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1. Is emergency power required for ground water production facilities?

Groundwater production facilities (typically a groundwater well, reservoir and booster pump station that do not treat the groundwater) usually do not require emergency power. However, emergency power may be required to meet the regulatory requirements for the distribution system. For more information, please call 602-506-1058.

2. Is emergency power required for water distribution system facilities?

The requirement for back-up power for distribution system facilities is driven by 3 Arizona Administrative Code requirements.

3. What are the design requirements for venting wet wells, tanks and reservoirs?

The requirements are specified in the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Engineering Bulletin No. 10, "Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems," Chapter 6, Section E.9.

In addition to the installation of inverted 'U' type vents, MCESD also allows the use of recent designs such as 'chair' or cross-flow vents provided that these vents have an air flow direction change of 90 degrees in the horizontal plane prior to air entering/leaving the containment vessel.

In all cases, vents shall have a 16-mesh corrosion resistant screen installed to prevent the ingress of birds and insects. For more information, download the Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems (PDF).

4. What are the design requirements for wet well, tank or reservoir overflows?

The requirements are specified in the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Engineering Bulletin No. 10, "Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems," Chapter 6, Section E.6.

In addition to the installation of overflow piping with a 16-mesh corrosion resistant screen, MCESD also allows the use of alternative designs such as the use of counter-weighted flapper valves or self-sealing valves that will open and close automatically when an overflow occurs.

In all cases, overflows shall have a 16-mesh corrosion resistant screen installed or provide a mechanical means of sealing the overflow opening to prevent the ingress of birds and insects.

If the overflow from a storage vessel is not connected to a sewer or storm water system, a suitable means of onsite containment must be included in the design. Onsite retention basins with riprap line channels and sides are typically used to contain an overflow and prevent erosion. Care should be taken in the design to insure that underground vaults and access points are not located in close proximity to overflow channels or retention basins. For more information, download the Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems (PDF).

5. What are the design requirements for entry hatches on wet wells, tanks and reservoirs?

The requirements are specified in the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Engineering Bulletin No. 10, "Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems," Chapter 6, Section E.8.

Entry hatches shall be constructed with seals to prevent the entry of unsafe water, birds and insects into the containment vessel. Typical entry hatch designs include frames with integral curbs and frame overlapping covers with rubber or plastic seals. For more information, download the Guidelines for the Construction of Water Systems (PDF).

6. Can pump seal water be discharged to a drinking water booster pump station wet well?

Pump seal water shall only be discharged to a drinking water booster pump station wet well if the seal water is free of contaminants and of equal water quality to the water contained in the wet well. A drinking water pump utilizing plant service water for the pump seal water source cannot discharge the seal water into the wet well as this installation would be a cross connection between potable and non-potable water systems. For more information, please call 602-506-1058.

7. What are the disinfection requirements for commissioning piping or equipment in potable water service?

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Bulletin No. 8, "Disinfection of Water Systems", specifies the methodology and requirements for the disinfection of new piping and equipment. Bulletin No. 8 also discusses disinfection using chlorination as well as safety measures and emergency disinfection procedures.

In addition to the disinfection procedures specified in ADEQ Bulletin No. 8, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards may be used. (AWWA) standards may be used.