815 KAR 20:120. Water supply and distribution

Section 1. Quality. (1) The bacteriological and chemical quality of the water supply shall comply with the administrative regulations of the department and the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Water KAR Title 401. Toxic material shall be kept out of a potable water system. (a) The pipe conveying, and each surface in contact with, potable water shall be constructed of nontoxic material. (b) A chemical or other substance that may produce either a toxic condition, taste, odor, or discoloration in a potable water system shall not be introduced into, or used in, the system. (c) The interior surface of a potable water tank shall not be lined, painted, or repaired with a material that will affect the taste, odor, color, or portability of the water supply if the tank is placed in, or returned to, service. (2) Potable water shall be accessible to a plumbing fixture that supplies water for drinking, bathing, culinary use or the processing of a medicinal, pharmaceutical, or food product. (3) The potable water supply system shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent contamination from a nonpotable liquid, solid, or gas being introduced into the potable water supply through a cross connection or other piping connection to the system. (4) A cross connection shall meet the requirements of this administrative regulation. (5) A cross connection between a private water supply and a public water supply shall not be made. (6) Closed water systems, protection from excess pressure. (a) If a single check valve is installed in a water system, a thermal expansion tank sized in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the cold water supply located near the water heater. (b) If a backflow preventer is installed in a water system, a properly sized thermal expansion tank or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the water distribution system

n tank sized in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the cold water supply located near the water heater. (b) If a backflow preventer is installed in a water system, a properly sized thermal expansion tank or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the water distribution system. (c) If a pressure reducing valve not equipped with a bypass is installed in the cold water supply line to a water heater, a thermal expansion tank or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the cold water line near the water heater. (7) Backflow and back siphonage protection. Protection against backflow shall be provided as required in paragraphs (a) through (l) of this subsection in order of degree of protection provided. Backflow shall include both back pressure and back siphonage. (a) An air gap shall provide the best level of protection in all backflow situations. The minimum required air gap shall be determined as follows: 1. Measurement. The minimum required air gap shall be measured vertically from the lowest end of a potable water outlet to the flood rim or line of the fixture or receptacle into which it discharges. 2. Size. The minimum required air gap shall be: a. Twice the effective opening of a potable water outlet; or b. If the outlet is a distance less than three (3) times the effective opening away from a wall or similar vertical surface, three (3) times the effective opening of the outlet. 3. The minimum required air gap shall not be less than shown in the following table - Minimum Air Gaps for Plumbing Fixtures. (b) Reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer. A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall provide the best mechanical protection against backflow available and shall be considered equivalent to an air gap. (c) Double check valve assembly

minimum required air gap shall not be less than shown in the following table - Minimum Air Gaps for Plumbing Fixtures. (b) Reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer. A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall provide the best mechanical protection against backflow available and shall be considered equivalent to an air gap. (c) Double check valve assembly. This device shall be a manufactured assembly consisting of two (2) independently acting check valves and including a shutoff valve at each end, and petcock and test gauge for testing the watertightness of each check valve. (d) Pressure type vacuum breaker. (e) Atmospheric type vacuum breaker. If applicable, an atmospheric type vacuum breaker shall be installed after the last cutoff valve on the water line. This device may operate under normal atmospheric pressure if the critical level (CL) is installed at the required height in accordance with the table in this paragraph: (f) Barometric loop. The use of a barometric loop shall not be acceptable as the primary back siphonage preventer. (g) Location of backflow and back siphonage preventers. 1. A backflow and back siphonage preventer shall be in an accessible location, and accessible from within the same room as the fixture or connection it protects. 2. A backflow device may be installed in a utility or service space. 3. A device or air gap shall not be installed in a location subject to flooding or freezing. (h) Inspection of devices. 1. A periodic inspection shall be made of each backflow and back siphonage preventer to determine if it is in proper working condition. 2. A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall be tested on at least an annual basis. 3. Records shall be kept on each inspection. (i) Approval of devices. 1. Before a device for the prevention of backflow or back siphonage is installed, it shall be identified as meeting the applicable specifications as listed in the application chart included in paragraph (k) of this subsection

reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall be tested on at least an annual basis. 3. Records shall be kept on each inspection. (i) Approval of devices. 1. Before a device for the prevention of backflow or back siphonage is installed, it shall be identified as meeting the applicable specifications as listed in the application chart included in paragraph (k) of this subsection. 2. A device installed in a building potable water supply distribution system for protection against backflow shall be maintained in good working condition by the person responsible for the maintenance of the system. (j) Degree of hazard. The protection required at an outlet or connection shall be determined based on the degree of hazard posed by that outlet or connection as follows: 1. Severe hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a toxic substance or disease- causing organism; 2. Moderate hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a nontoxic but objectionable substance; or 3. Minor hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a generally nontoxic, nonobjectionable substance, but which may cause the consumer to question the quality of water. (k) Minimum acceptable protection. An opening or outlet shall be protected by an air gap between the opening and flood level rim if possible. The acceptable protection for various types of outlets or connections shall be as shown in the tables in this paragraph: (l) Protection of potable water system. A potable water opening, outlet, or connection, except one (1) that serves a residential unit, shall be protected against backflow in accordance with paragraphs (a) through (k) of this subsection. Section 2. Water Required. (1) A building equipped with a plumbing fixture and used for habitation or occupancy shall be equipped with a supply of potable water. (2) In a building used as a residence or a building in which people assemble or are employed, both hot and cold water shall be supplied. Section 3. Water Service

t backflow in accordance with paragraphs (a) through (k) of this subsection. Section 2. Water Required. (1) A building equipped with a plumbing fixture and used for habitation or occupancy shall be equipped with a supply of potable water. (2) In a building used as a residence or a building in which people assemble or are employed, both hot and cold water shall be supplied. Section 3. Water Service. (1) The water service piping to a building shall: (a) Not be less than three-fourths (3/4) inch nominal pipe size; and (b) Be of sufficient size to permit a continuous and ample flow of water to each fixture in the building. (2) If the water service piping is made of plastic or other nonconductive piping, the water service piping shall be installed with an insulated copper tracer wire adjacent to the piping. (a) Access shall be provided to the tracer wire within the building at the main supply control valve. (b) The tracer wire shall: 1. Not be less than eighteen (18) AWG; and 2. Be suitable for direct burial. (3) Except as provided in this subsection, the underground water service pipe from the main or water supply system to the water distribution system shall not be less than five (5) feet apart horizontally from the house sewer and shall be separated by undisturbed or compacted earth. The pipe may be placed in the same trench if: (a) The bottom of the water service pipe at all points is at least eighteen (18) inches above the top of the sewer at its highest point; (b) The water service pipe is placed on a solid shelf excavated at one (1) side of the common trench; and (c) The number of joints in the water service pipe is kept to a minimum. (d) 1. If the water service pipe and sewer intersect, then a sleeve shall be used on the water service pipe extending five (5) feet on either side of the intersection. 2. The sleeve shall be of material approved for water service pipe as established in 815 KAR 20:020. 3. The sleeve shall be sealed on each end to prevent debris from entering the sleeve. Section 4. Distribution

is kept to a minimum. (d) 1. If the water service pipe and sewer intersect, then a sleeve shall be used on the water service pipe extending five (5) feet on either side of the intersection. 2. The sleeve shall be of material approved for water service pipe as established in 815 KAR 20:020. 3. The sleeve shall be sealed on each end to prevent debris from entering the sleeve. Section 4. Distribution. (1) The water supply shall be distributed through a piping system entirely independent of another piping system. (2) Piping which has been used for a purpose other than conveying potable water shall not be used for conveying potable water. (3) Nonpotable water may be used for flushing a water closet or urinal, if the water is piped in an independent system. (a) If a dual water distribution system is used, the nonpotable water supply shall be durably and adequately identified. (b) 1. An outlet on the nonpotable water distribution system used for a drinking or domestic purpose shall be permanently posted: DANGER - UNSAFE WATER. 2. Each branch, fitting, or valve shall be identified by the phrase - "NONPOTABLE WATER" either by a sign or brass tag that shall be permanently affixed to the pipe, fitting, or valve. 3. The identification marking shall not be concealed and shall be maintained by the owner. (4) A backflow device or cross-connection control device shall be approved by the department. (5) A combination stop and waste valve, cock, or hydrant shall not be installed in the underground water distribution system without the installation of an approved backflow preventer. (6) A private water supply shall not be interconnected with a public water supply. (7) Water used for cooling of equipment or in another process shall not be returned to the potable water system. The water shall be discharged into a drainage system through an air gap, or used for a nonpotable purpose as referenced in this section

