N.Y.C. Admin. Code § PC 1301: Section PC 1301: General

1301.1 Scope.

The provisions of

Chapter 13

shall govern the materials, design, construction and installation of systems for the collection, storage, treatment and conveyance of nonpotable water. The use and application of nonpotable water shall comply with the

New York City Construction Codes

, and all applicable laws, and rules, including but not limited to those of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Water from nonpotable systems shall be collected, stored, treated, conveyed and used on the same tax lot unless otherwise approved by the commissioner. The following water recycling uses are not addressed in this chapter:

1. Rainwater collected utilizing a retention system through rain barrels complying with the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection;

2. Commercial car washing facilities; and

3. Water closet-sink combinations. A fixture that enables wastewater from a lavatory to discharge directly into the flushing tank of a water closet may be utilized provided it complies with the

New York City Construction Codes

, including all accessibility requirements. The water closet and lavatory shall be located in the same room.

1301.1.1 Uses of nonpotable water.

Nonpotable water end use applications shall be in accordance with the requirements established by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

1301.2 Water quality.

Nonpotable water for each end use application shall meet the minimum water quality and treatment standards and requirements established by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

1301.3 Identification required.

Conveyance piping shall be identified as containing nonpotable water. Piping identification shall be in accordance with Section 608.8.

1301.3.1 Spigots and hose bibs.

Spigots and hose bibs dispensing nonpotable water shall be secured from unauthorized use by a locking mechanism.

1301.3.2 Signage required.

Nonpotable water outlets such as hose connections, open ended pipes and faucets shall be identified at the point of use for each outlet with signage that reads as follows: "Nonpotable water is utilized for. CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK." The words shall be legibly and indelibly printed on a tag or sign constructed of corrosion-resistant waterproof material or shall be indelibly printed on the fixture. The letters of the words shall be not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in height and in colors in contrast to the background on which they are applied. In addition to the required wordage, the pictograph shown in

Figure 1301.3

shall appear on the signage required by this section.

Figure 1301.3 Pictograph – Do Not Drink

1301.4 Permits.

Permits shall be required for the construction, installation, and alteration of nonpotable water systems, and shall be required by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for review, commissioning and operation of nonpotable water systems.

Exception:

Work outlined in

Article 105.4 of Chapter 1 of Title 28

of the

Administrative Code

.

1301.5 Potable water connections.

Where a potable system is connected to a nonpotable water system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by an air gap.

1301.6 Approved components and materials.

Piping, plumbing components and materials used in collection and conveyance systems shall be manufactured of material approved for the intended application and compatible with any disinfection and treatment systems used. Components and material shall comply with Sections 1301.6.1 through 1301.6.3.

1301.6.1 Above-ground piping.

Above-ground drain, waste and vent piping for nonpotable water systems shall conform to one of the standards listed in

Table 702.1

.

1301.6.2 Underground piping.

Underground building drainage and vent piping for nonpotable water systems shall conform to one of the standards listed in

Table 702.2

.

1301.6.3 Conveyance piping.

Conveyance piping for nonpotable water systems shall conform to one of the standards listed in

Table 1301.6

and shall be purple in color, either manufactured, painted, or covered in a purple jacket and labeled in accordance with Section 1301.3.

Table 1301.6 Conveyance Pipe

Material

Standard

Brass pipe

ASTM B 43

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

a

ASTM D 2846

Copper or copper-alloy pipe

ASTM B 42; ASTM B 302

Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K, L)

ASTM B 75; ASTM B 88; ASTM B 251; ASTM B 447

Polypropylene

a

ASTM F 2389

Stainless steel pipe (Type 304/304L)

ASTM A 312; ASTM A 778

Stainless steel pipe (Type 316/316L)

ASTM A 312; ASTM A 778

a. Limited to residential buildings five stories or less in height.

1301.7 Insect and vermin control.

The system shall be protected to prevent the entrance of insects and vermin into storage tanks and piping systems. Screen materials shall be compatible with contacting system components and shall not accelerate the corrosion of system components.

1301.8 Freeze protection.

Where installations are subject to freezing temperatures, provisions shall be made to keep storage tanks and the related piping from freezing.

1301.9 Nonpotable water storage tanks.

Nonpotable water storage tanks shall comply with Sections 1301.9.1 through 1301.9.11. Nonpotable water storage tanks receiving multiple sources shall also comply with requirements established by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

1301.9.1 Sizing.

The holding capacity of the storage tank shall be sized in accordance with the anticipated demand.

