SB53 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Drinking water, to set safety and cleanliness requirements for the design, construction, permitting, and operation of certain water distribution facilities, Sec. 22-23-55 added

Summary

SB 53 would set safety and cleanliness standards for the design, construction, permitting, and operation of certain drinking water distribution facilities in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It adds Section 22-23-55 establishing safety and cleanliness requirements for water distribution facilities. It applies to community water systems and certain non-community public water systems that regularly serve at least 25 people for six months per year. It sets technical and inspection requirements for water mains, including materials, joint components, testing, and documentation; and it imposes spacing, casing, and elevated protection rules where water and sewer mains interact. It also covers pumping stations and finished water storage facilities, including design, coverings, coatings, and disinfection/testing requirements before putting storage into service.

Who It Affects

• Community water systems that distribute drinking water to the public (subject to the new safety and cleanliness requirements for distribution facilities).
• Non-community public water systems that regularly serve at least 25 of the same individuals for at least six months per year (subject to the same requirements).

Key Provisions

• Creates Section 22-23-55 applying to community water systems and certain non-community public water systems.
• Water mains must be made of materials that will not contaminate or deteriorate water quality; joining components must use materials certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61.
• Mains must be pressure tested, disinfected after installation, and shown free of coliform; documentation must be provided to the board with a request for final inspection before meters are set.
• Mains installed after January 1, 2013 must have at least five feet horizontal separation from sanitary sewer mains; crossings require continuous casings to maintain separation; sewer is ideally 18 inches below the water main where possible.
• Where possible, water mains should avoid contact with sewer manholes, septic field lines, or soil contaminated with solvents or gasoline unless adequately cased.
• Pumping stations must be located or built to be protected from flooding and to maintain proper pressure on both sides of the station.
• Finished water storage facilities must have covered or watertight structures; uncovered reservoirs are prohibited; access manholes must be locked; coatings must protect water and meet specified standards.
• Storage tanks built after 2006 must allow a minimum 50% fluctuation in water height; large-diameter tanks require board-approved design calculations; tanks must be disinfected and tested for absence of coliform before use.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Environmental Management Department