n system without the installation of an approved backflow preventer. (6) A private water supply shall not be interconnected with a public water supply. (7) Water used for cooling of equipment or in another process shall not be returned to the potable water system. The water shall be discharged into a drainage system through an air gap, or used for a nonpotable purpose as referenced in this section. (8) Hose connections other than those intended for clothes washing machines, frost proof burial hydrants, and water heater drain valves shall be equipped with a vacuum breaker ASSE 1011 for areas not subject to freezing and a vacuum breaker ASSE 1019 for areas subject to freezing. Section 5. Water Supply to Fixtures. (1) A plumbing fixture shall be provided with a sufficient supply of water for flushing to keep them in a sanitary condition. (2) A water closet or pedestal urinal shall be flushed by means of an approved tank or flush valve. (3) The tank or valves shall furnish at least a sufficient amount of water to thoroughly cleanse the surface area of a water closet, urinal, or similar fixture. (4) If a water closet, urinal, or similar fixture is supplied directly from the water supply system through a flushometer or other valve, the valve shall be set above the fixture to prevent the possibility of polluting the potable water supply by back siphonage. (5) The fixture shall have a vacuum breaker. (6) A plumbing fixture, device or appurtenance shall be installed in a manner that shall prevent a possibility of a cross connection between the potable water supply system, drainage system, or other water system. Section 6. Connections to Boilers. (1) A potable water connection to a boiler feed water system in which a boiler water conditioning chemical is introduced shall be made through an air gap, or provided with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer located in the potable water line before the point where a chemical is introduced

le water supply system, drainage system, or other water system. Section 6. Connections to Boilers. (1) A potable water connection to a boiler feed water system in which a boiler water conditioning chemical is introduced shall be made through an air gap, or provided with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer located in the potable water line before the point where a chemical is introduced. (2) A boiler shall be equipped with a check valve in the cold water supply to the boiler. Section 7. Water Supply to Drinking Fountains. The orifice of a drinking fountain shall be provided with a protective cowl to prevent contamination of the potable water supply system. Section 8. Sizing of Water Supply Piping. (1) (a) The minimum size water service from the property line to the water heater shall be three-fourths (3/4) inch. (b) The hot and cold water piping shall extend three-fourths (3/4) inch in size to the first fixture branch. (c) More than three (3), one-half (1/2) inch fixture branches shall not be supplied from a one-half (1/2) inch pipe. (2) (a) The schedule in this subsection shall be used for sizing the water supply piping to a fixture. (b) The branch pipe to a fixture shall terminate not more than thirty (30) inches from the point of connection to the fixture and shall be brought to the floor or wall adjacent to the fixture. (c) A concealed water branch pipe shall not be less than one-half (1/2) inch nominal pipe size. (3) Water hammer. In a building supply system in which a device or appurtenance is installed utilizing a quick acting valve that causes noise due to water hammer, a protective device, including an air chamber or approved mechanical shock absorber, shall be installed as close as possible to the quick acting valve causing the water hammer. (a) If a mechanical shock absorber is installed, the absorber shall be in an accessible place. (b) If a mechanical device is used, the manufacturer's specifications shall be followed as to location and method of installation. Section 9

