Sec.16-11-80. Mains. Service pipes

(1) Mains. (A) Water mains shall be placed at such a depth below ground level, or otherwise protected, as will prevent freezing during the coldest weather experienced in the community in which laid, and will prevent damage to traffic. (B) Insofar as practicable, the utility shall design its distribution system so as to avoid dead ends in its mains. Where dead ends are necessary, the utility shall provide hydrants or valves for the purpose of flushing the mains. Mains with dead ends shall be flushed as often as necessary to maintain the quality of the water. (C) Valves or stop cocks shall be provided at reasonable intervals in the mains so that repairs may be effected by the utility with interruptions of service to a minimum number of customers. (D) All new mains shall be disinfected before being connected to the system. The method of disinfecting shall be in compliance with state department of health practices. (E) Wherever feasible, the distribution system shall be laid out in a grid so that, in case of breaks or repairs, the interruptions of service to the customers shall be at a minimum.

(2) Service pipes. (A) The size, design, material and installation of the service pipe shall conform to such reasonable requirements of the utility as may be incorporated in its rules, provided the minimum size of the pipe shall not be less than three-quarters inch nominal size except under unusual circumstances which shall be clearly defined. (B) All service pipes shall be laid at such a depth in accordance with the rules of the utility as will prevent freezing, except where services are not intended for use during freezing weather and are actually drained during such periods. (C) The utility shall inspect the service pipe to assure that it has been installed at proper depth and is free from any tee, branch connection, irregularity or defect.

(3) Whenever normal excavation discloses an unsatisfactory soil condition, one or more of the following corrective measures shall be employed: (A) Excavate to good bearing soil and backfill to pipe grade with suitable material well tamped to provide adequate support; (B) support with a concrete slab; (C) support with piling.

(4) Pipe on a highway bridge shall be located so as to reduce hazard to a minimum and shall be protected from freezing.

(5) In the case of pipes laid in trench as with other facilities: (A) Water mains shall be laid clear of all other underground facilities; (B) water mains may be laid in the same trench with other underground utility facilities except gas, oil or sewer pipes, provided at least eighteen inches separation, in a horizontal plane, shall be maintained and provided such arrangements shall be mutually acceptable to the parties concerned; and (C) water services may be laid in the same trench with other underground utility facilities except oil or sewer pipes, provided twelve inches separation, in a horizontal plane, shall be maintained and provided such arrangements shall be mutually acceptable to the parties concerned; (D) at crossings of mains and services with other underground facilities, clearances wherever possible shall be not less than twelve inches; (E) to secure compliance with the requirements of these regulations by others doing underground construction work, the utility shall arrange with the other agencies having highway subsurface rights for adequate notification and inspection procedure.

(6) Pipe laid shall be tested and made tight before being placed in service.

(7) The ditch underneath, around and over the pipe shall be backfilled with good material thoroughly tamped to secure a firm support. To disclose any settlement of the backfill which may need correcting, newly filled ditches shall be reinspected at intervals.

(8) The service connection at the main or the run of service pipe shall allow for a reasonable amount of flexibility to prevent fracture or leaks at the connection with the main.

(Effective October 18, 1966)