4725.5550 WATER-SUPPLY WELL DISINFECTION. Subpart 1. Disinfection procedure. A water-supply well must be disinfected according to this part. A disinfection procedure is presumed adequate when one or more water samples collected as specified in part 4725.5650 indicate the absence of total coliform bacteria. “Total coliform bacteria” consist of approximately 20 different organisms that share some common features. For more information, see the discussion about coliform bacteria in Minnesota Rules, part 4725.5650, item A, and in the water quality section of the appendix. The total coliform test is relatively quick, easy, safe, and inexpensive. The total coliform test does not determine which species are present, but other tests can do this. Most of the coliform species are not harmful to humans. However, a small number can be, and the presence of coliform organisms serves as an indicator that the water sample and well may be impacted by surface water, or by animal or human wastes, since large numbers of coliform organisms live in the digestive tracts of warm blooded animals including man. Disinfection with chlorine is a relatively inexpensive and usually successful process to rid a well of coliform organisms that have been introduced during drilling. However, coliform bacteria resulting from a defective casing or seal will only be eliminated temporarily. Also, in some cases such as highly turbid waters, or a well containing large numbers of nuisance (e.g., iron) bacteria, more than one disinfection may be needed to eliminate coliform bacteria. The occurrence of coliform bacteria in new wells is usually caused by soil coliforms entering the well during the well construction process. This is particularly common for rotary drilled wells using bentonite drilling mud. Coliforms in the soil get mixed into the drilling mud, circulated down hole, and can be forced into the aquifer. Use of the cuttings as “grout” can add bacteria and shield the bacteria from the disinfectant, making disinfection difficult. In most cases, the organisms are harmless soil coliform species. However, tests that speciate the organisms have occasionally shown the presence of E. Coli. Coliforms forced into the aquifer, placed in cuttings behind the casing, or permeating the mud cake on the bore hole wall, may be difficult to remove. Disinfection may result in a negative sample, but bacteria that the disinfectant does not reach can multiply after the disinfectant is gone. Therefore, a single coliform “negative” result does not remove the contractor’s responsibly for coliforms introduced by the contractor when the well was constructed, or through an original defect in the well. The contractor may be required to disinfect again and resample. Subpart 2. Disinfection of new well or pump. A person installing a new well or pump must ensure that the well is pumped until three volumes of the water contained in the well are pumped or until the water is as clear as groundwater conditions allow. After pumping, the person installing a new well or new pumping equipment must disinfect the well and pumping equipment with chlorine at a concentration sufficient to produce at least 50 parts per million of free chlorine in all parts of the well. The chlorine solution must contact the well surfaces above the static water level. The chlorine solution must remain in the well at least two hours before pumping all the chlorinated water from the well and the solution from the distribution system. 345 A minimum of three casing volumes of water must be pumped from the well in order to remove drilling fluid, sediment, scale, and other materials which may harbor bacteria and use up the chlorine. A table of hole volumes is contained in the appendix. The quantity of water in the well is calculated by subtracting the static water level from the well depth and looking on the table for the casing or hole size. However, in cases of slow yielding wells, it is not necessary to remove three volumes if the well has cleared and the drilling fluid has been removed. The well disinfection table provides information about obtaining a 50 parts per million chlorine concentration. The table is based on water and a well with no chlorine demand, that is, a well free of bacteria, scale, rust, organics, or other oxidizable materials which will use up or “neutralize” the chlorine. Since this rarely, if ever occurs, in order to obtain 50 parts per million of chlorine in all parts of the well, it is necessary to add extra chlorine to overcome the “chlorine demand.” It is difficult to predict the chlorine demand. Chlorine test strips can be used to analyze the chlorine concentration, and adjust the amount of chlorine used. A more practical approach may be to add a dose of chlorine that results in more than a 50 parts per million solution, although the final concentration should be generally kept at or below 200 ppm. Higher chlorine concentrations, particularly