Chapter NR 810

NR 810.12 NR 810.12 Distribution system loss of pressure. The water supplier for community water systems shall be responsible for taking corrective action when positive distribution system pressure is lost in an area affecting 25% or more of the overall distribution system or in an entire pressure zone. In addition to restoring system pressure, the water supplier shall perform all of the following:

NR 810.12(1) (1) Notify the appropriate regional office of the department as soon as possible, but no later than one working day after the loss of pressure, as to the extent of the problem, cause and corrective actions taken.

NR 810.12(2) (2) Start emergency disinfection of the water supply if the water system is not already continuously disinfected. At a minimum, the free chlorine residual shall be 0.2 mg/l at the entry point to the distribution system and detectable throughout the distribution system or the total combined chlorine residual shall be 1.0 mg/l at the entry point and detectable throughout the distribution system. If loss of pressure was limited to one pressure zone, the above disinfection requirements may be restricted to target the affected pressure zone. Higher disinfectant residuals may be required by the department if deemed necessary to ensure a safe water supply. Water mains and storage facilities in the area that lost pressure shall be flushed to remove contaminated water and to quickly establish an adequate disinfectant residual. Emergency disinfection shall be maintained until approval is obtained from the department to cease.

NR 810.12(3) (3) Collect distribution system water samples for bacteriological analyses from the pressure loss area as soon as adequate pressure is returned to the water system. The number of samples collected shall increase as the extent of problem areas increases, but in no case may less than 2 samples be collected. The department shall be contacted to determine the number of samples and sampling locations. The water supplier shall comply with s. NR 809.31 when water system sampling indicates the presence of coliform organisms.

NR 810.12(4) (4) Issue an immediate boil water notice to all affected water consumers unless it is determined by the department that an acute threat to public health does not exist. The boil water notice shall be maintained until approval is obtained from the department to cease. In this subsection “boil water notice” means a special type of public notice that informs consumers that the water is bacteriologically unsafe and should be boiled prior to consumption. A boil water notice shall include all the following information:

NR 810.12(4)(a) (a) The water has tested bacteriologically unsafe for drinking.

NR 810.12(4)(b) (b) All water used for washing of eating utensils, drinking, or cooking should be boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute.

NR 810.12(4)(c) (c) Ice and any beverages prepared with unboiled water should be discarded.

NR 810.12(4)(d) (d) Precautions listed in subd. 1 to 3 are in effect until further notice.

NR 810.12(5) (5) Notify the public in the area affected as prescribed in s. NR 809.951 unless the department determines that no health hazard has existed.

NR 810.12(6) (6) Take all corrective actions necessary to prevent additional pressure losses.

NR 810.12 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.13 NR 810.13 System maintenance. Each water supplier for all public water systems shall perform routine maintenance to ensure proper operation of the public water system. Record keeping shall be established to ensure proper scheduling.

NR 810.13(1) (1) Each water supplier for community and nontransient noncommunity water systems shall perform all of the following:

NR 810.13(1)(a) (a) Well pump maintenance. Vertical turbine and submersible well pumps shall be removed and inspected on a regular basis and maintenance provided as needed. A frequency of once every ten years is recommended.

NR 810.13(1)(b) (b) Well seal inspection. The seal between the pump base and pump head shall be verified to meet the requirements of ss. NR 811.31 (1) or 811.32 (1) each time a pump is installed or reinstalled.

NR 810.13(1)(c) (c) Vessels. Iron filters, softeners, and other similar closed treatment vessels shall be opened up, where practicable, and inspected at a minimum of once every 5 years.

NR 810.13(1)(d) (d) Emergency power exercising. Emergency generators and auxiliary engines shall be exercised a minimum of once per month and quarterly under full load. A log shall be kept that documents when the unit was operated and maintenance that was performed on the unit. Water suppliers for those public water systems who rent, lease or borrow their generators shall have a contract with the owner of the unit, perform full-load exercising at least annually, and keep records showing when exercising was performed. Water suppliers for those public water systems with right angle units requiring mobile tractors shall perform full load exercising at least annually and keep records showing when exercising was performed. Operational and fueling procedures shall be included in the log.

