DAR File No. 38535

Environmental Quality, Drinking Water

Rule R309-545

Facility Design and Operation: Drinking Water Storage Tanks

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 38535
Filed: 05/15/2014 04:25:41 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Engineering Section of the Division of Drinking Water was tasked to review the Drinking Water R309-500 series rules for revisions, clarifications, corrections, updates, etc.

Summary of the rule or change:

It has been several years since Rule R309-545 was reviewed and revised as a whole. This rule contains several outdated and incorrect references to the AWWA standards. The proposed modifications to Rule R309-545 include the following: 1) eliminate redundant references to sizing and exception requests; 2) revise to use the same terminology throughout the rule (tank vs. reservoir, etc.); 3) modify the rule to require a means to drain the tank; 4) clarify recommendations versus requirements (should, shall, etc.); 5) eliminate the requirement for tracer studies on new tanks; 6) add requirements for curing procedures and volatile organic compound sampling for tank coating; 7) clarify penetrations on the shoebox lid of the tank hatch; 8) add requirement that the tank venting capacity shall exceed the water flow; 9) eliminate the requirement for a screen protector on vent lines that are smaller than 6-inches in diameter; 10) miscellaneous changes to correct formatting, grammar and to make the rule language more easily understood; and 11) correct numerous outdated and incorrect references.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 19-4-104(1)(a)(ii)

This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

• Removes Inspecting and Repairing Steel Water Tanks, Standpipes, Reservoirs, and Elevated Tanks, for Water Storage, published by American Water Works Association, 01/26/1986
• Removes Coating Steel Water-Storage Tanks, published by American Water Works Association, 11/01/0003
• Removes Factory-Coated Bolted Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage, published by American Water Works Association, 02/01/1998
• Removes Circular Prestresses Concrete Water Tanks with Circumferential Tendons, published by American Water Works Association, 06/01/1996
• Removes Disinfection of Water Storage Reservoirs, published by American Water Works Association, C652-02
• Removes Automatically Controlled, Impressed-Current Cathotic Protection for the Interior of Steel Water Tanks, published by American Water Works Association, D104-01
• Removes Wire- and Strand-Wound Circular, Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks, published by American Water Works Association, 02/01/2005
• Removes Weldon Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage, published by American Water Works Association, 05/01/2006
• Removes Flexible Membrane Lining and Floating Cover Materials for Potable Water Storage, published by American Water Works Association, D130-02
• Removes Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Tanks, published by American Water Works Association, 01/01/2003

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

This rule amendment makes revisions, clarifications, corrections, updates, etc. to Rule R309-545. Because this rule amendment only makes this type of changes, it should not significantly increase Division staff time in administering the amended rule. Therefore, there should be no significant cost or savings from the proposed rule amendment to the state budget.

local governments:

The Division of Drinking Water regulates public drinking water systems and local governments are not part of the regulated community. Because of the type of this rule amendment, it should not affect local governments. Therefore, there should be no significant cost or savings from the proposed rule amendment to local government.

small businesses:

The Division of Drinking Water regulates public drinking water systems and small businesses are not part of the regulated community. Because of the type of this rule amendment, it should not affect small businesses. Therefore, there should be no significant cost or savings from the proposed rule amendment to small businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The Division of Drinking Water regulates public drinking water systems and persons other than small businesses, businesses, and local government entities are not part of the regulated community, unless they are a public water system. Because of the type of this rule amendment, it should not affect persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities. Therefore, there should be no significant cost or savings from the proposed rule amendment to persons to other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The Division of Drinking Water regulates public drinking water systems. This rule amendment makes revisions, clarifications, corrections, updates, etc. to Rule R309-545. Because of the type of these changes in the rule, it should not significantly increase the time public drinking water systems and their engineering consultants spend in submitting projects for plan review and approval. Therefore, there should be no significant cost or savings from this rule amendment to the public water systems.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

The proposed changes will not significantly impact businesses as the changes clarify compliance with the drinking water rules and update referenced standards for public drinking water systems.

Amanda Smith, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Environmental Quality
Drinking WaterRoom Third Floor
195 N 1950 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3085

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Ying-Ying Macauley at the above address, by phone at 801-536-4188, by FAX at 801-536-4211, or by Internet E-mail at ymacauley@utah.gov
• Bob Hart at the above address, by phone at 801-536-0054, by FAX at 801-536-4211, or by Internet E-mail at bhart@utah.gov
• Tammy North at the above address, by phone at 801-536-4293, by FAX at 801-536-4211, or by Internet E-mail at tnorth@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/01/2014

This rule may become effective on:

07/08/2014

Authorized by:

Ken Bousfield, Director

R309. Environmental Quality, Drinking Water.

