AWWA G481-14

AWWA Management Standard

SM

Reclaimed Water Program Operation and Management

Effective date: May 1, 2014.This first edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 19, 2014.Approved by American National Standards Institute Jan. 23, 2014.

ANSI/AWWA G481-14(First Edition)

Copyright 2014 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

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AWWA Management StandardThis document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) management standard. It is not a specification. AWWA management standards describe consensus requirements for utility management practices. The use of AWWA man-agement standards is entirely voluntary. This standard does not supersede or take precedence over or displace any applicable law, regulation, or codes of any governmental authority. AWWA management standards are intended to represent a consensus of the water industry of requirements and practices that utilities should strive to achieve. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of action will be placed in the Official Notice section of Journal - American Water Works Association. The action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal - American Water Works Association publication of the official notice.

American National StandardAn American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether that person has ap-proved the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National Standard are encour-aged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American National Standards.

Caution notiCe: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of ANSI approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-4900, or emailing [email protected].

ISBN, print: 978-1-62576-008-1 eISBN, electronic: 978-1-61300-273-5

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information or retrieval system, except in the form of

brief excerpts or quotations for review purposes, without the written permission of the publisher.

Copyright 2014 by American Water Works AssociationPrinted in USA

hours of work by your fellow water professionals.

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AWWAs mission to support the water community.

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Committee Personnel

The AWWA Standards Committee on Reclaimed Water, which reviewed and approved this stan-dard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:

Ane Deister, Chair

General Interest Members

D.K. Ammerman, AECOM, Orlando, Fla. (AWWA)J. Beatty,* KPMG, Sachse, Texas (AWWA)T.W. Bell-Games, Burgess and Niple, Columbus, Ohio (WEF) (AWWA)F. Bloetscher, Florida Atlantic University, Hollywood, Fla. (AWWA)J.A. Cathcart, HDR Engineering, Irvine, Calif. (AWWA)J. Crook, Norwell, Mass. (WEF) (AWWA)A.D. Deister, Parsons, Sacramento, Calif. (AWWA)D.M. Flancher, AWWA Staff Engineer, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)N.A. Fontaine, Carollo Engineers, Sacramento, Calif. (AWWA)J. Gemin, Standards Council Liaison, AECOM, Kitchener, Ont. (AWWA)J. Jackson, Brown and Caldwell, Altamonte Springs, Fla. (AWWA)C. Mysore, Buford, Ga. (AWWA)J.A. Oppenheimer, MWH, Arcadia, Calif. (AWWA)A. Rimer, Black and Veatch, Cary, N.C. (AWWA)J. Rysavy, Burns & McDonnell, Centennial, Colo. (WEF) (AWWA)W.D. Vandertulip, WateReusEngineers, San Antonio, Texas (WEF) (AWWA)G.S. Whitten, Phoenix, Ariz. (AWWA)

Producer Members

G. Dechant, Laboratory Quality Systems, LLC, Grand Junction, Colo. (ASQ)(AWWA)R.M. Reed, FTT, Orlando, Fla. (WEF) (AWWA)

User Members

J.D. Brown, Contra Costa Water District, Concord, Calif. (AWWA)M. Gasca, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Whittier, Calif. (AWWA)

* Informational member, nonvoting Liaison, nonvoting


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T.W. McKim, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AWWA)C.L. Riley, Washington State Department of Health, Spokane, Wash. (AWWA)T.J. Roy, San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego, Calif. (AWWA)S.T. Speas-Frost, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, Fla. (AWWA)


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ContentsAll AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may be found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword

I Introduction .................................... vii

I.A Background ..................................... vii

I.B History ............................................ vii

I.C Acceptance ...................................... vii

II Special Issues. ................................... ix

II.A Advisory Information on Application of Standards ............ ix

II.B Advisory Information on Regulatory Issues ........................ ix

II.C Indirect and Direct Potable Reuse .... ix

III Use of This Standard ........................ ix

III.A General ............................................ ix

III.B Modification to Standard .................. x

IV Major Revisions ................................. x

V Comments ........................................ x

Standard

1 General

1.1 Scope ................................................ 1

1.2 Purpose ............................................. 1

1.3 Application ........................................ 1

2 References ........................................ 2

3 Definitions ....................................... 2

4 Requirements

4.1 Regulatory Requirements .................. 4

4.2 Management Programs ..................... 4

4.3 Source Water ..................................... 8

4.4 Operations ........................................ 8

4.5 Reclaimed Water Delivery Programs ..................................... 9

5 Verification

5.1 Human Resources ........................... 11

5.2 Documentation required ................. 12

6 Delivery ......................................... 13


This page intentionally blank.


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ForewordThis foreword is for information only and is not a part of ANSI*/AWWAG481.

