SECTION 15140

TESTING AND DISINFECTION

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION

A. Work Specified
1. Testing and disinfection of all pressure piping for leakage as specified.
a. The CONTRACTOR shall furnish all labor, equipment, test
connections, vents, water and materials necessary for carrying out
the pressure and leakage tests as specified and required.
b. The work specified shall include all labor, material, equipment,
services and incidentals necessary to fill, clean, chlorinate, flush,
and test all pipelines which will carry or hold potable water.

B. Related Work Specified Elsewhere

1. Section 02080 - Fire Hydrants
2. Section 15051 - Buried Piping Installation
3. Section 15106 - Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings
4. Section 15108 - Thermoplastic Pipe
5. Section 15109 - Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe
6. Section 15110 - Valves and Appurtenances
7. Section 15120 - Piping Specialties and Accessories

C. Description
1. Permission shall be obtained from the OWNER of the water system before
the use of water from any existing system. The CONTRACTOR shall:
a. Conform to the requirements of the OWNER.
b. Pay all costs connected with the taking or use of water for any
retesting.
c. The CONTRACTOR shall provide written notice to the Authority
and ENGINEER at least three working days in advance of testing
and disinfection.
2. All work under this section shall be performed in the presence of the
ENGINEER. A representative of the public health authority having
jurisdiction must also be present, as required.
3. Chlorination shall be scheduled such that sampling and flushing will be
performed during normal business hours.

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Reference Standards
1. AWWA B300, Standard for Hypochlorites
Testing and Disinfection,
15140-1 Rev.03/18
 2. AWWA B301, Standard for Liquid Chlorine
3. AWWA C104, Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings
for Water
4. AWWA C301, Prestressed Concrete Pressure Pipe, Steel-Cylinder Type
for Water and Other Liquids
5. AWWA C502, Standard for Dry-Barrel Fire Hydrants
6. AWWA C504, Standard for Rubber Seated Butterfly Valves
7. AWWA C600, Standard for Installation of Ductile Iron Watermains and
Their Construction
8. AWWA C651-14, Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains
9. AWWA C900 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe, 4-inch Through
12-inch for Water Distribution
10. NSF/ANSI Standard 60 and 61 (as applicable)
11. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, latest
edition
12. 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act

1.03 SUBMITTALS

A. The CONTRACTOR shall submit proposed materials, methods, and operations

regarding testing and disinfection to the ENGINEER for review prior to the start
of testing.

B. CONTRACTOR must provide a sketch to the ENGINEER of the sampling

locations identifying at minimum the following:
1. Street names,
2. North arrow,
3. Sampling locations,
4. House numbers of nearest buildings to sampling locations.
5. Other distinguishable landmarks,
6. Any other information as requested by ENGINEER, OWNER,
AUTHORITY, or County Health Department.

C. The CONTRACTOR shall submit certification that all backflow preventers

(Reduced Pressure Zone attachments) and pressure gauges have been tested and
certified within the last year.

D. Qualifications of laboratory analyzing biological samples shall be New York State

ELAP certified.

E. Chain-of-Custody forms are to be furnished for all biological samples taken.

F. For flushing operations, ENGINEER shall supply calculations identifying that a

minimum 3.0 ft/sec scour velocity has been achieved in the new waterline and
that three pipe volumes have passed through it.

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-2 Rev.03/18
 G. ENGINEER shall provide pressure testing and leakage test results on the ECWA
Pressure Test/Leakage Test form available on the ECWA website.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

A. All products must be suitable for use in a potable water system and NSF-60
certified. All piping, valves, etc. shall be NSF-61 certified.

