South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-58.2 - Groundwater Sources and Treatment
Section 61-58.2.B - Groundwater Development

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-58.2.B

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

All wells must be constructed by a certified well driller.

(1) Quantity--

(a) A minimum of two (2) independent sources of groundwater shall be provided for all community water systems serving fifty (50) or more taps or one hundred fifty (150) or more people. Systems with an additional source (Surface Water Plant or Master Meter) will not be required to have two groundwater sources.

(b) The total developed groundwater source capacity shall equal or exceed the design maximum day demand without pumping more than sixteen (16) hours a day. With the largest producing well out of service, the capacity of the remaining well(s) pumping twenty-four (24) hours a day shall equal or exceed the design maximum daily demand, except those systems requiring only one well. The capacity from an additional source (Surface Water Plant or Master Meter) will be included in the quantity analysis. However, emergency and stand-by wells will not be included in the quantity analysis.

(2) Quality--Where the water quality does not meet the drinking water standards established in R.61-58.5, appropriate treatment designed in accordance with R.61-58.2 shall be provided.

(3) Site Considerations--

(a) Location--
(i) The location of the public well shall be at least one hundred (100) feet from all potential pollution sources except where the professional engineer or professional geologist can justify a lesser distance based in part on hydrogeological conditions or special well construction techniques or where the pollution source is designed in such a manner as to prevent the release of contaminants to the environment. A greater pollution free radius shall be required where water from water table aquifers will be used. A Wellhead Protection Area Inventory must be performed based on the location and expected yield of the proposed well.

(ii) The well location shall be at least fifty (50) feet from all surface water bodies including drainage ditches. The site must be such that the wellhead can be protected above the one hundred (100) year flood plain. Special construction techniques may be required by the Department in any area which is generally subject to flooding and the professional engineer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the site selected is the best available. No well(s) shall be constructed in such proximity to existing wells as to cause unwarranted well interference.

(b) Easement--Once the pollution free radius is established according to R.61-58.2(B)(3)(a)(B)(3)(a), an appropriate easement, ownership or deed restriction to ensure the required pollution-free radius shall be filed at the county courthouse. A copy of the deed must be submitted to the Department prior to placing the well into operation. If a right-of-way easement is needed to maintain access to the well, such an easement shall be filed at the county courthouse and a copy submitted to the Department prior to placing the well into operation.

(c) Special Considerations--Wells located within two hundred (200) feet of a body of water, or constructed such that water is being drawn from less than fifty (50) feet in depth, or constructed such that the filter material extends to less than fifty (50) feet below grade, must conduct special monitoring required in R.61-58.2(B)(14)(c)(B)(14)(c). This monitoring must be conducted within one year of receiving the permit to operate. If the well is found to be under the direct influence of surface water, treatment must be added and monitoring conducted in accordance with the requirements of R.61-58.10, Filtration and Disinfection.

(4) All materials and products installed in a public water system after December 31, 1995, which comes into direct contact with drinking water during the treatment, storage, transmission or distribution of the water, shall be certified as meeting the specifications of the American National Standard Institute/National Sanitation Foundation Standard 61, Drinking Water System Components--Health Effects. The certifying party shall be accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

(5) Drilling and Sampling--

(a) Driller's log--A driller's log shall be completed for each well and shall include a depth reference point, the depth of each formation change, a description of each formation including color, mineralogy, rock type, grain size, and any other observations which may have a bearing on the final construction of the well. Special attention is required in the case of Type I wells in that the log shall denote the depth, thickness, and approximate flow of each fracture or fracture zone as measured by discharge during air circulation hammer/rotary drilling. The Department must be provided two (2) copies of the driller's log prior to the construction of the pumping, treatment or distribution facilities associated with the well or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step.

(b) Geophysical/Mechanical logs--Where required by the Department, two (2) copies shall be provided to the Department prior to the construction of the pumping, treatment or distribution facilities associated with the well or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step.

(c) Penetration rate log--Where required by the Department, two (2) copies shall be provided to the Department prior to the construction of the pumping, treatment or distribution facilities associated with the well or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step.

