1. (a) Design and standards. All potable water distribution systems including pump stations, mains, and both ground and elevated storage tanks, shall be designed, installed and constructed in accordance with current American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards with reference to materials to be used and construction procedures to be followed. In the absence of AWWA standards, commission review may be based upon the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), commercial and other recognized standards utilized by licensed professional engineers.

   1. (1) All newly installed pipes and related products must conform to American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation (ANSI/NSF) Standard 61 and must be certified by an organization accredited by ANSI.
   2. (2) All plastic pipe for use in public water systems must also bear the National Sanitation Foundation Seal of Approval (NSF-pw) and have an ASTM design pressure rating of at least 150 psi or a standard dimension ratio of 26 or less.
   3. (3) No pipe which has been used for any purpose other than the conveyance of drinking water shall be accepted or relocated for use in any public drinking water supply.
   4. (4) Water transmission and distribution lines must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However, the top of the water line must be located below the frost line and in no case shall the top of the water line be less than 24 inches below ground surface.
   5. (5) The hydrostatic leakage rate shall not exceed the amount allowed or recommended by AWWA formulas.

2. (b) Lead ban. The following provisions apply to the use of lead in plumbing.

   1. (1) The use of pipes and pipe fittings that contain more than 8.0% lead or solders and flux that contains more than 0.2% lead is prohibited in the following circumstances:

      1. (A) for installation or repair of any public water supply; and
      2. (B) for installation or repair of any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption and connected to a public drinking water supply system.
   2. (2) This requirement will be waived for lead joints that are necessary for repairs to cast iron pipe.
3. (c) Minimum water line sizes. These are minimum requirements for domestic flows only and do not consider fire flows. These requirements should be exceeded when the licensed professional engineer deems it necessary. It should be noted that the required sizes are based strictly on the number of customers to be served and not on the distances between connections or differences in elevation or the type of pipe. No new water line under two inches in diameter will be allowed to be installed in a public water system distribution system. These minimum line sizes do not apply to individual customer service lines.
   Attached Graphic
   

4. (d) Minimum pressure requirement. The system must be designed to maintain a minimum pressure of 35 psi at all points within the distribution network at flow rates of at least 1.5 gallons per minute per connection. When the system is intended to provide fire fighting capability, it must also be designed to maintain a minimum pressure of 20 psi under combined fire and drinking water flow conditions.

   1. (1) Air release devices shall be installed in the distribution system at all points where topography or other factors may create air locks in the lines. Air release devices shall be installed in such a manner as to preclude the possibility of submergence or possible entrance of contaminants. In this respect, all openings to the atmosphere shall be covered with 16-mesh or finer, corrosion-resistant screening material or an acceptable equivalent.
   2. (2) When service is to be provided to more than one pressure plane or when distribution system conditions and demands are such that low pressures develop, the method of providing increased pressure shall be by means of booster pumps taking suction from storage tanks. If an exception to this requirement is desired, the designing engineer must furnish for the executive director's review all planning material for booster pumps taking suction from other than a storage tank. The planning material must contain a full description of the supply to the point of suction, maximum demands on this part of the system, location of pressure recorders, safety controls, and other pertinent information. Where booster pumps are installed to take suction directly from the distribution system, a minimum residual pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) must be maintained on the suction line at all times. Such installations must be equipped with automatic pressure cut-off devices so that the pumping units become inoperative at a suction pressure of less than 20 psi. In addition, a continuous pressure recording device may be required at a predetermined suspected critical pressure point on the suction line in order to record the hydraulic conditions in the line at all times. If such a record indicates critical minimum pressures (less than 20 psi), adequate storage facilities must be installed with the booster pumps taking suction from the storage facility. Fire pumps used to maintain pressure on automatic sprinkler systems only for fire protection purposes are not considered as in-line booster pumps.
   3. (3) Service connections which require booster pumps taking suction from the public water system distribution lines must be equipped with automatic pressure cut-off devices so that the pumping units become inoperative at a suction pressure of less than 20 psi. Where these types of installations are necessary, the preferred method of pressure maintenance consists of an air gapped connection with a storage tank and subsequent repressurization facilities.
   4. (4) Each community public water system shall provide accurate metering devices at each service connection for the accumulation of water usage data. Systems where no direct charge is made for the water shall be exempted from this requirement.
   5. (5) The system shall be provided with sufficient valves and blowoffs so that necessary repairs can be made without undue interruption of service over any considerable area and for flushing the system when required. The engineering report shall establish criteria for this design.
   6. (6) The system shall be designed to afford effective circulation of water with a minimum of dead ends. All dead-end mains shall be provided with acceptable flush valves and discharge piping. All dead-end lines less than two inches in diameter will not require flush valves if they end at a customer service. Where dead ends are necessary as a stage in the growth of the system, they shall be located and arranged with a view to ultimately connecting them to provide circulation.