I. Introduction

I.A. Background. The AWWA utility management standards are designed to serve water, wastewater, and reuse utilitieshereafter, the water sectorand their customers, owners, service providers, and government regulators. The standards developed under the program are generally intended to improve a utilitys overall operations and service. One aspect of the standards program is an effort to establish formal management and operations guidelines. These guidelines identify appropriate practices, procedures, and behaviors whose implementation will promote effective and efficient utility operations and contribute to protection of public health, public safety, and the environment.

AWWAs standards process has been used for more than 90 years to produce American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved standards for materials and processes that are used by the water sector. These standards are recognized worldwide and have been adopted by many utilities and organizations. Likewise, this performance standard is developed using the same ANSI-recognized formal process. Volunteer stan-dards committees establish standard practices in a uniform and appropriate format.

Formal standards committees have been and continue to be formed to address the individual standard practices for the diverse areas of water, wastewater, and reuse utility operations. A formal standards committee was created in November 2006 to develop this standard for reclaimed water program operation and management systems. This standard is the outcome of the Reclaimed Water Standards Committee.

I.B. History. Recognizing that meeting future water needs requires innovative management strategies today, the AWWA Standards Council authorized the development of a management standard on reclaimed water program operation and management in 1999. This is the first edition of this standard. It was approved by the AWWA Board of Directors on January 19, 2014.

I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a certification program for direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.


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of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF, now Water Research Foundation*) and the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.

In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact with, drinking water rests with individual states. Local agencies may choose to impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state and local agencies may use various references, including

1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.

2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, NSF/ANSI 60,

Drinking Water Treatment ChemicalsHealth Effects, and NSF/ANSI 61, Drinking Water System ComponentsHealth Effects.

4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex, Water Chemicals Codex, and other standards considered appropriate by the state or local agency.

Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in accor-dance with NSF/ANSI 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation of certi-fication organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Annex A, Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures, to NSF/ANSI 61 does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALs of an unspecified list of unregulated contaminants are based on toxicity testing guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens). Use of Annex A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the certifier.

ANSI/AWWA G481 does not address additives requirements. Users of this stan-dard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in order to

* Water Research Foundation, 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235. Persons outside the United States should contact the appropriate authority having jurisdiction. NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 500 Fifth Street NW, Washington,

DC 20001.


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1. Determine additives requirements, including applicable standards.2. Determine the status of certifications by parties offering to certify products

for contact with, or treatment of, reclaimed water.3. Determine current information on product certification.

II. Special Issues.

II.A. Advisory Information on Application of Standards. This standard includes only those requirements that are limited exclusively to operation and management practices for reclaimed water programs. Separate standards adopted by the standards program cover utility management programs such as distribution system operation and management, water treatment, source water protection, security, emergency planning practices, communications and customer relations, and business systems. More topics will be added over time, including those for wastewater utilities.

II.B. Advisory Information on Regulatory Issues. This standard does not provide requirements for regulatory issues. At the approval of this standard, there are no federal regulations governing water reclamation and reuse; however for states where they have not been delegated primacy for permitting, USEPA remains the authority having jurisdiction.

II.C. Indirect and Direct Potable Reuse. This standard does not address direct potable reuse applications. AWWA recognizes that reclaiming wastewater effluent for indirect potable uses such as replenishing drinking water sources, maintaining aquifer levels, increasing stream flow or other purposes may be a viable option, assuming there is an appropriate level of treatment and safeguards to protect public health.

III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA standard to determine that the products and provisions described in that standard are suitable for and compatible with the users intended application being considered.

III.A. General. The user should consider the following when developing a reclaimed water program:

1. Throughout the industry the terms reclaimed water, recycled water, and water reuse are used, in some instances reflecting a geographic preference, in other cases due to regulatory definition and requirements, and still other cases related to end use. The terms are often used interchangeably, but the user should be cautioned that there are specific instances when one term is more appropriate than the other.

2. The type and location of nonpotable demands that may be served by reclaimed water and the ability to economically meet the anticipated demands.

3. The quantity and quality of reclaimed water available for the development of a nonpotable water distribution system.


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4. The water conservation and environmental benefits achieved with the devel-opment of a dual distribution system.

5. Ability to create and maintain a reclaimed water system within existing state regulations to create an integrated water supply system.

6. Knowledge base related to reclaimed water within the purveyors service area and willingness to develop appropriate public education programs to integrate reclaimed water into a local water supply system.

7. Regulatory authority to operate and manage a reclaimed water system with legal rights to the reclaimed water source.

8. Backflow and cross-connection control program regulatory entities are not often well-defined and the user is cautioned to be aware of which regulations pertain to their jurisdiction and whether there are conflicts between entities that may directly affect developing a reclaimed water program.

