Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-5 - RULES FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER
Rule 391-3-5-.10 - Distribution System

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-3-5-.10

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024

(1) Design for Flow and Pressure. The water distribution system must be designed and the water lines sufficiently sized to furnish at all times the instantaneous demand flow of water required and to maintain at all times a pressure of twenty (20) pounds per square inch at each service connection in the distribution system under all conditions of flow.

(2) Looped Lines. Distribution lines must be looped whenever possible.

(3) Metering. Beginning January 1, 1998, all new services connected to community and non-transient non-community water systems shall be metered, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Director. For existing water systems, metering of existing services shall be performed when required by the Director.

(4) Prevent Contamination. It is the responsibility of the supplier of water to maintain the distribution system to prevent contamination of the drinking water and to provide the required pressure and flow at all times.

(5) Minimum Pipe Size. The minimum size water main shall be two (2) inches in nominal diameter. The Division may allow for a departure in sizing provided it is justified by hydraulic analysis and future water use of the area to be served and such departures will be considered only in special circumstances.

(6) Lines in Contaminated Areas. Water lines must not be installed in contaminated areas such as sanitary landfill or dump areas.

(7) Sewer Line Contact. No water main or pipe shall pass through or come into contact with any part of a sewer or sewer manhole.

(8) Minimum Cover. The minimum recommended cover for water distribution mains or lines shall be twenty-four (24) inches.

(9) Installation Requirements. All newly installed distribution mains and appurtenances shall be flushed, pressure tested and disinfected.

(10) Lead Free.

(a) For purposes of this rule, the term "lead free" means:
1. not containing more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux; and

2. not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.

(b) The weighted average lead content of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture shall be calculated by using the following formula: For each wetted component, the percentage of lead in the component shall be multiplied by the ratio of the wetted surface area of that component to the total wetted surface area of the entire product to arrive at the weighted percentage of lead of the component. The weighted percentage of lead of each wetted component shall be added together, and the sum of these weighted percentages shall constitute the weighted average lead content of the product. The lead content of the material used to produce wetted components shall be used to determine compliance with paragraph (a). For lead content of materials that are provided as a range, the maximum content of the range shall be used.

(c) When used with respect to plumbing fittings and fixtures intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion refers to fittings and fixtures that are in compliance with standards established in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 300g-6(e).

(d) This term does not apply to leaded joints necessary for the repair of cast iron pipes.

(11) Notification of Lead-containing Service Lines. Suppliers of water shall identify and report to the Division any lead pipe and/or lead service connections known to be installed in the distribution system. Suppliers shall adopt a local plumbing code that requires use of lead free solder for plumbing.

(12) Infrastructure Security. Public water distribution network and its related components must be protected to prevent unauthorized tampering.

O.C.G.A. § 12-5-170 et seq.

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