LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 590. Waterworks Regulations
11/23/2024

12VAC5-590-1080. Basic finished water storage structure design criteria.

A. The materials and designs used for finished water storage structures, including associated pipe and valves, shall provide stability and durability as well as protect the quality of the stored water. Steel, concrete, composite, and plastic storage structures shall be designed, constructed, cleaned, disinfected, and tested in accordance with the following AWWA standards, where applicable: D100-11, D103-19, D107-16, D108-19, D110-13, D115-20, D120-19, D121-12, and C652-19.

B. Safety cages, rest platforms, roof-ladder handrails, and other safety devices shall be provided as required by VOSH laws and regulations.

C. Location of finished water storage structures.

1. The bottom of ground-level reservoirs, storage tanks, and standpipes should be placed above finished grade to ensure positive drainage away from the structure.

2. Where the bottom must be below normal ground surface, it shall be placed above the groundwater table. Sewers, drains, standing water, and similar sources of contamination shall be kept at least 50 feet from the finished water storage structure. Pipe conforming to water distribution pipe standards of 12VAC5-590-1110, pressure tested in place without leakage, shall be used for gravity sewers at lesser separations.

3. The top of all storage facilities shall not be less than two feet above the normal ground surface and shall be above the 100-year flood elevation. Any clearwell constructed under filters may be exempted from this requirement when the total design gives the same protection.

D. Pressure variation. The maximum variation between normal operational high and low water levels in finished water storage structures which float on a distribution system shall not exceed 30 feet.

E. Level controls.

1. Adequate controls shall be provided to enable sufficient tank turnover, water quality maintenance, avoidance of overflows, and efficient operations.

2. A telemetery system with recording capability shall be considered to transmit the operating levels in distribution system storage facilities to a location where qualified personnel may access the data at all times.

3. Altitude valves or equivalent controls shall be provided.

4. For tanks with a monitoring system, warnings or alarms indicating overflow, low level, and pump malfunction shall be provided.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-18-011.01 § 3.45, eff. August 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. June 23, 2021.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.