9. Financial capability to initiate new system development and willingness to adjust existing rate structure to equitably distribute cost of service to existing and future purveyor customers.

10. Management structure envisioned to treat, distribute, and bill for reclaimed/recycled water service and ability to add or redistribute staff responsibilities for the expanded utility system.

11. Staff capacity to develop new user agreements, utility and on-site design and retrofit requirements and standard details, system master planning, and capital program development and adjustment in utility rate structures.

III.B. Modification to Standard. There is no applicable information for this section.

IV. Major Revisions. This is the first edition; as such, there are no major revisions.

V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard, please call AWWA Engineering and Technical Services at 303.794.7711, Fax 303.794.6303, write to the department at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235, or email the department at [email protected].


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AWWA Management Standard

Reclaimed Water Program Operation and Management

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Sec. 1.1 ScopeThis standard describes the critical requirements for the effective operation

and management of a reclaimed water program. Reclaimed water, for the purposes of this standard, is treated domestic wastewater that is at all times adequately and reliably treated to the level appropriate for the end use.

Sec. 1.2 PurposeThe purpose of this standard is to define the critical requirements for the

effective operation and management of a reclaimed water program.

Sec. 1.3 ApplicationThis standard can be referenced in the evaluation of a reclaimed water pro-

gram operation and management. The stipulations of this standard apply when this document has been referenced and only to the operation and management of reclaimed water programs.

ANSI/AWWA G481-14(First Edition)


2AWWA G481-14

SECTION 2: REFERENCES

This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.

AWWA G400, Utility Management System.AWWA M24, Planning for the Distribution of Reclaimed Water.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply in this standard.1. Backflow prevention assembly: One of several approved devices, selected

according to the cross-connection risk, to protect higher-quality water from con-tamination from any lesser-quality water. May include devices to protect potable water from degradation by reclaimed water, wastewater, or greywater, or degrading reclaimed water from degradation by wastewater or greywater.

2. Certification: Licensed assurance of competency by a government agency or professional organization.

3. Commodity rates: The amount of water billed per unit used.4. Customer: The user of reclaimed water.5. Cross connection: A physical or potential connection in a plumbing sys-

tem through which a potable water supply could be contaminated by nonpotable water.

6. Delivery point: The point of connection to the reclaimed water system at which the reclaimed water is delivered by the purveyor and accepted by the customer.

7. Direct reuse: The use of reclaimed water for potable purposes without first discharging to a water supply source.

8. Dual distribution systems: Two separate water piping systems distribut-ing water to customers, one carrying potable water and the other conveying lesser-quality water (e.g., nonpotable reclaimed water) for nonpotable purposes.

9. Escherichia coli (E. Coli): A fecal coliform bacteria species used as an indicator of wastewater pollution.


RECLAIMED WATER PROGRAM OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT3

10. Fecal coliform: Coliforms present in the feces of warm-blooded animals. Aerobic and facultative, gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria capable of growth at 44.5C (112F).

11. Greywater: Untreated household used watersuch as wash or rinse water from a sink, bathtub, or other household plumbing fixture, except a toiletthat does not contain human wastes.

12. Indirect reuse: The use of reclaimed water for nonpotable purposes by first discharging to a water supply source.

13. Mandatory reuse zone (MRZ): An area where the use of reclaimed water is required if available.

14. Nonpotable water: Water that may contain objectionable pollution, contamination, minerals, or infective agents and is considered unsafe, unpalatable, or both, for drinking.

15. Potable water: Water that is safe and satisfactory for drinking and cooking.

16. Producer: The entity responsible for the production of reclaimed water, may also be a purveyor, may hold the reclaimed water permit and may also be the agency of primacy for requirements in permit (order) from permitting agency (see Purveyor).

17. Purveyor: Distributor, wholesaler, supplier, and/or retailer of reclaimed water. For purposes of this standard, the term purveyor shall also include producers of reclaimed water unless otherwise defined (see Producer).

18. Reclaimed water: Wastewater that has been treated and recovered for useful purposes and, as used in this standard, is produced, managed, and distrib-uted to specific reclaimed water users by a state-authorized water and/or wastewater utility.

19. Reclaimed water user agreement: Legally binding utility service agree-ment between the utility supplier and reclaimed water users that establishes terms and conditions of service; reclaimed water supply availability (average, minimum, maximum), timing, quality, and cost; and responsibilities of both parties for sign-age, use control, and compliance monitoring.

20. Recycled water: Term selected in some states and countries that is syn-onymous with reclaimed water.

21. Retrofitting: Modifications needed to provide reclaimed water to exist-ing and established sites (or customers) through the installation of new or modified reclaimed water dual distribution systems and appurtenances.