of calcium hypochlorite (powdered or granular chlorine), can raise the pH and severely reduce the ability of the chlorine to eliminate bacteria and other organisms. The end of this section contains a discussion of methods that may be effective on problem wells. The casing, drop pipe, wires, or pitless above the water level may hold bacteria that can later contaminate the water. Therefore, all portions of the well above the static water level must be contacted with the chlorine solution. The chlorine must either be mixed with water first, and then added through the top of the well casing, flushing the sides of the casing, or if the chlorine is added to the well directly, the chlorinated water must be recirculated through the top of the well. In cases where a well contractor drills a well, but does not install the pump or water system, both the contractor constructing the well and the installer(s) of the water system must disinfect. Subp. 3. Disinfection during repair or modification. A person repairing or modifying a well or pump must disinfect the well as specified in subpart 2 or disinfect at the start of the repair or reconditioning by applying chlorine at a concentration sufficient to produce 200 parts per million free chlorine in all parts of the well for the period of the well repair or reconditioning operation. Before taking water samples or returning the well to use, all chlorinated water must be pumped from the well and distribution system. A water-supply well must be disinfected any time work is conducted inside the well, including installation of a new pump or drop pipe, removal or installation of a screen, development or treatment, or installation of a pitless. Disinfection is not required if only a well cap is replaced. Subpart 3 provides an alternative to the disinfection procedure in subpart 2 for well repair, so that contractors do not have to wait for two hours after the job is completed. If the chlorine solution is added when well repair is started, it must be strong enough to maintain a concentration of at least 200 parts per million free chlorine for the period of the well repair. Relatively low concentrations of chlorine can be detected by smell; however, the nose can be easily desensitized. Chlorine test strips are an easy method for determining the presence and concentration of chlorine. 346 Subp. 4. Disinfection materials. Chlorine materials must meet the requirements of ANSI/NSF Standard 60-2000e as determined by a person accredited by the ANSI under ANSI Standard Z34.1-1993 or be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 3(c)(7)(A), as an antimicrobial pesticide for use in potable water. Chlorine compounds with additives such as perfumes or algaecides must not be used for disinfection. An alternate disinfection material may be used if the material is a biocide meeting the material and use standards of this part and provides biocidal activity equivalent to the chlorine concentrations and contact times required in this part. Chlorine compounds must be sodium or calcium hypochlorite without additives. Some laundry or swimming pool chlorine products contain fungicides, algaecides, or perfumes. These products must not be used. Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid and is the active ingredient in common liquid laundry beach. Laundry bleach has a chlorine concentration of approximately 5 to 6 percent, typically near 5.25 percent when new. Liquid sodium hypochlorite is also available at many swimming pool or chemical supply houses that contains up to 15 percent chlorine, typically near 12 percent. The chlorine is somewhat unstable and will lose strength after approximately 60 days, so it is important to use fresh sodium hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is available in solid form at concentrations of 35 to 75 percent chlorine, typically near 65 percent. Calcium hypochlorite will retain its strength over longer periods of time if kept cool and dry. While calcium hypochlorite contains more available chlorine, it raises the pH causing substantially reduced biocidal activity, and will not completely dissolve when dumped into a well in solid form. Alternative disinfection materials such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and potassium permanganate have been used to very limited extents in other states or for special applications. Until this rule, chlorine has been the only product allowed for new well disinfection. This rule allows alternative disinfectants if the product is equivalent to chlorine. Prior to use of an alternative disinfectant for compliance with this rule, contact the MDH for details of use. Subpart 5. Chlorine in solid form. Chlorine compounds in solid form used to comply with subparts 2 and 3 must be dissolved in potable water prior to placement in a water-supply well or circulated in the well to contact all well surfaces above the static water level, except that: A. additional solid chlorine in excess of that necessary to produce the free chlorine required in subpart 1 or 2 may be added; and B. solid chlorine may be used to disinfect a flowing well by placing the solid in the bottom of the well. Calcium hypochlorite is a solid, in powder, granular, or tablet from. If the solid material is dumped down a well without dissolving in water, it will not disinfect the casing and pump components above the static water level and may lead to the product sinking into loose sediment and not dissolving, or building up on top of the pump and not effectively disinfecting the well below the pump. The solids built up on the top of the pump can also accelerate corrosion of the drop pipe causing the pump to separate from the drop pipe. For those reasons, it is required to dissolve calcium hypochlorite in water to obtain a minimum free 347 chlorine concentration. Once that concentration is reached, solid hypochlorite may be added to the well without dissolving in water first. Dissolving hypochlorite in water first is also not required for disinfecting flowing wells when it is placed in the bottom of the well, or when it is used for disinfection of old wells. Subpart 6. Remedial well exemption. The requirement to disinfect a watersupply well does not apply to a remedial well if the disinfection will interfere with water quality analysis or create dangerous reactions with contaminants. * AMOUNT OF 5.25 PERCENT HYPOCHLORITE LAUNDRY BLEACH FOR WELL DISINFECTION (Mix with ten times as much water before adding) Well Casing Diameter up to 2” 2” - 4” 4” - 6” 6” - 8” 8” -12” 12” -16” 16” -20” 20” -24” 24” -30” 30” -36” 0'-50' Distance From Water Level to Bottom of Well 50'-100' 100'-200' 200'-300' 300'-400’ 400'-500' 1 oz. 4 oz. 8 oz. 1/2 qt. 1/2 gal. 1/2 gal. 3/4 gal. 1 gal. 2 gal. 3 gal. 2 oz. 8 oz. 1/2 qt. 1 qt. 3/4 gal. 1 gal. 1-1/2 gal. 3 gal. 4 gal. 5 gal. 11 oz. 1-1/2 qt. 3/4 gal. 1-1/2 gal. 3 gal. 5 gal. 8 gal. 11 gal. 18 gal. 25 gal. 4 oz. 1/2 qt. 1 qt. 3/4 gal. 1-1/4 gal. 2 gal. 3 gal. 5 gal. 7 gal. 10 gal. 6 oz. 1 qt. 1 qt. 1 gal. 1-3/4 gal. 3 gal. 5 gal. 7 gal. 11 gal. 15 gal. 8 oz. 1-1/4 qt. 3/4 gal. 1-1/4 gal. 2-1/2 gal. 4 gal. 6 gal. 9 gal. 14 gal. 20 gal. oz. = ounces qt. = quarts gal. = gallons * The quantities of bleach listed will result in an approximate 50 part per million (ppm) concentration of chlorine in the well. The chlorine demand of the well will use some of the available chlorine, so more bleach must typically be added to maintain a 50 ppm concentration * In order to achieve a chlorine concentration of 200 parts per million for well repair, or shock chlorination to reduce iron bacteria, multiply the quantities in the table by four. EXAMPLE 1: The well is 4 inches in diameter and the depth of the well is 400 feet. The water level is 100 feet. 400 feet – 100 feet = depth of water in the well (300 feet). From the table, a 4-inch well with 300 feet of water takes 1 quart of bleach. EXAMPLE 2: The well is 1-1/2 inches in diameter and the depth of the well is 42 feet. The water level is 19 feet. 42 feet – 19 feet = 23 feet of water in the well. From the table, a 1-1/2 inch well with 23 feet of water takes 1 ounce of bleach. 348 EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF LIQUID BLEACH (5.25 PERCENT SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE) AND (SOLID) 65 PERCENT CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite (Laundry Bleach) 2 Tablespoons 1/4 Cup (2 ounces) 2 Cups 1 Gallon 65% Calcium Hypochlorite Tablets Powder or Granular 1/2 Tablet 3/4 Teaspoon 1 Tablet 1-1/2 Teaspoon 8 Tablets 3 Tablespoons (2 ounces) 65 Tablets 2 Cups (16 ounces) DISINFECTION COMMENTS In the case of large-diameter dug wells, flooded wells, wells with high concentrations of sediment, iron, or slime forming bacteria, a greater quantity of chlorine solution, multiple disinfections, or additional actions will usually be needed to accomplish the disinfection because of the greater chlorine demand. Techniques that can increase the effectiveness of disinfection include: ● Pumping, bailing, airlifting or using other methods prior to disinfection to remove suspended solids, scale, and debris; ● Physical cleaning and agitation of the well with brushes, bailer, airlift, surge block, jetting tool or other development technique before, and during chlorination; ● Circulation of the chlorine solution in the well to wash down the casing and reach all parts of the well; and ● Dosing the well with large quantities of chlorinated water to force chlorinated water out the screen or open hole. As a general rule, 1 gallon of laundry bleach in 1,000 gallons of water will achieve a chlorine concentration of 50 parts per million. As chlorine concentrations increase, so does the pH of the water (the water becomes more alkaline). The higher pH converts the chlorine into an oxidizer, not a biocide. The solution becomes better at creating rust (iron