B. Chlorination shall be by the use of a solution of sodium hypochlorite contained in

the pipe or structure as specified. The use of calcium hypochlorite in powdered,
granular, or tablet form, shall not be allowed.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 TESTS ON PRESSURE PIPING FOR POTABLE WATER

A. General
1. Flush, test and disinfect prior to connection to existing watermains as
specified below, except as otherwise authorized by the ENGINEER.
2. The length of piping and sections included in the tests shall meet the
approval of the ENGINEER; however, the length shall not exceed 2,000
feet in any case. Pressure test of pipe section shall be from valve to valve
regardless of watermain size.
3. Notify the ENGINEER 72 hours in advance of testing.
4. Equipment in or attached to the pipes being tested shall be protected. Any
damage to such equipment during the test shall be repaired by the
CONTRACTOR at his expense.
5. Conduct all tests per AWWA C-600 and C-651, latest editions in the
presence of the ENGINEER. Repeat tests in the presence of local
authorities having jurisdiction if required by them.
6. CONTRACTOR shall have sufficient personnel at the site for the entire
duration of all tests.
7. When piping is to be insulated or concealed in a structure, tests shall be
made before the pipe is covered.
8. Provide outlets to flush line, expel air and perform specified tests.
9. Where connections to existing lines are called for only one such
connection will be allowed.
10. All fittings, hydrants and appurtenances must be properly braced and
harnessed before the pressure is applied. Thrust restraining devices which
will become a part of the system must also be tested at the test pressure.
11. When testing absorbent pipe materials such as cement or concrete, the
pipeline shall be filled with water at least 24 hours before the test is made.
Testing and Disinfection,
15140-3 Rev.03/18
 12. The CONTRACTOR must supply all materials and manpower to perform
the tests as specified herein.
13. Testing and disinfection shall be acceptable and approved by the agency
of jurisdiction before another connection is made.

B. Initial Flushing
1. CONTRACTOR shall fill and flush new main to remove dirt and
miscellaneous debris from the inside of the watermain.
2. CONTRACTOR is responsible for removing all entrapped air during
flushing.
3. Flushing must have sufficient flowrate to achieve a fluid velocity of 3.0
feet per second inside the waterline.
4. A minimum 2" tap is required for proper flushing of all watermains having
a diameter of 8 inches or less, however, multiple taps or larger taps may be
required. ENGINEER shall be responsible for determining necessary
connections and providing calculations verifying flushing conditions are
met.
5. Refer to AWWA C651, for number of taps required to obtain the
minimum 3.0 feet per second flow velocity in all pipes.
6. CONTRACTOR is responsible for providing a water source for flushing.
With the permission of the OWNER, an existing watermain may be used
as a water source, however, the following restrictions apply:
a. The CONTRACTOR is not allowed to operate any valves or
hydrants or operate any components which belong to the OWNER.
b. If water is drawn from the existing system, an appropriate
backwater preventer such as a Reduced-Pressure Zone (RPZ)
device must be used. The RPZ must be tested within one (1) year
and approved prior to usage.
c. Water from flushing procedures must be disposed of properly.
Water may be piped or gravity-fed to an existing storm sewer with
the ENGINEER’S and the OWNER’S permission if proper erosion
control methods to minimize sediment build-up are used.
Discharge of water into a roadway or into a parking lot area is
strictly prohibited. Water discharging operations shall not cause
damage to any public or private property.
7. CONTRACTOR shall partially open and close valves and hydrants several
times under expected line pressure to flush foreign material out of the
valves and hydrants.
8. Flushing shall continue until three pipe volumes have passed through the
new waterline and the water appears sediment-free.

