Safety Policies and Procedures Manual

The University is responsible for planning, operating, sampling, maintaining, and protecting University-owned public drinking water systems and water supply connections to meet federal, state, and local requirements. (WAC Chapters 246-290 to -296, WAC 173-160, WAC 51-56)

2.0 Definitions

Refer to WAC 246-290-010 for further information on defined terms.

Group A water system: a public water system that serves fifteen or more residential service connections or twenty-five or more people per day for 60 or more days per year. For any new Group A systems that are developed, refer to WAC 246-290-020.

Group B water system: a public water system that serves fewer than fifteen residential service connections and fewer than twenty-five people per day, or 25 or more people per day for fewer than sixty days per year. For any new Group B systems that are developed, refer to WAC 246-291-005.

Backflow: the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances through a cross connection into the public water system or consumer’s potable water system.

Cross-connection: any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system or the consumer’s water system and any source of nonpotable liquid, solid, or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow.

Premises isolation: a method of protecting a public water system by installation of approved air gaps or approved backflow prevention assemblies at or near the service connection or alternative location acceptable to the purveyor to isolate the consumer’s water system from the purveyor’s distribution system.

Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC): the code adopted under RCW 19.27.031(4) and implemented under WAC 51-56. This code establishes statewide minimum plumbing standards applicable within the property lines of the consumer’s premises.

3.0 Reporting Concerns or Emergencies

3.1 Water Leaks or Lack of Service

To report water leaks or lack of service in Whitman County, immediately contact Facilities Services, Operations at 509-335-9000.

Outside Whitman County, immediately contact the local facilities maintenance organization.

3.2 Drinking Water Quality Concerns or Suspected Illnesses

Report drinking water quality concerns or suspected illnesses from drinking water immediately to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for prompt investigation:

Everett: 425-315-4014
Research and Extension Centers (RECs):
- Working Hours — (509)335-3041
- Non-Working Hours – (509)335-9000
Spokane: (509)358-7621
TriCities: (509)372-7163
Vancouver: (360)546-9706
Whitman County:
- Working Hours — (509)335-3041
- Non-Working Hours – (509)335-9000

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 Water Board

Develops all drinking water programs, policies, and procedures for WSU.
Helps protect drinking water systems and water supply connections.
Performs and enforces corrective actions.
Ensures that qualified personnel are provided to develop and implement all applicable programs.
Develops schedules for performing risk assessments.
Develops a quality assurance program for backflow prevention assembly testing.
Develops procedures for responding to drinking water quality and backflow incidents.
Provides educational programs for consumers about drinking water systems, conservation, cross-connection controls, etc.
Coordinates with and notifies the Department of Health (DOH), local administrative and/or health authorities of any incidents, and documents the incidents

4.2 Facilities Services, Pullman

Operates and maintains all Group A and Group B water systems in Whitman County (excluding Palouse Conservation Field Station, operated by USDA, with maintenance and repairs performed by Facilities Services).
Performs limited monitoring of Whitman County drinking water systems.
Designs, reviews plans and specifications of, and oversees the construction of additions, modifications, and new construction to WSU drinking water systems throughout the state.
Provides bacteriological and chlorine disinfection water sampling for construction and repairs (or oversees the contractor that performs the sampling), with assistance from EH&S, Auxiliary Facilities Services, other campuses, and RECs; Provides results to EH&S.
Prior to water being used for drinking purposes, tests all new backflow prevention assemblies in Whitman County, obtains testing results from outside Whitman County, and obtains satisfactory bacteriological sample results from repairs or maintenance; Provides results to EH&S.
Provides alternate drinking water sources if construction and/or maintenance require disruption of water services on a case-by-case basis.
Prepares the annual cross-connection control summary report in Whitman County and assists EH&S with the development and preparation of other regulatory reports as required.

