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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 590. Waterworks Regulations
11/5/2024

12VAC5-590-1040. Pump stations.

A. Enclosures.

1. The structure that houses a pump shall be of durable construction, fire and weather resistant, and furnished with lockable, outward opening doors. Underground structures shall be waterproofed.

2. Floors.

a. Pump house floors shall be of good quality concrete with adequate reinforcement and have a minimum thickness of six inches.

b. Pump house floors shall slope at least 1/8 inch per foot toward a screened four-inch-diameter floor drain to the atmosphere or other provisions for gravity drainage.

c. The pump house finished floor elevation should be at least six inches above the finished grade.

3. Openings in floors or roofs or elsewhere for removal of heavy or bulky equipment shall be provided.

a. Craneways, hoist beams, eyebolts, or other adequate facilities for servicing or removal of pumps, motors, or other heavy equipment shall be provided.

b. Adequate means of access shall be provided to lubrication points of equipment if these are located at intermediate points between floors.

4. Heat shall be provided for the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.

5. Adequate ventilation shall be provided for all pumping stations. Forced draft ventilation of at least six changes of air per hour (continuous operation) shall be provided for:

a. All rooms, compartments, pits, and other enclosures below grade; and

b. Any area where an unsafe atmosphere may develop or where excessive heat may build up.

6. In areas where excess moisture could cause hazards to safety or damage to equipment, means for dehumidification shall be provided.

7. Pump stations shall be adequately lighted throughout. All electrical work shall conform to the requirements of the applicable codes.

8. Stair design shall be in accordance with the USBC.

9. Pump stations shall have adequate space for the installation of additional units if needed and for the safe servicing of all equipment.

10. Pump stations shall be designed so that each pump has an individual suction line or the lines shall be so manifolded to ensure similar hydraulic and operational conditions.

B. Suction wells shall:

1. Be watertight;

2. Have floors sloped to allow removal of water and entrained solids;

3. Be covered or otherwise protected against contamination, including contamination by pump lubricants; and

4. Have two pumping compartments or other means to allow the suction well to be taken out of service for inspection, maintenance, or repair.

C. Groundwater well enclosures and aprons.

1. The floor at the well pump house shall meet the requirements of subdivision A 2 of this section.

2. Well pump aprons surrounding the well shall (i) be of quality reinforced concrete, (ii) extend a minimum of three feet in all directions from the well casing, (iii) be at least six inches thick, and (iv) be sloped 1/8 inch per foot away from the well.

3. Well houses or well pump stations in pits are prohibited.

D. Spring enclosures shall be vented by properly hooded and screened pipe extending at least 12 inches above the pump floor or ground surface.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-18-010.04 § 3.41, eff. August 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. June 23, 2021.

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