oxide) than destroying bacteria. Some techniques can be used to keep the pH in the optimal range around neutral or slightly acid (5.5 - 7): ● Metering the chlorine solution to maintain an effective dose, but keeping concentrations at 200 ppm or below; ● Using sodium hypochlorite instead of calcium hypochlorite which raises the pH more; ● Doing multiple disinfections; ● Circulating the water to maintain mixing, contacting all surfaces, and physically loosening deposits; and ● Controlling the pH by the careful use of acids. Acid and chlorine can be a deadly mixture. Proper safety precautions should be taken. Products such as vinegar or citric acid can be safer than muriatic or hydrochloric acid. 349 The elimination of coliform bacteria is dependent on conditions in the well and water system, but also highly dependant on the source of the bacteria. A water sample may contain coliform bacteria for a number of reasons including: ● Organisms introduced into the well during drilling or repair; ● A defect in the well such as a cracked casing or defective fitting. Most problems of this type occur near the frost line at the pitless adapter or a near-surface casing joint; ● A flooded well; ● Rodents or insects entering the well thru an unsealed electrical connection or defective cap, or soil blown into the well or drawn in due to a vacuum caused by a pump start; ● Coliform contamination in the aquifer. This is not common except for wells very near contamination sources, very shallow wells in porous formations such as coarse gravel, and wells in highly fractured or cavernous formations such as limestone; ● Repair to the plumbing or water system; ● Cross connections in the plumbing such as a submerged hose; ● Poor sampling, such as collection of a sample from a garden hose or swing faucet where coliform may be present and result in a positive sample. If coliform have entered the well or water system, it is likely that they are distributed throughout the plumbing. If only the well and a portion of the plumbing are disinfected, it is possible for the bacteria to multiply and spread throughout the water system. In general then, it is advisable to disinfect the entire water system, including fixtures. It should be noted however, that high chlorine concentrations, or particulates released into the water during disinfection may plug or damage sensitive fixtures such as washing machine solenoid valves, sprinkler heads, and others. It may be necessary to isolate problem areas and disinfect the well with higher concentrations, while disinfecting portions of the plumbing with lower concentrations or shorter contact times. Isolating the system may also pinpoint whether the problem is coming from the well or the plumbing. STAT AUTH: MS s 103I.101; 103I.111; 103I.205; 103I.221; 103I.301; 103I.401; 103I.451; 103I.501; 103I.525; 103I.531; 103I.535; 103I.541; 103I.621 HIST: 33 SR 211 4725.5600 [Repealed, 17 SR 2773] 4725.5650 WATER QUALITY SAMPLES FROM NEWLY CONSTRUCTED POTABLE WATER-SUPPLY WELL. Within 30 days of completion and before the use of a newly constructed potable water-supply well, the person constructing the well must assure that a water sample is collected from the well. A water sample is not required from a new pump installation in an existing well, or a well repair, unless a notification must be submitted according to part 4725.1820, item A. A water sample must be collected before using a well for potable purposes, including human contact such as handwashing. 350 A water sample is not required to be taken from: ● A repaired well unless a notification is required (notification is required if a well is deepened through a confining layer, or if casing is installed or removed below the frost line); ● An existing well that has a new pump or screen installed; or ● A nonpotable well (a well used only for purposes that do not involve drinking, cooking, preparation of food, distribution to plumbing fixtures, or other human contact). While it is not required, it is recommended that a repaired well or a well with a new pump be sampled and tested for total coliform and nitrate-nitrogen. Disinfection of a well that has been repaired or had a pump replaced is required. The contractor who files the notification is responsible for collecting the sample or making sure that the sample is collected. The sample may be collected by the contractor directly, the laboratory, a county sanitarian, or by the property owner. If the sample is to be taken by the property owner, clear and detailed instructions should be given. If the property owner does not collect a sample or if a resample is needed, the contractor remains responsible for sampling. A. The person constructing the well must inform the well owner that until analysis of one or more water samples from the well indicates the absence of total coliform bacteria, and the nitrate-nitrogen and arsenic analysis have been completed and reported, the well