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.D - Groundwater Treatment

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-58.2.D

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

(1) Filtration--All filters treating groundwater under the direct influence of surface water must meet the performance standards set forth in R.61-58.10(E)(E).

The application of any one type of filtration must be supported by water quality data. Experimental treatment studies may be required to demonstrate the applicability of the method of filtration proposed.

(a) Pressure Filters--The use of these filters may be considered for iron and manganese removal and other clarification processes.
(i) Rate of Filtration--The nominal rate shall be three (3) gallons per minute per square foot of filter area and shall not exceed five (5) gallons per minute per square foot without adequate justification.

(ii) Details of Design--The filter design shall address the following:
(A) Pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet pipes of each filter shall be provided.

(B) Provisions shall be made for filtration and backwashing of each filter individually with an arrangement of piping as simple as possible to accomplish these purposes.

(C) The backwash water collection system shall be designed to allow for adequate bed expansion without loss of media.

(D) The underdrain system shall efficiently collect the filtered water and shall distribute the backwash water uniformly at a rate not less than fifteen (15) gallons per minute per square foot of filter area.

(E) Backwash flow indicators and controls shall be located such that they are easily readable while operating the control valves.

(F) An air release valve on the highest point of each filter shall be provided.

(G) An accessible manhole to facilitate inspections and repairs (above level of media) shall be provided.

(H) A means to observe the wastewater during backwashing shall be provided.

(I) No unprotected cross connections shall exist.

(J) Filter material must be in accordance with R.61-58.3(D)(5)(a)(vi)(D)(5)(a)(vi).

(K) A sufficient number of filter units so as to ensure continuity of service with one unit temporarily removed from operation. The facility shall be designed so that the design filtration rate is not exceeded during backwash operation.

(L) Filter material shall have a total depth of not less than twenty-four (24) inches and generally not more than thirty (30) inches.

(M) Only finished water from the treatment process shall be used to backwash the filter(s).

(b) Gravity Filters--Gravity filters shall be designed in accordance with applicable portions of R.61-58.3(D)(5)(D)(5).

(c) Diatomaceous earth filtration
(i) Conditions of use--Diatomaceous earth filters are expressly excluded from consideration for bacteria removal, color removal, or turbidity removal where either the gross quantity of turbidity is high or the turbidity exhibits poor filterability characteristics.

(ii) Pilot plant study--Installation of a diatomaceous earth filtration system shall be preceded by a pilot plant study on the water to be treated.
(A) Conditions of the study such as duration, filter rates, head loss accumulation, slurry feed rates, turbidity removal, bacteria removal, etc., shall be approved by the Department prior to the study.

(B) Satisfactory pilot plant results shall be obtained prior to preparation of final construction plans and specifications.

(C) The pilot plant study shall demonstrate the ability of the system to meet applicable drinking water standards at all times.

(iii) Types of filters--Pressure or vacuum diatomaceous earth filtration units will be considered for approval.

(iv) Treated water storage--Treated water storage capacity in excess of normal requirements shall be provided to allow operation of the filters at a uniform rate during all conditions of system demand at or below the approved filtration rate, and guarantee continuity of service during adverse raw water conditions without by-passing the system.

(v) Precoat Application--A uniform precoat of at least 1/16 inch shall be applied hydraulically to each septum by introducing a slurry to the tank influent line and employing either a filter-to-waste or recirculation system.

(vi) Body feed--A body feed system to apply additional amounts of diatomaceous earth slurry during the filter run is required. Continuous mixing of the body feed slurry shall be provided.

(vii) Filtration
(A) Rate of filtration--The filtration rate shall be controlled by a positive means and shall not exceed one and a half (1.5) gallons per minute per square foot of filter.

(B) Head loss--The head loss shall not exceed thirty (30) pounds per square inch for pressure diatomaceous earth filters, or a vacuum of fifteen (15) inches of mercury for a vacuum system.

(C) Recirculation--A recirculation or holding pump shall be employed to maintain differential pressure across the filter when the unit is not in operation in order to prevent the filter cake from dropping off the filter elements. A minimum recirculation rate of one tenth (0.1) gallon per minute per square foot of filter area shall be provided.

