3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING
GENERAL (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B)
1. Are all chemicals that are applied to the drinking water permitted by DEP?
2. Do the required plans and specifications include:
a. descriptions of the feed equipment?
b. maximum and minimum feed ranges?
c. location of feeders?
d. layout of the piping?
e. points of application?
f. storage and handling facilities?
g. chemical specifications?
h. operating and control procedures?
i. application rates?
j. descriptions of the testing equipment?
k. testing procedures?
3. Are chemicals applied to the water at such points and by such means as to:
a. assure maximum efficiency of treatment?
b. assure maximum safety to operators and consumers?
c. assure sufficient mixing?
d. provide maximum flexibility of operation?
e. prevent backflow caused by either backpressure or backsiphonage?
B. FACILITIES DESIGN (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B)
1. Are chemical feeders able to supply the necessary amounts of chemicals?
2. Are materials that come in contact with the chemicals resistant to the chemicals?
3. Are corrosive chemicals introduced in such a way as to minimize corrosion?
4. Are incompatible chemicals not stored, handled, or fed together?
5. Is each chemical applied in a separate conduit?
6. Are chemical feeders as near as practical to the feed point?
7. Will chemical feeders and pumps operate within manufacturer recommended
ranges?
8. Are chemicals gravity fed where possible?
C. NUMBER OF FEEDERS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.2)
1. Are separate feeders provided for each chemical?
2. Are at least two feeders provided for each chemical?
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
A.
3.
4.
5.
Is a standby feeder or combination feeders of sufficient capacity available to
replace largest feeder during shutdown for each chemical?
Are spare parts for the feeders readily available?
If a booster pump is necessary:
a. Is a spare booster pump readily available?
b. Is an auxiliary power source available?
12 - 1
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
D. CONTROL (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.3)
1. Are chemical feed rates proportioned to the flow rate of the water?
2. Is a means to measure water flow provided to determine chemical feed rates?
3. Mixing Gradient (G)
a. If low molecular weight polymers are used, is coagulation applied with a G of
between 200 and 400 sec-1?
b. If polymers are not used, is coagulation applied with a G of between 300 and
1,000 sec-1?
c. Is disinfection applied with a G of between 500 and 1,000 sec-1?
d. Is corrosion control applied with a G of between 500 and 1,000 sec-1?
4. Have provisions been made to measure the quantities of chemicals used?
5. If chlorine gas is used, are weighting scales provided?
E. DRY CHEMICAL FEED SYSTEMS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.4)
1. Does the feed system completely enclose the dry chemical so as to prevent
emission of dust?
2. Do the storage silos and hoppers prevent chemical bridging?
3. Do the storage silos and hoppers prevent uncontrolled discharge of the dry
chemicals?
4. If dry polymers are used:
a. Is an aging tank provided between the wetting tank and the feed tank?
b. Does the aging tank provide between 30 and 60 minutes of detention time?
F. POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT SOLUTION PUMPS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.5)
Have provisions been made to ensure that the positive displacement pumps will never
feed chemical slurries?
G. LIQUID CHEMICAL FEED SYSTEMS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.6)
1. Are liquid chemical feeders designed so that chemical solutions cannot be
siphoned into the water supply?
2. Is a metering pump with a calibration chamber provided?
H. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.7)
Are all water lines that feed solution tanks properly protected from backflow?
I. CHEMICAL FEED EQUIPMENT LOCATION (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.8)
1. Is the feed equipment located in a separate room to reduce hazards?
2. If dry chemicals are used, is the feed equipment located in a separate room to
reduce dust problems?
3. Is the feed equipment located near points of application?
4. Is the feed equipment located in an area with protective curbing?
5. Is the feed equipment readily accessible for servicing, repair and observation?
12 - 2
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
N/A
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
SERVICE WATER SUPPLY (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.9)
1. Where in-plant water is used for preparing chemical solutions or operating
chemical feeders, have provisions been made to ensure that the in-plant water is:
a. from a safe, approved source?
b. protected from contamination?
c. sufficient in supply?
d. sufficient in pressure?
e. provided with a means for measurement for solution mixing?
f. sufficiently treated for hardness if necessary?
g. sufficiently treated for any other water quality parameter if necessary?
2. If a booster pump is necessary:
a. Is a spare booster pump readily available?
b. Is an auxiliary power source available?
