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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 590. Waterworks Regulations
12/22/2024

12VAC5-590-1065. Piping, valves, and meters.

A. Piping shall:

1. Be adequately sized to minimize energy losses;

2. Not be subject to contamination;

3. Have watertight joints;

4. Be properly anchored to prevent movement;

5. Be protected against surge or water hammer;

6. Have proper labels to identify the contents of the pipes (12VAC5-590-720 C); and

7. Have all exposed piping, valves, and appurtenances protected against physical damage and freezing.

B. Pumps shall be adequately valved to allow satisfactory operation, maintenance, and repair.

1. If foot valves are necessary, then they shall have a net valve area of at least 2-1/2 times the area of the suction pipe and they shall be screened.

2. Each pump shall have shutoff valves on both suction and discharge sides of the pump.

3. Each pump shall have a positive-acting check valve on the discharge side between the pump and shutoff valve or suitable control features to prevent flow reversal.

4. Surge relief valves or slow-acting check valves shall be designed to minimize hydraulic transients.

5. Discharge control valves and appurtenances shall be located above the pump floor when an above-ground discharge is provided.

6. Pumps shall be equipped with an air release or vacuum relief valve located upstream from the check valve, with exhaust or relief piping terminating in a down-turned position at least 18 inches above the floor and covered with a corrosion-resistant screen.

C. Gauges. Each pump shall have a standard pressure gauge on its discharge line capable of displaying the maximum allowable pressure of the pump and shall have a standard pressure gauge or a compound gauge when appropriate on its suction line.

D. Meters.

1. All booster pump stations located within the distribution system should be fitted with a flow rate indicating and totalizing meter with recording capabilities.

2. A totalizing water meter to measure water production shall be provided for each well and shall be located upstream of the well blowoff.

E. Additional requirements for well discharge piping.

1. Valves shall be provided to allow testing and control of each well.

2. A nonthreaded sampling tap shall be provided for water sampling that discharges in a downward direction and away from the well casing.

3. A standard pressure gauge shall be provided to indicate well discharge pressure. The gauge shall be capable of displaying pressure under all operating conditions.

4. Blowoff.

a. A separate means to pump (i.e., blowoff) water of unsatisfactory quality to a point away from the groundwater source shall be provided. Blowoff discharge shall not create a cross-connection.

b. Systems shall be equipped with a watertight cap or a screened discharge.

c. Erosion protection at the point of waste discharge shall be provided.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. June 23, 2021.

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