4AWWA G481-14

22. Site use: Area of reclaimed water use with defined boundaries.23. Stakeholders: A group, organization, person, or agency that has an

interest in, decision-making responsibility for, or authority over a process and is affected by or will benefit from the outcome of a process.

24. Wastewater: A combination of the liquid and water-carried waste from residences, commercial buildings, industrial plants, and institutions, together with any groundwater, surface water, and stormwater that infiltrated the collection system.

25. Water supplier: An entity that owns or operates a public water system.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 4.1 Regulatory RequirementsThe purveyor shall satisfy the requirements of federal, state or provincial,

local, or other appropriate regulations as applicable. Purveyors shall demonstrate that they meet the applicable regulations for their own jurisdiction.

Sec. 4.2 Management Programs4.2.1 Program performance goals. The purveyor shall establish goals for

reclaimed water quality, plant efficiency, and distribution system performance, independent of those specified by the applicable regulations. The purveyor shall conduct monitoring to determine conformance with the goals, and take appropri-ate action if goals are not achieved.

4.2.2 Establishing a viable customer base. Purveyors should conduct appropriate studies and/or investigations to determine the anticipated customer base before designing the reclaimed water system.

4.2.3 Marketing to new customers. The purveyor shall develop a plan to market reclaimed water to new customers to inform them of the value of reclaimed water and the availability to connect to the reclaimed water system. The plan should include market studies and surveys to identify areas to serve with reclaimed water.

4.2.4 Public information and education program. The purveyor shall develop or incorporate into existing programs outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness of reclaimed water. Key components of this program should include openness; effectively communicating the value of reclaimed water; reuse water quality; suitability of the water for identified uses; quantity; information on oppor-tunities for reuse, including examples of uses that are allowed and not allowed; and delivering early and consistent messages.



4.2.5 Integrated resource plan. The purveyor shall include reclaimed water when considering water supply options, and where appropriate, include reclaimed water as part of the supply portfolio when conducting supply and demand forecasting.

4.2.6 Water demand. The purveyor shall have a program to evaluate reclaimed water demand based on available customer use records, irrigated acre-age, or manufacturers literature for cooling-tower equipment. The evaluation of demands will consider quantity, quality, seasonal demands, seasonal storage needs, and delivery pressures appropriate to each customer.

4.2.6.1 Mitigating shortages. The purveyor and water supplier shall develop and maintain a plan for mitigating reclaimed water shortages. The plan should include provisions for the purveyor to augment the reclaimed water systems with other water supply sources to avoid or reduce the severity of shortages or supply interruptions, strategies to allow seasonal or interruptible reclaimed water customers to use their traditional supplies when warranted, or scheduling deliveries (e.g., defined watering schedule).

4.2.6.2 The purveyor shall have a plan for scheduling and/or control-ling reclaimed water deliveries to user. Water uses may be scheduled and/or con-trolled by or coordinated with conservation mandates and local health department requirements.

4.2.7 Retrofitting for reclaimed water service. The purveyor shall conduct periodic review to identify potential customers for retrofitting with reclaimed water service. Some programs include policies and procedures for voluntary or manda-tory connection and/or use, and a plan to facilitate retrofits in the areas designated for reclaimed water.

4.2.8 Use requirements. Reclaimed water systems may serve either a sin-gle or multiple user types, including residential, commercial, industrial, environ-mental, and public use. The design and operation of the reclaimed water system may be different for each class of user and should take into account the end user(s) to maximize reliability to all users.

4.2.8.1 Environmental considerations. Special consideration should be given to use requirements specified for environmental protection. Many applica-tions, including irrigation, have specific water quality requirements. The effect of these physical and chemical constituents on discharges to groundwater, surface water, crops, and soil should be quantified prior to use.


6AWWA G481-14

4.2.8.2 Purveyors shall ensure the necessary level of treatment to meet the required water quality standards applicable to the end-use.

4.2.8.3 The purveyor shall develop or support the creation, implemen-tation, and maintenance of an enforceable ordinance to address unpermitted discharge. The ordinance is a local regulation that explicitly prohibits various dis-charges of water, such as excess runoff, unrepaired leaks, and inefficient practices such as overspray.

4.2.9 Customer communications. The purveyor shall provide adequate resources for building and maintaining an effective communications and customer relations program. The program should include such items as the following:

1. Customer service mission, guidelines, and procedures.2. A feedback system, such as surveys, for obtaining input on the purveyors

external communications efforts can be helpful.3. An emergency communication plan consistent with the purveyor's pota-

ble water communication plan.4. A communication plan for restricted use periods and other nonroutine

circumstances, including site discharge limitations.5. Notification signs in appropriate languages to make sure the public is

aware of reclaimed water use.4.2.10 Customer inquiry tracking and response. The purveyor shall have a

system to document and respond to customer inquiries, including complaints. The system shall have trained personnel who can handle customer inquiries, explain system problems, and collect pertinent information for response personnel.