5. (e) Location of waterlines.

   1. (1) The following rules apply to installations of potable water distribution lines and wastewater collection lines, wastewater force mains and other conveyances/appurtenances identified as potential sources of contamination. Furthermore, all ratings specified shall be defined by ASTM or AWWA standards unless stated otherwise.
   2. (2) When new potable water distribution lines are constructed, they shall be installed no closer than nine feet in all directions to wastewater collection facilities. All separation distances shall be measured from the outside surface of each of the respective pieces.
   3. (3) Potable water distribution lines and wastewater collection lines or force mains that form parallel utility lines shall be installed in separate trenches.
   4. (4) No physical connection shall be made between a drinking water supply and a sewer line. Any appurtenance shall be designed and constructed so as to prevent any possibility of sewage entering the drinking water system.

   5. (5) Where the nine foot separation distance cannot be achieved, the following criteria shall apply.

      1. (A) New Waterline Installation--Parallel Lines.

         1. (i) Where a new potable waterline parallels an existing, non-pressure or pressure rated wastewater line/force main and the licensed professional engineer is able to determine that the existing line is not leaking, the new potable waterline shall be located at least two feet above the existing line, measured vertically, and at least four feet away, measured horizontally, from the existing line. Every effort shall be exerted not to disturb the bedding and backfill of the existing wastewater line.
         2. (ii) Where a new potable waterline parallels an existing pressure rated wastewater line and it cannot be determined by the licensed professional engineer if the existing line is leaking, the existing wastewater line shall be replaced with a 150 psi pressure rated pipe. The new potable waterline shall be located at least two feet above the new wastewater line, measured vertically, and at least four feet away, measured horizontally, from the replaced wastewater line.
         3. (iii) Where a new potable waterline parallels a new wastewater line/force main, the wastewater line shall be constructed of 150 psi pressure rated pipe. The new potable waterline shall located at least two feet above the wastewater line, measured vertically, and at least four feet away, measured horizontally, from the wastewater line.

      2. (B) New Waterline Installation--Crossing Lines.

         1. (i) Where a new potable waterline crosses an existing, non-pressure rated wastewater line, one segment of the waterline pipe shall be centered over the wastewater line such that the joints of the waterline pipe are equidistant and at least nine feet horizontally from the centerline of the wastewater line. The potable waterline shall be at least two feet above the wastewater line. Whenever possible, the crossing shall be centered between the joints of the wastewater line. If the existing wastewater line is disturbed or shows signs of leaking, it shall be replaced for at least nine feet in both directions (18 feet total) with 150 psi pressure rated pipe.
         2. (ii) Where a new potable waterline crosses an existing, pressure rated wastewater line, one segment of the waterline pipe shall be centered over the wastewater line such that the joints of the waterline pipe are equidistant and at least nine feet horizontally from the centerline of the wastewater line. The potable waterline shall be at least six inches above the wastewater line. Whenever possible, the crossing shall be centered between the joints of the wastewater line. If the existing wastewater line shows signs of leaking, it shall be replaced for at least nine feet in both directions (18 feet total) with 150 psi pressure rated pipe.
         3. (iii) Where a new potable waterline crosses a new, non-pressure rated wastewater line and the standard pipe segment length of the wastewater line is at least 18 feet, one segment of the waterline pipe shall be centered over the wastewater line such that the joints of the waterline pipe are equidistant and at least nine feet horizontally from the centerline of the wastewater line. The potable waterline shall be at least two feet above the wastewater line. Whenever possible, the crossing shall be centered between the joints of the wastewater line. The wastewater pipe shall have a minimum pipe stiffness of 115 psi at 5.0% deflection. The wastewater line shall be embedded in cement stabilized sand (see clause (vi) of this subparagraph) for the total length of one pipe segment plus 12 inches beyond the joint on each end.