R309-545. Facility Design and Operation: Drinking Water Storage Tanks.

R309-545-1. Purpose.

The purpose of this rule is to provide specific requirements for public drinking water storage tanks. It is intended to be applied in conjunction with other rules, specifically R309-500 through R309-550. Collectively, these rules govern the design, construction, operation , and maintenance of public drinking water system facilities. These rules are intended to assure that such facilities are reliably capable of supplying adequate quantities of water , which consistently meet applicable drinking water quality requirements and do not pose a threat to general public health.

 

R309-545-2. Authority.

This rule is promulgated by the Drinking Water Board as authorized by Title 19, Environmental Quality Code, Chapter 4, Safe Drinking Water Act, Subsection 104(1)(a)(ii) of the Utah Code and in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3 of the same, known as the Administrative Rulemaking Act.

 

R309-545-3. Definitions.

Definitions for certain terms used in this rule are given in R309-110 but may be further clarified herein.

 

R309-545-4. General.

Storage for drinking water shall be provided as an integral part of each public drinking water system unless an exception to the rule is approved by the Director. Pipeline volume in transmission or distribution lines shall not be considered part of any storage volumes.

 

R309-545-5. Size of Tank(s).

[Required Storage Capacity: In the absence of firm water use data, at or above the 90% confidence level, s]Storage tanks shall be sized in accordance with the required minimums of R309-510.

 

R309-545-6. Tank Material and Structural Adequacy.

(1) Materials.

The materials used in drinking water storage structures shall provide stability and durability as well as protect the quality of the stored water. Steel tanks shall be constructed from new, previously unused, plates and designed in accordance with AWWA Standard D-100-11.

(2) Structural Design.

The structural design of drinking water storage structures shall be sufficient for the environment in which they are located.[  The design shall incorporate a careful analysis of potential seismic risks.]

 

R309-545-7. Location of Tanks.

(1) Pressure Considerations.

The location of the [reservoir]tank and the design of the water system shall be such that the minimum working pressure in the distribution system shall meet the minimum pressures as required in R309-105-9.

(2) Connections.

Tanks shall be located at an elevation where present and anticipated connections can be adequately served. System connections shall not be placed at elevations such that minimum pressures as required in R309-105-9 , cannot be continuously maintained.

(3) Sewer Proximity.

Sewers, drains, standing water, and similar sources of possible contamination shall be kept at least 50 horizontal feet from the [reservoir]tank.

(4) Standing Surface Water.

The area surrounding a ground-level drinking water storage structure shall be graded in a manner that will prevent surface water from standing within 50 horizontal feet of the structure.

(5) Ability to Isolate.

Drinking water storage structures shall be designed and located so that they can be isolated from the distribution system. Storage structures shall be capable of being drained for cleaning or maintenance. Where possible, tanks should be designed with the ability to be isolated without necessitating loss of pressure or service in the distribution system.

(6) Earthquake and Landslide Risks.

Potential geologic hazards shall be taken into account in selecting a tank location. Earthquake and landslide risks shall be evaluated.  The design shall incorporate an analysis of potential seismic risks by a Professional Engineer or Geologist.

(7) Security.

The site location and design of a drinking water storage [reservoir]tank shall take into consideration security issues and potential for vandalism.

 

R309-545-8. Tank Burial.

(1) Flood Elevation.

The bottom of drinking water storage [reservoirs]tanks shall be located at least [three]3 feet above the 100-[ ]year flood level or the highest known maximum flood elevation, whichever is higher.

(2) Ground Water.

When the bottom of a drinking water storage [reservoir]tank [is to be]will be placed below the normal ground surface, it shall be placed above the local ground water table elevation.

(3) Covered Roof.

When the roof of a drinking water storage [reservoir]tank [is to]will be covered by earth, the roof shall be sloped to drain toward the outside edge of the tank.

 

R309-545-9. Tank Roof and Sidewalls.

(1) Protection From Contamination.

All drinking water storage structures shall have suitable watertight roofs and sidewalls [which]that shall also exclude birds, animals, insects, and excessive dust.

(2) Openings.

