Section SPS 383.43 - General requirements(1) MATERIALS. The components of a POWTS shall be constructed of materials and products that are of a type recognized under this chapter or ch. SPS 384.(2) DESIGN FLOW. In order to accommodate peak wastewater flow, the design wastewater flow of a POWTS shall equal at least 150% of the estimated daily flow generated from the source or sources, unless otherwise approved by the department.(3) ESTIMATED DAILY COMBINED FLOW FOR A POWTS SERVING A DWELLING. The estimated daily wastewater flow of combined graywater, clear water and blackwater from a dwelling shall be based on one or more of the following:(a) The following equation: 100 gallons x B = F
Where: B = number of bedrooms, based on 2 persons per bedroom, unless otherwise approved by the department.
F = Estimated daily wastewater flow per dwelling per day (in gallons), excluding storm water discharges.
(b) A detailed estimate of wastewater flow based upon per capita occupancy or usage of the dwelling or per function occurrence within the dwelling.(4) ESTIMATED DAILY SEGREGATED GRAYWATER FLOW FOR A POWTS SERVING A DWELLING. The estimated daily wastewater flow of graywater and clear water from a dwelling shall be based on one or more of the following: (a) The following equation: 60 gallons x B = F
Where: B = number of bedrooms, based on 2 persons per bedroom, unless otherwise approved by the department.
F = Estimated daily graywater flow per dwelling per day (in gallons), excluding storm water discharges.
(b) A detailed estimate of graywater flow based upon per capita occupancy or usage of the dwelling or per function occurrence within the dwelling.(5) ESTIMATING SEGREGATED BLACKWATER FLOW FOR A POWTS SERVING A DWELLING. The estimated daily wastewater flow of blackwater from a dwelling shall be based on one or more of the following: (a) The following equation: 40 gallons x B = F
Where: B = number of bedrooms, based on 2 persons per bedroom, unless otherwise approved by the department.
F = Estimated daily blackwater flow per dwelling per day (in gallons).
(b) A detailed estimate of blackwater flow based upon per capita occupancy or usage of the dwelling or per function occurrence within the dwelling.(6) ESTIMATING WASTEWATER FLOW FOR COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. The estimated daily wastewater flow of clear water, graywater, blackwater, or combined graywater-blackwater flow from public buildings and places of employment shall be based on one or more of the following: (a) Measured daily wastewater flow over a period of time representative of the facility's use or occupancy.(b) A detailed estimate of wastewater flow based upon per capita occupancy or usage of the facility or per function occurrence within the facility. Note: See ch. SPS 383 Appendix for further information.
(7) ESTIMATING CONTAMINANT LOADS. Estimates of contaminant loads from dwellings and public facilities shall be based on a detailed analysis including all contaminants listed in s. SPS 383.44(2) (a). Note: See ch. SPS 383 Appendix for further information.
Note: See Note under s. SPS 383.32(3) for information relative to industrial wastes.
(8) GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. (a)Flow velocity.1. Piping within a POWTS shall be designed and installed to supply wastewater to POWTS treatment and dispersal components while maintaining the velocity required to ensure operation of the POWTS.2. Gravity flow piping between POWTS components shall be installed at a pitch that produces a computed flow velocity of at least one foot per second when flowing half full.3. Pressurization equipment or devices and piping to be utilized upstream of a POWTS treatment or dispersal component consisting in part of in situ soil shall be designed and installed to produce a computed velocity of at least 2 feet per second.4. Gravity piping within a POWTS treatment or dispersal component consisting in part of in situ soil shall be installed level or pitched downstream a maximum 4 inches per 100 feet.(b)Distribution and drain pipe sizing. The piping within a POWTS shall be of a diameter to permit the operation of the POWTS.(c)Frost protection. All POWTS components shall be protected from freezing temperatures that could detrimentally affect component operation to provide wastewater conveyance, treatment or dispersal.(d)Component placement. The orientation of a POWTS treatment or dispersal component consisting in part of in situ soil shall take into account landscape variations in elevation, slope orientation, and other conditions that could affect component performance relative to dispersal or aeration.(e)Alarms or warning systems.1.a. A POWTS component utilizing a mechanical device to treat wastewater or to distribute effluent shall be provided with an automatic visual or audible means of notifying the user of the POWTS of the failure of the mechanical device. Note: In accordance with s. SPS 316.300(1) (a), an alarm that is electrically powered is to be on a separate circuit from the circuit supplying power to the mechanical device.
b. An alarm indicating the failure of a pump shall remain audible or visible until manually turned off.c. Where duplex pumping equipment is employed to provide continuous component operation in the event that one pump fails, the pumps shall be installed in such a manner so as to provide the continuous operation automatically.2. A POWTS holding tank shall be provided with an automatic visual or audible means of notifying the user of the POWTS of the necessity for servicing.(f)Accessibility. The design of a POWTS shall include provisions to provide access to all components that require maintenance or observation.(g)Anchoring system components. An exterior subsurface POWTS treatment tank or POWTS holding component to be installed in an area subject to saturated conditions shall be installed so as to prevent flotation of the tank or component. Note: See ch. SPS 383 Appendix for further information.
