Section 810.21. Unattended water treatment plant operation.

  Water treatment plants may be operated remotely or by use of on site supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems provided the water distribution system has sufficient storage, as determined by engineering analysis, to allow response and resolution to problems. Unattended water treatment plants treating for acute contaminants shall be provided with:

(1)  Alarms for all critical features including:

(a) Pump failure.

(b) Reservoir, clearwell, or basin overflow or low level.

(c) Station flooding.

(d) Chemical feeder failure.

(e) Chemical feed over or under desired range.

(f) Critical equipment failure.

(g) Intrusion.

(h) Power failure.

(2)  An operations manual describing alarms, operator responses to alarms, quality control and challenge testing for the communication and control systems, operation and maintenance of the control systems, and identifying primary and secondary responders.

(3)  A flow diagram showing the location of critical features, alarms, and automated controls.

(4)  Manual override of all treatment plant operations and functions.

(5)  Daily on-site operator visits to verify plant operation and security.

(6)  Designation of standby operators during times of unattended operation.

(7)  Battery back up for control systems.

(8)  Continuous disinfectant residual and turbidity monitoring where appropriate.

(9)  Water suppliers for public water systems using surface water and groundwater under the direct influence of surface water shall:

(a) Submit a report describing the items required in sub. (2) to the department for review and approval.

(b) Demonstrate the operation of the treatment plant by the SCADA system for a period of 6 months.

(c) Provide a list of alarms generated during the demonstration period along with a request for approval to operate unattended.

History: CR 09-073 : cr. Register November 2010 No. 659 , eff. 12-1-10.