(d) Sieve Analysis For Type II and III Wells--Where required by the Department, two (2) copies of sieve analysis results shall be provided to the Department prior to the construction of the pumping, treatment or distribution facilities associated with the well or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step.

(e) Drilling fluid control program--Where drilling water is used, it shall contain no dangerous materials, shall be disinfected and shall meet the drinking water standards established in R.61-58.5. All other drilling fluids and additives used shall comply with recognized industry standards and practices for the construction of drinking water wells, and shall be applied and used as prescribed by the manufacturer. Toxic and/or dangerous substances shall not be added to drilling fluid. Non-potable surface or ground water shall not be used as a drilling fluid.

(6) Well Casing Selection and Installation--

(a) Casing selection - New casing which bears mill markings and which conform to standard specifications (ASTM A-53) for water well pipe shall be used. Thermoplastic casing and couplings which meet standard specifications (ASTM F-480) and which are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation may be used for Type II, III and IV wells which will not exceed three hundred (300) feet in depth. Unless specifically approved by the Department, thermoplastic casing shall not be used for Type I wells. No material containing more than eight (8) percent lead by weight shall be used in the completed well.

(b) Method of installation--The following methods shall be used:

Well

Casing installed by

Type I

Driving to refusal in firm bedrock. Where firm bedrock is encountered shallower than twenty (20) feet a minimum casing length of twenty (20) feet will be required.

Type II and III

Lowering the casing string in the pre-drilled hole so as not to damage any parts of the screen or casing.

Type IV

Driving into firm limestone where metal casing is used or by placing into firm limestone where thermoplastic casing is used.

(c) Method of joining--Casing lengths shall be joined in alignment and made water tight by an appropriate method for the material used such that the resulting joint shall have the same structural integrity as the casing. Threaded and coupled joints shall be API or equivalent and shall be firmly and securely seated. PVC solvent cement and bell end or coupled joints shall meet ASTM standard specifications.

(d) Sanitary protection of well--The well shall be protected at all times during construction. The casing shall be sealed with a suitable flanged, threaded, or welded cap or compression seal upon completion. The outside casing shall be sealed to, and centered in, a reinforced concrete pad having a minimum strength of two thousand (2000) pounds per square inch, a minimum radius of three (3) feet and a minimum thickness of four (4) inches. The concrete pad shall be constructed with a slope so that water will drain away from the casing. The top of the outside casing shall extend at least twelve (12) inches above the concrete pad. There shall be no openings in the casing wall below its top except for water level measurement access ports or vents. Such openings shall be sealed water tight prior to use of the well. Any well which is to be temporarily removed from service, or which is completed for a period of time prior to being placed in service, shall be capped with a watertight cap and protected from vandalism.

(e) Well identification plate--Every well shall be equipped immediately after completion of the drilling, and prior to issuance of a permit to operate with an identification plate.
(i) The identification plate shall be constructed of a durable, weatherproof, rustproof metal or equivalent material.

(ii) The identification plate shall be securely attached to the well casing or concrete pad around the casing where it is readily visible.

(iii) The identification plate shall be stamped with a permanent marking to show the following information:
(A) Drilling contractor and registration number;

(B) Date well completed;

(C) Total depth of well (in feet);

(D) Casing: Depth (in feet), Inside Diameter (in inches);

(E) Screened intervals (of screened wells);

(F) Filter-pack interval (of wells with artificial filter-pack);

(G) Yield expressed in gallons per minute (gpm), or specific capacity expressed in gallons per minute per foot of drawdown (gpm/ft.-dd);

(H) Static water level and date measured; and,

(I) Latitude and longitude (to the nearest second).

(7) Well Grouting--The Department shall be notified a minimum of three (3) days prior to the time of grouting.

(a) Grouting materials--All wells shall be grouted with a minimum of sand-cement, bentonite-cement mixture or neat cement. The sand-cement or neat cement mixture shall be composed of not more than two (2) parts by weight of sand to one (1) part of cement with not more than seven (7) gallons of clean water per bag (one cubic foot or 94 pounds) of cement. The bentonite-cement mixture shall be composed of three (3) to five (5) pounds of bentonite mixed with seven (7) gallons of clean water per bag (one cubic foot or 94 pounds) of cement.