4.3 Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)

Conducts bacteriological and chemical sampling for Whitman County water systems (excluding construction and repair samples), as required by federal and state regulations.
Assists WSU facilities statewide with their sampling responsibilities.
Investigates concerns regarding drinking water quality and performs sanitary surveys of drinking water systems including wells, reservoirs, distribution systems, and treatment facilities.
Reviews plans and specifications for new construction and renovations.
Evaluates current and new regulations to help ensure the University remains in compliance and maintains safe and healthy drinking water.
Acts as the liaison with the Washington State Department of Health, Department of Ecology, local health departments and districts, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding regulatory compliance.
Assists Facilities Services with the development and preparation of various regulatory reports as required

4.4 Auxiliary Facilities Services

Coordinates with and receives approval from the Facilities Services, Operations Cross-connection Control Specialist and Water Distribution Manager on water line maintenance and installation, backflow prevention assembly testing, connection of new equipment, etc.
Prior to water being used for drinking purposes, Auxiliary Facilities Services must obtain satisfactory bacteriological sample and backflow prevention assembly testing results from new construction or repairs. Results must be provided to EH&S and Facilities Services.
Conducts maintenance on water lines and to perform backflow prevention assembly testing at intervals determined by the Water Distribution Manager, Water System Plan, and/or regulations. Auxiliary Facilities Services must provide the certified BATs’ names, certification, and telephone numbers to Facilities Services if applicable

4.5 Other Campuses and Research and Extension Centers (RECs) outside of Whitman County

Operate, maintain, and conduct limited monitoring of the drinking water systems.
Coordinate water conservation efforts.
Water Board representative coordinates with and receives approval from Facilities Services on water line maintenance and installation, backflow prevention assembly testing, connection of new equipment, etc. if campus or REC location does not have staff with necessary certifications or expertise.
A certified Water Distribution Manager is responsible of the daily operational activities of the WSU Prosser-IAREC water system.
The Water Board is responsible for all Group B water systems including Roza, Othello, Royal Slope, Meyer’s Point, Wenatchee, and Lind RECs, as well as their treatment facilities and distribution systems that directly impact water quality and/or quantity of water as required by WAC 246-292.
Facilities Services is responsible for the design and construction of additions and modifications to WSU drinking water systems across the state, review of plans and specifications for new construction and remodels, and ensuring additions, modifications, new construction, and remodels are in compliance with all regulations.
- In certain locations, DOH may still need to review plans as well as the local permitting agency.
EH&S Pullman assists with bacteriological and chemical sampling and sampling responsibilities outside of Whitman County (excluding construction and repairs) as required by federal and state regulations.

5.0 Water System Modifications or Additions

Contact Facilities Services, other campus representatives, or REC representative regarding all modifications or additions to WSU drinking water systems. Facilities Services, Operations recommends that WSU Pullman departments submit requests for water system modifications or additions through myFacilities (see UPPM 80.45).

WSU Pullman departments unable to access or utilize the myFacilities website may submit requests for water system modifications or additions to Facilities Services, Operations; telephone 509-335-9000.

Non-Pullman units are to contact their local facilities representative and, based on the request, the representative will provide an answer or engage Facilities Services for assistance.

All University departments, organizations, persons, or non-University entities must receive approval from Facilities Services, Operations before:

Connecting equipment to water lines.
Repairing or maintaining piping.
Drilling a well.
Making any changes to water systems.

5.1 Connecting to Water Lines

Each new water system point of use connection must have a service meter and premises isolation, or in-premises isolation (backflow prevention assemblies) as determined by the WSU Cross Connection Control Specialist. Non-University entities must also reimburse the University for water used.

The Facilities Services Water Distribution Manager must receive certification of backflow prevention testing and verify the installation of appropriate metering and backflow prevention assemblies prior to turning on the system water to new services.

6.0 Water Board

The Water Board is responsible for ensuring that University water systems and facilities conform to applicable regulations and acts as the Satellite Management Agency for all WSU operated Group A and Group B Water Systems.

The board is comprised of staff or representatives from the following areas:

Facilities Services (system wide)
Environmental Health and Safety (system wide)
Research and Extension Centers (RECs)
Auxiliary Facilities Services

The Water Board is also responsible for coordinating the planning, operation, sampling, maintenance, and protection of the University’s public drinking water systems and water supply connections throughout the state to meet state requirements (WAC Chapters 246-290 to -296, WAC 173-160, and WAC 51-56).

6.1 Program Document

The Water Board develops all policies and procedures in the WSU Drinking Water, Cross-connection Control, and Water Conservation Program (hereinafter referred to as the Program). The Program provides detailed planning, development, construction, maintenance, sampling, monitoring, and operating procedures to ensure that University drinking water systems are maintained and operated in a safe and cost-effective manner.

The most current version of the Program is located on the WSU EH&S Public Health website.

6.2 Board Member Positions

The Water Board is co-chaired by the Facilities Services Director, Utilities & Energy and EH&S Director. WSU Spokane, WSU Vancouver, WSU TriCities, WSU Everett, and RECs assign staff members to serve on the board. The Water Board meets at least annually.