C. Pressure Test
1. Pressure test apparatus must be installed as shown on the Drawings
2. Test pressure shall be as specified in Section 15051, Buried Piping
Installation, at the lowest point in the line.
Testing and Disinfection,
15140-4 Rev.03/18
3. Test pressure shall be held on the piping for a period of at least 2 hours,
unless a longer period is requested by the ENGINEER, OWNER, or
AUTHORITY. Pressure should not fluctuate by more than 5 psi during
testing.
4. Pressure gauge must be in good working condition and must be
demonstrated to be accurate to the ENGINEER prior to any testing.
5. Gauge must have proper labeling to allow ENGINEER to accurately
distinguish the maximum allowable 5 psi change in pressure. Gauge must
have markings at no greater than 2 psi increments to allow accurate
readings.
6. ENGINEER is responsible for reading the gauge and recording the test
results he/she witnesses. Results obtained by the ENGINEER are
considered final, and not subject to discussion by the CONTRACTOR.
7. ENGINEER may tap pressure gauge at each reading to ensure needle is
measuring pressure accurately.
8. The AUTHORITY reserves the right to read the pressure gauge and record
the test results for those lines considered suspect or for potentially
inaccurate result recording.
9. ENGINEER shall record pressure at 15 or 30 minute intervals to help
determine if the pressure loss is stabilizing.
10. The CONTRACTOR will inform the ENGINEER when to begin the test.
11. If the pressure drop is greater than 5 psi in 2 hours, or if the ENGINEER
believes the line is suspect, the CONTRACTOR shall explore for the
cause of the excessive leakage and after repairs have been made, the line
shall be retested. This procedure shall be repeated until the pressure loss
is less than the maximum allowable and the ENGINEER is satisfied.
12. If the pressure drop is 3 psi or greater but less than 5 psi in 2 hours, the
CONTRACTOR shall continue the test for another 2 hours. If the
pressure drop over the 4 hour period is 5 psi or greater, the test failed and
must be repeated after the cause of the leakage is explored and the
necessary repairs have been made
13. The ENGINEER shall make a preliminary determination if the test passes
or fails based on the pressure and volume losses recorded during testing.
14. After each test, the CONTRACTOR must demonstrate that the test
apparatus, including the pressure gauge, is fully functional and accurate.
Inaccurate gauges or non-satisfactory equipment will be grounds for test
failure, regardless of test results. CONTRACTOR will resupply proper
equipment and retest, at his expense.
15. The pressure loss recorded over the 2 or 4-hour test must be acceptable to
the County Health Department and AUTHORITY for final hydrostatic
testing approval to be given.
16. At the end of the test, the pressure shall be increased to the starting
pressure, so that the leakage test data is acquired. See Section D Leakage
Test below, for additional information.

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-5 Rev.03/18
D. Leakage Test
1. The leakage test shall be conducted concurrently with the pressure test.
2. The rate of leakage shall be determined at 15-minute intervals by means of
volumetric measurement of the makeup water added to maintain the test
pressure. The test shall proceed until the rate of leakage has stabilized or
is decreasing below an allowable value, for three consecutive 15-minute
intervals. After this, the test pressure shall be maintained for at least
another 15 minutes.
a. At the completion of the test the pressure shall be released at the
furthermost point from the point of application.
3. All exposed piping shall be examined during the test and all leaks,
defective material or joints shall be repaired or replaced before repeating
the tests.
4. The leakage for pressure pipelines shall not exceed the following
allowable rates in gallons per hour per 1000 feet of pipe at the test
pressure specified in Section 15051, Buried Piping Installation:

ECWA
Pipe Pipe Allowable
Diameter Material Leakage*
4" PVC, DIP 0.26
6" PVC, DIP 0.40
8" PVC, DIP 0.53
10" PVC, DIP 0.66
12" PVC, DIP 0.79
16" DIP, PCCP 1.06
20" DIP, PCCP 1.32
24" DIP, PCCP 1.59
30" DIP, PCCP 1.98
36" DIP, PCCP 2.38
42" DIP, PCCP 2.78
48" DIP, PCCP 3.17
* 75% of allowable leakage per AWWA C600-17.

5. Regardless of the above allowables, any visible leaks shall be permanently

stopped.
6. The CONTRACTOR shall provide a meter certified within the last year or
a source-water tank/barrel of small enough cross section so that
measurable changes in water depth can be accurately recorded. A two hour
test is permitted for circular tanks/barrels of 15 inches in diameter or less.
A four hour test is required for circular tanks/barrels greater than 15 inches
in diameter. If a tank of non-circular cross section or irregular shape is
used, and the change in water depth cannot be properly measured, the
ENGINEER or AUTHORITY may require the test to be run more than 2

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-6 Rev.03/18
 hours until an accurate depth change can be recorded and the ENGINEER
is satisfied with the results.
7. The leakage volume recorded over the 2 or 4-hour test must be acceptable
to the County Health Department and AUTHORITY for final waterline
approval to be given.

3.02 BUTTERFLY VALVE TESTING

A. Each butterfly valve shall have a field leakage test performed with the pressure
differential as identified in Section 15051, Buried Piping Installation, applied in
both directions. This requirement does not waive the requirements stipulated in
AWWA C504.