(D) Septum or filter element--The filter elements shall be structurally capable of withstanding maximum pressure and velocity variations during filtration and backwash cycles, and shall be spaced such that no less than one (1) inch is provided between elements or between any element and a wall.

(E) Inlet design--The filter influent shall be designed to prevent scour of the diatomaceous earth from the filter element.

(viii) Backwash--A satisfactory method to thoroughly remove and dispose of spent filter cake shall be provided.

(ix) Appurtenances--The following shall be provided for every filter:
(A) sampling taps for raw and filtered water;

(B) loss of head or differential pressure gauge;

(C) rate-of-flow indicator, with totalizer;

(D) a throttling valve used to reduce rates below normal during adverse raw water conditions; and,

(E) an evaluation of the need for body feed, recirculation, and any other pumps, in accordance with R.61-58.4(B)(1)(d)(B)(1)(d).

(2) Disinfection--Disinfection may be accomplished with liquid chlorine, calcium or sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, ozone or chloramines. Other agents will be considered by the Department provided that reliable feed equipment is available and test procedures for a residual are recognized, and the agent meets the requirements of an acceptable drinking water additive. Continuous disinfection will be required at groundwater supplies which are of questionable sanitary quality or where any other treatment is provided. Due consideration shall be given to the contact time of the disinfectant in water with relation to pH, ammonia, taste-producing substances, temperature, bacterial quality, and other pertinent factors. Consideration also must be given to the formation of disinfection by-products.

(a) Chlorination--Where chlorine is used the following shall apply:
(i) Type--Only vacuum type gas chlorinators or hypochlorite feeders of the positive displacement type are acceptable.

(ii) Capacity--The chlorinator capacity shall be such that a free chlorine residual of at least five (5) milligram per liter can be attained in the water after a contact time of at least thirty (30) minutes at maximum flow rates. The equipment shall be of such design that it will operate accurately over the desired feeding range.

(iii) Automatic Proportioning--Automatic proportioning chlorinators will be required where the rate of flow or chlorine demand is not reasonably constant or where the rate of flow of the water is not manually controlled.

(iv) Residual chlorine--Where alternate disinfectants are used in the treatment process, the capability for the addition of either free or combined chlorine in the finished water shall be provided.

(b) Cross connection protection--The chlorinator water supply piping shall be designed to prevent contamination of the treated water supply by sources of questionable quality.

(c) Chlorine gas - Consideration shall be given to the location of gas chlorine facilities and the safety of the public in the surrounding area. The Department reserves the right to deny approval of chlorine gas on the basis of hazards to the public health.. Consideration may be given for facilities that propose the use of chlorine gas in inhabited areas when the use of safety devices which will not allow the release of chlorine gas (e.g. chlorine scrubbers) are provided. Only vacuum gas chlorinator systems will be approved.
(i) Chlorine gas feed equipment shall be enclosed and separated from other operating areas. Concrete, wood, and other construction materials shall be sealed to prevent the escape of chlorine gas from the chlorine building. The chlorine room shall be provided with a shatter resistant inspection window installed in an interior wall or an inspection window in the door. It shall be constructed in such a manner that all openings between the chlorine room and the remainder of the plant are sealed, and shall be provided with doors ensuring ready means of exit and opening only to the building exterior.

(ii) Full and empty cylinders of chlorine gas shall be isolated from operating areas, restrained in position to prevent upset, stored in rooms separate from ammonia storage, and stored in areas not in direct sunlight or exposed to excessive heat.

(iii) If the chlorine room is large enough for a person to enter, the room shall be constructed such that:
(A) It has a ventilating fan with a capacity which provides one complete air change per minute;

(B) The ventilating fan shall be located near the ceiling and pull suction through a duct extending to within twelve (12) inches of the floor and discharge as far as practical from the door and air inlet. The point of discharge shall be located so as not to contaminate air inlets to any rooms or structures. A sealed motor or other means shall be used to ensure the reliability of the fan;

(C) Air inlets shall be located near the ceiling;

(D) Air inlets and outlets shall have mechanical louvers;

(E) Switches for fans and lights are outside of the room, at the entrance;

(F) Vents from feeders and storage areas discharge to the outside atmosphere, above grade and away from inlet vent; and,

(G) Ventilation shall not be automatically controlled.

