Pressure Tanks and Service Pumps

Question 1

Are tanks enclosed in lockable building or intruder resistant fence?

Answer 1

290.43(e)

Facility security. All potable water storage tanks and pressure maintenance facilities must be installed in a lockable building that is designed to prevent intruder access or enclosed by an intruder-resistant fence with lockable gates. Pedestal-type elevated storage tanks with lockable doors and without external ladders are exempt from this requirement. The gates and doors must be kept locked whenever the facility is unattended.

Question 2

If ≥ 300 gal, constructed of steel with welded seams? Granted exception?

Answer 2

290.43(d)

Design and construction of pressure (hydropneumatic) tanks. All hydropneumatic tanks must be located wholly above grade and must be of steel construction with welded seams except as provided in paragraph (8) of this subsection.

Question 3

Equipped with pressure release device? Equipped with pressure gauge?

Answer 3

290.43(d)(2)

All pressure tanks shall be provided with a pressure release device and an easily readable pressure gauge. When more than one pressure tank is connected by a common manifold pipe and pressure switch to allow the tanks to operate as a single unit, the unit shall be provided at least one pressure gauge.

Question 4

Tanks provided with facilities to maintain air-water-volume ratio? (i.e. air compressor, schrader valve)
Air injection line equipped with filter to prevent entrance of lubricant?

Answer 4

290.43(d)(3)

Facilities shall be provided for maintaining the air-water-volume at the design water level and working pressure. Air injection lines must be equipped with filters or other devices to prevent compressor lubricants and other contaminants from entering the pressure tank. A device to readily determine air-water-volume must be provided for all tanks greater than 1,000 gallon capacity. Galvanized tanks which are not provided with the necessary fittings and which were installed before July 1, 1988 shall be exempt from this requirement.

Question 5

If more than 3 pressure tanks in one location, has an exception request been approved?

Answer 5

290.43(d)(9)

No more than three pressure tanks shall be installed at any one site without the prior approval of the executive director.

Question 6

Tanks and associated appurtenances tight against leakage? Maintained in satisfactory condition?

Answer 6

290.43(d)(7)

All associated appurtenances including valves, pipes and fittings connected to pressure tanks shall be thoroughly tight against leakage.

Question 7

If ≥ 1000 gal, does the tank have an access port?

Answer 7

290.43(d)(1)

Metal thickness for pressure tanks shall be sufficient to withstand the highest expected working pressures with a four to one factor of safety. Tanks of 1,000 gallons capacity or larger must meet the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section VIII, Division 1 Codes and Construction Regulations and must have an access port for periodic inspections. An ASME name plate must be permanently attached to those tanks. Tanks installed before July 1, 1988, are exempt from the ASME coding requirement, but all new installations must meet this regulation. Exempt tanks can be relocated within a system but cannot be relocated to another system.

Question 8

If ≥ 1000 gal, equipped with device to determine air-water-volume (sight glass)?

Answer 8

290.43(d)(3)

Facilities shall be provided for maintaining the air-water-volume at the design water level and working pressure. Air injection lines must be equipped with filters or other devices to prevent compressor lubricants and other contaminants from entering the pressure tank. A device to readily determine air-water-volume must be provided for all tanks greater than 1,000 gallon capacity. Galvanized tanks which are not provided with the necessary fittings and which were installed before July 1, 1988 shall be exempt from this requirement.

Question 9

Does the system have duplicate pumps that are in operation?

Answer 9

290.46(a)

General. When a public drinking water supply system is to be established, plans shall be submitted to the executive director for review and approval prior to the construction of the system. All public water systems are to be constructed in conformance with the requirements of this subchapter and maintained and operated in accordance with the following minimum acceptable operating practices. Owners and operators shall allow entry to members of the commission and employees and agents of the commission onto any public or private property at any reasonable time for the purpose of inspecting and investigating conditions relating to public water systems in the state including the required elements of a sanitary survey as defined in §290.38 of this title (relating to Definitions). Members, employees, or agents acting under this authority shall observe the establishment’s rules and regulations concerning safety, internal security, and fire protection, and if the property has management in residence, shall notify management or the person then in charge of his presence and shall exhibit proper credentials.

Question 10

Are pumps tight against leakage(4) and in good working condition(6)?

Answer 10

290.46(m)(4)

All water treatment units, storage and pressure maintenance facilities, distribution system lines, and related appurtenances shall be maintained in a watertight condition and be free of excessive solids.

290.46(m)(6)

Pumps, motors, valves, and other mechanical devices shall be maintained in good working condition.