Chapter NR 811

NR 811.74 Note Note: See Figure No. 10 in the Appendix.

NR 811.74(3) (3) Vertical separation. If water mains cross over sanitary or storm sewer mains, the water main shall be laid at such an elevation that the bottom of the water main is at least 6 inches above the top of the sewer main. If water mains cross under sanitary or storm sewer mains, a minimum vertical separation distance of 18 inches shall be maintained between the top of the water main and the bottom of the sewer main. At crossings, one full length of water pipe shall be centered above or below the sewer so that both joints will be as far from the sewer as possible. Special structural support for the water and sewer pipes may be required by the department after a determination that added support is necessary to meet the requirements of this chapter.

NR 811.74(4) (4) Exception. If it is not possible to obtain the proper horizontal and vertical separation as specified in subs. (2) and (3), a gravity sanitary or storm sewer main shall be constructed of materials and with joints that are equivalent to water main standards of construction from manhole to manhole and air pressure tested to assure water tightness in accordance with the 4 psi pressure testing requirements given in s. NR 811.12 (5) (d) 2. Department approval is required for any exception to the requirements in subs. (2) and (3).

NR 811.74(5) (5) Force mains. No exception to the 8-foot separation distance may be granted for sanitary sewer force main installations unless the requirement in sub. (2) (b) is met.

NR 811.74(6) (6) Sewer manholes. No water pipe may pass through or come into contact with any part of a sanitary or storm sewer manhole.

NR 811.74 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.75 NR 811.75 Separation of water mains and other contamination sources.

NR 811.75(1) (1) Proposed water mains shall be adequately separated from any potential source of contamination. The following minimum horizontal separation distances shall be maintained:

NR 811.75(1)(ag) (ag) Three feet between a water main and a stormwater collection system treatment unit, such as a bioswale or permeable paver system.

NR 811.75(1)(ar) (ar) Eight feet between a water main and a POWTS holding, treatment, or dispersal component, sanitary sewer lift-station, grave site, stormwater detention pond, retention pond, or infiltration basin.

NR 811.75(1)(b) (b) Twenty-five feet between a water main and a buried main or tank containing gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, other alternative fuel, fuel oil, petroleum product, motor fuel, burner fuel, lubricant, waste oil, or hazardous substance.

NR 811.75(1)(c) (c) Fifty feet between a water main and a sanitary landfill or agricultural, industrial, commercial, or municipal wastewater treatment plant treatment unit, lagoon, or storage structure.

NR 811.75(2) (2) Water mains may not pass through landfills.

NR 811.75 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; CR 22-074: renum. (1) (a) to (1) (ar) and am., cr. (1) (ag), am. (1) (c) Register January 2024 No. 817, eff. 2-1-24.

NR 811.76 NR 811.76 Surface water crossings. Surface 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:

NR 811.76(1) (1) Above-water crossings.

NR 811.76(1)(a) (a) The pipe shall be adequately supported and anchored, protected from damage and freezing, and accessible for repair or replacement.

NR 811.76(1)(b) (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.

NR 811.76(1)(c) (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.

NR 811.76(2) (2) Underwater crossings.

NR 811.76(2)(a) (a) A minimum cover of 2 feet shall be provided over the pipe.

NR 811.76(2)(b) (b) When crossing water courses which are greater than 15 feet in width, the following shall be provided:

NR 811.76(2)(b)1. 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.

NR 811.76(2)(b)2. 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.

NR 811.76 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.77 NR 811.77 Common casing crossings. In some cases, such as highway crossings, it becomes desirable due to extremely high construction costs to install water mains, sanitary sewers, force mains or storm sewers within a common casing. The following requirements apply:

NR 811.77(1) (1) Any sewers shall be constructed of water main class pipe and joints and pressure and leakage tested in accordance with the requirements in s. NR 811.12 (5) (d) 2.

NR 811.77(2) (2) The water main shall be located above the sewer main and be adequately supported.

NR 811.77(3) (3) A vertical separation distance of 6 inches shall be maintained between the bottom of the water main and the top of the sewer main.

NR 811.77(4) (4) Normal separation distances shall be provided as close as possible to the ends of the casing.

NR 811.77(5) (5) Force mains shall be installed within an intermediate casing within the larger casing. The intermediate casing shall extend a minimum of 5 feet beyond each end of the larger casing.

NR 811.77(6) (6) The remaining space in the casing may be filled if desired.

NR 811.77 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.78 NR 811.78 Water loading stations. Water loading stations shall comply with the requirements of this section to prevent contamination of both the public water supply and potable water vessels being filled.