         4. (iv) Where a new potable waterline crosses a new, non-pressure rated wastewater line and a standard length of the wastewater pipe is less than 18 feet in length, the potable water pipe segment shall be centered over the wastewater line. The materials and method of installation shall conform with one of the following options:

            1. (I) Within nine feet horizontally of either side of the waterline, the wastewater pipe and joints shall be constructed with pipe material having a minimum pressure rating of 150 psi. An absolute minimum vertical separation distance of two feet shall be provided. The wastewater line shall be located below the waterline.
            2. (II) All sections of wastewater line within nine feet horizontally of the waterline shall be encased in an 18 foot (or longer) section of pipe. Flexible encasing pipe shall have a minimum pipe stiffness of 115 psi at 5.0% deflection. The encasing pipe shall be centered on the waterline and shall be at least two nominal pipe diameters larger than the wastewater line. The space around the carrier pipe shall be supported at five foot (or less) intervals with spacers or be filled to the springline with washed sand. Each end of the casing shall be sealed with water tight non-shrink cement grout or a manufactured water tight seal. An absolute minimum separation distance of six inches between the encasement pipe and the waterline shall be provided. The wastewater line shall be located below the waterline.
            3. (III) When a new waterline crosses under a wastewater line, the waterline will be encased as described for wastewater lines in section (II) above or constructed of ductile iron or steel pipe with mechanical or welded joints as appropriate. An absolute minimum separation distance of one foot between the water line and the wastewater line shall be provided. Both the waterline and wastewater line, must pass a pressure and leakage test as specified in AWWA C600 standards.
         5. (v) Where a new potable waterline crosses a new, pressure rated wastewater line, one segment of the waterline pipe shall be centered over the wastewater line such that the joints of the waterline pipe are equidistant and at least nine feet horizontally from the centerline of the wastewater line. The potable waterline shall be at least six inches above the wastewater line. Whenever possible, the crossing should be centered between the joints of the wastewater line. The wastewater pipe shall have a minimum pressure rating of 150 psi. The wastewater line shall be embedded in cement stabilized sand for the total length of one pipe segment plus 12 inches beyond the joint on each end.
         6. (vi) Where cement stabilized sand bedding is required, the cement stabilized sand shall have a minimum of 10% cement per cubic yard of cement stabilized sand mixture, based on loose dry weight volume (at least 2.5 bags of cement per cubic yard of mixture). The cement stabilized sand bedding shall be a minimum of six inches above and four inches below the sewer pipe. The use of brown coloring in cement stabilized sand for wastewater line bedding is recommended for the identification of wastewater force mains during future construction.
   6. (6) Waterline and Manhole Separation. The separation distance from a potable waterline to a manhole shall be a minimum of nine feet. Where the nine foot separation distance cannot be achieved, the potable waterline shall be encased in a joint of 150 psi pressure class pipe at least 18 feet long and two nominal sizes larger than the new conveyance. The space around the carrier pipe shall be supported at five feet intervals with spacers or be filled to the spring line with washed sand. The encasement pipe shall be centered on the crossing and both ends sealed with cement grout or manufactured seal.
   7. (7) Location of Fire hydrants. Fire hydrants shall not be installed within nine feet vertically or horizontally of any sanitary sewer line regardless of construction.
   8. (8) Location of Supply/Suction Lines. Suction mains to pumping equipment shall not cross wastewater lines carrying domestic or industrial wastes. Raw water supply lines shall not be installed within five feet of any tile or concrete wastewater line.
   9. (9) Proximity of Septic Tank Drainfields. Waterlines shall not be installed closer than ten feet to septic tank drainfields.