(iv) If the room is too small for a person to enter, the room must meet the requirements of R.61-58.2(D)(2)(c)(iii)(E) and (F)(D)(2)(c)(iii)(E) and (F).

(v) Chlorine feed lines shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Chlorine gas under pressure shall be piped with schedule eighty (80) stainless steel or schedule eighty (80) seamless carbon steel. No chlorine gas under pressure will be piped beyond the chlorinator room.

(B) Chlorine gas under vacuum shall be piped with schedule eighty (80) PVC or reinforced fiberglass.

(C) Chlorine solution shall be piped with schedule eighty (80) PVC.

(vi) Heaters shall be provided to maintain proper temperature for operation.

(vii) There shall be no equipment housed in the chlorine room except chlorinators, chlorine cylinders, weighing scales, heater, ventilation fan, and light(s).

(viii) Weighing scales shall be provided for weighing cylinders, at all installations utilizing chlorine gas unless provisions for automatic switchover of cylinders and an acceptable alternate means to determine daily dosage are provided.

(ix) Chlorine feed systems shall be designed to ensure continuous feed of chlorine.

(x) If a floor drain is provided, it shall be equipped with a water seal or trap to prevent escaped gases from exiting through the building sewer.

(xi) A chlorine leak detection and alarm system shall be provided.

(xii) An air pack approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shall be available for each gas chlorination installation.

(xiii) A chlorine cylinder repair kit for plugging the type of chlorine cylinders used shall be available for each gas chlorination installation.

(d) Ozone--Ozone is a suitable disinfectant for groundwater. On-site generation facilities shall be constructed in accordance with manufacturer's standards.
(i) Pilot plant tests--Pilot plant tests shall be performed with the water to be treated to establish the optimum dosage, contact time, depth of conductor and the need for multiple application points.

(ii) Building Design--Ozone generators shall be housed in a separate room with separate heating and ventilation. The building layout must provide for easy access to the equipment. Ventilation equipment shall be two (2) speed with the normal speed providing the normal distribution of heat or air movement. The second speed must be capable of providing a complete turnover of the air in the room every two (2) minutes to exhaust any ozone leakage in an emergency.

(iii) Piping Materials
(A) All dry ozone gas piping shall be mechanical jointed number 304 or 316 stainless steel or welded 304L or 316L stainless steel. All wet ozone gas piping shall be number 316 or 316L stainless steel. All flexible couplings shall be stainless steel.

(B) Valves shall be stainless steel face and body.

(C) Gasket materials shall be resistant to deterioration by the ozone.

(iv) Reinforced concrete or stainless steel are acceptable materials. All concrete joints shall be sealed using a synthetic rubber material resistant to deterioration by the ozone.

(e) Other disinfection agents--Any proposal for the use of other disinfecting agents shall be approved by the Department prior to preparation of final plans and specifications.

(f) Ammonia Gas--Consideration shall be given to the location of ammonia gas facilities and the safety of the public in the surrounding area. The Department reserves the right to deny approval of ammonia gas on the basis of hazards to the public health. Only vacuum ammonia systems will be approved.
(i) Ammonia gas feed equipment shall be enclosed and separated from other operating areas. Concrete, wood, and other construction materials shall be sealed to prevent the escape of ammonia gas from the ammonia room. The ammonia room shall be provided with a shatter resistant inspection window installed in an interior wall or an inspection window in the door. It shall be constructed in such a manner that all openings between the ammonia room and the remainder of the plant are sealed, and shall be provided with doors ensuring ready means of exit and opening only to the building exterior.

(ii) Full and empty cylinders of ammonia gas shall be isolated from operating areas, restrained in position to prevent upset, stored in rooms separate from chlorine storage, and stored in areas not in direct sunlight or exposed to excessive heat.

