Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-3 - DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
Rule 511-3-3-.02 - Definitions

(a) ANNULUS is the same as "annular space" and means any artifically-created void existing between a well casing or liner pipe and a borehole well.

(b) APPROVAL OR APPROVED means acceptable or accepted by the Health Authority in accordance with applicable specifications stated herein or with additional criteria accepted by the Health Authority.

(c) AQUIFER means one or more, or parts of one or more, geologic formations capable of yielding water to a well.

(d) BACK SIPHONAGE means siphonage of water or other liquids from external sources into the water supply during times of pressure differential, whether due to improper connections or failure of devices in the system.

(e) BORED WELL means any well excavated by an earth auger in which the casing extends from the ground surface into the aquifer.

(f) CERTIFIED WELL CONTRACTOR means any person who:

(g) COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT means any development other than residential development. It includes multiple family, retail, wholesale, commercial, office, industrial, church, etc., development.

(h) COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY means any public water supply which serves at least fifteen (15) service connections used by year-round residents or which regularly serves at least twenty-five (25) year-round residents.

(i) CROSS CONNECTION means any configuration whereby a potable water supply is connected with any water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture or other device which contains (or may contain) contaminated water, sewage or other unsafe waste or liquid which may be capable of contaminating the potable water supply.

(j) DNR means the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

(k) Department means the Georgia Department of Public Health.

(l) DRILLED WELL means any well, whether excavated by rotary or percussion, hydraulic drilling, having a casing that extends from the ground surface through an impermeable formation to an aquifer where adequate capacity is obtained.

(m) FLOOD PLAIN means any area susceptible to being flooded or as designated by the one hundred (100) year flood plain area, including Type A Zone flood areas as determined or established in flood studies. This term shall also include one hundred year water levels in detention and retention ponds.

(n) HEALTH AUTHORITY means the Georgia Department of Public Health or the local county board of health.

(o) NON-COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY means any public water supply which regularly serves at least fifteen service connections or an average of twenty-five individuals for at least sixty days out of the year.

(p) NON-DRINKING WATER SUPPLY means any water supply not specifically used, nor intended or designed to be used, as a potable water supply. The term shall include but not be limited to water supplies for irrigation purposes, heating and cooling of structures, etc.

(q) ONSITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM means a system that includes a septic tank, absorption field and all other elements intended to be used for management and disposal of sewage onsite.

(r) PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT means construction including but not limited to any site preparation, grading, excavation for slabs or footings, erection of a structure(s), road construction or installation of an onsite sewage management system(s).

(s) POINT OF AVAILABILITY means the nearest location where a community water supply may be connected as determined by the appropriate governmental jurisdiction.

(t) POTABLE WATER SUPPLY means any water supply that is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes. Potable water must meet the current standards established by the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources.

(u) PREMISES means any place or building(s) where people live, work or congregate.

(v) PRIVATE WATER SUPPLY means any water supply consisting of a single well and serving no more than two single residences on one lot.

(w) PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM means a system for the provision to the public of piped water for human consumption, if such system has at least fifteen service connections, or regularly serves an average of at least twenty-five individuals, at least sixty days out of the year.

(x) RESIDENCE means any building or structure intended for housing of a single family.

(y) SANITARY SEWER means a pipe or system of pipes, manholes, etc., constructed for the purpose of conveying sewage.

(z) SEMI-PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY means any water supply other than a private water supply which serves less than fifteen service connections or twenty-five people on a daily basis at any time during the year.

(aa) SPECIAL EVENT means any activity attracting more than fifty persons that is sponsored, organized, promoted, managed or financed by any person, group, partnership, organization, corporation, business or governmental entity where individuals congregate to participate in or observe an activity in outdoor or portable enclosed or semi-enclosed structures for more than two consecutive hours.

(bb) USEABLE AREA means the total area in a lot that is determined by the Health Authority to be suitable for installation of an onsite sewage management system including the reserve area. The area shall not include any bodies of water, floodplain, easements, etc., except those portions that would be precluded for use by this Chapter via minimum separation distance requirements.

(cc) WATER SUPPLY means the source from which the water is obtained and all structures, machinery, conduits and other appurtenances by means of which the water is collected, treated, stored, protected, or delivered to the customer/consumer.

(dd) WELL means an excavation or opening into the ground by which groundwater is sought or obtained.