WAC 246-291-240   Reliability.  (1) All public water systems shall provide an adequate quantity and quality of water in a reliable manner.

     (a) In determining whether a proposed public water system or an expansion or modification of an existing system is capable of providing an adequate quantity of water, the department shall consider the immediate as well as the reasonably anticipated future needs of the system's consumers.

     (b) In determining whether an existing public water system is providing an adequate quantity of water, the department shall consider the needs of the system's existing consumers exclusively, unless, in the department's discretion, consideration of the needs of potential consumers is in the public interest.

     (2) The owner shall ensure the system is constructed, operated, and maintained to protect against failures. New and expanding systems shall be equipped with a generator disconnect. Security measures shall be employed to assure the water source, water treatment processes, water storage facilities, and the distribution system are under the strict control of the owner.

     (3) Where fire flow is required, a positive pressure shall be maintained throughout the system under fire flow conditions.

     (4) Water pressure at the customer's service meter or property line if a meter is not used, shall be maintained at the approved design pressure under peak hourly design flow conditions.

     (5) No intake or other connection shall be maintained between a public water system and a source of water not approved by the department.

     (6) Owners shall provide the department with the current names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owners, operators, and emergency contact persons for the system, including any changes to this information. The owner shall ensure that customer concerns and service complaints are responded to in a timely manner.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 94-14-002, § 246-291-240, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94.]