(iii) If the ammonia room is large enough for a person to enter, the room shall be constructed such that:
(A) It has a ventilating fan with a capacity which provides one complete air change per minute;

(B) The ventilating fan shall be located and pull suction near the ceiling and discharge as far as practical from the door and air inlet. The point of discharge shall be located so as not to contaminate air inlets to any rooms or structures. A sealed motor or other means shall be used to ensure the reliability of the fan;

(C) Air inlets shall be located near the floor;

(D) Air inlets and outlets shall have mechanical louvers;

(E) Switches for fans and lights are outside of the room, at the entrance;

(F) Vents from feeders and storage areas discharge to the outside atmosphere, above grade and away from inlet vent; and,

(G) Ventilation shall not be automatically controlled.

(iv) If the room is too small for a person to enter, the room must meet the requirements of R.61-58.2(D)(2)(f)(iii)(E) and (F)(D)(2)(f)(iii)(E) and (F).

(v) Ammonia feed lines shall not carry ammonia gas beyond the ammonia room.

(vi) There shall be no equipment housed in the ammonia room except ammoniators, ammonia cylinders, weighing scales, heater, ventilation fan, and light(s).

(vii) Weighing scales shall be provided for weighing cylinders, at all installations utilizing ammonia gas from cylinders. Where bulk storage tanks are installed, they shall be equipped with a pressure gauge.

(viii) An ammonia leak detection and alarm system shall be provided.

(g) Chlorine Dioxide - Chlorine dioxide is a suitable disinfectant for groundwater. Chlorine dioxide shall be generated on site. The unit shall be flow paced and not have a holding tank for the chlorine dioxide solution generated. All applicable EPA disinfectant by-product rules shall be observed.
(i) Sizing of the chlorine dioxide generator - Chlorine dioxide demand studies shall be conducted to determine estimated feed rates and points of feed.

(ii) Building Design -
(A) Chlorine dioxide generators shall be located in a room separate from chlorine cylinders.

(B) Number of Units: Where chlorine dioxide is used as the primary disinfectant, at least two (2) flow pacing chlorine dioxide generators shall be provided. The facility shall be adequately sized to supply the maximum treatment capacity with any one generator out of service. If chlorine dioxide is not used as a primary disinfectant (i.e. an oxidant only), a second generator is not required.

(iii) Piping Materials -
(A) All piping from the chlorine dioxide generator shall be schedule 80 PVC

(B) Gasket materials shall be kynar or other compatible material.

(C) All tubing connector fittings shall be kynar or other compatible material.

(3) Softening--The softening process selected shall be based upon the mineral qualities of the raw water and the desired finished water quality in conjunction with requirements for the disposal of brine waste, the plant location. Applicability of the process chosen shall be demonstrated. Ion exchange units used for softening shall be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2.D(4).

(4) Ion Exchange Process--The total iron and manganese concentration shall not exceed three tenth (0.30) milligrams per liter in the water as applied to the ion exchange material. Pretreatment is required when the total iron and manganese concentration exceeds is three tenth (0.3) milligram per liter or more.

(a) Design--The units may be of pressure or gravity type, of either an upflow or downflow design. A manual override shall be provided on all automatic controls.

(b) Exchange Capacity--The design capacity for hardness removal shall not exceed twenty thousand (20,000) grains per cubic foot when resin is regenerated with three tenth (0.3) pounds of salt per kilograin of hardness removed.

(c) Depth of Media--Exchange resin shall have a total depth of not less than twenty-four (24) inches and generally not more than thirty (30) inches unless otherwise approved by the Department.

(d) Flow Rates--The rate of softening shall be based on an actual bench scale test of the water to be treated. The backwash rate shall be sufficient to clean the bed. The flow rate will be dependent on the grain size and specific gravity of the exchange resin.

(e) Bypass--A bypass may be provided around softening units to produce a blended water of desirable hardness. Meters shall be installed on the bypass line and on each softener unit.

(f) Additional limitations--Waters having five (5) units or more turbidity shall not be applied directly to the cation exchange softener. Silica gel resins shall not be used for waters having a pH above 8.4 and shall not be used when iron is present. When the applied water contains a chlorine residual, the cation exchange resin shall be a type that is not damaged by residual chlorine. Phenolic resin shall not be used.