4.2.11 Water rights compliance. The purveyor shall implement and oper-ate its system in compliance with water rights and regulatory restrictions that may include but are not limited to

Annual withdrawal limits. Instantaneous withdrawal limits. Defining place of use. Interbasin transfer. Defining type of use. Restricted use periods. Minimum return flow commitment.4.2.12 Agreements. The purveyor shall ensure that reuse user agreements

and ordinances clearly identify the regulations applicable to the end users and require that they comply with these regulations as a condition of service, including frequency



and type of on-site inspection and entity responsible for scheduling and payment. User agreements should also clearly specify purveyor responsibilities, delivery sched-ule, water quality, and specific conditions of use.

4.2.12.1 Customer agreements. The purveyor shall have documented customer agreements that meet the legal requirements of the purveyor and its reg-ulatory agencies and define reclaimed water terms of service. At a minimum, the customer agreement should include

Location of reclaimed water use. Reclaimed water quality available. Site use(s). Anticipated delivery volumes and/or restrictions, defining maximum,

minimum, average use expectations. Conditions under which service disruptions may occur and alternate sup-

ply sources. Commodity rates. User plans for potable and reclaimed water systems. Anticipated frequency and type of site inspections. Fees for any regulatory oversights. Backflow prevention and cross-contamination control requirements. Lease and/or property transfer. Termination of service.An example of a customer agreement is provided in Appendix A.4.2.12.2 Purveyor agreements. Where reclaimed water is proposed to be

delivered within the jurisdiction of an existing water provider, the water provider and the reclaimed water provider shall agree on the terms and conditions under which the reclaimed water will be purveyed to reclaimed water customers.

4.2.12.3 Principles of agreement. Agreements shall be discussed in conjunction with any outreach to potential reclaimed water customers to ensure conditions for reclaimed water service are agreed to between the water supplier and purveyor before reclaimed water is offered to the customer.

4.2.12.4 Service agreements. Purveyors shall enter into appropriate ser-vice agreements for the provision of source water, and/or treatment and distribu-tion, and/or treatment of reclaimed water, as applicable. The service agreements shall take into consideration service-level requirements, design, construction, oper-ation and maintenance requirements, and roles and responsibilities for each of the utilities involved.


8AWWA G481-14

4.2.13 Rates and pricing. Reclaimed water rate setting shall be consistent with water and wastewater rate setting practices for the individual purveyor and consider benefit of offsets for both the water and wastewater systems, and environ-mental and societal cost benefits.

4.2.14 Billing practices. The purveyor shall regularly bill customers based on metered use. The bill should be understandable to the customer and the water use clearly defined.

4.2.15 Health and safety management. The purveyor shall document health and safety procedures that are designed to safeguard employees and visitors, and that meet appropriate regulatory requirements pertaining to chemicals, patho-gens, and other similar constituents.

Sec. 4.3 Source Water4.3.1 Source water metering and monitoring. The purveyor shall have a

program consistent with facilities management practices to meter and monitor the quality of source water.

Sec. 4.4 Operations Reclaimed water treatment and distribution facilities should be operated effi-

ciently and effectively to ensure public health protection, maximize the resource and also demonstrate that they can provide the community safe, reclaimed water consistently and at a reasonable cost.

Many states have specific treatment requirements related to end use and/or reclaimed water classification.

4.4.1 Treatment operation and management objectives. Operation and management objectives based on the types of reclaimed water used, protecting public health, and other factors, shall be clearly defined.

4.4.1.1 A multiple-barrier philosophy in selecting appropriate treatment options and processes for water reuse applications shall be developed. A multiple-barrier philosophy is based on the principle of establishing a series of barriers to preclude the passage of pathogens and harmful organic and inorganic contami-nants into the water system to the greatest extent practicable. For water reuse, barriers may take the form of a combination of treatment processes wherein each provides a specific level of constituent reduction consistent with the intended use.

4.4.2 Treatment plan. Treatment process selection and application should be compliant with any specified treatment process required by state regulations in the state where the project is located.



4.4.3 Disinfection. Providing adequate disinfection is considered one of the critical steps in developing a successful reclaimed water program. Disinfection requirements will vary depending on the specific reuse application. A disinfection program that meets the regulatory quality for each reclaimed water identified in the local ordinance, and that protects the public health and safety, shall be devel-oped, implemented, and maintained.