device, including an air chamber or approved mechanical shock absorber, shall be installed as close as possible to the quick acting valve causing the water hammer. (a) If a mechanical shock absorber is installed, the absorber shall be in an accessible place. (b) If a mechanical device is used, the manufacturer's specifications shall be followed as to location and method of installation. Section 9. Water Supply Pipes and Fittings, Materials. (1) Water supply piping for a potable water system shall be as follows: (a) Galvanized wrought iron; (b) Galvanized steel; (c) Brass; (d) Types K, L, and M copper; (e) Cast iron; (f) Types R-K, R-L, and R-M brass tubing; (g) Fusion welded copper tubing produced and labeled as ASTM B447 and ASTM B251; (h) Seamless stainless steel tubing produced and labeled as ASTM A269 or ASTM A312; (i) Filament-wound reinforced thermosetting resin pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2996 (red thread for cold water use and silver and green thread for hot and cold); (j) PE pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2239 or ASTM F714; (k) PEX pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F876 for cold water and ASTM F877 for hot or cold water applications; (l) Pex-Al-Pex pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F1281; (m) Pe-Al-Pe pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F1282; (n) Copper tubing size PE produced and labeled as ASTM D2737 for water service, if installed with compression couplings; (o) PVC pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D1785; (p) CPVC pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2846; (q) Schedule 80 CPVC pipe shall meet ASTM F441; (r) Schedule 80 CPVC solvent fittings shall meet ASTM F439; (s) Schedule 80 CPVC threaded fittings shall meet ASTM F437; (t) Schedule 80 CPVC pipe and fittings shall be installed using primer meeting ASTM F656 and solvent cement meeting ASTM F493; (u) PVC standard dimensional ratio (SDR) 21 and (SDR) 26 pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2241; (v) Fusion welded PP products measuring one-half (1/2) inch to eighteen (18) inches in diameter which meet NSF Standards 61 and 14, and ASTM F2389, sha

s shall meet ASTM F437; (t) Schedule 80 CPVC pipe and fittings shall be installed using primer meeting ASTM F656 and solvent cement meeting ASTM F493; (u) PVC standard dimensional ratio (SDR) 21 and (SDR) 26 pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2241; (v) Fusion welded PP products measuring one-half (1/2) inch to eighteen (18) inches in diameter which meet NSF Standards 61 and 14, and ASTM F2389, shall be approved. These pipe products shall be tested for compliance with the manufacturer's installation instructions; (w) Fusion welded high density PE pipe products which meet NSF Standards 61 and 14, and ASTM F3035 and F714, shall be approved for underground use. These pipe products shall be tested for compliance with the manufacturer's installation instructions; (x) Push-fit fitting systems which meet the ASSE Standard 1061. Except as established in 815 KAR 20:020, these systems are approved for above-ground use only using pipe sizes up to two (2) inches; or (y) PE-RT Piping meeting ASTM F2769. (2) A plastic pipe or fitting shall bear the NSF seal of approval. (3) PB pipe utilizing an insert fitting of brass or copper shall use a copper clamping ring. (4) A PB hot and cold water connector to a lavatory, sink, or water closet shall be produced and labeled as ASTM D3309, and PB plastic pipe shall be produced and labeled as ASTM 2662 for a cold water application. (5) A fitting shall be brass, copper, approved plastic, galvanized cast iron, or galvanized malleable iron. Piping or a fitting that has been used for another purpose shall not be used for the water distribution system. (6) Each joint in the water supply system shall be made of a screw, solder, or plastic joint. A cast iron water pipe joint may be caulked, screwed, or machine drawn. (7) If Type M copper pipe, Type R-M brass tubing, standard high frequency welded tubing or stainless steel tubing is placed within a concrete floor or passes through a concrete floor, it shall be wrapped with an approved material to permit expansion or contraction

