NAC445A.67145. Distribution system: Construction.

     1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a water main must be installed:

     (a) For public water systems in Carson City, Fallon, Reno, Sparks, Yerington, Douglas County, Lander County, Lyon County, Nye County or Washoe County, in compliance with Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction and the American Water Works Association Standards, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663.

     (b) For public water systems in Boulder City, Henderson, North Las Vegas, the Big Bend Water District or the Las Vegas Valley Water District, in compliance with Uniform Design and Construction Standards for Water Distribution Systems and the American Water Works Association Standards, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663.

     (c) For public water systems in other areas of the State, in compliance with the American Water Works Association Standards, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663.

     (d) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), in compliance with the procedures for installation recommended by the manufacturer of the water main.

     2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, water mains must be installed in areas that are dedicated for public use as streets or highways or are otherwise sufficiently open to the public to facilitate access for maintenance and emergency repairs. Water mains may be constructed on private property, under structures or in or under bodies of water only if approved by the Division or the appropriate district board of health.

     3. Piping for a distribution system must be designed and constructed in such a manner that appropriate measures, as determined by frost depth, type of backfill and surface loads, are taken for trenching, bedding and refilling. Water mains must be:

     (a) Properly bedded and covered with a sufficient amount of earth or other insulation to prevent freezing.

     (b) Installed with at least 36 inches of cover over the piping or at least 12 inches below frost depth, whichever is deeper.

     4. The design and construction of a distribution system must provide for the avoidance of pressure surges and water hammer through the use of reaction blocking and similar methods. Where appropriate, water mains, tees, bends, plugs and hydrants must have thrust blocks, thrust anchors or joints designed to prevent movement. Water mains located on a slope must be restrained in such a manner as determined appropriate by an engineer.

     5. Locator tape, magnetic tape or conductive wire and tape must be installed in the trench above a water main.

     6. A water main must not be placed into service after its initial construction until:

     (a) The water main has been disinfected in accordance with American Water Works Association Standard C651, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663. The disposal of any spent chlorine solutions must be coordinated with the Division.

     (b) An analysis of the water main which indicates that it meets primary standards for coliform bacteria has been obtained and reported to the Division or the appropriate district board of health.

     7. The piping installed in a distribution system must, if the piping consists of:

     (a) Ductile iron, be pressure tested in accordance with American Water Works Association Standard C600, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663;

     (b) PVC, be pressure tested in accordance with American Water Works Association Standard C605, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663; or

     (c) Another material, be pressure tested in accordance with:

          (1) For public water systems in Carson City, Fallon, Reno, Sparks, Yerington, Douglas County, Lander County, Lyon County, Nye County or Washoe County, Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663;

          (2) For public water systems in Boulder City, Henderson, North Las Vegas, the Big Bend Water District or the Las Vegas Valley Water District, Uniform Design and Construction Standards for Water Distribution Systems, as adopted by reference in NAC 445A.6663; or

          (3) For public water systems in other areas of the State, the requirements of the Division or the appropriate district board of health,

Ê before the piping is flushed, disinfected or sampled for an analysis of water quality.

     8. During the construction of a distribution system, any openings in unfinished piping or appurtenances must be sealed at the end of each working day in such a manner as to prevent the entry of birds and other animals, dirt, trench water and other sources of pollution or contamination.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 2-20-97; A by Environmental Comm’n by R194-08, 10-27-2009)