Section NR 811.76 - Surface water crossingsSurface water crossings, whether over or under water, present special problems. For this reason, the department shall be consulted before final plans are prepared. The design shall meet the following requirements:
(1) ABOVE-WATER CROSSINGS. (a) The pipe shall be adequately supported and anchored, protected from damage and freezing, and accessible for repair or replacement.(b) A means to accommodate bridge expansion such as an expansion joint shall be provided to the water main if the corresponding bridge has expansion joints.(c) Shut-off valves shall be provided at both ends of a bridge crossing if the bridge has expansion joints so that the section can be isolated for testing or repair. The valves shall be easily accessible and not subject to flooding.(2) UNDERWATER CROSSINGS. (a) A minimum cover of 2 feet shall be provided over the pipe.(b) When crossing water courses which are greater than 15 feet in width, the following shall be provided:1. The pipe shall be of special construction, having flexible, watertight joints. Butt fused DR 9 or 11 HDPE pipe or butt fused DR 14 or 18 PVC pipe are an acceptable alternative.2. Shut-off valves shall be provided at both ends of water crossings so that the section can be isolated for testing or repair. The valves shall be easily accessible, and not subject to flooding, and the valve closest to the supply source shall be in a manhole. Unless the department approves an equivalent method, permanent taps shall be made on the pipe within the manhole on either side of the valve to allow insertion of a small water meter to determine leakage during system pressure testing.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources § NR 811.76
CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.