New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 10 - SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT
Subchapter 12 - STANDARDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC NONCOMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS AND NONPUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
Section 7:10-12.36 - General requirements for distribution systems

(a) All service lines and distribution mains intended for year-round water service shall be covered with sufficient earth to prevent freezing, with the minimum depth of cover being three feet.

(b) All newly constructed service lines and distribution mains shall be disinfected before being placed in service in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.12.

(c) So far as is practicable, distribution mains shall be laid in a loop system to eliminate deadends. The distribution system shall be equipped with hydrants or other flushing devices to permit water main flushing. Each deadend, if unavoidable, shall be provided with a flushing device or a valved outlet to which a temporary pipe may be affixed to discharge flushed water above ground.

(d) Every water service line shall be separated with undisturbed or compacted earth to a horizontal distance of at least five feet from any sanitary sewer, at least 10 feet from any septic tank, distribution box, disposal field or seepage pit, and at least 25 feet from any cesspool.

(e) All water mains and sanitary or industrial sewer lines shall be separated by a horizontal distance of at least 10 feet. If such lateral separation is not possible, the water and sewer lines shall be in separate trenches (step trenches are prohibited) with the top of the sewer line at least 18 inches below the bottom of the water main. At sewer line and water main crossings, the top of the sewer line shall be at least 18 inches below the bottom of the water main. If such vertical separation is not possible, then the water line shall be sleeved a distance of five feet to both sides of the crossing. Sewer service laterals are not subject to this requirement.