(b) Method of installation of grout--Grout material shall be placed by tremie pipe, either by pouring or forced injection, after water or other drilling fluid has been circulated in the annular space sufficiently to clear all obstructions. There shall be a minimum annular space of three (3) inches for gravity feed and one and one-half (1.5) inches for forced injection between the outside surface of the casing and the formation. The minimum size tremie pipe shall be two (2) inches inside diameter for gravity feed and one (1) inch inside diameter for forced injection. When placing the grouting material, the tremie pipe shall be lowered to the bottom of the zone to be grouted and raised slowly as the grout material is introduced. The tremie pipe shall be kept full continuously from start to finish of the grouting procedure, with the discharge end of the tremie pipe being continuously submerged in the grout until the zone to be grouted is completely filled. The grout shall be allowed to properly cure before construction may be resumed.

More sophisticated methods of installation of grout may be used but care must be taken to ensure these are in accordance with standard procedures.

(c) Length of grout--The minimum length of grout for sanitary protection shall be:

Well

Grouted from surface

Type I

To at least fifty (50) feet or firm bedrock, whichever is less. However, where bedrock is encountered at less than twenty (20) feet, at least twenty (20) feet of casing shall be used and the entire length of the casing shall be grouted.

Type II and III

To fifty (50) feet or the first low permeability stratum (clay, marl, etc.), or to within ten (10) feet of the upper most screen when no low permeability stratum is encountered, whichever is greater.

Type IV

To fifty (50) feet or firm limestone or firm marl, whichever is less. However, where limestone or firm marl is encountered at less than twenty (20) feet, at least 20 feet of casing shall be used and the entire length of the casing shall be grouted.

The Department may require an additional length of grout where warranted by site, geological and/or water quality conditions.

(d) Centralizers--For Well Types II and III centralizers shall be attached to the outer casing at the bottom of the upper zone to be grouted and at the top and bottom of other critical grouting points such as zones of unsuitable water quality as indicated by test hole information.

(8) Well Screens--This part is applicable to Well Types II and III only.

(a) Filter type selection--Where a non-homogeneous aquifer, having a uniformity coefficient less than three (3.0) and an effective grain size less than one tenth (0.1) inches is to be screened, an artificial filter shall be used as described in R.61-58.2(B)(9)(B)(9).

(b) Screen-type selection--The screen specified shall have controlled uniform slot size, have structural integrity, and be of a type which will allow a well entrance velocity which does not exceed six (6) feet per minute. The use of non-metallic screens will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The use of non-metallic screen settings below two hundred (200) feet will be allowed only when recommended by the manufacturer.

(c) Screen slot size--The screen slot size shall be based on sieve analysis, industry standards, and good engineering practice; and/or shall meet the sand content limits outlined in R.61-58.2(B)(11)(b)(B)(11)(b).

(d) Screen length--Screen of sufficient length shall be installed to obtain an entrance velocity not to exceed six (6) feet per minute.

(e) Screen location--Screen settings located in unconfined water-table aquifers shall be approved only on a case-by-case basis where justification concerning pollution-free radius, treatment, etc. is provided.

(f) Method of screen installation--The screen shall be provided with such fittings as are necessary to seal the top tightly to the casing and to close the bottom, as defined in R.61-58.2(B)(8)(g) and (h)(B)(8)(g) and (h). If the screen is telescoped inside the casing, a packer seal made for this purpose, or an approvable substitute, shall be lapped at least twelve (12) inches into the casing. If this screen is attached to the casing prior to lowering, centralizers shall be used and a suitable coupling shall be provided or the screen shall be welded to the casing.

(g) Method of joining screen to screen--Screen sections for a single interval shall be joined by threaded and coupled joints, socket-type fittings and solvent welding, or electric arc or acetylene welding. Welding rods and methods recommended by the screen manufacturer shall be employed. Resulting joint(s) must be straight, sand tight, and retain one hundred (100) percent of the screen strength.