4.4.4 Water quality. In addition to meeting applicable regulations and operational performance goals, the reclaimed water should be suitable for the intended use. This may require treatment and monitoring of constituents not asso-ciated with public health concerns. Examples include levels of total dissolved sol-ids as they relate to the ability to use reclaimed water for irrigation or for certain industrial applications, and nutrient levels as they relate to the promotion of algal growth in surface water augmentation applications.

4.4.5 Monitoring, sampling, and testing. Reclaimed water samples shall be collected and analyzed for compliance with minimum water quality standards for the identified quality of reclaimed water use. The water quality results should be monitored for trends that may indicate future noncompliance. A plan to respond to nonconformance should be developed that shall include who will develop non-conformance corrective action plans and requirements for additional analysis or increasing system sampling and monitoring frequency when there is significant or recurring nonconformance.

Sec. 4.5 Reclaimed Water Delivery Programs4.5.1 Distribution system operation and management objectives. The pur-

veyor shall clearly define operation and management objectives based on the types of reclaimed water customers, types of reclaimed/recycled water use, public atti-tudes toward reclaimed water use, protecting public health, and other factors.

4.5.2 System pressure. The system shall operate at adequate pressures to meet customer needs and intended end use. Where possible, the pressure in the reclaimed system should be less than the pressure in the potable system.

4.5.3 Color coding. Pipes, valves, outlets, and appurtenances associated with reclaimed water shall be color coded to differentiate reclaimed water from potable water lines, valves, outlets, and appurtenances. In the absence of reclaimed water color code regulations, a distinctly purple color no darker that Pantone Pur-ple 512C but no lighter than 522C, or equivalent, is recommended.

4.5.4 Labeling. Pipes, valves, outlets, and appurtenances associated with reclaimed water should be properly labeled to warn that water is nonpotable. Labels


10AWWA G481-14

should be consistent with the local plumbing code, in English and translations into other languages, as applicable, together with the equivalent standard international symbol, and/or comply with local and state labeling requirements. Labels should be legible and, when located aboveground, be in conspicuous places.

4.5.5 Backflow and cross-connection control. The purveyor shall develop, document, and maintain a backflow and cross-connection control program. The program shall include isolation and containment strategies to protect the potable water supply against cross connections with nonpotable supplies. Testing of devices should be done at least annually or as required by local ordinances. Where the purveyor of reclaimed water is different from the purveyor of potable water, the reclaimed water utility will coordinate with the potable water utility or appropriate regulating entity to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements pertaining to their jurisdiction. Purveyors of potable water and reclaimed water should coordi-nate their backflow and cross-connection control program with local building and plumbing code officials that have jurisdiction for plumbing and construction on private property and with state or provincial and local public health officials having jurisdiction over cross-connection control programs.

4.5.5.1 Any consideration of alternate supplies must include procedures to avoid cross connections as supplies are switched between reclaimed and traditional sources.

4.5.6 Pipe separation. Pipe separation between reclaimed water lines and potable water lines, and between reclaimed water lines and sewerage lines, shall be separated in a manner that meets the purveyors local and/or state or provincial regulations. Refer to AWWA M24 for general guidance and best practices for pipe separation.

4.5.7 Storage facilities. The distribution systems shall be designed to pro-vide adequate storage to meet peak demands and should consider

Emergency storage for fire flows, as applicable. Operational storage. Seasonal storage. The ability to divert water that does not meet treatment requirements

to interim storage for return for full treatment or to a permitted waste disposal site.

The design of reclaimed water storage facilities should incorporate best management practices developed to maintain minimum reclaimed water quality during storage.



4.5.8 Service connections. The purveyor shall develop standard service connection details for reclaimed/recycled water comparable to potable water ser-vice connection details in the purveyors service area. Standard details should rec-ognize color coding and labeling requirements with use of purple appurtenances and backflow prevention devices as required by appropriate regulatory entity.

4.5.9 System leakage. The purveyor shall implement activities and pro-grams to minimize water loss in the distribution system developing and maintain-ing a leak detection program comparable to local monitoring and leak detection applied to the potable water system. The program shall include an annual water audit that will establish program goals and assessment measures.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION

Sec. 5.1 Human ResourcesPersonnel performing work affecting treatment and delivery of reclaimed

water shall be competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills, certification, and experience.

5.1.1 Licensing, certifications, and competencies. The purveyor shall ensure adequate certification of reclaimed water staff. Training in proper use and site controls for reclaimed water systems shall be required for staff of the water purveyor and/or producer and for designated representative of the reclaimed water customers.

5.1.1.1 Plant operator training. Staff shall meet the applicable minimum state or provincial required certification tied to each aspect of the reclaimed water operation. Minimum state or provincial certification requirements may include, but are not limited to, water distribution operator, wastewater treatment plant operator, water treatment plant operator, and/or cross-connection specialist.