NR 810.13(1)(e) (e) Hydropneumatic tanks. Pressure tanks shall be flushed regularly to remove sediment. Tanks equipped with hatches shall have interior inspections a minimum of once every 5 years. Maintenance shall include removal of sediment, cleaning of biofilm, restoration of interior and exterior coating systems to prevent corrosion, cleaning and repair of sight glasses, air volume controls and exercising valves.

NR 810.13(2) (2) Unless an alternate schedule is approved by the department, each water supplier for community water systems shall perform all of the following:

NR 810.13(2)(a) (a) Valve exercising. All distribution system valves shall be exercised a minimum of every 2 to 5 years. The department recommends 5 to 7 years for hydrant lead auxiliary valves.

NR 810.13(2)(b) (b) Hydrant exercising. All hydrants shall be exercised at least once every 2 years.

NR 810.13(2)(c) (c) Hydrant maintenance. Hydrants shall be maintained in proper working condition, consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

NR 810.13(2)(d) (d) Flushing dead-end mains. A schedule shall be established for flushing dead-end mains or mains in other areas to remove sediment or water of poor quality.

NR 810.13(2)(e) (e) Meter testing and calibration. For water utilities serving public water systems, master water meters in wellhouses, high lift pumping stations, booster pumping stations and metering stations shall be tested and calibrated at a minimum frequency of every 2 years or as required by s. PSC 185.83 (2). Calibration results shall be documented and be within acceptable levels for the particular meter being calibrated.

NR 810.13 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.14 NR 810.14 Water storage facility inspections. The interior and exterior of water storage facilities serving public water systems shall be regularly inspected and maintained. Inspections of storage facilities 10,000 gallons or greater shall be by a professional tank inspection firm or by a registered professional engineer. Maintenance shall include removal of sediment and biofilm prior to evaluation of structural, mechanical and coating systems. Repairs shall be provided as necessary to ensure good working condition. Interior and exterior paint coatings for steel elevated water storage tanks or treatment structures shall be inspected by a person trained to evaluate the integrity of the paint system and repainted as necessary to maintain structural integrity. The water supplier may perform the inspection if experienced in paint inspection.

NR 810.14(1) (1) Frequency. All storage facilities shall be inspected a minimum of every 5 years and as required in sub. (2) (a) unless otherwise approved by the department. Repairs or welding on the exterior of a tank may make a special interior inspection necessary. Exterior inspections of vent and overflow screens and hatches shall be conducted once per year by the water supplier.

NR 810.14(2) (2) Methods. Any of the following methods are acceptable for the required 5-year interior tank/ water storage facility inspection:

NR 810.14(2)(a) (a) Drain down inspections. Drain down inspections include completely draining the tank. Rigging and ladders may be necessary to access all surfaces. The tank shall be cleaned of all sediment prior to inspecting. Unless an alternative schedule is approved by the department, a drain down inspection shall be utilized a minimum of every ten years or every other inspection.

NR 810.14(2)(a)1. 1. Following all drain down inspections and painting, the interior of the tank shall be disinfected in accordance with one of the methods in AWWA Standard C652-02. A minimum of 2 successive safe samples, taken at 24-hour intervals, shall be obtained which indicate bacteriologically safe water; or one safe sample shall be obtained only if a free chlorine residual of at least 0.1 mg/l is remaining when the results of the safe sample are reported.

NR 810.14(2)(a)2. 2. For all concrete ground reservoirs with cracks or signs of leakage, the top shall be soaked with water and the interior shall be checked for leaks.