Blank spacers for multiple interval screens shall be of compatible material with the screens or casing. They shall be joined to the screen by threaded and coupled joint, socket-type fittings, solvent welding, or electric arc or acetylene welding using materials and procedures specified in R.61-58.2(B)(6)(c)(B)(6)(c). The resulting joints shall be straight, sand tight, and retain one hundred (100) percent of the screen strength.

(h) Method of connecting screen to casing--The connection between the screen and casing shall be by a neoprene or rubber seal especially made for this purpose, or by threaded and coupled joints, socket fittings and solvent welding, or electric arc or acetylene welding using materials and procedures listed in R.61-58.2(B)(6)(c)(B)(6)(c). The resulting joints must be straight, water tight, and retain one hundred (100) percent of the screen strength.

(i) Methods of sealing bottom--The bottom of the screen shall be sealed with bagged cement or a threaded or welded plug made of compatible material with the screen body.

(9) Well Filter Construction (Artificial)--This part is applicable only to Type III wells.

(a) Filter material--Clean, well-rounded quartz particles free of limestone, clay, organic matter or other unsuitable materials shall be used.

(b) Selection of artificial filter grain size and screen aperture size--When an artificial filter is necessary, the filter grain size shall be determined from sieve analysis of the formation to be screened. The screen aperture shall be of such size as to retain between eighty-five (85) and one hundred (100) percent of the filter material. The drill hole diameter shall be carefully controlled so that the thickness of the filter medium ranges from a minimum of three (3) inches to a maximum of eight (8) inches.

(c) Length of artificial filter--The filter material shall, at a minimum, extend below the lowest screen for a distance two and a half (2.5) times the largest diameter of the well casing to the same distance above the highest screen. Where zones of inferior water quality are to be avoided, the annular space opposite the inferior zones shall be grouted in accordance with R.61-58.2(B)(7)(a) and (b)(B)(7)(a) and (b).

(d) Delivery and storage of filter material--The filter material shall be protected from the weather and any contamination by bagging, or covering with plastic or canvas until used. If no protective cover is placed on the ground under the filter material, the layer in contact with the ground shall not be used.

(e) Method of installation of filter material--The filter material shall be placed with a disinfected fluid. For wells less than fifty (50) feet in depth with a short screen (5 to 10 feet), the filter material may be gravity fed from the surface if the annular space is at least six inches. For wells deeper than fifty (50) feet, a tremie pipe shall be required.

(10) Well Plumbness and Alignment--The completed well shall be sufficiently plumb and straight so that there will be no interference with installation, alignment, operation, or removal of the test or permanent pumps.

(11) Well Development--Proper well development is demonstrated by the turbidity of the water produced by the well and its sand content.

(a) Turbidity--The water produced by a completed well must have a turbidity of less than five (5.0) nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) unless it can be demonstrated that the turbidity is due to the natural water quality of the aquifer.

(b) Sand content--The maximum sand content shall be five (5) milligrams per liter or twenty (20) milligrams per gallon in the completed well.

(12) Well Testing for Performance--The Department shall be notified at least three (3) days prior to the time of the pumping test. The pumping test shall not be conducted until the well has been adequately developed.

(a) Type of pumping test performed--Pump tests to fully evaluate the yield and specific capacity shall be performed on all newly constructed wells and shall be performed for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours at the design or maximum capacity of the well. The test procedure shall be based on good hydro-geologic practice.

(b) Aborted tests--Whenever there is an interruption in pump operation for a period greater than one percent of the elapsed pumping time, there shall be a suspension of the test until the water level in the pumped well has recovered to the static level. The test must be restarted and run for the full twenty-four (24) hour period.

(c) Location of discharge - Water shall be discharged so that it will not affect test results and so that no damage by flooding or erosion is caused to the chosen drainage structure or disposal site. The location of the discharge point shall be shown on the site plan and precautions must be taken to ensure the protection of flora and fauna.

(d) Record of tests--Accurate records shall be kept of the test along with weather conditions and other pertinent information. Two (2) copies shall be furnished to the Department prior to construction of the pumping, treatment or distribution facilities associated with the well or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step. The records shall also be available for inspection at any time during the test. At a minimum the record shall include the following information:
(i) time the test was started;

(ii) method of measuring the pumping rate and water level;

(iii) pumping rate and water level measurements every 15 minutes for the first three (3) hours and at least hourly for the remainder of the test;

(iv) water level measurements every fifteen (15) minutes for the first three (3) hours following the end of pumping and hourly thereafter; and,

(v) name of the person(s) conducting the test.