Exception:

Storage tanks also used for rainwater detention may be sized for the combined volume of detained water and the anticipated demand.

1301.9.2 Location.

Storage tanks shall be installed above or below grade. Above-grade storage tanks shall be protected from direct sunlight and shall be constructed using opaque, UV-resistant materials such as, but not limited to, heavily tinted plastic, fiberglass, lined metal, concrete, wood, or painted to prevent algae growth, or shall have specially constructed sun barriers including, but not limited to, installation in garages, crawl spaces or sheds. Storage tanks and their manholes shall not be located directly under soil piping, waste piping or any source of contamination.

1301.9.2.1 Separate nonpotable water storage tanks from multiple sources.

Separate collection tanks or compartments shall be provided for influent wastewater and rainwater sources.

1301.9.3 Materials.

Where collected on site, water shall be collected in an approved tank constructed of durable, nonabsorbent and corrosion-resistant materials. The storage tank shall be constructed of materials compatible with any disinfection systems used to treat water upstream of the tank and with any systems used to maintain water quality in the tank. Wooden storage tanks that are not equipped with a makeup water source shall be provided with a flexible liner.

1301.9.4 Foundation and supports.

Storage tanks shall be supported on a firm base capable of withstanding the weight of the storage tank when filled to capacity. Storage tanks shall be supported in accordance with the

New York City Building Code

. Tanks within an area of special flood hazard shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with Appendix G of the

New York City Building Code

.

1301.9.4.1 Ballast.

Where the soil can become saturated, an underground storage tank shall be ballasted, or otherwise secured, to prevent the tank from floating out of the ground when empty. The combined weight of the tank and hold down ballast shall meet or exceed the buoyancy force of the tank. Where the installation requires a foundation, the foundation shall be flat and shall be designed to support the weight of the storage tank when full, consistent with the bearing capability of adjacent soil.

1301.9.4.2 Structural support.

Where installed below grade, storage tank installations shall be designed to withstand earth and surface structural loads without damage and with minimal deformation when empty or filled with water.

1301.9.5 Makeup water.

Where an uninterrupted supply is required for the intended application, potable water shall be provided as a source of makeup water for the storage tank. The makeup water supply shall be protected against backflow by an air gap. A full-open valve located on the makeup water supply line to the storage tank shall be provided. Inlets to the storage tank shall be controlled by fill valves or other automatic supply valves installed to prevent the tank from overflowing and to prevent the water level from dropping below a predetermined point. Where makeup water is provided, the water level shall not be permitted to drop below the source water inlet or the intake of any attached pump.

Exception:

Makeup water shall not be required for drip or subsurface landscape irrigation systems.

1301.9.6 Overflow.

The storage tank shall be equipped with an overflow pipe having a diameter not less than that shown in

Table 606.5.4

. The overflow pipe shall be protected from insects or vermin. The overflow pipe shall be connected to the appropriate building drainage system in accordance with this code and the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection. Overflow from a stormwater storage tank shall not discharge to the sanitary drainage system. Drainage from overflow pipes shall be directed to prevent freezing on roof walkways. The overflow drain shall not be equipped with a shutoff valve. A cleanout shall be provided on each overflow pipe in accordance with Section

708

.

1301.9.7 Access.

Not less than one access opening shall be provided to allow inspection and cleaning of the tank interior. Access openings shall have an approved locking device or other approved method of securing access. Below-grade storage tanks, located outside of the building, shall be provided with a manhole either not less than 24 inches (610 mm) square or with an inside diameter not less than 24 inches (610 mm). Manholes shall extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above ground or shall be designed to prevent water infiltration. Finished grade shall be sloped away from the manhole to divert surface water. Manhole covers shall be secured to prevent unauthorized access. Service ports in manhole covers shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter and shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the finished grade level. The service port shall be secured to prevent unauthorized access.

Exception:

Storage tanks less than 800 gallons (3028 L) in volume and installed below grade shall not be required to be equipped with a manhole, but shall have a service port not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.

1301.9.7.1 Tanks accessed from within buildings.

Where access to a storage tank is provided from within a building, the tank access opening shall be gasketed and gas-tight.

1301.9.8 Venting.

Storage tanks shall be provided with a vent sized in accordance with Chapter 9 and based on the aggregate diameter of all tank influent pipes. The reservoir vent shall not be connected to sanitary drainage system vents. Vents shall be protected from contamination by means of an approved

cap or U-bend installed with the opening directed downward. Vent outlets shall extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above grade or as necessary to prevent surface water from entering the storage tank. Vent openings shall be protected against the entrance of vermin and insects in accordance with the requirements of Section 1301.7.