pply system shall be made of a screw, solder, or plastic joint. A cast iron water pipe joint may be caulked, screwed, or machine drawn. (7) If Type M copper pipe, Type R-M brass tubing, standard high frequency welded tubing or stainless steel tubing is placed within a concrete floor or passes through a concrete floor, it shall be wrapped with an approved material to permit expansion or contraction. (8) PVC shall not be used below ground under a house or building. If a CPVC joint or connection is installed below ground under a house or building, the water distribution system shall be tested to at least 100 pounds per square inch before backfilling. The applicable requirements of 815 KAR 20:060 shall be met. (9) The joint between ferrous piping and copper or copper-alloy piping shall be made with a dielectric fitting or other insulating fitting to prevent electrolysis. Section 10. Temperature and Pressure Control Devices for Shower Installations. A temperature or pressure balance device to prevent a sudden unanticipated change in water temperature shall be installed to serve each shower compartment and shower-bath combination. Section 11. Water Supply Control. (1) A main shutoff valve shall be provided near the curb, in or near the meter box or property line on the water service pipe. The main supply control valve shall be a full port valve and be accessible from within the occupied space and provided with a drip or drain valve. A pit or similar type installation shall not be used for a potable water supply shutoff valve. (2) A pressure or gravity tank shall have its supply line valved at or near its source. (3) A family unit in a two (2) family or multifamily dwelling shall have the unit controlled by an arrangement of shutoff valves which will permit the unit to be shut off without interfering with the cold water supply to another family unit or portion of the building

ed for a potable water supply shutoff valve. (2) A pressure or gravity tank shall have its supply line valved at or near its source. (3) A family unit in a two (2) family or multifamily dwelling shall have the unit controlled by an arrangement of shutoff valves which will permit the unit to be shut off without interfering with the cold water supply to another family unit or portion of the building. (4) In a building other than a dwelling, a shutoff valve shall be installed to permit the water supply to the equipment to be isolated without interference with the supply to other equipment. (5) A fixture or group of bath fixtures shall be valved and a lawn sprinkler opening shall be valved. In residential construction, each fixture, except a bathtub or shower, shall be valved individually or as a group of fixtures. (6) A group of fixtures or a fixture group shall include two (2) or more fixtures adjacent to or near each other in the same room or back-to-back on a common wall. (7) The cold water branch to a hot water storage tank or water heater shall be provided with a shutoff valve located near the equipment and serving this equipment. In residential dwellings, the shutoff valve shall be placed within three (3) feet of the water heater and be accessible from the accessible side of the water heater. Section 12. Water Supply Protection. (1) A concealed water pipe, storage tank, cistern, or other exposed pipe or tank subject to freezing temperatures shall be protected against freezing. A water service shall be installed at least thirty (30) inches in depth. (2) A relief device shall be installed on a pneumatic water system. Section 13. Protection of a Private Water Supply or Source. A private water supply or source shall be protected from pollution. Approval shall be obtained from the division prior to using the private water supply or source. Section 14. Tanks and Vats below Rim Supply

service shall be installed at least thirty (30) inches in depth. (2) A relief device shall be installed on a pneumatic water system. Section 13. Protection of a Private Water Supply or Source. A private water supply or source shall be protected from pollution. Approval shall be obtained from the division prior to using the private water supply or source. Section 14. Tanks and Vats below Rim Supply. A tank or vat with potable water supply below the rim shall be subject to the following requirements: (1) If a potable water outlet terminates below the rim of a tank or vat and the tank or vat has an overflow of diameter not less than given in the table in this subsection, the overflow pipe shall be provided with an air gap as close to the tank as possible; (2) The potable water outlet to the tank or vat shall terminate at a distance not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the height to which water can rise in the tank above the top of the overflow. This level shall be established at the maximum flow rate of the supply to the tank or vat, and with all outlets, except the air gap overflow outlet, closed; and (3) The distance from the outlet to the high water level shall be measured from the critical point of the potable water supply outlet. Section 15. Fire Protection Systems. Except if installing an NFPA 13D fire protection system in a one (1) or two (2) family dwelling, a fire protection system using water from the potable water distribution system shall be equipped with two (2) check valves, one (1) of which may be an alarm check valve. Section 16. Conservation of water shall comply with the standards established in 815 KAR 20:070.