(e) Measurement of water levels--The method of taking water level measurements shall have an accuracy to within plus or minus one tenth (0.1) of a foot. The air line method, steel tape method, or electric sounder method may be used according to proper procedures.

(13) Well Disinfection--

(a) Scheduling disinfection--The well shall be disinfected at the following times during construction:
(i) The well shall be disinfected as soon as construction of the well and cleaning procedures have been completed. All oil, grease, soil, and other materials which could harbor and protect bacteria from disinfectants shall be removed from the well. Unless prior approval is obtained for employing chemicals or unusual cleaning methods, the cleaning operation shall be carried out by pumping and swabbing only.

(ii) The well shall be disinfected after completion of the performance testing and sampling. The well shall be capped in accordance with R.61-58.2(B)(6)(d)(B)(6)(d) and shall be protected from vandalism until the permanent pump is installed.

(iii) The well shall be disinfected after installation of the thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned permanent pump.

(b) Disinfectants--Chlorine disinfectant shall be delivered to the site of the work in original closed containers bearing the original label indicating the percentage of available chlorine. The disinfectant shall be recently purchased (chlorine compounds in dry form shall not be stored for more than one year and storage of liquid compounds shall not exceed 60 days). During storage, disinfectants shall not be exposed to the atmosphere or to direct sunlight. The quantity of chlorine compounds used for disinfection shall be sufficient to produce a minimum of fifty (50) milligrams per liter available chlorine in solution when mixed with the total volume of water in the well.

(c) Disinfection procedure--For each disinfection, a reliable means shall be provided for ensuring that the disinfecting agent is uniformly applied throughout the entire depth of the well including the casing, pipes and wiring above the water level. The disinfection shall be in accordance with current AWWA Standards for disinfection of wells.

After the contact period, the well shall be pumped to clear it of the disinfecting agent. The disposal point for the purged water shall be selected so as to avoid damage to aquatic life or vegetation.

(14) Water Samples and Analyses--All samples shall be appropriately identified by the well identification number assigned by the Department, date, and time and shall include the name of the sample collector, contractor and owner. The samples shall be analyzed by a certified laboratory. Test results shall be provided to the Department prior to the construction of the pumping and treatment facilities (if applicable) or with the engineer's certification letter if the project is permitted in one step.

(a) Bacteriological analysis--Prior to sampling, the well shall be pumped until the chlorine residual in non-detectable. Two consecutive samples of water shall be collected at least twenty-four (24) hours apart and be analyzed for total coliform bacteria. The results of both samples must show the absence of total coliform bacteria using membrane filter methodology. The measured chlorine residual and non-coliform growth must also be reported. If the non-coliform growth is greater than eighty (80) colonies per one hundred (100) milliliters, the sample result will be deemed invalid and must be repeated. All samples must be analyzed by a laboratory certified by the Department. The Department may request that heterotrophic plate count analyses be conducted on a case-by-case basis where construction, development, or disinfection problems are suspected.

(b) Chemical and radiological analysis--Representative clear samples shall be properly collected and preserved and shall be analyzed by a certified laboratory. The sample shall be analyzed for all contaminants listed in R.61-58.5 and all other parameters needed to determine the aggressiveness of the water to include, pH, total alkalinity, calcium, hardness, total dissolved solids, temperature, and shall be delivered to the laboratory no more than thirty (30) hours after its collection. The pH and temperature measurements shall be made in the field using certified methodology.

(c) Special monitoring for direct surface water influence--For those wells meeting the requirements of R.61-58.2(B)(3)(c)(B)(3)(c), and for any other well deemed necessary by the Department because of location, depth, testing analysis, or other pertinent information, the following special monitoring must be conducted:
(i) quarterly analyses, for a period of one (1) year, of the untreated well water for total and fecal coliform bacteria;

(ii) analyses for pH, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity before and after two or more heavy rainfall events (at least 2 inch over a 24 hour period); and,

(iii) where the above analysis indicates a possible problem, microscopic particulate analysis must be conducted.

