Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-20-.13

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 335-6-20-.13 - Access, Exposure, And Signage

(1)Signage. When reusing reclaimed water, the public and personnel in the general area of reuse must be notified that the water is reclaimed water and is not safe for drinking or human contact. The permittee shall post signs stating "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage, in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect). If the Department determines the notification signage is insufficient, the Department may require different/additional signage.

(2)General. All new or replaced buried pipe conveying Reclaimed Water, including service lines, valves, and other appurtenances, shall be colored purple, and the precise color used, e.g., Pantone 512, 522 or equivalent, shall be consistently used throughout the system to ensure the pipes are adequately identifiable and distinguishable. Non-purple pipe purchased or under contract prior to the promulgation of this rule shall not be considered new or replaced pipe. The precise color proposed for use shall be identified in the plans and specifications provided to the Department during the plan and specification review. If fading or discoloration of the purple pipe is experienced during construction or, for any non-purple pipe which was purchased or under contract prior to promulgation of this rule, identification tape or locating wire along the pipe is required. The permittee shall label piping every ten feet with "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect).

(3)Identification Tape. If identification tape is installed with the purple pipe, the permittee shall prepare it with white or black printing on a purple color field, having the words "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage, in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect). The overall width of the tape shall be at least three inches. Identification tape shall be installed eighteen inches above the transmission pipe longitudinally, shall be centered over the pipe, and shall run continuously along the length of the pipe.

(4)Valve Boxes and Other Surface Identification. All valves shall have locking valve covers that are non-interchangeable with potable water valve covers, and shall have an inscription cast on the top surface stating "Reclaimed Water." All above ground pipes and pumps shall be consistently color-coded (purple) and marked to clearly differentiate reclaimed water facilities from potable water facilities.

(5)Reclaimed water pumping facilities identification and signage. The permittee shall paint all exposed and above ground piping, risers, fittings, pumps, valves, etc., purple color (Pantone 512, 522 or other equivalent product acceptable to the Department). The permittee shall identify all piping, using an accepted means of labeling, with "Caution: Reclaimed Water -Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage, in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect). In a fenced pump station area, signs shall be posted on all sides of the fence.

(6)Warning Labels. The permittee shall install warning labels on designated facilities such as, but not limited to, controller panels and wash down or blow-off hydrants on water trucks, hose bibs, and temporary construction services. The labels shall read "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage, in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect).

(7)Lagoon Identification and Signage. Where reclaimed water is stored or impounded, or reused for irrigation in public areas, the permittee shall install warning signs containing, at a minimum, one inch purple letters (Pantone 512, 522 or other equivalent product acceptable to the Department) on a white or other high contrast background notifying the public that the water is unsafe to drink. Signs may also have a purple background with white or other high contrast lettering. Warning signs and labels shall read "Caution: Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink" or equivalent signage, in English and Spanish (or other language based on local dialect).

(8)Additional Access Requirements. The permittee shall ensure that drinking fountains, picnic tables, food establishments, and other public eating facilities are placed out of any spray irrigation area in which reclaimed water is reused, or are otherwise protected from contact with the reclaimed water. Exterior drinking fountains, picnic tables, food establishments, and other public eating facilities shall be identified in the construction plans. If no exterior drinking fountains, picnic tables, food establishments, or other public eating facilities are present in the design area, then the permittee shall specifically state in the plans that none are to exist.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-20-.13

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2015, eff. 9/29/2015.

Author: Nicholas Caraway

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-22-1 to 22-22-14; §§ 22-22A-1 to 22-22A-16et seq., as amended.