NR 810.14(2)(b) (b) Float down or partial drain inspections. Float down inspections involve the use of a disinfected inflatable raft and allow access to all levels of the tank. The water level shall be lowered below the normal low operating level to expose the sidewalls of the tank. If the tank is to remain in service during the inspection or the water will be sent to the distribution system following the inspection, all of the following requirements apply:

NR 810.14(2)(b)1. 1. A minimum 0.5 mg/l chlorine residual shall be maintained in the tank throughout the inspection.

NR 810.14(2)(b)2. 2. All equipment shall be dedicated for potable water use and is disinfected with a 200 ppm chlorine solution.

NR 810.14(2)(b)3. 3. For all concrete ground reservoirs with cracks or signs of leakage, the top shall be soaked with water and the interior shall be checked for leaks.

NR 810.14(2)(b)4. 4. A minimum of 2 bacteriologically safe samples shall be obtained from the tank after the inspection, one following the inspection and one 24 hours later.

NR 810.14(2)(b)5. 5. A minimum pressure of 35 psi shall be maintained throughout the distribution system during the inspection.

NR 810.14(2)(c) (c) Diver inspections. Diver inspections shall involve the use of a commercial diver tethered to, and in communication with, the outside. Procedures shall be done in accordance with Section 4.4 of AWWA Standard C652-02 and Section 12.0 of the Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Inspection. The department recommends that the tank be removed from service during the inspection. If the tank is to remain in service during the inspection or if the water will be sent to the distribution system following the inspection, all of the following requirements apply:

NR 810.14(2)(c)1. 1. A minimum 0.5 mg/l chlorine residual shall be maintained in the tank throughout the inspection.

NR 810.14(2)(c)2. 2. All equipment shall be dedicated for potable water use and shall be disinfected with a 200 ppm chlorine solution. The inspector shall also be disinfected.

NR 810.14(2)(c)3. 3. The inspection of the tank shall be done after the sediment is removed from the bottom of tank and shall include a visual inspection of any expansion joints.

NR 810.14(2)(c)4. 4. For all concrete ground reservoirs with cracks or signs of leakage, the top shall be soaked with water and the interior shall be checked for leaks.

NR 810.14(2)(c)5. 5. A minimum of 2 bacteriologically safe samples shall be obtained from the tank after the inspection, one following the inspection and one 24 hours later.

NR 810.14(2)(d) (d) Robotic inspections. Robotic inspections shall involve a rover unit with a fiber optic tether and video camera and shall include cleaning capabilities. If the tank is to remain in service during the inspection or if the water will be sent to the distribution system following the inspection, all of the following requirements apply:

NR 810.14(2)(d)1. 1. A minimum 0.5 mg/l chlorine residual shall be maintained in the tank throughout the inspection.

NR 810.14(2)(d)2. 2. All equipment entering the tank shall be dedicated for potable water use and be disinfected with a 200 ppm chlorine solution.

NR 810.14(2)(d)3. 3. For all concrete ground reservoirs with cracks or signs of leakage, the top shall be soaked with water and the interior shall be checked for leaks.

NR 810.14(2)(d)4. 4. A minimum of 2 bacteriologically safe samples shall be obtained from the tank after the inspection, one immediately following the inspection and one 24 hours later.

NR 810.14(3) (3) Department notification. The department’s regional drinking water staff person shall be given 48 hours prior notice of the date and time of the inspection.

NR 810.14(4) (4) Inspection report submittal. Upon completion of the water storage facility inspection, a completed department report form shall be submitted to the department’s regional drinking water staff person documenting the condition of the storage facility. The water supplier shall submit copies of any additional reports and videos prepared by the inspector.

NR 810.14 Note Note: The report forms are available from the department’s regional or central office drinking water program staff.

NR 810.14(5) (5) Manhole cover gasket. Following all inspections and maintenance, the integrity of the gasket between the access manhole cover and curbing shall be checked and replaced if necessary to prevent the entrance of dust and insects. If no gasket is present, one meeting s. NR 811.64 (7) requirements shall be provided to prevent the entrance of dust and insects.

