Okla. Admin. Code § 785:35-9-1

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 785:35-9-1 - Minimum standards for pump installation

(a)General requirements.

(1)Minimum standards. The minimum standards set forth in this subchapter apply to the installation of all water well pumps and pumping equipment, whether installed by a person having a valid license or by any other person.

(2)Pump installation practices. All pump installations shall be completed in such a manner as to prevent waste and contamination of groundwater by pollution material entering the well from pumping equipment, casing connectors, fittings, piping, sanitary seals or caps.

(3)Construction materials. All materials used in the construction of the pumping system shall be of a type and strength to prevent waste or pollution of the groundwater of the state.

(4)Temporary abandonment practices. When a well is to be temporarily removed from service, the top of the well casing shall be properly sealed with a water-tight cap that cannot be easily removed.

(b)Well casing connections. Minimum standards for well casing connections are as follows:

(1)Above-grade connection. An above-grade connection into the top or side of a well casing shall be twelve inches (12") above the land surface and shall be constructed so as to exclude dirt or other foreign matter by at least one of the following methods, as may be applicable:

(A) Threaded connection;

(B) Welded connection;

(C) Rubber expansion sealer;

(D) Bolted flanges with rubber gaskets;

(E) Overlapping well cap; or

(F) If a water well pump is mounted or sealed on a concrete pedestal, the casing shall extend at least one inch (1") into the base of the pedestal and at least eight inches (8") above the land surface.

(2)Below-grade connection. A connection to a well casing made below ground, or made less than twelve inches (12") above the land surface, shall be protected by a pitless adapter or pitless unit. Such pitless adapters shall be installed below the frost line. A below-ground connection shall not be submerged in water at the time of installation. Holes cut in the casing through which the pitless adapters are installed must be sized and constructed so as to guarantee a watertight seal with the pitless adapter in place.

(3)Above-grade capping. For water wells with pitless adapters, the portion of the well casing above the land surface shall be capped with a water-tight, vented pitless adapter cap that cannot be easily removed.

(c)Pump installation. The minimum standards for installation of pumps and pumping systems are as follows:

(1)Pumps and pumping equipment.

(A)Priming requirements. A pump shall be designed, installed, and maintained so that priming is not required for ordinary use. Pumps installed on irrigation systems may be primed, but the priming water shall contain a chlorine residual and be clear and free of contamination. An irrigation well equipped with a centrifugal pump may be primed without chlorination when the pump is filled with water taken directly from the well.

(B)Cross connections prohibited. Cross connections between water wells and other systems or equipment containing substances such as wastewater, pesticides or fertilizers are prohibited unless equipped with a protective device such as a break tank or backflow preventer, which the owner agrees to install, test and maintain to assure proper operation.

(2)Pump discharge lines. A buried discharge line between the well casing and the pressure tank in any installation, including a deep well turbine or a submersible pump, shall not be under negative pressure at any time.

(3)Vents. All wells shall be vented with watertight joints terminating at least two feet (2') above the 100 year flood elevation or twelve inches (12"), above the land surface. The casing vent shall be screened. Vents may be offset. All submersible pumps shall be installed with a vented cap on the top of the well casing or pitless unit to prevent drawing surface water, mud, sand, or other substances into the well. Where the well casing on small diameter wells is used as a suction pipe, the casing need not be equipped with a vented cap, provided the casing is properly sealed or capped. If toxic or flammable gases are present, they shall be vented from the well. The vent shall extend to the outside atmosphere at least six (6) feet above land surface or to a point where the gases will not present a hazard. Openings in pump bases shall be sealed watertight.

(4)Disinfection. The well and pumping equipment shall be disinfected with a chlorine concentration of at least one hundred (100) parts per million of chlorine throughout the well. The chlorine solution shall be introduced into the well in a manner to flush the well casing surfaces above the static water level. A minimum contact period of two (2) hours shall be provided before purging and flushing the chlorine solution from the distribution system. Disinfection in a well repair operation may be accomplished at the beginning of the operation with chlorine applied to obtain a concentration of two hundred (200) parts per million for the period of the well repair operation. The water shall be purged prior to taking of water samples or use being made of the water. The licensee or operator shall be responsible for disinfecting the well, pump or pumping equipment. The well owner may pump and flush the well following disinfection, provided the owner has been instructed regarding the proper procedures by the licensee or operator.

(d)Windmill Driven Pumps. Surface completion must be constructed with cover plate designed to exclude pollution.

Okla. Admin. Code § 785:35-9-1

Added at 10 Ok Reg 3299, eff 6-25-93 ; Amended at 12 Ok Reg 2703, eff 7-1-95 ; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2498, eff 6-27-02 ; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 2632, eff 7-1-04 ; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1444, eff 5-27-08 ; Amended at 30 Ok Reg 893, eff 6-13-13