5.1.1.2 Distribution operator training. Staff with direct responsibility for reclaimed water system delivery to customers shall be appropriately trained. This training shall include staff performing functions such as cross-connection testing and annual inspections, water quality sampling staff, and maintenance team leaders.

5.1.2 Customer training. In some locations, the purveyor customer train-ing occurs at the time of sale and/or occupancy, or it may occur on initial use of reclaimed water in the case of retrofitted systems. In other cases the training may extend to contracted irrigation and landscaping service providers. Purveyors


12AWWA G481-14

should consider providing review courses to recertify the designated site supervisor at a frequency of up to four years, with the potential to provide online courses to update previously certified users.

Sec. 5.2 Documentation RequiredThe purveyor shall maintain an adequate record-keeping system so that com-

pliance with this standard can be measured. Refer to ANSI/AWWA G400 for general verification requirements.

5.2.1 General. Documentation shall include1. Documented statements of quality policy and quality objectives.2. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety procedures.3. Documented procedures and goals required by this standard.4. Documents needed by the reclaimed water treatment facility to achieve

the effective planning, operation, and control of its processes.5. Reliability assessment documents to ensure continual and consistent

water quality and process operation.6. Control records required by this standard (see Sec. 5.2.3).Note: Where the term documented procedure appears within this standard, it

means the procedure is established, documented, implemented, and maintained.5.2.2 Control of documents. Documents required for this standard shall

be controlled. Records are a special type of document and shall be controlled according to the requirements given in Sec. 5.2.3. A documented procedure shall be established to define the controls needed to

1. Approve documents for adequacy prior to issue.2. Review and update as necessary and reapprove documents.3. Ensure that changes and the current revision status of documents are

identified.4. Ensure that relevant versions of applicable documents are available at

points of use.5. Ensure that documents remain legible and readily identifiable.6. Ensure that documents of external origin are identified and their distribu-

tion controlled.7. Prevent the unintended use of obsolete documents, and, if such docu-

ments are retained for any purpose, apply suitable identification to them.5.2.3 Control of records. Records shall be established and maintained to

provide evidence of conformity to requirements and of the effective operation of this standard. Records shall remain legible, readily identifiable, and retrievable.



A documented procedure shall be established to define the controls needed for the identification, storage, protection, retrieval, retention time, and disposition of records.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY

This standard has no applicable information for this section.


15

APPENDIX A

Example of Reclaimed Water Customer Agreement*

This appendix is for information only and is not part of ANSI/AWWA G481.

Circle one: Initial Location ID _________________________________________Existing

Site Number ________________________________________

RECLAIMED WATER USER AGREEMENT

reclaimed water is a valuable renewal water resource that originates as treated wastewater from the metropolitan areas wastewater treatment plants. The treated wastewater is then filtered and chlorinated before it is delivered as reclaimed water. It is subject to a variety of federal, state, and local regulations that protect the safety of the public and the integrity of the potable water supply system. This Reclaimed Water User Agreement establishes terms and conditions that apply to the ultimate user of reclaimed water, or Customer, and the City of < name >.

1. Place of Use. will deliver reclaimed water to a meter in accordance with the open access reuse standards established in Reuse Permit. Reclaimed water delivered under this Agreement can be stored and used only at the following location:

_________________________________________________________2. Resale of Reclaimed Water. Customer may not resell reclaimed water

to any other person or legal entity. Customer is also prohibited from conveying reclaimed water delivered under this Agreement to any other premises or location.

3. Commodity Rate. Customer will pay for reclaimed water delivered under this Agreement according to the rate schedule established in the City Code during the term of this Agreement. If the City establishes rate classifica-tions applicable to reclaimed water, Customer will pay the rate established by the Code that applies to Customers particular circumstances. If the rate to be paid by Customer is specified by other Agreement(s), such agreements shall be noted in

* Reprinted with permission from the City of Tucson, Tucson, Arizona. All rights reserved.


16AWWA G481-14

Section 17 below. Nothing herein shall excuse Customer from payment of service or other charges as are applicable to the time, place, or manner of the Customers reclaimed water service and delivery.

4. Costs of Customer. The citys reclaimed water distribution system commonly terminates after the meter. Customer is solely responsible for any pri-vate delivery system costs, including the initial construction cost of valve stations for automated control of storage facilities by arising out of Cus-tomers use of reclaimed water and from the construction, maintenance or opera-tions of the private reclaimed water delivery system on Customers property.