If these analyses indicate that the well is under direct surface water influence, treatment must be added and monitoring conducted in accordance with R.61-58.10 or the well must be abandoned in accordance with R.61-58.2(B)(15)(B)(15).

(15) Permanent Well and Test Hole Abandonment--All wells and test holes that are not completed as a production, monitoring or observation well shall be properly abandoned. Abandonment of these wells shall be performed by a certified well driller.

(a) Aquifer sealing materials--The well to be abandoned shall be filled with neat cement, sand-cement, bentonite-cement or concrete. The neat cement, sand-cement or bentonite-cement mixtures shall be as specified in R.61-58.2B(7)(a).

(b) Placement of sealing material--Sealing materials used in abandonment operations shall be placed in such a way as to avoid segregation or dilution of the sealing materials. Dumping sealing material from the top shall not be permitted. Special consideration shall be given to the following:
(i) the abandonment of flowing artesian wells;

(ii) a borehole or well which is to be abandoned due to contamination shall be considered a special case, and the method of filling and sealing such wells shall be subject to individual review and prior written approval by the Department.

(iii) In the sealing of a double or multiple cased well, the certified well driller shall submit, for prior approval, a drawing thereof with a description of the proposed procedure and materials to be used to completely and permanently seal both the well and any column of filter pack that extends to the ground surface.

(iv) Bridging for deep wells--Very deep wells that do not require complete filling for sanitary protection may be backfilled with clean sand or gravel to the depth appropriate for the bottom of the plug of sealing materials. Where open casing (types II or III wells) or open borehole (types I or IV wells) is to remain below the sealed depth, a temporary bridge or plug made of inorganic materials (e.g., metal, cement) or manufactured devices specifically designed for this purpose in well construction and made of plastic or other elastic materials (e.g., neoprene, rubber) may be used to support the column of sealing materials until they cure and bond to the casing or borehole. The column of sealing materials is installed above the temporary bridge.

In Type I or IV wells, the column of permanent sealing materials may be set with the bottom at least ten (10) feet below the top of firm bedrock or limestone and extending up to within five (5) feet of the ground surface. The casing may be removed if desired and the borehole abandoned by grouting instead. The upper most five (5) feet may be filled with soil suitable for the intended land use.

In Type II or III wells, the sealing materials shall extend down to at least fifty (50) feet below ground surface, except that the uppermost five (5) feet of the borehole may be filled with soil suitable for the intended land use. Casing may be removed, if desired, and the borehole abandoned by grouting.

(v) In abandoning all new wells (test wells, wells of insufficient yield, unacceptable water quality, etc.) the casing must be properly installed with the appropriate grouted material or else removed and the borehole abandoned by grouting.

(vi) Contaminated wells--wells tapping multiple aquifers of different hydrostatic heads or wells tapping multiple zones of significantly different water quality must be abandoned in a manner such that contaminated or lower quality water does not migrate through the abandoned well or borehole and such that ongoing large vertical transfers of water between aquifers, of any quality, do not occur. The methods proposed for sealing such wells shall be reviewed and will require prior written approval by the Department, completely filling an uncased borehole with sealing materials shall be acceptable without prior approval.

(vii) In sealing a double wall or multiple cased well, the certified well driller shall submit a drawing with a description of the proposed procedure.

(c) Well abandonment records--Before the equipment is removed from the site, the exact location of the abandoned well or hole shall be accurately surveyed and a record made to the location with respect to several fixed reference points. All information relative to the abandonment procedures, the location, depth, and diameter of the well or hole shall be supplied in writing to the owner and the Department.

(16) Well Head Piping and Pumping Facilities.

(a) General Requirements:
(i) A sanitary seal must be provided on the top of the well casing. A pressure gauge and air line or other method for readily measuring the water level in the well shall also be provided.

(ii) A casing vent elbowed downward must be provided for the well casing a minimum of eighteen (18) inches above the well house floor (except on packer jet wells). The vent can be gooseneck type with twenty-four (24) mesh screen over the opening or manufactured slotted pipe with effective opening of .024 inches or smaller.