The Board is comprised of the following positions:

Facilities Services, Operations
Associate Director, Utilities & Energy
Water Distribution Manager
Environmental Health and Safety
WSU Pullman Director
WSU Pullman Public Health Manager
WSU Tri-Cities Director, Campus Safety & Security Coordinator

Campuses
WSU Spokane – Facility Services Director
WSU Tri-Cities – Facilities Department Manager
WSU Vancouver – Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Services
WSU Everett – Facilities Services Manager

Research and Extension Centers (RECs)
IAREC Prosser – Facilities Manager
IAREC Prosser – Water Distribution Manager
All other RECs – Facilities Managers
WSU Pullman Auxiliary Facilities Services
Director, Auxiliary Facilities Services

7.0 Water System Users

Any WSU department (including Auxiliary Facilities Services), organization, non-WSU entity, or person that connects equipment, installs piping, or makes changes to the water system must receive prior approval from Facilities Services, other campus representative, and/or REC representative depending on their location. Changes to water systems include tying into any WSU fire hydrant.

7.1 Assigned Responsibilities

The Water Board may assign or reassign drinking water responsibilities to water system users (e.g., USDA Palouse Conservation Field Station). Such assignments and/or reassignments must be submitted in writing and maintained on file at EH&S.

7.2 Public Water Systems

WSU facilities receive water from either WSU-owned and -operated Group A or Group B water systems, or from non-WSU-owned public water systems.

7.2.a WSU-Owned and -Operated Group A Systems

The Group A water systems owned and operated by WSU are:

WSU Pullman (Group A community), which includes Spillman Farm
Tula Young Hastings Farm (Group A nontransient noncommunity)
WSU Prosser—Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Group A nontransient noncommunity)

7.2.b WSU-Owned and -Operated Group B Systems

The Group B water systems owned and operated by WSU are:

Central Ferry Research Farm
Colockum Multiple Use Research Unit
Columbia View Orchard Research Unit
Lind Dry Land Research Unit
Othello Research Unit
Palouse Conservation Field Station (operated by USDA)
Smoot Hill Biological Field Study Area
Royal Slope Columbia Basin Research Unit #2 (operated by private organization)
Roza Research Unit
Sunrise Orchard

7.2.c Non-WSU-Owned Public Water Systems

The WSU facilities that receive water from non-WSU-owned public water systems are:

WSU Spokane
WSU Tri-Cities
WSU Vancouver
WSU Everett
Intercollegiate Center for Nursing—Spokane
Smith Tract–Spokane
Spokane Innovate Washington
WSU Mount Vernon Research and Extension Center
WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center
WSU Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research Extension Center (Main Center)
WSU Vancouver Research and Extension Unit

8.0 Construction, Cross-connection Controls, and Plan Review

8.1 Construction

Facilities Services and/or other campuses and REC representatives must submit project reports and construction documents to the DOH for approval prior to commencing construction on any of the following:

Group A and B water systems (see Section 2.0)
Extension of systems
Improvements

Facilities Services and/or other campus and REC representative must also provide copies of project reports and construction documents to EH&S.

Exception: The Washington DOH does not require project reports and construction documents be submitted for activities listed under WAC 246-290-125. Refer to Section 8.3 below.

Facilities Services and/or other campuses and REC representatives work with the owners/agencies of non-WSU public water systems when planning construction or projects which may affect those systems.

During construction projects, Facilities Services notifies EH&S and other campuses or REC representatives for public notification if a water line is contaminated.

8.2 Cross-connection Control

The University maintains safe drinking water supplies by eliminating or controlling existing cross-connections between the following:

Potable and non-potable water systems
Plumbing fixtures
Industrial piping systems (including reclaimed and/or reuse water)

After new construction or repairs, and prior to water being used for drinking purposes, the department overseeing the project must obtain satisfactory backflow prevention assembly testing results. The department must provide these results to Facilities Services as soon as possible.

Departments and owners responsible for Group A water systems must have a certified cross-connection control specialist inspect and survey the water system facilities on an annual basis or after a backflow incident per WAC 246-290-490(7)(b).

For Group B water systems and WSU facilities on non-WSU public water systems, all responsible departments and owners must have a certified cross-connection control specialist inspect and survey them as determined by the Water Board or after a backflow incident.

The Water Board has established the Cross-connection Control to comply with WAC 246-290-490, WAC 246-291-270, WAC 51-56-0600, and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) regulations.

