National Water and Sewerage Authority Sewerage Regulations (Cap. 208)

CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act~ Subsidiary l egislation NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY SEWERAGE REGULA TI ONS ARRANGEMENT OF REGULA TI ONS REGULATION 1. Citation. 2. Definitions. 3. Right of domestic premises to service. 4 . Right of commercial and industrial institutions to service. 5. Premises required to be connected. 6. Ships to dispose of sewage into public sewer. 7. Prohibition of discharge to natural outlets, etc. 8. Only sewage to go into sewer. 9. Prohibition of certain discharges. 10. Food grinders. 11 . Swimming pools. 12. Authority 's power of alteration and discontinuance. 13. Notice to owner or occupier. 14. Private sewer to comply with requirements of general systems. 15. Private faci lities. 16. No work to be done without consent of Authority. 17. Authority to keep maps. 18. Form of application. 19. Approval of plans. 20. Requirement of plans. 21. Examination and verificat ion of plans. 22. Plans to be property of the Authority. 23. Approved plans to be adhered to. 24. Levels to be referred to a fixed datum. 25. The level and position of the point of junction. 26. Notice prior to commencement of work. 27. Notice and defects have been remedied. 28. Final certificate. 29. Fees for inspection under certain circumstances. 30. Specification of materials. 3 1. Minimum quality of materials. 32. Construction and maintenance. 33. Junction pipes installed by the Authority. 34. Junction pipe provided by the Authority. 35. Penal clause. 4 1 [Issue l /20 11 J CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary legislation FIRST SCHEDULE Building Sewer Work SECOND SCHEDULE Construction Specifications NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY SEWERAGE REGULATIONS [SRO 40 of 1993.] [ I 0th September, 1993.] Citation 1. These Regulations may be cited as the National Water and Sewerage Authority Sewerage Regulations. Definitions 2. In these Regulations "biochemical oxygen demand" or "8.0.D." means the quantity of oxygen utilised in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at twenty degrees Celsius, expressed in milligrams per litre; "building sewer" means any culvert, pipe and accessory extending from a building for carrying off sewage or industrial waste to a public sewer; "defined district" means an area served by a public sewer; "garbage" means solid waste from domestic or commercial preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of any produce; "industrial waste" means the liquid waste from industrial manufacturing proc esses, trade or business; "natural outlet" means any outlet into a water course, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground of water; "public sewer" means any sanitary sewer under the control of or maintained by the Authority for carrying off sewage or industrial waste from a building sewer; "sanitary fixture" means any receptacle that receives water or other liquid or water-borne waste and discharges it into a drainage system to which the fixture is directly or indirectly connected; "sanitary sewer" means any artificial conduit used for the conveyance of sewage into which storm, surface and ground waters are nol intentionally allowed to flow; Llssuc 1/2011] 42 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation "sewage" (a) means a combination of water carried waste; and (b) includes (i) human excreta and liquid waste discharged from sinks, basins, baths, and (ii) water that has been used for domestic purposes; "sewage treatment plant" means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage and industrial waste; "sewerage system" means the system of plant, works, sanitary sewers and their accessories and processes for the conveyance treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial waste; "sewerage works" means facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage and industrial waste; "storm drain" means a conduit that carries storm and surface waters and drainage including unpolluted cooling water or swimming pool drainage, but excluding sewage and industrial waste; "suspended solids" means solids that either float on the surface of or are in sus pension in water, sewage or other liquid and that are removable by standard labora tory methods; "water course" means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continu ously or intermittently. Right of domestic premises to service 3. Subject to the Act and these Regulations the owner or occupier of any domestic premises or the owner of any private sanitary sewer within the defined district shall have his or her sanitary sewer connected to the public sewer and to discharge sewage from a building sewer on the premises or from the private sanitary sewer into the public sewer. Right of commercial and industrial institutions to service 4. (1) Subject to the Act and these Regulations the Authority shall permit commer cial and industrial institutions in the defined district to carry liquids from their manufac turing processes into public sewers; but industrial waste shall not be discharged into a public sewer without the permission in writing, of the Authority. (2) The permission of the Authority given under subregulation (1) is subject to such terms and conditions as it may specify in each particular case. (3) Nothing in these Regulations shall be construed as requiring the Authority (a) to admit storm drainage or surface waters into a public sewer; (b) to admit into a public sewer any liquid that would affect the sewer, or the treatment or disposal of the contents of the sewer, or would, from its tem perature or otherwise, be injurious to health; or (c) to provide the facilities referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) where a public sewer or sewage disposal works are inadequate. 