(g) Sampling Taps--Smooth-nose sampling taps shall be provided for the collection of representative samples for both bacteriological and chemical analyses. The taps shall be located to allow sampling of the softener influent, the softener effluent, and the blended water. The sampling taps for the blended water shall be at least twenty (20) feet downstream from the point of blending. Petcocks are not acceptable as sampling taps.

(h) Brine and Salt Storage Tanks--Brine measuring or salt dissolving tanks and wet salt storage facilities shall be covered and shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material. The make-up water inlet shall have a free fall discharge of two (2) pipe diameters above the maximum liquid level of the unit, or shall be protected from back-siphonage by use of a vacuum breaker. The salt shall be supported on graduated layers of gravel under which is a suitable means of collecting the brine. Wet salt storage basins shall be equipped with manhole or hatchway openings having raised curbs and watertight covers having overhanging edges. Overflows, where provided, must be angled downward, have a proper free fall discharge and be protected with noncorrodible screens or self-closing flap valves.

(i) Storage Capacity--Wet salt storage basins shall have sufficient capacity to provide for at least three (3) days of operation.

(j) Corrosion Control--Corrosion control shall be provided.

(k) Waste Disposal--A suitable means of handling and disposal shall be provided for brine waste designed in accordance with 61-58.2(F).

(l) Construction Material--Pipes and contact materials shall be corrosion resistant.

(m) Housing--Salt storage tanks and feed equipment shall be enclosed.

(5) Aeration--Aeration treatment devices, as described herein, may be used for oxidation, separation of gases or for taste and odor control. A separate air quality permit for the separation of gases from water by aeration may be necessary.

(a) General Requirements
(i) Sample taps must be provided following aeration equipment.

(ii) Where aeration equipment discharges directly to the distribution system, air release valves must be provided.

(b) Natural Draft Aeration--Design shall provide that:
(i) Water is distributed uniformly over the top tray;

(ii) Water is discharged through a series of three (3) or more trays with the separation of trays not less than twelve (12) inches;

(iii) Trays are loaded at a rate of one (1) gallon per minute to five (5) gallons per minutes for each square foot of total tray area;

(iv) Trays have slotted, woven wire cloth or perforated bottoms;

(v) Perforation are three sixteenth ( 3/16) to one-half ( 1/2) inches in diameter, spaced one (1) to three (3) inches on centers, when perforations are used in the distribution pan;

(vi) Construction of durable material resistant to the aggressiveness of the water and dissolved gases;

(vii) Protection of aerators from loss of spray water by wind carriage by enclosure with louvers sloped to the inside at an angle of approximately forty-five (45) degrees;

(viii) Protection from insects by number twenty-four (24) mesh screen; and,

(ix) Aerated water receives disinfection treatment.

(c) Forced or Induced Draft Aeration--Devices shall be designed to:
(i) Provide an adequate countercurrent of air through the enclosed aeration column;

(ii) Include a blower in a screened enclosure and with a watertight motor;

(iii) Exhaust air directly to the outside atmosphere;

(iv) Include a down-turned, number twenty-four (24) mesh screened air outlet and inlet;

(v) Be such that air introduced in the column shall be as free from noxious fumes, dust, and dirt as possible;

(vi) Be such that sections of the aerator can be easily reached or removed for maintenance of the interior;

(vii) Provide loading at a rate of one (1) to five (5) gallons per minute for each square foot of total tray area;

(viii) Ensure that the water outlet is adequately sealed to prevent the unwarranted loss of air;

(ix) Discharge through a series of five (5) or more trays, with separation of trays not less than six (6) inches;

(x) Provide distribution of water uniformly over the top tray; and,

(xi) Be of a durable corrosion resistant material.

(d) Pressure Aeration--This method may be used for oxidation purposes if pilot plant study indicates method is applicable. It is not acceptable for removal of dissolved gases. Filters following pressure aeration shall have adequate exhaust devices for release of air. Pressure aeration devices shall be designed to give thorough mixing of compressed air with water being treated. Screened and filtered air, free of noxious fumes, dust, dirt and other contaminants shall be provided.

(e) Other Methods of Aeration--Other methods of aeration may be used if applicable to the treatment needs. Such methods may include, but are not restricted to, spraying, diffused air, cascades, and mechanical aeration. The treatment processes shall be designed to meet the particular needs of the water to be treated and shall be subject to Department approval.

