On-Site Physical Requirements

The following is a list of major physical components that are checked during an inspection (this list contains the most basic components and may vary from system to system):

Maximum Day Design Capacity

This number, reported as gallons per day (gpd), is calculated from water treatment plant component specifications.
For example, a well pump of 25 gallons per minute operating under normal conditions can provide a maximum-day design capacity of 18,000 gpd.

Generator (if applicable)

Community water systems with at least 150 service connections and/or a population of 350 or more are required to have standby power.
The generator should have automatic switchover and should be able to satisfy the average daily demand of the water system.
Where standby power is required, an audio-visual alarm indicating a loss of standby power is required.

Well

Well pad:
- Must be concrete and 6' x 6' x 4',
- Must be kept free of algae, debris, and plant growth, Should not have any cracks.
Set-back distances:
- Well should be at least 100 feet from any septic, reclaimed, or waste water lines.
- Well should be at least 100 feet from any high risk hazard and at least 50 feet from any low risk hazard. [Rule 62-555.312]
Well casing:
- Should be 12 inches above grade,
- Should be free of corrosion.
Sanitary seal:
- Should be intact with no visible gaps or loose bolts.

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Raw water sample tap:
- Should be smooth-nosed and downward opening,
- Should be located upstream of the check valve.
Check valve:
- Should be functional with no visible signs of leaks,
- Should be located downstream of the raw water sample tap and upstream of the chemical injection point.
Security:
- Wells must be enclosed in housing or fences with lockable access gates.
Well vent protection:
- If a well vent is present, it must be screened with number 24 mesh to prevent insects and other contaminants from entering the well.
- If a well vent is not present, at the time of any structural or equipment changes to the well or well pump, a well vent shall be provided.

Flow Meter

Required for all systems that submit Monthly Operation Reports (MORs).
Should be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

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Chlorination

Chemical delivery pumps:

Should be functional and free of corrosion.

Chemical injection points:

Should be free of leaks and corrosion.

Chlorine residuals:

A minimum free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L, or a combined chlorine residual of 0.6 mg/L must be maintained at all times throughout the distribution system.

Chlorine residuals should be checked using a DPD-type test kit.

The following is a partial list of companies that provide test kits for potable water. DEP does not endorse any of the companies listed below, and a company's absence from this list does not imply prejudice:

Hach

LaMotte

USA Blue Book