43 [Issue 1/2011] CAP. 208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Premises required to be connected 5. (l) The owner or occupier of any premises within a defined district shall connect all sources of waste water within the premises, excluding rain or surface water to a public sewer and the owner or occupier of the premises is liable to meet the costs of the connection. (2) The Authority may by notice in writing requite the owner or occupier of any premises referred to in subregulation (1) to connect the premises to the public sewer within a reasonable time not being less than ninety (90) days and not more than one hun dred and eighty ( I 80) days as is specified in the notice. (3) Where the notice referred to in subregulation (2) is not complied with, the Authority may carry out the necessary work and recover the expenses incurred from the person on whom the notice was served. (4) In proceedings for the recovery of expenses mentioned in subregulation (3) the court may consider (a) whether any requirement contained in a notice referred to in this Regula tion was reasonable; and (b) whether the expenses ought to be borne wholly or in part by some person other than the defendant to the proceedings, and the court may make such Order concerning the expenses or their apportionment as seems to the court to be just. (5) A court may not order expenses referred to in subregulation (4) or to any part of the expenses to be borne by any person other than the defendant to the proceedings unless the court is satisfied that the other person had due notice of the proceedings and ai1 oppor tunity to be heard. Ships to dispose of sewage into public sewer 6. (1) Ships within the territorial waters of Grenada shall dispose of their sewage to the public sewer. (2) The Authority shall make provision at all harbours, ports and other havens within a defined district for the reception, storage and discharge to the public sewer of sewage from ships. Prohibition of discharge to natural outlets, etc. 7. No person shall, in any defined district (a) discharge sewage or industrial waste to any natural outlet, the ocean, or the land; or (b) construct new or rehabilitate old septic tanks, cesspools, privies or other facilities intended or used for the disposal of sewage or industrial waste. [Issue 1/201 I] 44 CAP. 208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Only sewage to go into sewer 8. Subject to these Regulations, no person shall throw or deposit in, or cause or permit to be thrown or deposited in any vessel or receptacle connected to a public sewer, any matter except sewage or industrial waste. Prohibition of certain discharges 9. ( l) No person shall throw empty or tum, or suffer or permit to be thrown or emp tied or to pass, into any public sewer, or into any sewer communicating with a public sewer (a) any matter likely to damage the sewer, to interfere with the free flow of its contents, or to adversely affect the treatment and disposal of its contents; (b) any chemical refuse or waste steam, or any liquid of a temperature higher than forty-four degrees Celsius being refuse or steam that, or a liquid, that when heated is either along with or in combination with the contents of the sewer or drain, dangerous, the cause of a nuisance, or injurious to health; (c) any petroleum spirit, or carbide of calcium; or (d) any other substance or material that the Authority considers deleterious. (2) ln this Regulation, the expression "petroleum spirit" means (a) any crude petroleum; (b) any oil made from petroleum, or from coal, shale, peat or other bituminous substances; and (c) any product of petroleum or any mixture containing petroleum that when tested in an appropriate manner gives off an inflammable vapour at a tem perature lower than Lwenly-Lhree degrees Celsius. (3) No one shall discharge the substances specified in subregulation (4) into a public sewer unless their concentration (a) is reduced by treatment at the source to a point that satisfy the requirements of these Regulations; or (b) does not adversely affect sludge digestion or any other bio-chemical, bio logical or other sewage treatment process. ( 4) The substances referred to in subregulation (3) are (a) steam or hot liquids with temperatures above forty-four degrees Celsius; (b) water or waste of pH less than 5.5 or greater than 9.0; (c) industrial waste containing (i) alcohol, (ii) antibiotics, (iii) arsenic, (iv) bromine, iodine, chlorine, fluorine, (v) copper, (vi) creosol or creosote, 45 [Issue 1/20 11] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation (vii) cadmium, (viii) formaldehydes, (ix) lead, (x) mercury, (xi) phenols and their derivatives, (xii) sulphonamides, (xiii) zinc compounds, (xiv) strong oxidising agents such as chromates, dichromates, permanga nates and peroxide, (xv) chemical compounds producing toxic, inflammable or explosive gases, either upon acidification, alkalisation, oxidation, or reduction, (xvi) strong reducing agents such as nitrites, sulphides, sulphites and thi osulphates; (d) highly coloured matters and those creating excessively offensive odours; and (e) waste of whatever kind that cannot be satisfactorily purified by the normal processes of sewage treatment. (5) No person shall discharge grease or any other noxious substance into any public sewer. (6) Where a sink at a hotel, restaurant, boarding house, laundry or other place where grease or other noxious substance is used is connected to the public sewer, the hotel , res taurant, boarding house, laundry or place shall be provided with a grease trap of a design approved by the Authority. (7) [ndustrial waste from garages, motor vehicle service station, or places where mechanical vehicles or other machines are washed shall, before being discharged over a trapped gully basin, be drained through a properly constructed grease trap of a design approved by the Authority. (8) A grease trap shall be cleaned as often as may be necessary to maintain it in a sanitary condition. Food grinders 10. Waste matter from commercial and domestic food-grinders and similar appli ances may only be discharged into a public sewer with the permission of the Authority and under such conditions as the Authority determines. Swimming pools 11. Waste water from swimming pools may only be discharged into the public sewer under such conditions and at such rate of flow as the Authority authorises in each particu lar case. [Issue 1/2011) 46 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Authority's power of alteration and