Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-7-.04

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

Section 335-7-7-.04 - Water Storage Tank Maintenance

(1) For the purposes of this rule, "water storage tank" or "storage tank" shall mean any vessel designed to store finished drinking water that is ownec or operated by the public water system. This includes clearwells, hydropneumatic tanks with hatches or manholes for access to its interior, and storage tanks that are out of service but still connected to the distribution system.

(2) Public water systems shall develop and implement a written maintenance plan for all water storage tanks. The plan at a minimum shall include the following:

(a) Schedule for the inspection/ cleaning of each water storage tank, not to exceed 5-year intervals.

(b) The current coating type for each water storage tank, with particular emphasis placed on coatings which contain lead, coal tar, other coatings no longer NSF approved for use in a water storage tank.

(c) Separate specifications for the inside and outside coatings describing when the coating has failed and must be repaired.

(d) The method that will be used to disinfect the water storage tank after each inspection/cleaning. The disinfection method selected shall comply with AWWA C652 (latest edition) for Disinfection of Water-Storage Facilities. After the storage tank has been properly disinfected and refilled to an acceptable disinfectant residual in accordance with ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-7-10-.04, two consecutive bacteriological samples shall be collected not less than 30 minutes apart and analyzed to be absent of total coliform before the storage tank may be returned to service.

(e) Schematics (as-built drawing if available) depicting the water storage tank's dimensions and configuration for all major components. If a mixer is present, the plan shall include the operational parameters for the mixing system if applicable.

(3)Inspection/Cleaning Requirements.

(a) All storage tanks constructed prior to January 1, 2022, shall have an initial inspection/ cleaning under this regulation completed by December 31, 2027.

(b) All storage tanks constructed on or after January 1, 2022, shall have an initial inspection/ cleaning under this regulation completed no later than five years from the date of construction.

(c) All storage tanks shall be inspected/cleaned at least once every five years following the date of the initial inspection/ cleaning under this regulation.

(4) No storage facility may be returned to service until all significant deficiencies have been repaired. A significant deficiency is any deficiency where there is a potential for the water to become contaminated. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) Missing roof hatches;

(b) Missing or incorrectly sized screens on vent pipes. The proper size screen is #20 mesh or smaller made from a non-corroding material;

(c) Holes in the roof or walls;

(d) Roof joints that are no longer properly sealed;

(e) Overflow lines without proper protection which includes a screen and flap valve or another acceptable configuration (e.g., duckbill valve);

(f) Improper air gap for an overflow line;

(g) Connection to a sanitary sewer system; or

(h) Missing or cracked rubber gaskets (if required) around hatches.

(5) If any tank has a significant deficiency identified, a summary report shall be written and submitted to the Department within 14 days of the inspection. This report should also include the corrective action and the timeframe for repair.

(6) A final inspection report shall be written separate from a summary report and shall be maintained on file at the water system for public review and review during inspections. The report shall be maintained for a minimum of 10 years.

(7) The final report shall include a description of any objects or contaminants found in the water storage tank and the most likely entry point.

(8) The final report shall be detailed, including pictures and/ or videos, describing all conditions discovered during the inspection, not just a list of deficiencies.

(9) All inspection and summary reports shall be signed by a qualified tank inspection professional. This individual shall possess experience inspecting storage tanks of similar design and size, according to generally recognized standards of the water utility industry.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-7-.04

New Rule: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. Amended: Filed December 18, 2008; effective January 22, 2008.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 05, February 28, 2022, eff. 4/14/2022.

Authors: Edgar K. Hughes, Dennis D. Harrison, Ross Caton

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-23-33, 22-23-49, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6.