B. The duration of each field test in each direction shall be a minimum of two (2)
hours.

C. The CONTRACTOR shall demonstrate to the ENGINEER’S satisfaction that all

system components operate correctly, both individually and as a system. All
testing equipment and materials required to perform all tests shall be provided by
the CONTRACTOR and demonstrated as functional and accurate to the
ENGINEER. Non-functional or inaccurate equipment, regardless of test results,
will be grounds for test failure. CONTRACTOR shall resupply proper equipment
and retest.

3.03 RESILIENT SEAT GATE VALVE TESTING

A. Each gate valve shall have a field leakage test performed with the pressure
differential as identified in Section 15051, Buried Piping Installation, applied in
both directions. This requirement does not waive the requirements stipulated in
AWWA C509.

B. The duration of each field test in each direction shall be a minimum of two (2)
hours unless specifically defined by the ENGINEER.

C. The CONTRACTOR shall demonstrate to the ENGINEER’S satisfaction that all

system components operate correctly, both individually and as a system. All
testing equipment and materials required to perform all tests shall be provided by
the CONTRACTOR and demonstrated as functional and accurate to the
ENGINEER. Non-functional or inaccurate equipment, regardless of test results,
will be grounds for test failure. CONTRACTOR will resupply proper equipment
and retest.

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-7 Rev.03/18
3.04 TAPPING SLEEVE AND VALVE TESTING

A. Prior to making the tap, gate valves shall have a field leakage test performed with
a hydrostatic pressure as identified in Section 15051, Buried Piping Installation,
on the open end.

B. Once the system is complete, the valves shall be tested in accordance with the
Butterfly and Resilient Seat Gate Valve Testing criteria stated above.

C. The duration of each field test shall be a minimum of two (2) hours unless
specifically defined by the ENGINEER.

D. After installation of the tapping sleeve or saddle and prior to tapping the main, the
sleeve or saddle shall be air tested in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations. If the results of the air test do not meet manufacturers’
specifications, the sleeve or saddle will be replaced and retested until the results
are satisfactory.

E. The CONTRACTOR shall demonstrate to the ENGINEER’S satisfaction that all

system components operate correctly, both individually and as a system. All
testing equipment and materials required to perform all tests shall be provided by
the CONTRACTOR and demonstrated as functional and accurate to the
ENGINEER. Non-functional or inaccurate equipment, regardless of test results,
will be grounds for test failure. CONTRACTOR will resupply proper equipment
and retest.

3.05 DISINFECTION

A. Before disinfection, the line shall be cleaned and flushed with clean water as
defined in the Initial Flushing section. CONTRACTOR shall provide outlets as
required.

B. The chlorine solution shall be admitted to pipelines through corporation stops

placed in the horizontal axis of the pipe, to structures by means of tubing
extending directly into the structure or other approved methods.

C. CONTRACTOR shall install 2-inch saddles on existing and proposed mains and
run 2-inch Type K copper tubing with backflow prevention device to allow for
addition of chlorinated water. The rate of chlorine solution flow shall be in such
proportion to the rate of water entering the pipe or structure that the resulting free
chlorine residual shall be between 50 and 100 milligrams per liter (mg/l).
Concentrations over 100 mg/l shall not be allowed to enter the piping system.

D. The placement of chlorine powder or tablets inside the pipe during installation as
a means of disinfection will not be allowed.

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-8 Rev.03/18
 E. The proposed piping shall be tested in all respects, prior to connecting the second
end of the pipe to the existing system and prior to installing the annular fill at
casing pipes.

F. All valves to existing mains must be closed during the chlorination process.
CONTRACTOR must flush the proposed main through a backflow preventer such
as a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) and 2-inch copper until chlorine residual at the
opposite end reaches 50 mg/l. All valves to the existing water network are to
remain closed until this level is reached. While the chlorinated water is being
added, all appurtenances on the main shall be operated so as to completely
disinfect the new work. The operation shall be repeated as necessary to provide
complete disinfection.

G. Chlorinated water from hydrants and taps must be properly collected and disposed
of by the CONTRACTOR. Discharge of chlorinated water into the existing storm
sewer or a natural water body shall not be allowed.

