HB 71

This bill would set safety and cleanliness requirements for the design, construction, permitting, and operation of certain water distribution facilities

Relating to the distribution of drinking water; to add Section 22-23-55 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to set safety and cleanliness requirements for the design, construction, permitting, and operation of certain water distribution facilities.

Section 1

Section 22-23-55 is added to Article 2 of Chapter 23 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows: §22-23-55. (a) This section applies to the following: (1) All community water systems that distribute drinking water for consumption by the public. (2) All non-community public water systems that distribute drinking water for consumption by the public and that regularly serve at least 25 of the same individuals for at least six months per year. (b) The following requirements pertain to water main facilities: (1) Water mains shall be constructed of materials which will neither contaminate nor allow deterioration of the water quality. (2) Gaskets, O-rings, and other products used for joining pipe and for setting meters, valves, or other appurtenances shall not be made nor coated with materials which will support microbiological growth and shall be certified as meeting the specifications of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standard 61. (3) Water mains permitted by the board shall be properly pressure tested and disinfected after installation and shall undergo bacteriological testing showing the absence of coliform. Documentation of the pressure test, disinfection, and bacteriological testing results shall be provided to the board along with a request for a final inspection prior to the setting of meters to serve customers on the lines. (c) The following requirements pertain to water mains installed after January 1, 2013: (1) A minimum horizontal separation of five feet shall be maintained between water mains and sanitary sewer mains. (2) When water and sewer main crossings are necessary, place a continuous casing around one of the mains to allow a minimum separation of five feet between each end of the cased and uncased main. (3) Where possible, install the water main so that the top elevation of the sewer main is a minimum of 18 inches below the bottom elevation of the water main. (4) Unless adequately cased to protect against cross contamination, water mains shall not be installed in a manner that allows for contact with any part of a sewer manhole, septic tank field line, or soil saturated with organic solvents or gasoline. (d) Pumping stations shall be located or constructed so that the pumps and piping are protected from flooding and shall be designed and operated to allow satisfactory pressure and service to customers on the suction and discharge side of the station. (e) The following requirements pertain to finished water storage facilities: (1) Uncovered finished water storage reservoirs that are used to store water that will undergo no further treatment except residual disinfection, and that are open to the atmosphere, are prohibited. (2) All finished water storage structures shall have suitable watertight roofs, hatches, and covers to exclude outside contamination. (3) Access manholes shall be equipped with a locking mechanism. (4) Clearwells and pumping sumps associated with surface treatment plants may not be constructed adjacent to unfinished water units when the compartments are separated by a single wall. (5) All metal water storage facilities shall be protected by paints or other protective coatings. Inside paint systems shall not use lead primer but shall otherwise conform to either of the following: a. The most recent revision of the D102 Coating Steel Water-Storage Tanks standard of the American Water Works Association. b. Any other standard accepted by the board. (6) Protective coatings shall be used and applied in such a manner as to prevent contamination of the water in contact with these coatings. (f) Storage tanks permitted after December 31, 2006, shall: (1) Provide for a minimum fluctuation of 50 percent in water height during all normal operating conditions. Requests for a deviation shall be submitted in writing, and approved deviations shall be issued in writing by the board. The request must include reasons the deviation should be granted and the deviation cannot be made until written approval is received by the board. (2) Minimize water age and provide adequate mixing of water. Inlet pipe diameters or wet risers greater than 36 inches shall not be allowed unless approved by the board. Any request for an allowance for larger diameter shall be submitted in writing and shall include reasons for the larger diameter and include design calculations showing that the tank will mix properly and water age will be minimized. (3) Be designed to allow the water storage tank to be removed from service for cleaning and repair as required by rules adopted by the board. (4) Be properly disinfected and undergo bacteriological testing showing the absence of coliform prior to use. Documentation of the disinfection and bacteriological testing results shall be provided to the board along with a request to place the tank into service.

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.