3. Cross-Connection Control
a. Is cross-connection control provided on the service water supply?
b. If an air gap is used for a solution tank, is the height of the air gap between the
fill pipe and the overflow level of the solution tank at least two times the
diameter of the fill pipe and no less than 6 inches?
c. If a backflow prevention device is used, is it a reduced pressure zone device
(RPZD)? If yes,
(1) Is the RPZD resistant to the chemical used?
(2) Is the RPZD properly sized for the feed water flow?
(3) Is the RPZD properly sized for the backpressure to be withstood?
(4) Will the RPZD be periodically tested and maintained?
K. SOLUTION TANKS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.10)
1. Is a uniform concentration of chemical solution maintained in the solution tank?
2. If a slurry is to be used, is mixing within the tank sufficient to maintain the
suspension of the slurry?
3. Can the solution level of the tank be measured?
4. Is the solution tank covered?
5. If the solution tank has access openings, are the openings curbed and fitted with
overhanging covers?
6. If the solution tank is located below grade, will the location:
a. be free from sources of possible contamination?
b. assure positive drainage of accumulated water and chemical spills?
7. If overflow pipes are provided, are the pipes:
a. turned downward at the discharge end?
b. screened at the discharge end?
c. providing freefall discharge?
d. noticeable?
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
J.
12 - 3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
K. SOLUTION TANKS (continued)
8. Acid Storage Tanks
a. Are acid storage tanks vented to the outside atmosphere?
b. Are the acid storage tank vents designed so as to not share the same vents
used for day tanks?
9. Does each solution tank contain a valved drain?
10. Is each solution tank protected against backflow?
11. Are the solution tanks located so as to prevent accidental spillage, overflow or
drainage from entering the water being treated in the plant?
12. Are the solution tanks contained by protective curbing?
L. DAY TANKS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.11)
1. If liquid chemicals are stored in bulk, are day tanks used?
2. Is a uniform concentration of chemical solution maintained in the day tank?
3. If a slurry is to be used, is mixing with the tank sufficient to maintain the suspension
of the slurry?
4. Can the day tank be weighed or can the solution level of the tank be measured?
5. Is the day tank covered?
6. If the day tank has access openings, are the openings curbed and fitted with
overhanging covers?
7. If the day tank is located below grade, will the location:
a. be free from sources of possible contamination?
b. assure positive drainage of accumulated water and chemical spills?
8. If overflow pipes are provided, are the pipes:
a. turned downward at the discharge end?
b. screened at the discharge end?
c. providing freefall discharge?
d. noticeable?
9. Does each day tank contain a valved drain?
10. Is each day tank protected against backflow?
11. Are the day tanks located so as to prevent accidental spillage, overflow or drainage
from entering the water being treated in the plant?
12. Are the day tanks contained by protective curbing?
13. Is a tip rack provided to facilitate withdrawal from the day tank into a smaller
container?
14. If a motor-driven transfer pump is used:
a. Has a liquid level limit switch been provided?
b. Has an overflow from the day tank been provided?
15. Is the day tank properly labeled to designate the chemical contained?
M. FEED LINES (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, B.12)
Are all feed lines compatible with the chemicals, solutions or slurries that are to be
conveyed?
12 - 4
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
N. CHEMICALS (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, C)
1. Are storage and use areas properly ventilated to minimize accidental reaction of
chemicals?
2. Are all chemical containers fully labeled to include:
a. the chemical name?
b. the purity and concentration?
c. the supplier’s name and address?
d. precautions in use and handling?
3. Do all chemicals meet AWWA specifications?
4. Are all chemicals certified for conformance with ANSI/NSF Standard 60 or any
other standard acceptable to DEP?
O. CHEMICAL STORAGE (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, C.2)
1. Is every storage tank and pipeline that is used for a liquid chemical dedicated
solely to that specific chemical?
2. Are chemicals stored in covered containers?
3. Does each liquid chemical storage tank have a liquid level indicator?
4. Does each liquid chemical storage tank have an overflow and a receiving basin or
drain?
P. CHEMICAL HOUSING (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, C.3)
1. Do all structures, rooms and areas containing chemical feed equipment provide
convenient access for servicing, repair and observation of operation?
2. Are floor surfaces smooth, impervious, slip-proof and well-drained with a
2.5 percent minimum slope?
3. Are open basins, tanks and conduits protected from chemical spills or accidental
drainage?