Openings in the roof and sidewalls shall be kept to a minimum and comply with the following:

(a) Any pipes running through the roof or sidewall of a metal drinking water storage structure shall be welded, or properly gasketed. In new concrete tanks, these pipes shall be connected to standard wall castings with seepage rings [which]that have been poured in place. Vent pipes, in addition[s] to seepage rings, shall have raised concrete curbs [which]that direct water away from the vent pipe and are formed as a single pour with the roof deck. No roof drains or any other pipes, which may contain water of less quality than drinking water, shall [ever ]penetrate the roof, walls, or floor of a drinking water storage tank.

(b) Openings in a storage structure roof or top, designated to accommodate control apparatus or pump columns, shall be welded, gasketed, or curbed and sleeved as above, and shall have additional proper shielding to prevent vandalism.

[(c) Openings shall be kept as far away as possible from the storage tank outlet and other sources of surface water.

](3) Adjacent Compartments.

Drinking water shall not be stored or conveyed in a compartment adjacent to wastewater when the two compartments are separated by a single wall.

(4) [Slope of ]Roof Drainage.

The roof of all storage structures shall be designed for drainage to eliminate water ponding. Parapets, or similar construction , which would tend to hold water and snow, shall not be utilized unless adequate waterproofing and drainage are provided. Downspout or roof drain pipes shall not enter or pass through the [reservoir]tank.

 

R309-545-10. Internal Features.

The following shall apply to internal features of drinking water storage structures:

(1) Drains.

[If a drain is provided, it shall not discharge to a sanitary sewer. If local authority allows discharge to a storm drain, the drain discharge shall have a physical air gap of at least two pipe diameters between the discharge end of the pipe and the overflow rim of the receiving basin.

](a) A means shall be provided for the draining of drinking water storage tanks.

(b) Where possible, the drain shall be separate from the outlet pipeline. If a tank drain line is provided, it shall be sloped for complete drainage.

(c) If a drain is provided, it shall not discharge to a sanitary sewer.

(d) If local authority allows discharge to a storm drain, the drain discharge shall have a physical clearance of at least 12 inches between the discharge end of the pipe and the overflow rim of the receiving basin.

(2) Internal Catwalks.

Internal catwalks, if provided and located [so as to be]over the drinking water, shall have a solid floor with raised edges. The edges and floor shall be [so ]designed so that shoe scrapings or dirt will not fall into the drinking water.

(3) Inlet and Outlet.

(a)  To minimize potential sediment in the flow from the [structure]tank, the [normal ]outlet pipes from all [reservoirs]tanks shall be located in a manner to provide a silt trap prior to discharge into the distribution system.

(b) Inlet and outlet pipes shall be configured to provide mixing and circulation.

(4) [Disinfection]Tank Floor.

The floor of the storage structure shall be sloped to permit complete drainage of the structure.[If the drinking water reservoir is to be utilized as a contact basin for disinfection purposes, the design engineer shall conduct tracer studies or other tests, previously approved by the Director, to determine the minimum contact time and the potential for short circuiting.]

 

R309-545-11. [ANSI/NSF International, Standard 61.]Internal Surfaces and Coatings.

(1) ANSI/NSF Standard 61 Certification.

All interior surfaces or coatings shall consist of products [which]that are certified [by laboratories approved by ANSI and which]to comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 61 or other standards approved by the Director. This requirement applies to any pipes and fittings, protective materials (e.g. , paints, coatings, concrete admixtures, concrete release agents, or concrete sealers), joining and sealing materials (e.g., adhesives, caulks, gaskets, primers and sealants) and mechanical devices (e.g., electrical wire, switches, sensors, valves, or submersible pumps) [which]that are located so as to come into contact with the drinking water.

(2) Curing Procedures[Time] and Volatile Organic Compounds.

(a) Proper curing procedures shall be followed per manufacturer's directions, including curing time, temperature, and forced air ventilation. Drinking water shall not be introduced into the tank until proper curing has occurred.

(b) [If products which require a cure or set time are utilized in such a way as to come into contact with the drinking water, then water shall not be introduced into the vessel until any required curing time has passed.  ]It shall be the responsibility of the water [purveyor]system to assure that no tastes or odors, toxins, or [other compounds]contaminants, which result in MCL exceedances, are imparted to the water as a result of tank coating or repair.

(c) Prior to placing a drinking water storage tank in service, cleaning, disinfection, and flushing procedures shall be completed.

(d) Prior to placing a drinking water storage tank in service, an analysis for volatile organic compounds from water contained therein may be required to verify that no such compounds have leached into the water.

 

R309-545-12. Steel Tanks.

(1) Paints.