H. The chlorine treated water shall be retained in the pipe or structure at least 24
hours, unless otherwise directed. During the retention period all valves and
hydrants within the treated sections shall be operated.

I. The chlorine residual shall be not less than 25 mg/l at any point in the pipe or
structure at the end of the retention period. CONTRACTOR shall immediately
perform final flushing to reduce the retention time high levels of chlorinated
water.

J. When making repairs to or when specified, structures and portions of pipelines

shall be chlorinated by a concentrated chlorine solution containing between
200 mg/l and 300 mg/l of free chlorine. The solution shall be applied with a
brush or sprayed on the entire inner surface of the empty pipes or structures. The
surfaces disinfected shall remain in contact with the strong chlorine solution for at
least 30 minutes.

K. The CONTRACTOR must use an approved test method, as defined in AWWA

C651 and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, to
determine chlorine levels. Test strips and test kits will be allowed for testing
chlorine levels if the kit is less than six months old, in the original bottle, is not
past the expiration date, and has a color coded scale on the side with legible
concentrations defined. ENGINEER and AUTHORITY reserve the right to reject
test results if the test strip or kit is suspect. Sending samples to an approved
laboratory is also acceptable.

3.06 FINAL FLUSHING

A. Upon completion of each disinfecting operation, the CONTRACTOR will be

required to empty the contents of the pipe into a tank truck. Dumping into a
Testing and Disinfection,
15140-9 Rev.03/18
 sewer will only be allowed with approval from the local governing body. In no
instance will chlorinated testing or flushing water be emptied onto the roadways,
in ditches, culverts, streams, wetlands, or any other natural water body.

B. Final flushing will continue until such time as the chlorine residual is between 0.5
and 1.2 mg/l.

C. Prior to discharging into storm or sanitary sewer systems, and with the written
approval of the municipality, the CONTRACTOR shall use a reducing agent
(such as sodium thiosulfate) to neutralize any chlorine residual. CONTRACTOR
shall prove to the ENGINEER, AUTHORITY and municipality that the water has
been properly neutralized prior to discharge using an appropriate testing method.

3.07 BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTING

A. After disinfection and final flushing, a representative of the laboratory hired by

the CONTRACTOR shall, in the presence of the ENGINEER, take two
bacteriological samples from sampling points at maximum 1,000-foot intervals
along the waterline, at every branch off the main line, and at each end of the test
section (one immediately after final flushing and a second one after 24 hours) for
testing by an ELAP certified laboratory in accordance with the latest Health
Department requirements.

B. Should acceptable results not occur after these two consecutive tests, the
CONTRACTOR shall, at his expense, repeat the disinfection procedure until safe
results are obtained.

C. All precautions shall be taken to maintain dry and sanitary conditions and to
prevent contamination of any piping, at the CONTRACTOR’S expense.

D. If, in the opinion of the ENGINEER or AUTHORITY, contamination has

occurred, the CONTRACTOR shall repeat the disinfection and bacteriological
testing at his cost and expense.

E. Test results from the laboratory shall be sent directly to the ENGINEER. Test
results sent through the CONTRACTOR shall not be considered.

F. Bacteriological test results shall expire 30 calendar days after the samples are
taken. After 30 calendar days, the CONTRACTOR shall be required to repeat the
process, taking two sets of samples and submitting results for review.

G. As per AWWA C651-14 standards, the limit for pipe installed without
bacteriological samples being taken is 20 linear feet.

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-10 Rev.03/18
3.08 APPROVAL

A. The ENGINEER shall submit the Waterline Installation Complete Works

Approval Report(s) to the Erie County Water Authority for review and
processing.

B. Once approval is given, after reconnecting the proposed piping to the existing
piping, the CONTRACTOR shall slowly refill the watermain with water and
allow it to pressurize so that the ENGINEER may inspect the connections and/or
other piping.

C. The CONTRACTOR shall, at his expense, correct any observed defects to the
satisfaction of the ENGINEER and OWNER.

END OF SECTION

Testing and Disinfection,

15140-11 Rev.03/18