6. (f) Sanitary precautions and disinfection. Sanitary precautions, flushing, disinfection procedures, and microbiological sampling as prescribed in AWWA standards for disinfecting water mains shall be followed in laying water lines.

   1. (1) Pipe shall not be laid in water or placed where it can be flooded with water or sewage during its storage or installation.
   2. (2) Special precautions must be taken when water lines are laid under any flowing or intermittent stream or semi-permanent body of water such as marsh, bay, or estuary. In these cases, the water main shall be installed in a separate watertight pipe encasement and valves must be provided on each side of the crossing with facilities to allow the underwater portion of the system to be isolated and tested to determine that there are no leaks in the underwater line. Alternately, and with the executive director's permission, the watertight pipe encasement may be omitted.
   3. (3) New mains shall be thoroughly disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standard C651 and then flushed and sampled before being placed in service. Samples shall be collected for microbiological analysis to check the effectiveness of the disinfection procedure which shall be repeated if contamination persists. A minimum of one sample for each 1,000 feet of completed water line will be required or at the next available sampling point beyond 1,000 feet as designated by the design engineer.

7. (g) Interconnections.

   1. (1) Each proposal for a direct connection between public drinking water systems under separate administrative authority will be considered on an individual basis.

      1. (A) Documents covering the responsibility for sanitary control shall accompany the submitted planning material.
      2. (B) Each water supply shall be of a safe, potable quality.
   2. (2) Where an interconnection between systems is proposed to provide a second source of supply for one or both systems, the system being utilized as a second source of supply must be capable of supplying a minimum of 0.35 gallons per minute per connection for the total number of connections in the combined distribution systems.

8. (h) Backflow, siphonage.

   1. (1) No water connection from any public drinking water supply system shall be made to any establishment where an actual or potential contamination or system hazard exists without an air gap separation between the drinking water supply and the source of potential contamination. The containment air gap is sometimes impractical and, instead, reliance must be placed on individual "internal" air gaps or mechanical backflow prevention devices. Under these conditions, additional protection shall be required at the meter in the form of a backflow prevention device (in accordance with AWWA Standards C510 and C511, and AWWA Manual M14) on those establishments handling substances deleterious or hazardous to the public health. The water purveyor need not require backflow protection at the water service entrance if an adequate cross-connection control program is in effect that includes an annual inspection and testing by a certified backflow prevention device tester. It will be the responsibility of the water purveyor to ensure that these requirements are met.
   2. (2) No water connection from any public drinking water supply system shall be made to any condensing, cooling, or industrial process or any other system of nonpotable usage over which the public water supply system officials do not have sanitary control, unless the said connection is made in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection. Water from such systems cannot be returned to the potable water supply.
   3. (3) Overhead bulk water dispensing stations must be provided with an air gap between the filling outlet hose and the receiving tank to protect against back siphonage and cross-contamination.

   4. (4) Effective January 1, 1996, all backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested upon installation by a recognized backflow prevention assembly tester and certified to be operating within specifications. Backflow prevention assemblies which are installed to provide protection against high health hazards must also be tested and certified to be operating within specifications at least annually by a recognized backflow prevention device tester.

      1. (A) Recognized testers shall have completed a Commission approved course on cross connection control and backflow prevention and pass an examination administered by the TNRCC or its designated agent. The accredited tester classification shall be broken down into two categories:

