Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 800 - Environmental Protection - Water Supply
Chapter NR 811 - Requirements For The Operation And Design Of Community Water Systems
Subchapter V - Pumping Equipment and Appurtenances
Section NR 811.37 - Pump discharge lines

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 811.37

Current through August 26, 2024

Pump discharge lines shall meet the requirements of this section and as shown in Figure Nos. 8 and 9 in the Appendix.

(1) BURIED LINES. Adequate positive pressure shall be maintained on all buried piping. Pump suction and discharge lines that are to be buried shall be designed so that the line is under a continuous pressure head that is higher than the elevation of the ground surface under all operating conditions. Lines where a positive pressure head that is higher than the elevation of the ground surface cannot be maintained may be installed if the lines are encased for their entire length in a watertight pipe conduit or a tunnel. Buried lines that, under all operating conditions, are not under a positive pressure head that is higher than the elevation of the ground surface and are not encased for their entire length in watertight pipe conduit or a tunnel are not permitted.

(2) ABOVE GRADE PIPING MATERIALS. Above grade pump discharge line piping materials shall meet the requirements of s. NR 811.28 (5) (b).

(3) LOCATION OF APPURTENANCES. Pump discharge piping containing appurtenances such as valves, sampling faucets, water meters, and other equipment shall be located above the ground surface.

(4) PUMP-TO-WASTE. All wells and high-lift pump stations shall be provided with a means to pump to waste. This shall be a plugged tee or blind flange or a shut-off valve followed by a hose connection installed on the pump discharge piping inside the pump station. For municipal and subdivision water systems, a valve and hydrant may be installed outside the pump station on the buried pump discharge piping.

Note: It is recommended that pump-to-waste fittings installed inside the pump station be installed as close as possible to the well or pump head in order to minimize the piping and appurtenances that water to be wasted will be pumped through. The department recommends a valve and hydrant be installed outside the pump station on the buried pump discharge piping for municipal and subdivision water systems.

(5) PUMP DISCHARGE PIPING APPURTENANCES. The following appurtenances shall be provided for pump discharge piping in addition to the means for pumping the well to waste required in sub. (4). Additional requirements for the installation of pump discharge piping and appurtenances for pitless unit installations are given in s. NR 811.35.

(a) Air-vacuum and air relief valves. The connecting and discharge lines for all air-vacuum and air relief valves shall be constructed of copper, ductile iron, steel, or stainless steel and shall face downward and terminate with a 24-mesh corrosion resistant screen, at least 24 inches above the floor. For line-shaft vertical turbine pump discharge pipes, an air-vacuum relief valve shall be installed between the pump and the check valve. For well line-shaft vertical turbine pump discharge pipes that discharge directly to reservoirs, the air relief valve is not required but a vacuum relief valve and a check valve are required. The installation of an air-vacuum relief valve is not required for submersible pump installations when check valves are installed at the pump and above grade, and there are no weep holes in the pump drop pipe unless entrained air in the well water or pressure surges are a concern and the installation of an air relief valve is necessary or required by the department.

(b) Sampling faucet. All pump discharge piping shall contain one or more sampling faucets meeting the following requirements:
1. A water sampling faucet shall be installed and located upstream of any chemical addition or water treatment equipment to allow for the collection of raw water. If possible, the faucet shall be located prior to any above grade check valve.

2. If chemical addition, water treatment, or water storage is installed, a second entry point sampling faucet shall be installed as far downstream of the chemical injection, water treatment, or water storage as practical. If necessary to obtain a water sample representing finished water quality, a water service lateral shall be brought back into the building and fitted with a sampling faucet after being connected to the building discharge water main outside the building.

3. All sampling faucets shall be installed to terminate a minimum of 12 inches above the floor, have a down-turned smooth-end spout, be constructed of metal, have a minimum spout diameter of 0.25 inches, be installed directly on the piping conveying the water whenever possible, and be located in an area accessible for sampling.

(c) Check valve or other type of automatically closing valve. A check valve shall be provided except if prohibited at pitless unit installations under s. NR 811.35 (5). Where extreme surge pressures occur, slow opening valves, voltage ramped motors, or other means of surge protection shall be provided.

(d) Meters. All municipal well pump discharge pipes, all other-than-municipal well pump discharge pipes with pumps discharging at a rate greater than or equal to 70 gallons per minute or if chemical addition is practiced, all groundwater reservoir high-lift pumps if chemical addition is practiced, and all surface water low-lift and high-lift combined pump discharge pipes shall be provided with water meters to determine the quantity of water discharged.

Note: It is recommended that an hour meter be installed for any pump motor where the pump discharge piping will not be provided with a water meter.

(e) Shut-off valve. A shut-off valve shall be provided.

(f) Pressure gauge. A pressure gauge shall be provided.

(g) Chemical injection tap. A chemical injection tap allowing chemical injection, shall be provided and installed in accordance with s. NR 811.39 (2) (f).

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