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516 - Environment, Health & Safety

Section: 516-10.6
Effective: 07/29/2010
Supersedes: 05/01/1998
Next Review Date: TBD
Issuance Date: TBD
Issuing Office: Environment, Health & Safety

PPM 516-10.6 Policy [pdf format]

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION-WATER AND SEWAGE

I.               REFERENCES

 

A.         U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards

 

B.         California Health and Safety Code

 

C.         California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health

 

D.         California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, and model plumbing code as referenced therein

 

E.         Los Angeles County Health Department “Approved Backflow Prevention Devices”

 

F.          American Water Works Association Standards

 

G.         UCSD Facility Standard “Disinfection of Potable Water Systems”

 

H.         Federal Clean Water Act

 

I.           San Diego Municipal Code

 

J.          San Diego County Code

 

II.              POLICY

 

All water used for human or animal consumption, or the use of which affects human or animal health and safety, shall be treated so as to comply with all applicable codes and recognized standards. Water systems shall be disinfected as necessary to comply with these standards, and shall be protected in all cases with the equipment necessary to prevent contamination.

 

Sewage, reclaimed waste water, and other waste waters shall be confined to sewerage systems or disposal systems deemed effective in eliminating disease, safety, or nuisance problems. Distribution and disposal must comply with all applicable codes and regulations.

 

III.             PROCEDURES

 

A.         Potable Water Systems

 

1.     All plans for potable water systems shall be reviewed by the Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) and all construction inspected to assure proper separation of domestic water and sewage systems, and to assure that backflow preventers or other appropriate devices protect potable water systems.

 

2.     Bacterial and chemical analysis of the water, general sanitary surveys, and cross‑connection surveys shall be conducted as required to protect the potability and safety of the water system.

 

3.     All new sections of the potable water systems and any portions contaminated by repairs or other circumstances shall be chlorinated according to the “UCSD Facility Standard ‑‑ Disinfection of Potable Water Systems.”

 

4.     Treatment of water on University research vessels shall be as specified in the procedure "Treatment of Potable Water Tanks on UCSD Research Vessels,” or applicable U.S. Navy Regulations.

 

5.     Procedures and Standards referenced are available from the Office of Environment, Health and Safety.

 

6.     Backflow prevention devices shall be tested annually by approved personnel as required by the California Code of Regulations.

 

B.         Industrial Water Systems

 

Industrial Water Systems shall comprise water service not intended for human or animal use. This includes irrigation systems, laboratory systems, and demineralized water systems in laboratory buildings. Douse showers and eye washes shall be plumbed with potable water. Laboratories and ice machines in laboratory buildings shall be plumbed to industrial water and clearly marked "Industrial Water ‑‑ Do Not Drink."

 

C.         Water Contact Areas

 

Water contact recreational facilities (e.g., swimming pools and beaches), shall comply with State codes regarding their water quality, safety, required equipment, and facilities. See PPM 516-10.5, Environmental Sanitation -- Swimming Pools.

 

D.         Sewage

 

All waste water from domestic sources (i.e., housing, restrooms, restaurants, custodial services, etc.) shall be deposited into the public sewage system. All industrial process waste waters (i.e., lab wastes, shop wastes, cooling waters, etc.) require EH&S approval for disposal into the public sewage system. Injurious, toxic, flammable, radioactive, or nuisance producing substances shall not be deposited in any sewer, storm drain, ground area, or in any other place except under conditions approved by EH&S. 

 

E.         Recycled Water

 

Recycled water used on campus must be purchased from the City of San Diego and its use must conform to all regulations published by the City, the State and the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health. All proposed uses and expansion of existing recycled water systems must be reviewed and approved by EH&S (landscape irrigation is the only currently approved recycled water use at UCSD).

 

IV.            RESPONSIBILITY

 

A.         It is the responsibility of the Facilities Design and Construction Office to verify that all new construction involving water, recycled water and sewage is accomplished in compliance with code and safe practice.

 

B.         It is the responsibility of Facilities Management, in cooperation with EH&S, to provide proper maintenance, repair, and record‑keeping services for the water, recycled water and sewage systems.

 

C.         No administrative unit or individual shall make any change in the water, recycled water or sewage facilities without express permission from Facilities Management, Facilities Design and Construction, and EH&S, nor shall they engage in any activity that could render these systems hazardous to any individual or to the general environment.

 

D.         No administrative unit or individual shall deposit prohibited materials into the public sewage system.