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-.03 - General Provisions

(1) Owners of private homes and semi-public water supplies and all rented or leased premises shall furnish at least one (1) convenient outlet with the capacity to supply an adequate quantity of potable water for drinking and domestic purposes. The number, type and location of the water system appurtenances shall meet applicable building and plumbing codes. Pressure and capacity shall be commensurate with occupancy and use levels and shall meet applicable codes. Special event sponsors must provide an adequate number of potable water supplies as set forth by the local plumbing code.

(2) No person may install or repair a semi-public water supply nor install a private water supply unless he or she is a licensed well contractor in accordance with the Water Well Standards Act of 1985, O.C.G.A. Sections 12-5-120et seq.

(3) Licensed contractors are subject to the requirements of the Water Well Standards Act of 1985, O.C.G.A. Sections 12-5-120et seq., and this Rules Chapter. Violations of this Chapter shall be considered in view of the requirements of the Act, and contractors shall be held liable for any violations of either or both if applicable.

(4) A coliform test performed by an approved lab shall be required upon completion of construction and following disinfection of the system. The sample results must be satisfactory before final construction can be approved. Disinfection and sampling must be continued until satisfactory results are obtained.

(5) Upon request by the property owner, the Health Authority will sample the supply to determine bacteriological quality, provided well construction meets all regulatory requirements. Sampling of unapproved or noncomplying wells shall be at the Health Authority's discretion. A sample is considered satisfactory and meeting the minimum bacteriological quality limits of this regulation if one (1) or less coliform bacterium per one hundred (100) milliliter of sample is present.

(6) No person shall allow a public, private, or semi-public water supply to be connected directly or indirectly with any other water supply, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, liquid, gasses, sewage, or other waste of unknown or unsafe quality capable of contaminating the water system. No backflow, configuration bypass arrangement, jumper connections, removable section, swivel or changeover device, or other temporary, permanent or potential connection through which (or because of which) backflow siphonage could occur will be allowed.

(7) No outlet from a water supply shall be installed or maintained so that back siphonage is possible. Approved backflow preventer devices shall be required on all outlets to prevent contamination of the supply and aquifer. The procedure for backflow and back siphonage prevention and cross connection control shall conform to those recommended by the American Water Works Association Manual 14, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cross Connection Manual.