S.C. Code Regs. § 61-58.7.E

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 07, July 26, 2024

Section 61-58.7.E - Distribution Systems and Storage Tanks

(1) Operator Certification

(a) All distribution treatment plants (e.g. booster chlorination stations) shall be monitored by an operator of appropriate grade, at a frequency to ensure proper operation, but in no case less than once a day. Such monitoring may be accomplished through site visits and/or remote monitoring equipment approved by the Department

(b) All community and non-transient non-community water systems must designate an operator(s) of appropriate grade as the operator responsible for the operation and maintenance of their distribution system.

(c) All community and non-transient non-community water systems must be operated such that all personnel making decisions which could affect water quality, water quantity, or distribution system integrity be certified distribution system operators. Certified water treatment plant operators that make such decisions as a part of their routine treatment plant operation duties (e.g. starting and stopping distribution pumps) are not required to have dual certification.

(2) All elevated, hydropneumatic and ground storage tanks shall be inspected at a minimum of once a week for the purpose of checking on the security of the tank(s) and insuring that proper air/water ratios are being maintained in hydropneumatic storage tanks. Vent screens, hatches and other openings on atmospheric tanks must be inspected annually to ensure sanitary protection.

(3) The drainage system on any storage tank lot shall be maintained to channel water away from the tank foundations.

(4) Valves provided for the isolation of each tank shall be maintained to ensure proper operation.

(5) Screens shall be maintained on all storage tank vents.

(6) Screens or flap valves shall be maintained on all storage tank overflows.

(7) The minimum pressure in the distribution system under normal operating conditions shall be twenty-five (25) pounds per square inch at a customer's service connection. A minimum pressure of twenty (20) pounds per square inch shall be maintained at all service connections during unusually heavy flows (i.e., fire or flushing).

(8) Each public water system shall maintain a map of the distribution system which shows the location of water lines and their sizes as well as the location of all valves, hydrants and blow-offs. The location of all water sources and all pumping, treatment and storage facilities shall also be included on this map.

(9) Valves and hydrants shall be exercised and maintained in accordance with the system's valve and hydrant maintenance program to ensure operability. Any valves or hydrants that malfunction shall be repaired promptly. Records shall be kept on this maintenance program.

(10) A flow test shall be conducted on all fire hydrants at a minimum of once every three years. The flow from the hydrant shall be measured and recorded along with the static and residual pressure and time of day the test was conducted. The system shall keep a record of the latest test of each hydrant on file.

(11) All community water systems shall initiate and carry out a program aimed at detecting leaks in the distribution system. At a minimum, a leak detection program shall include a comparison of water produced to water sold or used for other purposes. Any leaks found through this program or any leaks discovered through other means shall be repaired promptly. Records shall be kept of the leaks detected and the repairs made.

(12) When a break occurs in a system's distribution line, the repairs to that line must be made promptly and in accordance with good sanitary practices. Precautions shall be taken throughout the repair process to make sure that customers affected by the break will be assured of safe water after the line is placed back into service.

(13) All public water systems shall develop and maintain a flushing program in order to prevent customer complaints caused by stagnant, discolored, and sediment laden water and maintain adequate disinfectant residuals throughout the distribution system. Detailed instructions of this program shall be included in the system's manual of standard operating procedures. Records of all flushing activities shall be maintained by the system.

(14) The Department shall be notified in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the repainting of the interior or exterior of any storage tank. All interior paint coatings shall be certified as meeting ANSI/NSF Standard 61.

(15) A storage tank that is drained for any reason must be properly disinfected and satisfactory bacteriological samples must be obtained prior to placing it back into service.

(16) The Department shall be notified in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the entry of an underwater diver into a finished water storage tank for the purpose of inspecting or cleaning of the tank.

S.C. Code Regs. 61-58.7.E