Virginia Law

Article 11
Nonpublic Drinking Water Supply Systems Utilized in Conjunction with Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems

A. Authority for this article is found in § 32.1-164 B 6 of the Code of Virginia. This article pertains only to new construction where a nonpublic water supply, other than a private well, is to be constructed and utilized in conjunction with an onsite sewage disposal system. Approval of the water supply is an integral part of the issuance of an operation permit for a sewage disposal system (see 12VAC5-610-340) and no separate permit is required. An approval of a water supply under this section connotes a water supply meeting the quantity, quality and construction standards of a satisfactory water supply at the time of approval.

B. Quantity.

1. The system shall be capable of supplying water in adequate quantity for its intended usage. Failure to provide adequate capacity may cause intermittent flows and negative pressures which may cause contamination of the system through cross connections or other system deficiencies.

2. The source shall have a capacity to produce 150 gallons per bedroom per day for residential use.

3. The minimum system capacity (source plus storage) should be capable of delivering a sustained flow of five gallons per minute per connection for 10 minutes for ordinary residential use.

C. Quality.

1. Water sources described in this section shall be considered satisfactory if the water sample or samples test negative for coliform organisms. Sources with positive coliform counts, but with less than 100 MPN/100ml shall be provided with a means for continuous disinfection (chlorination).

2. A sample tap shall be provided at or near the water entry point into the system so that samples may be taken directly from the source; this requirement may be met by utilizing the first tap on the line near where the plumbing enters the house (may be a hose bib), provided the tap precedes any water treatment devices.

3. The entire water system including the well shall be disinfected prior to use. After operating the well to remove any remaining disinfectant, a sample of the water from the well shall be collected by the district or local health department for bacteriological examination. The sample may be collected by the owner, or an agent designated by the owner, provided the sample is submitted to a private, certified (by Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services) laboratory for analysis.

4. If tests indicate that the water is unsatisfactory and no other approval source is available, adequate approved methods of water treatment shall be applied. The district or local health department shall be consulted when treatment is necessary.

D. Approval. All water supplies covered by this chapter shall be approved by the district or local health department before being placed into service as a satisfactory water supply.