1. (a) Each OTNWS must successfully perform and complete a commissioning period prior to supplying onsite treated nonpotable water for indoor and outdoor uses.
2. (b) The commissioning plan and report must be prepared by a professional engineer licensed in California and who has a minimum of three (3) years' experience in wastewater treatment.
3. (c) Each OTNWS must have a commissioning plan approved by the local jurisdiction prior to commissioning.

4. (d) The commissioning plan must contain the following information:

   1. (1) Hydraulic load during the test;
   2. (2) Location and schedule for all sampling or measurements;
   3. (3) Methods used to analyze water quality samples or make measurements, if applicable;
   4. (4) Person(s) responsible for conducting the test and, if applicable, processing samples;
   5. (5) Indicators of normal operating condition;
   6. (6) Methods used to verify that the required pathogen log reduction values are achieved;
   7. (7) Test plan for triggering critical alarms, reliability features, and automatic diversion features;
   8. (8) Procedure and proposed test run conditions for a field verification study pursuant to section 60640 for alternatives to pathogen control treatment trains; and
   9. (9) Any additional information that the local jurisdiction determines is necessary to demonstrate how the OTNWS will operate as designed at the anticipated operating conditions.
5. (e) The duration of the commissioning period must be sufficient for all treatment processes to reach steady operating conditions, to experience at least one continuous operation between two consecutive backwash cycles (or other actions that renew treatment function yield or efficacy), and to collect sufficient treatment system performance data to determine that the treatment train meets the reliability requirements for compliance with section 60674.

6. (f) A commissioning report documenting the OTNWS commissioning must be submitted to the local jurisdiction for review and approval within 30 days of completion of the commissioning period. The commissioning report must also be submitted to the public water system, sewer service provider, and when applicable, recycled water agency within 30 days of completion of the commissioning period. The commissioning report must include the following information:

   1. (1) Identification of any deviation from the local jurisdiction-approved commissioning plan;
   2. (2) Efficacy of treatment;
   3. (3) Functionality of treatment unit operations such as pumping, aeration, level controls, and chemical feed rates;
   4. (4) Any situations resulting in out-of-specification performance of each treatment process not anticipated in the commissioning plan; and
   5. (5) Finding(s) on whether the OTNWS treatment facility commissioning demonstrates that it can reliably comply with the requirements in Articles 4, 5, and 6, and any additional local jurisdiction requirements necessary to demonstrate that the OTNWS will operate in a manner that is protective of public health.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 13558 and 13558.1, Water Code; and Sections 116271 and 116350, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 13558 and 13558.1, Water Code.

History

1. New section filed 4-22-2026; operative 4-22-2026 pursuant to Water Code section 13558(f) (Register 2026, No. 17).