How To: Bacteriological Line Clearance Testing
When completing public water treatment and distribution system projects, obtaining clearance from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is a critical step before water system components can be placed into operation. This process, governed by the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 62-555.345, ensures that the water system is safe for public use. Failing to secure this clearance before operation can result in civil penalties. This article breaks down what is required to test for a Certificate of Construction Completion and Clearance.
Here are the essential steps involved in bacteriological line clearance testing:
Clearance Form Submission
Depending on the type of permit obtained for the project, you will need to submit the appropriate clearance form.
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FDOH Single-Service Connection Permits: For single-building service connections, submit the “Certification of Construction Completion and Request for Clearance to Place Permitted PWS Components into Operation” form.
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DOH Permits: For other public water system components, submit the DOH Form 62-555.900(9) “Certification of Construction Completion and Request for Clearance to Place Permitted PWS Components into Operation.”
Record Drawings
Record drawings must be submitted as part of the clearance process. These drawings should clearly indicate the utility plan, including the locations of chlorine injection points and bacteriological sample locations. Any deviations from the original permit must also be clearly shown on the drawings.
Pressure Test Documentation
Before bacteriological and chlorine sampling can occur, a satisfactory hydrostatic pressure test of the new water lines must be completed in accordance with AWWA C600 Standards. The report should include:
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Test date and location: Clearly traceable to the record drawing.
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Allowed and actual leakage: Provide calculations for the pipe material used.
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Pressure loss: Any discrepancies should be noted.
This step ensures that the water lines are structurally sound and ready for further testing.
Bacteriological Report
A crucial aspect of line clearance testing is the bacteriological analysis of the water, which must be conducted within 60 days of completing construction. The sampling locations should include:
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Connection to an existing system
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The endpoint of the proposed addition
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Water lines branching off a main extension
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Every 1,200 feet on straight runs of pipe
Samples must be taken on two consecutive days, at least six hours apart, with chlorine residual readings clearly indicated on the report.
The Analysis Will Only Be Valid If:
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Chlorine Residual: For systems using free chlorine, concentrations must be between 0.2 to 4.0 mg/L. For chloramine systems, total chlorine should be within 0.6 to 4.0 mg/L. Concentrations outside these ranges render the sample invalid.
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Total Coliform Presence: Any sample containing total coliform requires the main to be re-disinfected and re-sampled until two consecutive samples at each location show the absence of total coliform.