SECTION 252:626-15-3. Pumps

(a)    General requirements.

(1)   All pumping stations shall have a minimum of two (2) pumping units. With any pump out of service, the remaining pump(s) shall be capable of providing the maximum pumping demand of the system.

(2)   All pumping stations shall have ample capacity to supply the peak demand against the required distribution system pressure without dangerous overloading.

(3)   All pumping stations shall be driven by prime movers able to meet the maximum horsepower condition of the pumps.

(4)   All pumping stations shall be provided with readily available spare parts and tools.

(5)   All pumping stations shall be served by control equipment that has proper heater and overload protection for air temperature encountered.

(6)   All pumping stations shall provide standby power to ensure the continuous service when the primary power has been interrupted. Such a standby power supply shall be provided from at least two (2) independent sources or a standby or an auxiliary source shall be provided.

(b)   Lubrication. Oil lubrication of water column vertical shaft bearings or other bearings coming in contact with potable water is not allowed.

(c)   Pump suction, priming and water seal.

(1)   Provide pump installations with a positive suction head where possible. Do not exceed a suction head of 15 feet, where installation precludes the use of a positive suction head. The pumps must be self-priming or equipped with suitable foot valves with a net valve area at least 22 times that of the suction piping. Pumps that are not self-priming must have adequate and positive means of priming by vacuum or with water equal in sanitary quality to that delivered by the pump.

(2)   Supply water seals with water equal in sanitary quality to the water the pump is handling. Where potable water is supplied to seals for pumps handling non-potable water, supply the water from a tank fed by a water line terminating at a point at least 6 inches above the spill line of the tank, or from a water line equipped with a RPZ backflow preventer.

(3)   Equip each pump with an individual suction line from the supply, unless the suction lines are manifolded to provide hydraulic conditions that will ensure that each pump will operate in accordance with its design.

(4)   Where multiple suctions are installed in a wet well, space the suctions so that hydraulic interference and deposition of solids between the suction inlets will not occur.

(d)   Booster pumps. Locate and control booster pumps used to increase water pressure in the distribution system so that in normal operation they will not reduce pressure below 25 psi within the distribution system or below 20 psi at any pump suction. Provide automatic cutoff of the pump when the pressure drops below 20 psi. Equip pumps with controls to prevent excessive cycling. Capacity shall meet instantaneous peak demands with the largest pump out of service. Provide a diversion line and valves to permit removal of the pump without disrupting water service. Private booster pumps shall not be allowed for any individual residential service from the public water supply.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 1612, eff 6-1-01; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 2304, eff 7-11-08]