         1. (i) The "General Tester" is qualified to test and repair backflow prevention assemblies on any domestic, commercial, industrial or irrigation service. (Exception-Firelines--See "Fireline Tester" in §290.44(h)(A)(ii)).
         2. (ii) The "Fireline Tester" is qualified to test and repair backflow prevention assemblies on firelines only. The State Fire Marshall's office requires that a person performing maintenance on firelines must be employed by an Approved Fireline Contractor.
      2. (B) Individuals that can show proof of completion of a course and passage of an exam based on the ABPA or ASSE National exam, prior to the effective date of these regulations, may be recognized as accredited for the term of their current certification (not to exceed three years).
      3. (C) Gauges used in the testing of backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested for accuracy annually in accordance with the University of Southern California's Foundation of Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research and/or the American Water Works Association Manual of Cross Connection Control (Manual M-14). Public water systems shall require testers to include test gauge serial numbers on "Test and Maintenance" report forms and ensure testers have gauges tested for accuracy.
      4. (D) A Test Report must be completed by the recognized backflow prevention Assembly Tester for each assembly tested. The signed and dated original must be submitted to the public water supplier for record keeping purposes. Should the tester choose to use a report format which differs from that found in Appendix F of this title, it must minimally contain all information required by the report form.
      5. (E) Test and maintenance reports shall be retained for a minimum of three years. The public water supplier must provide these records to commission staff for inspection upon request.
   5. (5) The use of a backflow prevention device at the service connection shall be considered as additional backflow protection and shall not negate the use of backflow protection on internal hazards as outlined and enforced by local plumbing codes.

9. (i) Water hauling. When drinking water is distributed by tank truck or trailer, it must be accomplished in the following manner:

   1. (1) Water shall be obtained from an approved source.

   2. (2) The equipment used to haul the water must be approved by the executive director and must be constructed as follows:

      1. (A) The tank truck or trailer shall be used for transporting drinking water only and shall be labeled "Drinking Water." Tanks which have been used previously for purposes other than transporting potable liquids shall not be used for hauling drinking water.
      2. (B) The tank shall be watertight and of an approved material which is impervious and easily cleaned and disinfected. Any paint or coating and any plastic or fiberglass materials used as contact surfaces must be approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Food and Drug Administration, or the National Sanitation Foundation. Effective January 1, 1993, any newly installed surfaces shall conform to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and must be certified by an organization accredited by ANSI.
      3. (C) The tank shall have a manhole and a manhole cover which overlaps the raised manhole opening by a minimum of two inches and terminates in a downward direction. The cover shall fit firmly on the manhole opening and shall be kept locked.
      4. (D) The tank shall have a vent which is faced downward and located to minimize the possibility of drawing contaminants into the stored water. The vent must be screened with 16-mesh or finer corrosion resistant material.
      5. (E) Connections for filling and emptying the tank shall be properly protected to prevent the possible entrance of contamination. These openings must be provided with caps and keeper chains.
      6. (F) A drain shall be provided which will completely empty the tank for cleaning or repairs.
      7. (G) When a pump is used to transfer the water from the tank, the pump shall be permanently mounted with a permanent connection to the tank. The discharge side of the pump shall be properly protected between uses by a protective cap and keeper chain.
      8. (H) Hoses used for the transfer of drinking water to and from the tank shall be used only for that purpose and labeled for drinking water only. The hoses shall conform to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and must be certified by an entity recognized by the commission. Hoses and related appurtenances must be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis during prolonged use or before start-up during intermittent use. Hoses must be properly stored between uses and must be provided with caps and keeper chains or have the ends connected together.
      9. (I) The tank shall be disinfected monthly and at any time that contamination is suspected.
      10. (J) At least one sample per month from each tank shall be collected and submitted for microbiological analysis to one of the commission's approved laboratories for each month of operation.
      11. (K) A minimum free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/l or, if chloramines are used as the primary disinfectant, a chloramine residual of 1.0 mg/l (measured as total chlorine) shall be maintained in the water being hauled. Chlorine or chlorine containing compounds may be added on a "batch" basis to maintain the required residual.
      12. (L) Operational records detailing the amount of water hauled, purchases, microbiological sampling results, chlorine residual readings, dates of disinfection and source of water shall be maintained.

Source Note:The provisions of this §290.44 adopted to be effective October 1, 1992, 17 TexReg 6455; amended to be effective November 3, 1995, 20 TexReg 8620; amended to be effective March 3, 1997, 22 TexReg 1809; amended to be effective February 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 731.