Proper protection shall be given to all metal surfaces, both internal and external, by paints or other protective coatings. Internal coatings shall comply with [ANSI/NSF Standard 61]R309-545-11.

(2) Cathodic Protection.

If installed, internal cathodic protection shall be designed, installed and maintained by personnel trained in corrosion engineering.

 

R309-545-13. Tank Overflow.

All water storage structures shall be provided with an overflow [which]that is discharged at an elevation between 12 and 24 inches above the ground surface or the rim of the receiving basin.[with an appropriate air gap.] The discharges shall be directed away from the tank and shall not cause erosion.

(1) Diameter.

All overflow pipes shall be of sufficient capacity to permit waste of water in excess of the filling rate.

(2) Slope.

All overflow pipes shall [B]be sloped for complete drainage[,].

(3) Screen.

All overflow pipes shall be screened with No. 4 mesh non-corrodible screen installed at a location least susceptible to damage by vandalism[,].

(4) Visible Discharge.

All overflow pipes shall be located so that any discharge is visible[ ,] .

(5) Cross Connections.

All overflow pipes shall not be connected to, or discharge into, any sanitary sewer system.

(6) Paint.

If an overflow pipe within a [reservoir]tank is painted or otherwise coated, [such]the coating shall comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 61.

 

R309-545-14. Access Openings.

Drinking water storage structures shall be designed with reasonably convenient access to the interior for cleaning and maintenance.

(1) Height.

There shall be at least one opening above the water line, which shall be framed at least [four]4 inches above the surface of the roof at the opening; or if on a buried structure, shall be elevated at least 18 inches above any earthen cover over the structure. The frame shall be securely fastened and sealed to the tank roof [so as ]to prevent any liquid contaminant entering the tank. Concrete drinking water storage structures shall have raised curbs around access openings, formed and poured continuous with the pouring of the roof and sloped to direct water away from the frame.

(2) Shoebox Lid.

The frame of any access opening shall be provided with a close -[]fitting , solid shoebox type cover [which]that extends down around the frame at least [two]2 inches and is furnished with a gasket(s) between the lid and frame[,]. The horizontal surface of the tank lid shall not have any openings, cracks, or penetrations, such as a lock, key hole, or bolted handle that would allow contaminants to enter the tank.

(3) Locking Device.

The lid to any access opening shall have a locking device.

 

R309-545-15. Venting.

Drinking water storage structures shall be vented. The air venting capacity shall exceed the water inflow and the water outflow of the tank. Overflows shall not be considered or used as vents. Vents provided on drinking water storage [reservoirs]tanks shall:

(1) Inverted Vent.

Be downturned a minimum of [two]2 inches below any opening [or]and shielded to prevent the entrance of [surface water and rainwater]contaminants.

(2) Open [Discharge]Venting.

On buried structures, [have the discharge]the end of the vent discharge shall be a minimum of 24 inches above the earthen covering.

(3) Blockage.

Be located and sized [so as ]to avoid blockage during winter conditions.

[(4) Pests.

Exclude birds and animals.

(5) Dust.

Exclude insects and dust, as much as this function can be made compatible with effective venting.

]([6]4) Screen.

Be fitted with No. 14 mesh or finer non-corrodible screen.

([7]5) Screen Protector.

Vents that are 6-inch diameter or greater shall b[B]e fitted with additional heavy gage screen or substantial covering, which will protect the No. 14 mesh screen against vandalism or damage.[and, further, discourage purposeful attempts to contaminate the reservoir.]

 

R309-545-16. Freezing Prevention.

All drinking water storage structures and their appurtenances, especially the riser pipes, overflows, and vents, shall be designed to prevent freezing which may interfere with proper functioning.

 

R309-545-17. Level Controls.

Adequate level control devices shall be provided to maintain water levels in storage structures.

 

[R309-545-18. Security.

Locks on access manholes, and other necessary precautions shall be provided to prevent unauthorized entrance, vandalism, or sabotage.

]

R309-545-[19]18. Safety.

(1) Utah OSHA.

The safety of employees shall be considered in the design of the storage structure. Ladders, ladder guards, platform railings, and safely located entrance hatches shall be provided where applicable. As a minimum, [such matters]safety practices shall conform to pertinent laws and regulations of the Utah Occupational Safety and Health [Administration]Division.

(2) Ladders.

[Generally, l]Ladders having an unbroken length in excess of 20 feet shall be provided with appropriate safety [devices.]features, such as a safety cage, a safety harness, platforms, etc.[  This requirement shall apply both to interior and exterior reservoir ladders.]