5. Compliance With Regulations. Customer agrees to obey any state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and standards that may apply to Customers use of reclaimed water during the term of this Agreement. Such laws, regulations, and standards may include:

requirements and restrictions governing use of reclaimed water application methods that reasonably preclude certain kinds of human

contact with reclaimed water control of access to the reclaimed water, its delivery system, and the area

of storage and use requirements to prevent reclaimed water from standing in open areas dur-

ing normal periods of use requirements to prevent reclaimed water from coming into contact with

drinking fountains, water coolers, or eating areas requirements to identify certain components on the delivery system, or to

provide public notices that reclaimed water is used on Customers premises reporting any off-site discharges of reclaimed water to

and 6. Hose Bibs. Customer specifically agrees not to install hose bibs or uti-

lize existing hose bibs on any component of the private reclaimed water delivery system.

7. Signs. Upon the commencement of reclaimed water service, the City will provide Customer with an appropriate amount of signage to inform the public that reclaimed water is used on Customers premises. Customer shall post such signs at all entrances to the premises where reclaimed water is used. Customer may also be responsible for posting other signage that may be required under the state of Administrative Code or that may be established by City of



regulation. Customer may be responsible for the maintenance and replacement of reclaimed water signage.

8. Backflow Prevention. Customer will install a reduced pressure back-flow assembly on all potable water services at the site, as required by City Ordinance, before receiving reclaimed water service from the City. Customer is responsible for the maintenance and testing of all backflow protection.

9. Thermal Expansion Control. Customer agrees to install and main-tain any thermal expansion control, as may be required by the adopted Uniform Plumbing Code.

10. Toilets. Customer acknowledges that reclaimed water can be used for toilet flushing only in nonresidential buildings. Customer also acknowledges that variations in reclaimed water system pressure may affect the operation of toilets and that reclaimed water may not be odorless and may discolor fixtures. In addi-tion to all other conditions of reclaimed water use, Customer agrees to comply with the requirements listed in the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the City of , including annually conducting the cross-connection test described therein in the presence of a Cross Connection Control Specialist.

11. Inspection. Customer agrees that the City of or any other pub-lic agency with the authority to verify compliance with reclaimed water use regu-lation may inspect Customers premises to verify compliance with the applicable reclaimed water use regulations. Customer further acknowledges the responsibil-ity to inform, notify, and request inspection and approvals from various agencies, including , and permitting agencies, for certain activities relating to the construction, maintenance, and operation of its private reclaimed water delivery system, including, but not necessarily limited to, materials, construction, facility testing, violations, and emergency situations.

12. Plans. Customer acknowledges that it has the responsibility to main-tain a copy of the conceptual plans of the on-site reclaimed water system at the premises on which reclaimed water is being used. These plans will show the loca-tions of the property lines, all structures on the site, reclaimed water lines, and turnoff valves.

13. Potential Disruption of Service. Customer accepts the possibility that the City may be required to disrupt reclaimed water services to Customers prem-ises due to emergency conditions, peak demands, or planned system maintenance.


18AWWA G481-14

Customer shall be responsible for any damage that may be caused to Customer-owned facilities by such disruptions.

When there is an unforeseen emergency relating to the Citys reclaimed water delivery system, the City may terminate deliveries of reclaimed water without notice. When notice of an emergency is given, Customer agrees to reduce or cease usage of reclaimed water service upon the Citys request.

In order to accommodate peak demand periods or planned mainte-nance of its reclaimed water system, the City shall provide Customer with twenty-four (24)-hour notice of the need to cease reclaimed water usage altogether, or to reduce the volume of reclaimed water used. Upon being provided such notice, Customer will alter its reclaimed water usage according to the Citys request.

14. Lease (Rental) of Property. Customer agrees that all leases of the premises described herein shall be in writing, and must be made expressly subject to this Agreement.

15. Transfer of Property. Should Customer sell the premises described herein or otherwise transfer the financial responsibility for the premises reclaimed water bills, shall not be obligated to provide reclaimed water to any subsequent owner or user of the premises unless any successors and assigns [sign] a new Reclaimed Water User Agreement and meet all other conditions of reclaimed water use. Customer will close its account with and pay fees or charges incurred by Customer before the disposition of Customers property is effective.

16. Termination of Service. Customer acknowledges that reclaimed water may be discontinued for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

17. Other Agreements. Unless expressly listed below, this Agreement con-stitutes the complete and entire Agreement between the parties. If applicable, list other Agreements:

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________



ATTEST: ________________________________ ___________ Customer/Authorized Agent (Signature) Date

______________________________ ______________________________________________City Clerk Customer/Authorized Agent (Printed Name)

______________________________________________ Customer email address

APPROVED AS TO FORM:________________________________ ________________________________ ___________City Attorney Director/Authorized Signature Date


6666 West Quincy AvenueDenver, CO 80235-3098T 800.926.7337www.awwa.org

1P2M 47481-2014 (3/14) Printed on Recycled Paper

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