Startup and Shutdown of Seasonal Public Water Systems: A Reminder about Best Practices

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Startup and Shutdown of Seasonal Public Water
Systems A Reminder about Best Practices
ATCAVE 2009
Eric McPhee Sanitary Engineer 3 DPH-Drinking
Water Section
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What is a Seasonal System?

• Public water system (25/60)
• Does not operate all year (physically shut down)
• Examples could include Youth camps, parks,
  sport facilities, marinas, campgrounds, food
  service establishments
• There are approximately 500 in Connecticut

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Seasonal Systems - Reminders

• The Drinking Water Section (DWS) needs to have an
  accurate season of operation to prevent
  generation of unnecessary violations
• System should have a startup and shutdown
  plan/procedure
• First sample is recommended to be collected well
  in advance of opening (can be compliance sample
  or not)

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Season of Operation

• Current information on sampling schedules is
  available on DWS website

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Season of Operation (contd)

• Most water quality monitoring schedules for
  seasonal systems begin on April 1, regardless of
  how long afterward the system opens. This change
  was made to correspond with the water quality
  monitoring schedules and allow systems maximum
  flexibility to collect samples before opening to
  the public.

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Season of Operation, Contd

• Quarterly sampling must be conducted in a
  calendar quarter (Jan.-Mar., Apr.-June,
  July-Sep., Oct.-Dec.)
• If a system is active for even one day in a
  calendar quarter, a sample must be collected for
  that quarter
• If a system is operational during the
  off-season, compliance samples must still be
  collected.

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Startup/Shutdown Procedures
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Startup/Shutdown Procedures

• No chemicals may be added to a water supply
  without prior approval from DWS (RCSA
  Section19-13-B80). Antifreeze, even food grade,
  is not permitted.
• Many systems will depressurize and drain some or
  all of their water system, esp. if some of the
  lines are not buried below the frost line.
• Since there will be an extended period of time
  with no system pressure, it is important that
  there are no direct connections with equipment or
  systems which may be subject to contamination
  (RCSA Section 19-13-B38).

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Startup/Shutdown Procedures

• Any temporary water quality monitoring
  requirements, public notice requirements, etc.
  carry over from the end of one season to the
  beginning of the next.
• For example, if a PWS has a positive coliform
  sample in the last sample set of the year, the
  increased monitoring will need to be conducted at
  the beginning of the next season.

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Seasonal Startup Procedures
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Seasonal System Checklist
DRAFT
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Seasonal Shutdown Guidance
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System Startup Highlights

• Inspection of Wells/Tanks/Pumphouse
• Sampling - 1st sample should be collected well in
  advance of providing water to the public. If a
  sample yields a positive result, there will be
  time to fix the problem(s).

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System Startup Highlights

• 1st coliform samples should be collected after
  repressurization, disinfection, and flushing of
  the system. These samples can be investigatory
  or for compliance.
• It is okay to submit a compliance sample prior to
  opening to the public
• Disinfection.

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Disinfection Refresher

• Disinfect well(s) in accordance with DWS guidance
  document.
• Atmospheric storage tanks should be disinfected
  in accordance with the latest revision of AWWA
  C652. The tank should be filled with chlorinated
  water to the overflow.

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Disinfection Refresher, Contd

• Pressure tanks should be filled to at least the
  high water level.
• Run all taps in distribution system until
  chlorine odor and let sit for 24 hours.
• Flush system and collect samples when there is no
  detectible residual.

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Draft Shutdown Guideline Highlights

• Drainage of system no antifreeze, drain and/or
  blow lines dry. Install blow-offs if necessary
  to ensure complete drainage. Drain and protect
  tanks.
• Keep system protected while off-line. Close
  taps. Properly dispose of unused treatment
  chemicals, esp. chlorine.

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Draft Shutdown Guidelines, contd

• Exercise valves
• Tank and well vents should be inspected and
  repaired, if necessary.
• The off-line time is the best time to make
  repairs and improvements to the system.

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Where is the information?

• http//www.ct.gov/dph/Click on Environmental
  HealthClick on Public Drinking Water

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What else?

• Local Health ask questions during FSE license
  inspections at seasonal restaurants.
• Operators make sure that seasonal systems you
  are involved with have a plan for startup and
  shutdown.

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Additional Information

• Contact
• Eric McPhee
• [phone]
• eric.mcphee_at_ct.gov
• Any questions?