NR 810.14 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.15 NR 810.15 Cross connections and interconnections. Unprotected cross-connections are prohibited. Cross-connections shall be protected as required in s. SPS 382.41. Water system interconnections are prohibited except as provided in sub. (2). In addition the following requirements shall be met:

NR 810.15(1) (1) Cross connection control program. In order to protect the public water supply system, the water supplier for every municipal water system shall develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of all existing unprotected cross-connections and prevention of all future un-protected cross connections to the last flowing tap or end-use device. The program may include providing public education materials in lieu of inspections of low hazard portions of residential or commercial facilities. Low hazard areas consist of normal kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The water supplier shall keep a current record of the cross connection control program available for annual review by the department. The cross connection control program shall include:

NR 810.15(1)(a) (a) A complete description of the program and the administration procedures, including designation of the inspection or enforcement agency or agencies.

NR 810.15(1)(b) (b) Local authority for implementation of the program, such as ordinance or other governing rule.

NR 810.15(1)(c) (c) A time schedule for public education materials, surveys and follow up surveys of consumer premises for cross connections including appropriate record keeping. Unless otherwise authorized by the department, water suppliers for each municipal water system shall cause a survey to be conducted for every residential service a minimum of once every ten years or on a schedule matching meter replacement. Public educational materials, when being provided in lieu of low hazard inspections, shall be provided to the customer no less than every 3 years and with every cross connection survey. Unless a detailed alternative schedule is included in the cross connection control program and is approved by the department, water suppliers for each municipal water system shall cause a survey to be conducted for every industrial, commercial and public authority service a minimum of once every 2 years. Commercial properties of similar or lesser risk to residential properties may follow the same schedule as residential properties. Completed survey results shall be maintained by the water supplier until corrections and follow up surveys have been made.

NR 810.15(1)(d) (d) A complete description of the methods, devices, and assemblies which will be used to protect the potable water supply. Compliant methods, devices and assemblies are listed in s. SPS 382.41.

NR 810.15(1)(e) (e) Provisions for denial or discontinuance of water service, after reasonable notice, to any premises where an unprotected cross connection exists or where a survey could not be conducted due to denial.

NR 810.15(1)(f) (f) Submission to the department of a copy of an ordinance establishing a cross connection control program, an annual report including a total number of all service connections by category, and a report indicating the number of surveys completed in each category for that year.

NR 810.15(2) (2) Interconnections with other acceptable water sources. Interconnections between the public water supply system and another source of water are prohibited unless permitted by the department in individual cases. Approval of the department shall be obtained prior to the interconnection.

NR 810.15 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; correction in (intro), (1) (d) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2012 No. 673.

NR 810.16 NR 810.16 Local well regulation program. Water suppliers for municipal water systems and communities served by a municipal water system, shall implement a program for the regulation of wells which are not part of the municipal water system and are located on premises served by the municipal water system. Regulation is required to prevent unused, unsafe and noncomplying wells from acting as vertical conduits for aquifer contamination or as sources of unsafe water that could enter the public water system through cross connections. Implementation shall be by local ordinance or utility rule. The ordinance or rule shall include:

NR 810.16(1) (1) A requirement that all water supply wells that do not have valid operational permits issued pursuant to sub. (2), wells which are not routinely used, wells which are in noncompliance with ch. NR 812, or wells which test bacteriologically unsafe, shall be properly sealed and abandoned in accordance with ch. NR 812 by an established date not to exceed one year from date of connection to the public system, or date of discovery or construction.

NR 810.16(2) (2) Provisions for a well operation permit renewable not less frequently than every 5 years that will allow retention and operation of wells which are safe and in compliance with ch. NR 812 with the limitation that the well shall be functional and the owner shall demonstrate a need for use. The permit shall require:

NR 810.16(2)(a) (a) That a minimum of one safe sample be taken prior to issuing or reissuing the permit to establish that the water is bacteriologically safe.

NR 810.16(2)(b) (b) That the well and pump system be evaluated by a licensed well driller or pump installer and certified to comply with ch. NR 812 subch. IV, prior to issuing the initial permit and no less than every 10 years afterwards.