must not be used for human consumption. The “person constructing the well” refers to the licensed well contractor who files the notification. The contractor must inform the owner that the well water must not be used for drinking until a bacteriologically safe sample is obtained, and the nitrate-nitrogen and arsenic water sample results from the well are provided to the well owner. It is not required that this notice be in writing (the analysis results must be given to the owner in writing when completed), and the MDH does not have a form. However, to avoid confusion and potential liability, it is recommended that the information be provided in writing. The information could be included on the bid, proposal, or contract. The absence of total coliform bacteria is determined by testing a properly collected water sample by a method which has been accepted by the EPA or Standard Methods. Approved coliform testing methods include the Most Probable Number (MPN), Membrane Filter (MF), and the defined substrate (Colilert, Colisure and equivalent). Even though the standard is effectively “0” total coliform bacteria, a “0” or “negative” result is not normally reported as “negative” or “0”, but is reported as “less than” a number, or the “absence” of total coliform: TEST Most Probable Number (MPN) Membrane Filter (MF) Presence/Absence (Colilert, Colisure, etc) ABSENCE OF COLIFORM TYPICALLY REPORTED AS < (less than) 2.2 organisms per 100 ml < (less than) 1 organism per 100 ml Absent The presence of any coliform bacteria indicates unsatisfactory bacteriological quality. Additional information concerning coliform bacteria is located in Minnesota Rules, part 4725.0100, and in the appendix under “water quality.” 351 B. The person constructing the well must assure that water samples are properly collected and submitted to a laboratory certified under parts 4740.2010 to 4740.2120. The laboratory must be certified to analyze total coliform bacteria, nitrate-nitrogen, and arsenic, under the safe drinking water program test category. The laboratory reporting limit must be no greater than 1.0 milligrams per liter for nitrate-nitrogen, and no greater than 2.0 micrograms per liter for arsenic. Minnesota Rules, parts 4740.2010 to 4740.2120 are MDH rules concerning the certification of laboratories. In order to test new well samples, the laboratory must be certified by the MDH. A list of certified laboratories is available from the MDH, and on the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us/labsearch. The water sample should be collected from a sampling tap as close to the well as possible. Water treatment devices may interfere with the analysis and should be bypassed. A sample may be collected directly from the well discharge, directly from the well by use of a sampling pump or device, or through the drop pipe or drill rods. However, sampling directly through a bailer, sochris pump, or drill rods, or by airlifting, may result in a coliform positive. If an inside faucet is used, a tap without a swing joint should be chosen. Aerators and gaskets should be removed. COLIFORM BACTERIA SAMPLING. If possible, the faucet outlet should be flamed with a propane torch to kill surface bacteria. As an alternative, the faucet outlet can be cleaned with alcohol or chlorine, but must be flushed to remove the chemicals. Care should be taken not to burn gaskets, siding, or plastic fittings if a torch is used. The water should be run for at least 5 minutes after the pump starts. The sample should not be taken if chlorine is present. Chlorine can be detected by smell or by a potassium iodide starch test paper. The total coliform sample must be collected in a sterile container provided by the testing laboratory. Typically, a 125 milliliter (4 ounce) plastic bottle is used, that often has a fill line mark. The inside of the bottle and cap should not be touched. The bottle should be filled according to the laboratory instructions, typically leaving about 1/2-inch of air space to allow for mixing. Since bacteria are living organisms and can die or multiply depending on conditions, there is a maximum holding time, usually 30 hours, from the time of sample collection until the sample arrives at the laboratory. Samples older than 30 hours will be rejected. NITRATE SAMPLING. When a well is tested only for total coliform bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen, the coliform sample bottle described above is typically used for both tests. If a separate nitrate sample is taken, the laboratory may use the coliform type bottle, or a nonsterile general chemistry bottle. In most cases only an ounce or two is need for analysis. The sample should be kept cool, and typically has a 14day maximum holding time. ARSENIC SAMPLING. Some laboratories may provide a bottle containing an acid preservative for arsenic sample collection, or provide a vial of acid to be added immediately after collection. Alternatively some labs will add the acid when the sample is received at the laboratory. It is important to use the correct bottle(s) provided by the lab. The arsenic bottle is commonly a 250 ml (8 ounce) plastic bottle. Plastic bottles should not be written on with ink or marker. Identification should be written on a label. Bottles have an expiration, often six months to a year for bacteriological tests, and one year to 18 months for others. Expired bottles should be returned to the laboratory. 