NR 811.78(1) (1) There may be no backflow or backsiphonage to the public water supply. Either a free air break shall be provided as shown in Figure No. 11 in the Appendix or alternatively, a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer shall be installed on the water loading piping. Cross connection control shall be provided to meet the requirements of s. SPS 382.41.

NR 811.78(2) (2) The piping arrangement shall prevent contaminants from being transferred from a hauling vessel to others subsequently using the station.

NR 811.78(3) (3) Hoses may not be contaminated by contact with the ground.

NR 811.78 Note Note: It is recommended that a water meter be installed on the piping at all water loading stations to record water usage. It is also recommended that a free air break be installed in place of installing a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

NR 811.78 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672.

subch. XI of ch. NR 811 Subchapter XI — Water Pressure Booster Stations

NR 811.79 NR 811.79 General. If the storage or primary pumping facilities cannot provide a minimum static pressure of 35 psi throughout the distribution system at street elevation, it shall be necessary to create a boosted pressure zone to serve those portions of the system. The use of pressure boosting systems on individual service lines shall be limited to a maximum of 10 individual systems in any given service area. The minimum static water pressure at street elevation shall be 20 psi in order for individual pressure boosting systems to be installed. Individual pressure boosting systems shall be owned and maintained by the water system owner. Booster station design shall be in accordance with this subchapter.

NR 811.79 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.80 NR 811.80 Location.

NR 811.80(1) (1) Pumps shall take suction from a reservoir, a water main adjacent to a reservoir, or elevated tank, where possible. If necessary, pumps can take suction from a distribution system water main if the installation complies with the requirements of this subchapter.

NR 811.80(2) (2) For pumps not directly supplied by a reservoir or elevated tank, the suction pressure shall be at least 35 psi when the pumps are supplying design flow rates.

NR 811.80(3) (3) Underground installations shall be permitted only if gravity drainage to the ground surface of large volumes of water from the vault can be provided or if the pumps and drivers are protected from damage by water or can be readily replaced. The department may waive the gravity drainage requirement if a minimum of 20 psi can be maintained at street elevation in the boosted zone by the main zone when the station is out of service or if sufficient elevated storage or alternate supply exists within the booster zone. The drain line may not discharge to a storm or sanitary sewer.

NR 811.80(4) (4) In-line submersible pumps may be installed below the ground surface in a watertight installation. Provision shall be made for operational monitoring, pressure monitoring, flow metering, water sampling, and isolation valves. The pumps shall be accessible for servicing and repairs.

NR 811.80(5) (5) Electrical equipment shall be installed above ground except if determined unnecessary by the department to meet the other requirements in this chapter.

NR 811.80(6) (6) Buried stations may not be installed beneath roadways or in a floodplain.

NR 811.80 Note Note: Refer to ch. NR 116 for floodplain definitions.

NR 811.80 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.81 NR 811.81 Pumps and pressures.

NR 811.81(1) (1) The booster pumps shall maintain static pressures in the area served within the range of 35 to 100 psi under normal operating conditions.

NR 811.81(2) (2) The pump capacities for domestic service only shall be as established in Figure No. 1 in the Appendix, or as justified by additional engineering studies. Fire protection shall be provided if feasible and will require additional engineering studies.

NR 811.81(3) (3) Pumping stations which serve more than 50 living units shall be designed such that the peak demand can be met with the largest pump out of service.

NR 811.81(4) (4) For pumps not directly supplied by an adjacent reservoir or elevated tank, the suction pressure shall be at least 35 psi when the pumps are supplying design flow rates. An automatic cutoff control shall be provided that will stop the pumps when the suction pressure falls below 20 psi.

NR 811.81(5) (5) For pumps supplied by an adjacent but not physically connected reservoir or elevated tank, the suction pressure shall be at least 3 psi under all pumping conditions. An automatic cutoff control shall be provided that will stop the pumps when the suction pressure falls below 3 psi.

NR 811.81(6) (6) For those stations servicing a boosted zone without elevated storage, one of the following shall be provided:

NR 811.81(6)(a) (a) A continuously running pump to maintain pressure in the boosted zone. A small feed back line or other means shall be provided to prevent the pump from overheating.

NR 811.81(6)(b) (b) A single speed pump and one or more hydro-pneumatic tanks with a total gross volume at least ten times the rated gallon per minute capacity of the pump.

NR 811.81(6)(c) (c) A pump fitted with a 2 to 3 minute minimum run timer and one or more hydro-pneumatic tanks to prevent frequent pump cycling.

NR 811.81(6)(d) (d) A pump controlled by a variable output control device along with one or more hydro-pneumatic tanks having a total gross volume meeting the requirements of s. NR 811.34 (6).