(f) Protection from Contamination--Aerators that are used for oxidation or removal of dissolved gases from waters that will be given no further treatment other than chlorination shall be protected from contamination from insects and birds by a roof or similar structure.

(g) Disinfection--Groundwater supplies exposed to the atmosphere by aeration must receive chlorination as a minimum additional treatment.

(6) Iron and Manganese Control--Iron and manganese control, as used herein, refers solely to treatment processes designed specifically for this purpose.

(a) Removal by Oxidation, Detention and Filtration.
(i) Oxidation--Oxidation shall be by aeration or by chemical oxidation with chlorine, potassium permanganate, chlorine dioxide, ozone or other oxidant approved by the Department.

(ii) A minimum detention of twenty (20) minutes shall be provided following oxidation by aeration to ensure that the oxidation reactions are as complete as possible. This minimum detention shall be omitted only where a pilot plant study or an analogous system indicates no need for detention.

(iii) Sedimentation basins shall be provided when treating water with high iron and/or manganese content or where chemical coagulation is used to reduce the load on the filters.
(A) Detention time--Sedimentation basin design considerations and calculations shall include basin overflow rate, weir loading rate, flow through velocity and theoretical detention time.

(B) Inlet Devices--Inlets shall be designed to distribute water equally and at uniform velocities. The structures shall be designed so as to dissipate inlet velocities and provide uniform flows across the basin.

(C) Outlet Devices--Outlet devices shall be designed to maintain velocities suitable for settling in the basin and to minimize short circuiting.

(D) Velocity--The velocity through settling basins shall not exceed five tenths (0.5) of a foot per minute. The basins shall be designed to minimize short circuiting. Baffles shall be provided, as necessary.

(E) Overflow--An overflow weir (or pipe) shall be installed to establish water level in the basin.

(F) Sludge handling--Facilities are required by the Department for the disposal of sludge and shall be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2F. Provisions shall be made for the operator to observe and sample sludge being withdrawn from the unit.

(G) Washdown Hydrants--Washdown hydrants shall be provided and shall be equipped with backflow prevention devices acceptable to the Department.

(iv) Filtration--Filters shall conform to R.61-58.2(D)(1)(D)(1).

(b) Removal by Manganese Green Sand Filtration
(i) An anthracite media cap of at least six (6) inches shall be provided over manganese green sand.

(ii) The filtration rate will be dependent on the raw water quality and the type of filter used. It shall not exceed three (3) gallons per minute per square foot.

(iii) The backwash rate shall be sufficient to clean the bed.

(iv) Sample taps shall be provided prior to the application of permanganate; immediately ahead of filtration; at a point between the anthracite coal media and the manganese treated greensand; halfway down the manganese treated greensand; and at the effluent for each filter.

(v) A differential pressure gauge or separate inlet and outlet pressure gauges shall be provided to measure the loss of head through the unit.

(c) Removal by Ion Exchange--Iron removal with sodium zeolite ion exchange units shall not be approved without a pilot study addressing the efficiency of removal, an evaluation of the potential for bed fouling, and consideration of the corrosiveness of the treated water. The Ion Exchange process treatment shall be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2(D)(4)(D)(4).

(d) Sequestration by phosphates--Where phosphate treatment is used, sufficient disinfectant residuals shall be maintained in the distribution system.
(i) Phosphates shall not be applied ahead of the filters in iron and manganese removal treatment. Where there is no removal treatment, the phosphate shall be added prior to any disinfection.

(ii) Phosphate chemicals shall meet the requirements of chemical additives in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3), including maximum feed rates.

(e) Sampling Taps--Smooth-nosed sampling taps shall be located on each source, each treatment unit influent and each treatment unit effluent.

(7) Fluoridation--Commercial sodium fluoride, sodium silicofluoride and hydrofluorosilic acid shall be NSF approved and shall conform to American Waterworks Association Standards B701, B702 and B703 respectively. Fluoride chemicals shall meet the requirements of chemical additives in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3). The proposed method of fluoride feed shall be approved by the Department prior to preparation of final plans and specifications.