NR 810.16(2)(c) (c) Prohibition of unapproved cross-connections between any private well and pump installations and the municipal water system.

NR 810.16(3) (3) Written documentation of the well and pump inspection indicating compliance with ch. NR 812 requirements using standardized forms provided by the department.

NR 810.16(4) (4) Submission of a copy of the well regulation ordinance or rule to the department.

NR 810.16 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.17 NR 810.17 Temporary water supply and pressure.

NR 810.17(1) (1) Water conduits used for the temporary supply of water because of water main breaks or replacement shall be of materials approved either by ch. SPS 382 as water service or private water main materials or by ch. NR 811 as water main materials. Piping materials may be reused but may not have been previously used for purposes other than providing potable water. The lines shall be disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standard C651-05.

NR 810.17(2) (2) Fire hoses may be used for emergency service to customers. However, the water consumers shall be notified by the water supplier not to use the water provided for drinking or food preparation.

NR 810.17(3) (3) Distribution systems or pressure zones served by a single elevated tank shall maintain normal pressures as specified in s. NR 810.10 when the tank is taken out of service for inspection and maintenance by one of the following methods:

NR 810.17(3)(a) (a) Installation of one or more pressure blow-off valves on a hydrant or hydrants at the opposite end of the system from the source of water.

NR 810.17(3)(b) (b) Installation of a temporary pressure tank connected to the system through a fire hydrant. The hydrant shall be flushed and disinfected prior to being connected to the pressure tank. The connection shall be with a reinforced high pressure neoprene hose dedicated for potable water use. An air compressor or other suitable means shall be provided to add air to the tank. All compressors used to routinely add air to tanks shall be oil-less. Larger capacity compressors that are not oil-less may be used temporarily to fill a tank upon startup, repair or service but shall be fitted with a filter and any other appurtenances necessary to remove particulates and oil. The pressure tank and connecting hose shall be disinfected and sampled in accordance with s. NR 810.09 (4). Adequate security measures shall be provided for the tank and hose.

NR 810.17(4) (4) The connection to a hydrant for purposes other than fire fighting shall meet the requirements in s. SPS 382.41.

NR 810.17 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; correction in (1) and (4) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2012 No. 673.

NR 810.18 NR 810.18 System loss and unaccounted water. All public water systems regulated by the public service commission shall be operated to comply with s. PSC 185.85 that defines system losses and sets standards for unaccounted-for water.

NR 810.18 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.19 NR 810.19 Discharge of system or backwash water. Water discharged to the ground surface or storm sewers as part of flushing the distribution system, draining or disinfecting reservoirs, or as part of operation of a water treatment facility shall comply with the applicable general permit to discharge under the Wisconsin pollutant discharge elimination system (WPDES) as per the provisions of ch. 283, Stats. Discharge directly to a surface water is prohibited unless specific approval is obtained prior to the discharge.

NR 810.19 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.20 NR 810.20 Approval of operational changes or maintenance projects. Water suppliers shall notify the department of any operational changes involving adjustment of chemical addition, filtration, or other operational parameters that may impact the quality of water produced. Temporary changes to manage water quality variations do not require department approval provided the operation remains within prior approved target ranges. Use of alternate chemicals, adjustment outside prescribed treatment ranges previously approved by the department, or permanent operational changes may not be made unless approved by the department prior to the change.

NR 810.20 Note Note: Modifications of chemical dosages or changes in chemicals may significantly alter the corrosion characteristics of the water as well as impart odors and tastes. Careful consideration of the impact to water chemistry should be given prior to adjusting chemical treatment.

NR 810.20 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 810.21 NR 810.21 Unattended water treatment plant operation. Water treatment plants may be operated remotely or by use of on site supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems provided the water distribution system has sufficient storage, as determined by engineering analysis, to allow response and resolution to problems. Unattended water treatment plants treating for acute contaminants shall be provided with: