) Application of reclaimed water for non-consumable agricultural irrigation of crops will be considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis.

(m) The permittee must coordinate with the purveyor of potable water to advise it of the reuse of reclaimed water in the area.

(4) If either an in-line type or end-of-line type blow-off or drain assembly is installed in the system, a plan for proposed discharge or runoff locations shall be submitted to the Department for review. The release of reclaimed water to a water of the State is considered an unpermitted discharge and may result in enforcement action if not covered under an NPDES permit.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-20-.17

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2015, eff. 9/29/2015.

Author: Nicholas Caraway

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-22-1 to 22-22-14; §§ 22-22A-1 to 22-22A-16et seq., as amended.