352 C. The sample must be analyzed for total coliform bacteria, arsenic, and nitrate-nitrogen. The person constructing the well must assure that the property owner and the commissioner receive a legible, reproducible copy of the analysis results within 30 days of analysis. The copy of analysis results sent to the commissioner must include the unique well number, the property owner's name and address, and the dates of sample collection and analysis. Contractors must make sure that the MDH Well Management Section (or in the jurisdiction of a delegated well program, the local program) and the well owner receive a duplicate or photocopy of the water test results provided by the certified laboratory that performed the tests. Results that have been transcribed onto another form are not acceptable. Contractors may send the results directly to the MDH Well Management Section (or delegated well program) and well owner, or may make arrangements to have the laboratory mail out the results. However, it is the contractor's responsibility to make sure the results are sent. The water sample analysis card is part of the four-part package of well notification, well record, metal well tag, and water sample analysis card. This card may be filled out and mailed with the water sample to the certified lab. Neither the card nor the water sample should be sent to the MDH. The MDH does not do analysis of new well water samples. The verified water sample analysis results must be sent to the MDH Well Management Section within 30 days of collection of the sample. Failure on the part of a well owner to pay the bill for a well is not justification for failure of the contractor to send the water analysis results to the MDH Well Management Section. D. If a water sample collected according to this part, or a water sample collected by the commissioner from a newly constructed potable water-supply well indicates the presence of total coliform bacteria, the person constructing the well is responsible for actions needed to eliminate possible causes of total coliform bacteria, redisinfect the well, and resample for total coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria may result from a number of possible sources: improper sample collection, contamination from the drilling process introducing soil coliform bacteria, contaminated drilling water or drilling additives, surface water entering the well through a casing defect or ungrouted annulus, runoff or infiltration from such sources as septic systems or feedlots, or bacteria resulting from pump or plumbing installation or repair. Total coliform bacteria may exist “naturally” in an aquifer, but in most cases they do not. Most new well total coliform bacteria positives are a result of well construction, pump installation, or plumbing work introducing bacteria into the water system. While most new well coliform positives are from “environmental” organisms that are not harmful, the test does not differentiate, and fecal organisms have been found in new wells, likely from feces in the soil carried into the well during drilling or pump installation. Because of this, the person(s) who worked on the well will be held responsible for elimination of the bacteria, unless it is evident that the bacterial source is not related to the well work. 353 Nitrate and arsenic are a different matter. The well and boring rules do not require the contractor to provide nitrate or arsenic-free water so long as the well is constructed to the standards of the rules. Aquifers, especially shallow, highly permeable, and fractured rock aquifers may be contaminated with nitrate, generally as a result of agricultural fertilizers or septic systems. Arsenic contamination is generally a result of “natural” arsenic dissolved from arsenic-bearing minerals in the sediment or rock. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to avoid aquifers with elevated nitrate or arsenic where possible. If a different aquifer may yield better quality water, that option should always be discussed with the prospective well owner. STAT AUTH: MS s 103I.101; 103I.111; 103I.205; 103I.221; 103I.301; 103I.401; 103I.451; 103I.501; 103I.525; 103I.531; 103I.535; 103I.541; 103I.621; 144.05; 144.12; 144.383; 144.87; 144.98; 157.04; 157.08; 157.09; 157.13 HIST: 17 SR 2773; 31 SR 446; 33 SR 211 4725.5675 [Repealed, 33 SR 211] 4725.5700 [Repealed, 17 SR 2773] 354
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