(h)Treatment byproducts.1. All treatment byproducts discharged from or as a result of operating a POWTS shall be disposed of so as not to create a human health hazard. Note: The disposal of the contents of holding tanks and the sludge, scum, and contaminated liquids from treatment tanks and components is regulated by the department of natural resources under chs. NR 113 and NR 204.
2. Deleterious or hazardous materials segregated out from effluent flows shall be disposed of in a manner conforming with the rules of the state agency having jurisdiction.3. Effluent from a POWTS shall be dispersed so as not to create a human health hazard.4. All POWTS components within a building or structure shall be gas tight unless provisions are made assuring the safety of individuals entering the building or structure.(i)Site parameters and limitations. POWTS treatment, holding and dispersal components shall be located so as to provide the minimum horizontal setback distances as outlined in Table 383.43-1 as safety factors for public health, waters of the state and structures in the event of component failure. Note: Chapter NR 812 establishes upslope location criteria for wells relative to contamination sources.
Table 383.43-1
Horizontal Setback Parameters
OHWM = Ordinary High-Water Mark
Physical Feature | POWTS Treatment Component Consisting in Part of In Situ Soil or Dispersal Component | Exterior Subsurface Treatment Tank or Holding Tank Component | Forcemains Servicing, Suction Lines, and Pump Discharge Lines |
Building | 10 feet | 5 feeta | noneb |
Property Linec | 5 feet | 2 feet | 2 feet |
Swimming Pool | 15 feet | noneb | noneb |
OHWM of Navigable Waters | 50 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Water Service and Private | 10 feet | 10 feet | 5 feet |
Water Main |
Public Water Main | ch. NR 811 | ch. NR 811 | ch. NR 811 |
Well | chs. NR 811 & 812 | chs. NR 811 & 812 | chs. NR 811 & 812 |
a Except RV transfer tanks.
b See s. SPS 383.43(8) (f) relative to accessibility.
c Road-right-of-way lines may be more restrictive than property lines.
Note: See s. SPS 382.365, Table 382.365-4 relative to horizontal setback distances to subsurface infiltrative systems.
Note: The department of transportation under s. Trans 233.08 establishes setback limits from the centerline of state trunk highways or connecting highways to structures and improvements which include septic systems.
(j)Service suction and discharge lines.1. A suction line or discharge line serving a holding tank for servicing purposes shall comply with all of the following: a. A pipe serving as the suction or discharge line shall be of an acceptable type in accordance with ch. SPS 384.b. A suction or discharge line shall terminate with a service port consisting of a quick disconnect fitting with a removable plug.c. The service port of a suction or discharge line shall terminate at least 2 feet above final grade.d. The service port of a suction or discharge line shall be identified as such with a permanent sign with lettering at least - See PDF for diagram inch in height.e. The service port of a suction or discharge line shall be secured to a permanent support that is capable of withstanding the loads and forces placed on the port.f. A suction or discharge line shall be at least 3 inches in diameter.2. A suction line serving a holding tank may not be installed in such a manner or arrangement that the tank can be drained by gravity or siphonic action.3. Where a lift station is employed for servicing a holding tank, the pump discharge line shall conform with subd. 1., except as provided in subd. 3. a. and b. a. A discharge line from the lift station shall be at least 2 inches in diameter.b. The lift station pump shall be activated by means of a keyed-switch at the service port.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Safety and Professional Services SPS 383.43
Cr. Register, April, 2000, No. 532, eff. 7-1-00; CR 02-129: am. (2), (6) (intro.), and Table 83.43-1 Register January 2004 No. 577, eff. 2-1-04; CR 07-100: am. Table 83.43-1 Register September 2008 No. 633, eff. 10-1-08; correction in (1), (7), (8) (i), (j) 1. a., Table 383.43-1 made under s. 13.92(4) (b) 7, Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672; CR 11-031: am. Table 383.43-1 Register June 2013 No. 690, eff. 7-1-13.