(a) Fluoride Compound Storage--Dry chemical storage shall be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2(E)(2)(e)(E)(2)(e). Storage units for hydrofluorosilic acid shall be isolated from operating areas and shall be vented to the atmosphere at a point outside any building.

(b) Injection Point--The fluoride compound shall not be added before ion exchange softening or before lime addition, to avoid precipitation of fluoride.

(c) Chemical Feed Installations--Fluoride feed systems shall meet the following criteria:
(i) Scales or loss-of-weight recorders for weighing the quantity of chemicals added shall be provided;

(ii) Feed equipment shall have an accuracy to within five (5) percent of any desired feed rate;

(iii) The point of application of hydrofluorosilic acid, if into a pipe, shall be in the lower half of the pipe and project upward at an angle approximately forty (40) degrees and extend into the pipe one-third of diameter; and,

(iv) All fluoride feed lines shall be provided with adequate antisiphon devices.

(v) All fluoride feed systems shall be equipped with a fail-safe system to prevent the continued feed of fluoride at times when there is no flow of water through the fluoride feed point.

(d) Protective equipment--At least one (1) pair of rubber gloves, a respirator of a type certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for toxic dusts or acid gas (as necessary), an apron or other protective clothing, and goggles or face masks shall be provided for use by the operator. Other protective equipment may be required, as deemed necessary by the Department.

(e) Dust Control
(i) Provisions shall be made for the transfer of dry fluoride compounds from shipping containers to storage bins or hoppers in such a way as to minimize the quantity of fluoride dust which may enter the room in which the equipment is installed. The enclosure shall be provided with an exhaust fan and dust filter to the outside atmosphere of the building.

(ii) Provisions shall be made for disposing of empty bags, drums and barrels in a manner which will minimize exposure to fluoride dusts. A floor drain shall be provided to facilitate the washing of floors.

(8) Corrosion Control--Water that is corrosive due either to natural causes or to treatment given the water shall be rendered non-corrosive, and nonaggressive before being pumped to the distribution system.

(a) Alkali Feed--Corrosive water due to natural occurrence, or chemical exchange process shall be treated by an alkali feed. Alkali feed can consist of lime, soda ash, bicarbonate, caustic soda, or a combination of any of the above. Lime feed systems shall include a mechanism for flushing the feed lines, including suction and pumping equipment, if used.

(b) Phosphates--The feeding of phosphates may be applicable for corrosion control. Phosphate chemicals shall meet the requirements of chemical additives in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3).

(c) Carbon dioxide addition
(i) Recarbonation basin design shall provide:
(A) A total detention time of at least twenty (20) minutes.

(B) A minimum of two (2) compartments, consisting of a mixing compartment having a detention time of at least three (3) minutes, and a reaction compartment.

(ii) Carbon dioxide feed systems shall be isolated from the operating area and adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide entering the plant from recarbonation compartments.

(iii) Provisions shall be made for draining the recarbonation basin and removing sludge.

(d) Other Treatment--Other treatment for controlling corrosive waters will be considered on a case by case basis. All chemicals must meet the requirements in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3). Any proprietary compound must receive the specific approval of the Department before use.

(e) Control--Laboratory equipment, acceptable to the Department, shall be provided to test the compounds being fed.

(9) Taste and Odor Control--When necessary, provision shall be made for the addition of taste and odor control chemicals. These chemicals shall be added sufficiently ahead of other treatment processes to ensure adequate contact time for an effective and economical use of the chemicals.

(a) Flexibility--Plants treating water that is known to have taste and odor problems shall be provided with equipment that makes several of the control processes available to allow the operator flexibility in operation.

(b) Chlorination--Chlorination can be used for the removal of some objectionable odors. Adequate contact time must be provided to complete the chemical reactions involved. Consideration shall be given to the formation of disinfection by-products if this method is used.

(c) Chlorine Dioxide--Chlorine dioxide may be used in the treatment of taste or odor. Provision shall be made for the proper storing and handling of sodium chlorite, so as to eliminate any danger of explosion. Consideration shall be given to the formation of disinfection by-products if this method is used.

