Section 1040. Pump stations

A. Pump stations associated with surface water sources, treatment facilities, and finished water shall:

1. Have adequate space for the installation of additional units if needed and for the safe servicing of all equipment;

2. Be of durable construction, fire and weather resistant, and furnished with outward opening doors;

3. Have the floor elevation at least six inches above the finished grade, if possible;

4. Have the underground structure waterproofed;

5. Have all floors drained without impairing the quality of water being handled, and, if equipment is contained on the floor, the floor shall slope at least ⅛ inch in every foot to the point of discharge; and

6. Provide suitable outlet for drainage from pump glands without discharging onto the floor.

B. Suction wells. Suction wells shall:

1. Be watertight;

2. Have floors sloped to permit removal of water and entrained solids; and

3. Be covered or otherwise protected against contamination, including contamination by pump lubricants.

C. Equipment servicing in pump stations.

1. Craneways, hoist beams, eyebolts, or other adequate facilities for servicing or removal of pumps, motors, or other heavy equipment shall be provided.

2. Walkways shall be provided to lubrication points of equipment if these are located at intermediate points between floors.

3. Openings in floors, roofs, or wherever else needed for removal of heavy or bulky equipment shall be provided.

4. A convenient tool board or other facilities shall be provided as needed for proper maintenance of the equipment.

D. Stairways and ladders. Stairs are preferred in areas where there is frequent traffic or where supplies are transported by hand. They shall have risers not exceeding nine inches and treads wide enough for safety. Where ladders are used, intermediate landings should be provided if the vertical distance exceeds 10 feet. Stairways and ladders shall:

1. Be provided between all floors and in pits or compartments which must be entered and;

2. Have handrails on both sides and treads of nonslip material.

E. Heating. In pump houses not occupied by personnel, only enough heat need be provided to prevent freezing of equipment or treatment process. Provision shall be made for adequate heating for the comfort of the operator and the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.

F. Ventilation. Adequate ventilation shall be provided for all pumping stations. Forced draft ventiliation of at least six changes of air per hour (continuous operation) shall be provided for:

1. All rooms, compartments, pits and other enclosures below the grade floor; and

2. Any area where an unsafe atmosphere may develop or where excessive heat may build up.

G. Dehumidification. In areas where excess moisture could cause hazards to safety or damage to equipment, means for dehumidification shall be provided.

H. Lighting. Pump stations shall be adequately lighted throughout. All electrical work shall conform to the requirements of the state codes.

I. Pumps. At least two pumping units shall be provided. If only two units are provided, each shall be capable of delivering the peak demand. If more than two units are installed, they shall have sufficient capacity so that if any one pump is out of service, the remaining pumps are capable of carrying the peak demand. The pumping units shall:

1. Have ample capacity to supply the peak demand without overloading;

2. Be driven by a prime mover able to operate against the maximum head and air temperature which may be encountered; and

3. Have maintenance parts and tools readily available.

J. Suction lift. If suction lift is necessary, provision shall be made for priming the pumps. Suction lift should be less than 15 feet.

K. Priming. Prime water must not be of lesser sanitary quality than that of the water being pumped. Means shall be provided to prevent back siphonage. When an air operated ejector is used, the screened intake shall draw clean air from a point at least 10 feet above the ground or other source of contamination, unless the air is filtered by an apparatus approved by the Division. Vacuum priming may be used.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-18-010.04 § 3.41, eff. August 1, 1991.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.