Q. CHEMICAL HANDLING (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, C.4)
1. Are carts, elevators or other appropriate means provided for lifting chemical
containers?
2. Have provisions been made to minimize or eliminate dust formation during
transference of dry chemicals and during disposal of empty dry chemical
containers?
3. Is a means of measuring chemical quantity provided for preparing feed solutions?
R. OPERATOR SAFETY (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, C.5)
1. Has it been assured that exhaust systems will:
a. not exhaust into fresh air intakes?
b. not draw or exhaust contaminants into areas where they may be hazardous to
employees?
c. be capable of continuous operation?
2. If gases are handled:
a. Is respiratory protection equipment available?
b. Does the respiratory protection equipment meet requirements set forth by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)?
12 - 5
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
No
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
R.
S.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
OPERATOR SAFETY (continued)
c. Does the respiratory protection equipment meet requirements set forth by the
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)?
d. Is the respiratory protection equipment readily available in a convenient
location that is not in any room where the gas is used or stored?
e. Does the respiratory protection equipment use compressed air?
f. Does the respiratory protection equipment have at least 30 minutes of
capacity?
g. Is the respiratory protection equipment compatible with the respiratory
protection equipment used by the responsible fire department?
3. If dusts are present or if dusting is possible, is a dust respirator of a type certified
by either NIOSH or MSHA readily available for each operator?
4. Are rubber gloves provided for each operator?
5. Is protective clothing provided for each operator?
6. Are either goggles or a protective face mask provided for each operator?
7. If a deluge shower or eye wash fountain is provided, is water provided from a water
holding tank that equilibrates the water to room temperature?
8. Chlorine Gas:
a. Is a means to detect chlorine leaks provided?
b. If 150-pound cylinders, ton containers, tank cars or stationary storage tanks
are used to provide chlorine gas, is a leak repair kit that is certified by the
Chlorine Institute, Inc. provided?
SPECIFIC CHEMICALS
1. Acids and Caustics (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, E.1)
a. Are all acids kept in closed corrosion-resistant storage units or shipping
containers?
b. Are undiluted acids and caustics pumped from the original shipping container
to either the application point or to a covered day tank?
2. Chlorine (PWS Manual, Part II, Section V, E.3)
a. Are all chlorine chemicals stored away from compressed gases, organic
matter, and other flammable material?
b. Gas Chlorine
(1) Is all chlorine gas storage and feed equipment enclosed and separated
from other treatment plant areas?
(2) Is the chlorine room provided with a clear, gas-tight, shatter-resistant
inspection window installed in an interior wall to permit the chlorination
system to be viewed without entering the room?
(3) Is the chlorine room constructed such that all openings between the
chlorine room and the rest of the plant are sealed?
(4) Is the chlorine room provided with panic hardware which would assure a
ready exit?
(5) Does the chlorine room contain a ventilation fan which would provide
one complete air change per minute when the room is occupied?
(6) Does the ventilation fan provide suction near the floor and as far as
practical from the door and air inlet(s)?
12 - 6
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
3900-PM-BSDW0254m Rev. 9/2013
Module 12
Date Prepared
Date Revised
S.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
MODULE 12 – CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL HANDLING (cont’d.)
SPECIFIC CHEMICALS (continued)
(7) Does the ventilation fan discharge to a location that is outside of the
building?
(8) Do the air intake and ventilation exhaust outlet to the chlorine room
contain louvers?
(9) Is a switch to activate the ventilation fan provided in the chlorine room?
(10) Is a switch to activate the ventilation fan provided at the entrance to the
chlorine room and at the inspection window?
(11) Is a switch to activate the chlorine room lights provided at the entrance to
the chlorine room and at the inspection window?
(12) Are outside switches protected from vandalism?
(13) Is a signal light that indicates ventilation fan operation provided at the
entrance to the chlorine room?
(14) If a floor drain is provided, does it drain to the outside and not into
another drainage system?
(15) Are the feed lines designed so as to not convey chlorine gas to any point
outside of the chlorinating room?
c. Sodium Chlorite
Have provisions been made in both storage and handling to eliminate any
danger of explosion from heat, spark, friction, shock or contamination with
organic matter?
3. Fluoride (109.202)
Is fluoride added so as to effect a target concentration of 0.7 mg/L, and to not
exceed 2.0 mg/L?
12 - 7
Permit No.
(For Department Use Only)
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No