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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 450. Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds
12/11/2024

12VAC5-450-80. Water supplies.

A. An adequate supply of safe, sanitary, potable water shall be provided. An approved water supply shall either be an approved private well or a permitted waterworks. Waterworks must be maintained and operated in compliance with 12VAC5-590. Private wells shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in compliance with the standards of 12VAC5-630. Additionally, campgrounds utilizing private wells for potable water shall sample and test for total coliform and nitrate annually and prior to permit application; water shall be satisfactory for the total coliform standards identified in 12VAC5-630-370 and shall not have more than 10 mg/L nitrate. Samples shall be analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.

B. Water shall be provided at one or more easily accessible locations within the campground. The water system shall be capable of meeting the demand for water during periods of peak use by the campground.

C. Water systems that are not a part of a waterworks regulated under 12VAC5-590 must meet the following construction and operational standards:

1. All water storage reservoirs shall be covered, watertight, and constructed of impervious material.

2. Overflows and vents of such reservoirs shall be effectively screened.

3. Manholes shall be constructed with overlapping covers so as to prevent the entrance of contaminating material.

4. Reservoir overflow pipes shall discharge through an acceptable air gap.

5. All cross connections between approved and unapproved water supply systems are prohibited.

6. All water supplies shall be protected against the hazards of backflow or back siphonage.

D. Common water coolers, drinking cups, glasses, or vessels are prohibited.

E. Unapproved wells or springs in the campground shall be eliminated or made inaccessible for human consumption. All accessible water outlets with sources not approved for human consumption under the terms identified in subsection A of this section shall be identified with signage stating, in effect, "Caution: nonpotable water. DO NOT DRINK."

F. All ice provided shall be from an approved source and shall be handled and stored in a manner to prevent contamination. Ice-making machines shall be automatic dispensing, and water shall be from a source approved under subsection A of this section. Open-bin type ice machines are prohibited.

G. Portable water tanks or watering stations shall not be allowed unless such tanks, stations, and dispensing are reviewed and approved by the Health Commissioner.

H. The area surrounding a pump or hydrant used for a water supply shall be maintained in a properly drained and sanitary condition to prevent the accumulation of standing water or the creation of muddy conditions.

I. The connection for potable water piped to individual campsites shall be installed so that it will not be damaged by the parking of camping vehicles.

J. If installed above the ground, the riser shall terminate at least four inches above the ground surface. If installed in a pit, the riser shall terminate at least 12 inches above the floor of the pit, and the pit shall be drained to prevent it from containing standing water. The drain for the pit shall not be connected to a sanitary sewerage system.

K. If a water connection and a sewer connection are provided at a campsite, the two connections shall be separated by a minimum horizontal distance of 10 feet. Campgrounds that have been issued a permit before November 28, 2018, shall be exempt and required to maintain a minimum horizontal distance of five feet between water and sewer connections. If an exempt campground conducts construction or renovation activity impacting water and sewer connections, current regulations shall apply to all campsites where work is conducted. Normal maintenance work will not constitute construction or renovation.

L. Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent the freezing of service lines, valves, and riser pipes.

Statutory Authority

§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-17 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-35-04 § 1, eff. July 21, 1971; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.

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