Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources Reclaimed Water Transport/Application Training Program March 13, 2008 Revision 2

2 What is Reclaimed Water? Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that has been treated through several processes to remove organics, solids and pathogens. The final product is a filtered and disinfected water that is colorless and odorless.

3 Benefits to using Reclaimed Water Reduces the need to pump potable water from water plants, extending the useful life before system capacities are approached. The amount of reclaimed water available is generally not affected by drought, thereby minimizing loss of landscaping due to watering restrictions. Provides a water source allowing irrigation of landscaping which may represent a sizable investment. Provides alternatives to potable water use for dust control, concrete mixing, herbicide/pesticide application.

4 Regulatory Compliance Gwinnett County has been issued a permit to provide reclaimed water to designated users for a number of purposes. One purpose is for irrigation. Since reclaimed water will be trucked to the end user, it is necessary to ensure that everyone involved in the receiving and distribution of reclaimed water is properly educated and trained in the rules and regulations applicable to these activities. The following defines Gwinnett County’s policy and procedures for insuring compliance with State Regulatory requirements.

5 Reclaimed water has been treated to a very high quality. This water is well suited for use in dust control, watering of grass, shrubs, trees and ornamental plants outside of the home or business. It may also be used by professionals in the application of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizing applications as well as mixing of concrete. Reclaimed water should not be brought into a commercial or residential structure for application. All reclaimed water must be applied in a manner which prevents runoff into streets or storm drains. It must not be allowed to run off into ditches or other pathways which would allow the reclaimed water to reach any body of water. Allowable Uses

6 Prohibited Use Reclaimed water has been treated to stringent effluent limitations. Treating water to these stringent requirements makes it possible to utilize this water for specific purposes. It is important that reuse water is only used for the approved uses identified by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). This water should not be used for personal consumption (drinking, cooking, cleaning etc.), bathing, filling of hot tubs, swimming pools, vehicle washing, indoor uses, feeding live stock or domestic pets. Use of this water for other purposes is prohibited and may result in forfeiture of the permitted users privilege to use this resource. Reclaimed water is not to be used for irrigation of food crops. Do not apply Reclaimed water within 25 ft of any body of water or within 25 feet of any well used for drinking water supply.

7 Vehicle Requirements Any vehicle used to transport recycled water must be clearly marked “ Reclaimed Water—Do Not Drink”. Tank volume must clearly be identified (labeled) at the discharge valve on the transporting vehicle. Trucks must use only approved Department of Water Resources fill stations for filling tanks with reclaimed water. All tanks previously used for pesticide/herbicide applications must be cleaned and emptied prior to reclaimed water filling. Reclaimed Water Do Not Drink

8 Vehicle Requirements Tanks used to transport reclaimed water must be completely water tight with no leaks. Tanks that appear to be leaking at the time of filling will be drained and the transport/applying organization will be required to make needed repairs before tank may be returned to service. Only “clean” tanks may be used filling. Tank Discharge piping shall be permanently connected and shall contain two(2) ball valves in series to ensure this connection remains leak free. Reclaimed Water Do Not Drink

9 Vehicle Requirements If a pump is to be used in the application process the piping from the tank to the pump shall be stainless steel, copper, galvanized steel, heavy duty rubber or SCH80 pvc. Piping from the tank to the pump shall be permanently installed and only removed for service when tank is empty. Hoses used for application of reclaimed water shall be removable and shall be stored in a disconnected condition during transport. Hoses should be inspected daily to ensure that they are in serviceable condition and free from leaks. Trucks/tanks used for transporting reclaimed water may not be used for transporting potable water at any time. Reclaimed Water Do Not Drink Do not store reclaimed water in tanks for more than 72 hours.

10 Personnel Requirements All persons driving a vehicle transporting reclaimed water or who will be assisting in the application of reclaimed water are required to complete the Department of Water Resources Reclaimed Water Training program and affirm their understanding of the material presented. All persons driving a vehicle transporting reclaimed water or assisting in the application of reclaimed water must have copy of the completed training certificate available at all times. All persons driving a vehicle transporting reclaimed water or assisting in the application of reclaimed water responsible for adhering to the rules set forth in this training program. Failure of an individual employee to comply with the rules in this program, may result in the revocation of a company’s authorization to transport, apply or otherwise utilize reclaimed water and/or the revocation of that employees training certificate.

11 Documentation Responsibility It shall be the transporting/applying organization’s responsibility to obtain a signed end user acknowledgement (available from DWR) from each end user BEFORE applying reclaimed water to any location. It shall be the transport/applying organization’s responsibility to return this information to Gwinnett County in a timely manner upon request. Any organization requesting to be authorized to transport/apply reclaimed water agrees to maintain these records for a period of three (3) years. Any organization desiring to transport/apply reclaimed water must ensure that the person operating the vehicle holds the required license for that vehicle in the state of Georgia. It is also the transport/apply organization’s responsibility to ensure that the minimum insurance requirements are in place for any vehicle used to conduct this business.

12 Site Signage Signage is very important!! With current watering restrictions in place, it is imperative that the public understands that a non-potable source of water is being utilized. If reclaimed water is used with the application of pesticides or herbicides, these signage requirements are in addition to signage normally required for chemical application. A small sign shall be placed at any site that uses reclaimed water to irrigate indicating “irrigation with reclaimed water” to advise the public of its usage

13 Site Signage Site flags/signs must be placed in a conspicuous location at all properties to which reclaimed water is to be applied. Site flags/signs are available at the F. Wayne Hill reclaimed water fill area. A minimum of 2 flags must be placed in a conspicuous location as close as possible to the corners of the property boundary on the road side. Signs/flags must remain in place for a minimum of 24 hours. Signs/flags may be re-used if desired, however they must be replaced when they become illegible or otherwise unserviceable.

14 Reporting Requirements Maintain records for a minimum of 3 years. End user acknowledgement must be signed BEFORE any application begins. Report any spills immediately to Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources.

15 Fill Stations All Vehicles must check in at the Facility Operations Center. Training certificates will be checked prior to truck filling. Trucks will be inspected prior to filling. Trucks may only fill at Gwinnett County approved locations. Only Gwinnett County employees will operate fill station. The hours of operation of the fill station are M-F (8am-5pm).

16 Compliance is YOUR responsibility Only properly trained persons who possess the required training certificate may transport/apply reclaimed water. Observe required buffer around bodies of water and wells. Do not store water for more than 72 hours. Report spills immediately to Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources at Educate the public on the benefits of using reclaimed water for their irrigation needs.