1301.9.9 Draining of tanks.

Where tanks require draining for service or cleaning, tanks shall be drained by using a pump or by a drain located at the lowest point in the tank. The tank drain pipe shall be indirectly connected to the appropriate building drainage system and discharge as required for overflow pipes and shall not be smaller in size than specified in

Table 606.5.7

. Not less than one cleanout shall be provided on each drain pipe in accordance with Section

708

.

1301.9.10 Marking and signage.

Each nonpotable water storage tank shall be labeled with its rated capacity. The contents of storage tanks shall be identified with the words "CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK." Where an opening is provided that could allow the entry of personnel, the opening shall be marked with the words, "DANGER – CONFINED SPACE." Markings shall be indelibly printed on the tank or on a tag or sign constructed of corrosion-resistant waterproof material that is mounted on the tank. The letters of the words shall be not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in height and shall be of a color in contrast with the background on which they are applied.

1301.9.11 Storage tank tests.

Storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with the following:

Storage tanks shall be filled with water to the overflow line prior to and during inspection. All seams and joints shall be left exposed and the tank shall remain water tight without leakage for a period of 24 hours.

1. After 24 hours, supplemental water shall be introduced for a period of 15 minutes to verify proper drainage of the overflow system and that there are no leaks.

2. The tank drain shall be observed for proper operation.

3. The makeup water system shall be observed for proper operation and successful automatic shutoff of the system at the refill threshold shall be verified.

1301.10 System abandonment.

If the owner of an on-site nonpotable water reuse system or rainwater collection and conveyance system elects to cease use of, or fails to properly maintain such system and is so ordered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the system shall be abandoned and shall comply with the following:

1. The conveyance piping system shall be replaced with an approved

potable water supply piping system.

Exception

: Where an existing conveyance pipe system is already in place, the fixtures may remain connected to the existing piping and supplied by the potable water system, in accordance with all of the following requirements:

1. The piping material, design and size comply with the requirements of

Chapter 6

.

2. The piping system is disinfected in accordance with the requirements of

Chapter 6

.

3. All piping connections between the potable and conveyance piping system shall be protected against backflow by an approved method in accordance with

Chapter 6

.

4. The piping identification required by Section 1301.6.3 shall be maintained to identify the piping as nonpotable.

5. All piping connections to the abandoned components of the collection and treatment system shall be permanently disabled by removing a section of pipe.

2. The storage tank shall be secured from accidental access by sealing or locking tank inlets and access points, or filling with sand or equivalent.

3. Notification shall be provided to the Department and to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

1301.11 Trenching requirements for nonpotable water piping.

Nonpotable water collection and conveyance piping shall be separated from the building sewer

and potable water piping underground by 5 feet (1524 mm) of undisturbed or compacted earth. Nonpotable water collection and conveyance piping shall not be located in, under or above cesspools, septic tanks, septic tank drainage fields or seepage pits. Buried nonpotable water piping shall comply with the requirements of Section

306

.

Exceptions:

1. The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the nonpotable water pipe within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the sewer is not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the highest point of the sewer and the pipe materials conform to

Table 702.3

.

2. The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the potable water service pipe within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the nonpotable water pipe is a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the highest point of the nonpotable water pipe and the pipe materials comply with the requirements of

Table 605.4

.

3. Nonpotable water pipe is permitted to be located in the same trench with a building sewer, provided that such sewer is constructed of materials that comply with the requirements of

Table 702.2

.

4. The required separation distance shall not apply where a nonpotable water pipe crosses a sewer pipe, provided that the pipe is sleeved to at least 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the sewer pipe centerline on both sides of such crossing, with pipe materials that comply with

Table 702.2

.

5. The required separation distance shall not apply where a potable water service pipe crosses a nonpotable water pipe, provided that the potable water service pipe is sleeved for a distance of at least 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the centerline of the nonpotable pipe on both sides of such crossing, with pipe materials that comply with

Table 702.2

.

6. Irrigation piping located outside of a building and downstream of the backflow preventer is not required to meet the trenching requirements where nonpotable water is used for outdoor applications.

1301.12 Outdoor outlet access.

Sillcocks, hose bibbs, wall hydrants, yard hydrants and other outdoor outlets supplied by nonpotable water shall be located in a locked vault and shall also be operable only by means of a removable key. Such outlets shall comply with Section 1301.3.