Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 4 - TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION › Chapter 76 - WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS › Section 76.107 - Technical Requirements - Chemical Injection, Chemigation, and Foreign Substance Systems

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) All irrigation
				distribution systems or water distribution systems into which any type of
				chemical (except disinfecting agents) or other foreign substances will be
				injected into the water pumped from water wells shall be equipped with an
				in-line, automatic quick-closing check valve capable of preventing pollution of
				the ground water. The required equipment shall be installed on all systems
				whenever a pump is installed or repaired, or at the time of a chemical
				injection, Chemigation or foreign substance unit is added to a water delivery
				system, if the well has a chemical injection, Chemigation, or foreign substance
				unit in the delivery system. The type of check valve installed shall meet the
				specifications listed in subsections (b) - (h).
(b) The body of the check valve shall be
				constructed of cast iron, stainless steel, cast aluminum, cast steel, or of a
				material and design that provides a sturdy integrity to the unit and is
				resistant to the foreign substance being injected. All materials shall be
				corrosion resistant or coated to prevent corrosion. The valve working pressure
				rating shall exceed the highest pressure to which the valve will be
				subjected.
(c) The check valve
				shall contain a suitable automatic, quick-closing and tight-sealing mechanism
				designed to close at the moment water ceases to flow in the downstream or
				output direction. The device shall, by a mechanical force greater than the
				weight of the closing device, provide drip-tight closure against reverse flow.
				Hydraulic backpressure from the system does not satisfy this
				requirement.
(d) The check valve
				construction should allow for easy access for internal and external inspection
				and maintenance. All internal parts shall be corrosion resistant. All moving
				parts shall be designed to operate without binding, distortion, or
				misalignment.
(e) The check valve
				shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and
				maintained in a working condition during all times in which any fertilizer,
				pesticide, chemical, animal waste, or other foreign substance is injected into
				the water system. The check valve shall be installed between the pump discharge
				and the point of chemical injection or foreign substance injection.
(f) A vacuum-relief device shall be installed
				between the pump discharge and the check valve in such a position and in such a
				manner that insects, animals, floodwater, or other pollutants cannot enter the
				well through the vacuum-relief device. The vacuum-relief device may be mounted
				on the inspection port as long as it does not interfere with the inspection of
				other anti-pollution devices.
(g)
				An automatic low pressure drain shall also be installed between the pump
				discharge and the check valve in such a position and in such a manner that any
				fluid which may seep toward the well around the flapper will automatically flow
				out of the pump discharge pipe. The drain must discharge away from rather than
				flow into the water supply. The drain must not collect on the ground surface or
				seep into the soil around the well casing.
(1) The drain shall be at least three-quarter
				(3/4) inch in diameter and shall be located on the bottom of the horizontal
				pipe between the pump discharge and the check valve.
(2) The drain must be flush with the inside
				surface of the bottom of the pipe unless special provisions, such as a dam made
				downstream of the drain, forces seepage to flow into the drain.
(3) The outside opening of the drain shall be
				at least two (2) inches above the grade.