NR 811.81 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.82 NR 811.82 Storage requirements. Elevated storage is not required for a boosted pressure zone where the primary pressure zone can provide minimum pressures of 35 psi at street elevation in all areas of the boosted zone. Elevated storage facilities shall be provided for a boosted pressure zone serving more than 50 living units in any of the following situations:

NR 811.82(1) (1) If the primary pressure zone cannot maintain pressures of 3 psi or greater at street elevation in all areas served by the booster pumps including situations where emergency power is provided.

NR 811.82(2) (2) If the primary pressure zone provides pressures of 3 to 35 psi at street elevation in all areas served by the booster pumps and an emergency power source is not provided for the booster station.

NR 811.82 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.83 NR 811.83 Emergency power requirements. Boosted pressure zone emergency power installations shall meet the following requirements:

NR 811.83(1) (1) Emergency power shall be provided if 50 or fewer living units are being served and the primary pressure zone cannot maintain positive pressures of 3 psi or greater at street elevation in all areas served by the booster pumps, and sufficient elevated storage is not provided.

NR 811.83(2) (2) Emergency power shall be provided if more than 50 living units are being served and the primary pressure zone cannot maintain pressures of 20 psi or greater at street elevation in all areas served by the booster pumps, and sufficient elevated storage is not provided.

NR 811.83(3) (3) Emergency power shall consist of a dedicated on-site engine-generator set with an automatic transfer switch capable of powering at minimum the domestic service pumps and station building demands.

NR 811.83 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10.

NR 811.84 NR 811.84 Station requirements.

NR 811.84(1) (1) The on-off operation of the pumps and the system pressure at the booster station shall be monitored at one of the main waterworks pumping stations, other waterworks facility, or wherever the master control panel is located. At stations serving 50 or fewer living units, monitoring may be provided by a light or an audible alarm placed in a conspicuous location outside the station to indicate pump failure. A continuous recording pressure device may be provided.

NR 811.84(2) (2) Pressure gauges shall be provided on the booster pump suction and discharge lines.

NR 811.84(3) (3) A flow meter shall be provided, if practical, in the booster pump discharge line. Booster pump motors shall be provided with hour meters if a flow meter will not be installed.

NR 811.84(4) (4) A metal smooth-end sampling faucet shall be installed on the combined booster pump discharge piping.

NR 811.84(5) (5) The design shall provide for automatically bypassing the pumping units when the pumps are not operating.

NR 811.84(6) (6) The design shall include piping and shut-off valves for manually bypassing the station when the station is out of service.

NR 811.84(7) (7) If chemical addition is necessary, the station shall be provided with a separate chemical room meeting the requirements of subchs. VI and VII.

NR 811.84(8) (8) General requirements for above grade stations are listed in subch. IV.

NR 811.84(9) (9) Underground stations shall be equipped with heating, ventilation, and dehumidification equipment. Sump and sump pump equipment shall be provided unless a discharge to the ground surface can be provided. Access manways shall terminate a minimum of 24 inches above grade with an overlapping, gasketed, watertight, locking cover. Sump pump discharge and vent pipes shall be metal and terminate a minimum of 24 inches above grade in a downward facing U-bend with a 24-mesh corrosion resistant screen. Chemical addition equipment may not be installed in underground stations.

NR 811.84 History History: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; CR 22-074: am. (9) Register January 2024 No. 817, eff. 2-1-24.

subch. XII of ch. NR 811 Subchapter XII — Waste Disposal

NR 811.85 NR 811.85 General. Provisions shall be made for proper disposal of all wastes from waterworks facilities including wastes from sanitary facilities, laboratories, and treatment plants. All waterworks facilities shall meet the general requirements of this section and the relevant sections of this subchapter, which contain standards to be utilized in meeting the requirements of ch. 283, Stats. The discharge of specific types of wastes shall be limited to those methods listed under this subchapter. If other treatment or disposal methods are proposed or the treatment results are uncertain, the department may require laboratory testing, pilot testing under s. NR 811.44, or full-scale testing to establish design parameters. In addition, water system waste disposal shall meet all of the following requirements:

NR 811.85(1) (1) Discharge requirements. Waterworks wastewater sludge, and solid wastes generated in the drinking water treatment process that is not recycled within the waterworks or disposed of in a licensed landfill shall meet all of the following provisions:

NR 811.85(1)(a) (a) Discharge to a sanitary sewer.

NR 811.85(1)(a)1. 1. The indirect discharge of any pollutant from a waterworks facility into a publicly owned treatment works shall conform to all the applicable requirements under ch. NR 211.

NR 811.85(1)(a)2. 2. An equalization tank or lagoon shall be provided if it is necessary to prevent overloading the sewers, interference, or pass through at the publicly or privately owned treatment works.