SB53 Summary

• Applies to all community water systems and non-community public water systems serving at least 25 individuals for six months per year that distribute drinking water for public consumption.

• Water mains must be constructed of materials that do not contaminate or deteriorate water quality, with gaskets and O-rings certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 and tested for pressure, disinfection, and absence of coliform bacteria before customer service.

• Water mains installed after January 1, 2013 must maintain minimum five-foot horizontal separation from sanitary sewer mains, with special casing requirements at crossing points and 18-inch minimum vertical separation where possible.

• Finished water storage facilities must have watertight roofs and covers, locking access manholes, and are prohibited from being uncovered reservoirs open to the atmosphere; metal storage tanks require protective coatings without lead primer.

• Storage tanks permitted after December 31, 2006 must provide 50 percent minimum water height fluctuation during normal operations, minimize water age with proper mixing, be removable for cleaning and repair, and undergo disinfection and bacteriological testing before service.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.