WSU must adhere to WAC 246-290-490 and WAC 246-291-270 for premises isolation (water supply to buildings), and the UPC and WAC 51-56-0600 for in-premises isolation (internal building water distribution).

8.3 Plan Review and Design Standards

Facilities Services, a certified cross-connection control specialist, EH&S, Auxiliary Facilities Services, and other campuses or REC representative(s), must review all plans and design standards for new or remodeled construction affecting water systems.

All plans and work must meet Group A and B water system engineering requirements and design standards, as well as the requirements of the local administrative authority if applicable. Plans must be prepared under the direction of a professional engineer licensed in Washington.

8.3.a Water System Plans

The Pullman campus system is required to submit a revised water system plan every ten years to the DOH. Facilities Services and EH&S are responsible for preparing and submitting this plan.

Small water system plans are required for small Group A water systems (See Section 2.0). The RECs, Facilities Services, and EH&S are responsible for developing these plans for their respective systems.

8.3.b Well Construction, Decommissioning, Maintenance, Source Approval, and Interties

Facilities Services, other campuses, and RECs, with assistance from EH&S, are responsible for:

Obtaining source water approval
Interties with other water systems
Water rights
Construction and decommissioning of all WSU wells, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, domestic or commercial wells

9.0 Sampling, Monitoring, Repair, Reporting, and Recordkeeping

9.1 Sampling, Monitoring, and Repair

EH&S, Facilities Services, other campus representatives, and/orREC representative are responsible for all bacteriological and chemical sampling (excluding construction and repair sampling), with assistance from the Water Distribution Manager and EH&S for routine monitoring for Group A water systems.

For installation of new lines, new systems, and repairs, Facilities Services, Auxiliary Facilities Services, other campus’s representatives, and/or REC representatives are responsible for ensuring that chlorination meets the most recent AWWA standards, if applicable, and that adequate bacteriological sampling results are obtained for all systems. All bacteriological sampling results from construction or repair projects must be submitted to EH&S and water system representatives for the location of the work. See below for bacteriological sampling procedures.

9.2 Reporting, Public Notification, and Recordkeeping

EH&S, Facilities Services, other campuses, and RECs are responsible for coordinating all regulatory reporting, recordkeeping, and public notification in cases of water quality violations for the location they are responsible for.

Facilities Services, Operations, EH&S, and RECs are responsible for all cross-connection control recordkeeping, in accordance with applicable records retention requirements (see UPPM 90.01).

10.0 Sanitary Surveys, Vulnerability Assessments, and Emergency Response Plans

10.1 Sanitary Surveys

A qualified sanitary surveyor is required to perform Group A water system surveys every five years. Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for coordinating the surveys.

10.2 Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans

EH&S, Facilities Services, Auxiliary Facilities Services, other campuses, and RECs are responsible for vulnerability assessments and emergency response plans for their respective water systems and facilities.

11.0 Wellhead Protection and Sanitary Control Areas

Facilities Services, RECs, and EH&S are responsible for maintaining wellhead protection programs and sanitary control areas around wellheads for Group A water systems.

Facilities Services and RECs must ensure that their wellhead protection program for Group A systems, when necessary, is incorporated into the water system plans every ten years.

Group B water systems are not required to have wellhead protection programs. However, the University must maintain sanitary control of a 100-foot radius around the wellheads.

EH&S must ensure that the contaminant inventory list required in their wellhead protection program for Group A systems is updated every two years with appropriate notification to regulatory and owner agencies.

12.0 Operating Permits and Water Works Operators Certifications

All Group A water systems are required to have operating permits. (WAC 246-294)

In addition, the Pullman campus water system is required to have at least one certified Water Distribution Manager 3 in responsible charge of the daily operational activities of the system. Smaller Group A water systems are required to have at least one certified Water Distribution Specialist (WAC 246-292).

13.0 Water Conservation

Two representatives from WSU serve on the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee to promote water conservation at University facilities in Whitman County. For all other University water systems and facilities, the other campuses or the RECs promote water conservation for their locations.

14.0 Related Resources

Uniform Plumbing Code

_______________________
Revisions: Sept. 2025 (Rev. 149); June 2008 (Rev. 74); Oct. 2006 (Rev. 68); July 2006 (Rev. 66); Dec. 1997 (Rev. 17); Dec. 1989 (Rev. 7); Sept. 1986 – new policy (Rev. 2).