(d) Granular Activated Carbon Absorption Units--Rates of flow shall be consistent with the type and intensity of the problem. The rate used shall be supported by the results of pilot plant studies and shall be in accordance with the requirements of R.61-58.2(D)(1)(D)(1).

(e) Aeration--Aeration units used for taste and odor removal shall be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2(D)(5)(D)(5).

(f) Potassium Permanganate--The application of potassium permanganate may be considered, provided that dosages are determined by permanganate demand testing.

(10) Membrane Technology--All applications for projects involving membrane technology must be preceded by an engineering report and may require a pilot study.

(a) Reverse Osmosis
(i) Pilot Study--The pilot study, where required, must determine or address the following items:
(A) Membrane loading rates including the most efficient percentage of recovery;

(B) What pre-treatment is needed including feed rates of any chemicals;

(C) Whether by-pass blending can be used and what the blending rate will be;

(D) The post treatment needs including what chemical additions will be necessary to make the finished water non-corrosive; and,

(E) The best type of membrane for the source water application.

(ii) General Design Requirements--
(A) A flow meter with totalizer must be provided for the permeate and the blend lines in each treatment train.

(B) Valves must be provided on the influent, permeate, reject, and cleaning lines for each unit.

(C) Pressure gauges must be provided on the influent and permeate lines for each unit for measurement of head loss.

(D) Sample taps must be provided for the permeate, blended product, and finished water.

(E) Monitoring equipment must be provided to measure pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and any specific contaminants for which treatment is being provided.

(F) Disposal of concentrate and cleaning solutions must be approved by the Department.

(iii) Reverse Osmosis Membrane Material -
(A) Membrane material used in public water systems shall be certified as meeting the specification of the American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation Standard 61, Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects. The certifying party shall be accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

(B) Loading rates must be determined by pilot testing and manufacturers recommendations.

(iv) Scale Inhibitors and Cleaning Solutions--Scale inhibitors and cleaning solutions must meet the requirements of chemical additives in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3).

(v) Post-Treatment--
(A) Continuous disinfection must be employed on the permeate or on the blended effluent from the treatment units.

(B) Treatment shall be employed to render the finished water non-corrosive.

(b) Electrodialysis Reversal--Electrodialysis reversal treatment shall not be used on surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water unless the requirements of R.61-58.10 are otherwise met.
(i) Pretreatment--Pretreatment must be used to protect the membrane from fouling. Media filtration used in pretreatment must be designed in accordance with R.661-58.2(D)(1)-58.2(D)(1). Degassification must be designed in accordance with R.61-58.2(D)(1)(D)(5).

(ii) Pilot Study--The pilot study must determine or address the following items:
(A) Membrane loading rates including the most efficient percentage of recovery;

(B) What pre-treatment is needed including feed rates of any chemicals;

(C) Whether by-pass blending can be used and what the blending rate will be;

(D) The post treatment needs, including what chemical additions will be necessary to make the finished water non-corrosive; and,

(E) The best type of membrane for the source water application.

(iii) General Design Requirements--
(A) A gallon meter with totalizer must be provided for the product water and the blend lines in each treatment train.

(B) Valves must be provided on the influent, product water, reject, and cleaning lines for each unit.

(C) Electric volt and current meters must be provided to measure the electric potential across each unit.

(D) Pressure gauges must be provided on the influent and product lines for each unit for measurement of head loss.

(E) Sample taps must be provided for the product, blended water, and finished water.

(F) Monitoring equipment must be provided to measure pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and any specific contaminants for which treatment is being provided.

(G) Disposal of concentrate and cleaning solutions must be approved by the Department.

(iv) Electrodialysis Reversal Membrane Material -
(A) Membrane material used in public water systems shall be certified as meeting the specification 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.

(B) Loading rates must be determined by pilot testing and manufacturers recommendations.

(v) Scale Inhibitors and Cleaning Solutions--Scale inhibitors and cleaning solutions must meet the requirements of chemical additives in R.61-58.2(E)(3)(E)(3).

(vi) Post-Treatment--
(A) Continuous disinfection must be employed on the product water or on the blended effluent from the treatment units.

(B) Treatment shall be employed to render the finished water non-corrosive.

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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