(iii) A check valve shall be provided on the pump discharge above the top of the casing. For jet pumps, no check valve is required in the main line but a back-flow/back-siphonage device must be provided on blow offs and sample cocks.

(iv) A sampling tap must be provided for raw water sampling downstream of the check valve and prior to any chemical injection point. If chemical feed is provided at the well head, a second sample tap shall be provided downstream of the last injection point. This second sampling tap shall be located following adequate mixing of the chemical(s), but prior to any storage tank. A static in-line mixer may be required to ensure that adequate mixing of the chemical(s) has taken place prior to the sampling tap.

(v) Adequate control switches, etc., for the pumping equipment must be provided. A pressure relief valve must be provided and shall not be separated by a valve from the controlling device.

(vi) A flow meter shall be provided on:
(A) each well serving a community water system;

(B) each well serving a non-transient non-community water system;

(C) each well which is equipped with treatment; and,

(D) any other public water supply well where the yield of the well, while pumping against the normal working pressure of the system, cannot be easily measured from the blow-off using a bucket and stopwatch or by some other readily accessible means of measuring flow.

The flow meter shall be capable of measuring instantaneous and totalized flow.

(vii) Adequate support for the well pump and drop pipe must be provided.

(viii) An hour meter shall be provided to record the elapsed run time of each well pump which is required to have a flow meter.

(ix) A valved blow-off shall be provided and located prior to any chemical feed but downstream of the flow meter.

(x) A manual control switch shall be provided for each well pump.

(xi) All electrical wiring shall be in conduit and meet the requirements of the National Electric Code.

(xii) Each well pump station must have a sign on the door with a twenty-four (24) hour telephone number for emergencies.

(xiii) Wells or well pump stations in pits are prohibited.

(xiv) All wells shall be readily accessible at all times for inspection, maintenance and sampling. Also, well houses shall be constructed in a manner and of material that will allow one person easy access to the sampling tap(s) and the well head piping for inspection, maintenance and sampling.

(b) Turbine pumps--Drilled wells with the prime mover mounted on the casing (Turbine pumps) shall:
(i) Have the casing equipped with a flange or suitable sanitary seal;

(ii) Have the casing firmly connected to the pump structure or have the casing inserted into a recess extending at least one inch into the base of the pump if a watertight connection is not provided;

(iii) Have the base of the pump not less than twelve (12) inches above the pump room floor or apron;

(iv) Have the pump foundation and base designed to prevent water from coming into contact with the joint between the casing and the prime mover; and,

(v) Have an air release valve installed on the discharge pipe upstream of the check valve.

(c) Submersible Pumps--Where a submersible pump is used, the top of the casing shall be effectively sealed against entrance of water under all conditions of vibration or movement of conductors or cables. For hydropneumatic systems not equipped with an air compressor, the discharge pipe shall be equipped with a snifter (a device which will allow air to enter the drop-pipe) upstream of the check valve and a bleeder valve on the drop-pipe located above the static water level in the well.

(d) Well head piping--The well head piping shall be provided with a valved means to pump waste to a point away from the groundwater source, but shall not be directly connected to a sewer. Neither the well head nor the well head piping shall be buried below grade or in a pit. The discharge line shall:
(i) Have control valves located above the pump floor;

(ii) Be protected against freezing;

(iii) Be valved to permit testing and control of each well;

(iv) Have watertight joints;

(v) Have all exposed valves protected; and,

(vi) Have erosion protection at the point of discharge from the blow-off.

(e) Water Seals--Water seals shall not be supplied with water of a lesser sanitary quality than that of the water being pumped. Where pumps are sealed with potable water and are pumping water of lesser sanitary quality the seal shall be provided with a back-flow preventer appropriate for the degree of hazard in question.

(f) Water Pre-lubrication--When automatic pre-lubrication of pump bearings is necessary and an auxiliary power supply is provided, the pre-lubrication line shall be provided with a valved bypass around the automatic control so that the bearings can, if necessary, be lubricated manually before the pump is started.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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