(3) Requirements for Elevated Tanks.

Elevated tanks shall have railings or handholds provided [for]to [transfer from the ]access [tube to ]the water compartment safely.

 

R309-545-[20]19. Disinfection.

Drinking water storage structures shall be disinfected before being put into service for the first time, and after being entered for cleaning, repair, or painting. The [reservoir]tank shall be cleaned of all refuse and shall then be washed with [potable]drinking water prior to adding the disinfectant. AWWA Standard C652-[02]11 shall be followed for [reservoir]tank disinfection[, ].[with the exception there shall be no delivery of waters used in the disinfection process to the distribution system, unless specifically authorized, in writing, by the Director.]

Upon completing any of the three methods for storage tank chlorination, as outlined in AWWA C652-[02]11, the water system must properly dispose of residual super-chlorinated waters in the outlet pipes. Other super-chlorinated waters, which are not to be ultimately diluted and delivered into the distribution system, shall also be properly disposed.  Chlorinated water discharged from the storage tank shall be disposed of in conformance with R317 of the Utah Administrative Code.

[Chlorinated water discharged from the storage tank shall be disposed of in an acceptable manner and in conformance with the rules of the Utah Water Quality Board (see R317 of the Utah Administrative Code).

]

R309-545-[21]20. [Incorporation by Reference]Tank Standards.

[The following list of Standards shall be considered as incorporated by reference in this specific rule. The most recent published copy of the referenced standard will apply in each case.]The plans and specifications shall incorporate the applicable portions of the following standards:

(1) AWWA Standards.

(a) C652-[02]11, Disinfection of Water Storage Reservoirs.

(b) D100-[05]11, Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage.

(c) D101-53[(R86)], Inspecting and Repairing Steel Water Tanks, Standpipes, Reservoirs, and Elevated Tanks for Water Storage.

(d) D102-[03]11, Coating Steel Water-Storage Tanks.

(e) D103-[97]09, Factory-Coated Bolted Steel Tanks for Water Storage.

(f) D104-[01]11, Automatically Controlled, Impressed-Current Cathodic Protection for the Interior Submerged Surfaces of Steel Water Tanks.

(g) D110-[04]13, Wire- and Strand-Wound, Circular, Prestressed-Concrete Water Tanks[ (including addendum D110a-96)].

(h) D115-[95]06, [Circular Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks With Circumferential Tendons]Tendon-Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks.

(i) D120-[02]09, Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Tanks.

(j) D130-[02]11, [Flexible-Membrane-Lining and Floating-Cover Materials for Potable-Water Storage]Geomembrane Materials for Potable Water Applications.

(2) NSF International Standards.

(a) NSF 60, Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects.

(b) NSF 61, Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects.

(3) Utah OSHA.

Applicable standards of the Utah Occupational Safety and Health [Administration]Division are hereby incorporated by reference.

 

R309-545-2[2]1. Operation and Maintenance of Storage Tanks.

(1) Inspection and Cleaning.

Tanks [which]that are entered for inspection and cleaning shall be disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standard C652-[02]11 prior to being returned to service.[  When diver(s) enter storage tanks that have not been drained for inspection purposes, they shall comply with section five of the above standard unless the tank is constructed of steel, in which case they shall comply additionally with AWWA Standard D101-53(R86).]

(2) Recoating or Repairing.

Any substance used to recoat or repair the interior of a drinking water storage tank shall be certified to conform [with]to ANSI/NSF Standard 61. If the tank is not drained for recoating or repairing, any substance or material used to repair the interior coatings or cracks shall be suitable for underwater application, as indicated by the manufacturer, as well as comply with both ANSI/NSF Standards 60 and 61.  Recoating of the interior of a drinking water tank shall comply with the plan review requirements of R309-500-5(1)(c)(i).

(3) Seasonal Use.

Water storage tanks which are operated seasonally shall be flushed and disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standard C652-[02]11 prior to each season's use. Certification of proper disinfection[, as evidenced by at least one satisfactory bacteriologic sample,] shall be obtained by the water system [management ]and kept on file.[ for inspection by personnel of the Division.] During the non-use period, care shall be taken to see that openings to the water storage tank (those which are normally closed and sealed during normal use) are closed and secured.

 

KEY: drinking water, storage tanks, access, overflow and drains

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [April 27, 2009]2014

Notice of Continuation: March 22, 2010

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 19-4-104