discontinuance 12. (1) (a) (b) The Authority may alter the size or course of any public sewer; may discontinue and prohibit the use of any public sewer, either entirely or for specified purposes. (2) Before any person who is lawfully using the sewer referred to in subregula tion (l)(b) is deprived by the Authority of the use of the sewer, the Authority shall pro vide a sewer as effective as the one discontinued, and shall at its expense carry out any work necessary to make the person's building sewer communicate with the sewer pro vided by the Authority. Notice to owner or occupier Where any building sewer or fixture-13. (I) (a) has been constructed contrary to the directions of the Authority or these Regulations; (b) (c) is in bad condition; or requires alteration or amendment, the Authority shall forthwith give notice in writing to the owner or occupier of the prem ises requiring him or her forthwith, or within a reasonable time specified in the notice, to do the necessary work. (2) A person who fails to comply with a notice referred to in subregulation (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty dollars ($50) and thereafter to a further fine of fifty dollars ($50) in respect of each day the default continues after a conviction is first obtained. (3) The Authority may, where a person fails to comply with a notice under subregula tion (2), execute all necessary work and recover the expenses as a civil debt due by the person to the Authority. (4) Subregulation (3) is in addition to any penalty imposed under subregulation (2). Private sewer to comply with requirements of general systems 14. ( 1) Where a person proposes to conslruct a sanitary sewer, the Authority may, if it considers that the proposed sewer is, or is likely to be needed to form part of a general sewerage system that the Authority has provided or proposes to provide, require him or her to construct the sewer in a manner appropriate for its use as part of a general sewer age system; and he or she shall comply with the requirement of the Authority. (2) A person aggrieved by any requirement mentioned in subregulation (I) may, within twenty-eight days after he or she has notice of the requirement, appeal to the Min ister who, shall establish a Commission of Enquiry to inquire into the matters. The Com mission may either disallow the requirement or allow it with or without modification. (3) Where the Authority makes a requirement mentioned in subregulation (1), the Authority shall repay to the person constructing the sanitary sewer mentioned in that subregulation any additional expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in complying 47 [Issue 1/20 I I] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation with the requirements, and until the sewer becomes a public sewer, the Authority shall also repay him or her so much of any expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in repairing or maintaining the sanitary sewer that are attributable to the requirement. (4) Where any question arises as to the amount of any payment to be made to any person under subregulation (3) the question may, on his or her application, be determined by a court of summary jurisdiction, or if he or she so requires, be referred to arbitration. Private facilities JS. Every owner or occupier of premises on which any sanitary sewer, water closet, urinal, slop sink or other sanitary installation has been installed or is being installed, and every person who is or has been concerned in the installation of any sanitary sewer, water closet, urinal, slop sink or other sanitary installation on any premises shall ensure that the sanitary sewer, water closet, urinal, slop sink or other installation has been or is being installed and is maintained in accordance with regulations. No work to be done without consent of Authority 16. No person shall, without the consent of the Authority, install, alter or remove any building sewer, water closet, urinal, slop sink, bidet, lavatory, bath, cistern or any other sanitary fixture necessary for the conveyance of sewage, house slops, or waste water from any premises to a public sewer. Authority to keep maps 17. (1) The Authority shall keep at its office, for inspection by any person at all rea sonable hours, a map showing and distinguishing public sewers. (2) The Authority may not charge a fee for inspection of the map referred to in subregulation (I). Form of application 18. (1) Any person, hereinafter referred to as "the applicant" who, being the owner or occupier of premises, wishes to execute at the premises any building sewer work, or to extend or alter old or new work, excluding the repair of leaks, connected with a public sewer shall apply to the Authority for pennission to execute the work. (2) An application made pursuant to subregulation (1 ) (a) must be in accordance with Form 1 or 2, as the case may be, in the First Schedule; (b) must be accompanied by plans in quadruplicate showing the connections, locations and fixtures from the junction of the public sewer to the termina tion above the roof of the building; and (c) must be accompanied by any incidental information the Authority requires . [Issue 1 /20 I I] 48 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Approval of plans 19. ( 1) No person shall commence work on a building sewer mentioned in regula tion 18 until the plans mentioned in that regulation have been approved by the Authority and one copy of the plan is returned to the applicant. The Authority shall communicate its decision to the applicant within six (6) weeks. (2) The plans mentioned in subregulation (I) (a) must be signed by the appl icant; and (b) must be certified accurate and signed by the person who prepared them. Requirement of plans 20. (1) Plans mentioned in regulation 19 must comply with the requirements of the Authority, and must have indicated thereon (a) the site plan of all buildings within the premises, the boundaries of the applicant's land and the names of adjoining properties and of the proprie tors thereof, and any adjoining roads; (b) the position and dimensions of (i) water closet compartments, kitchens, bathrooms, rainwater channels, or pipes, whether existing or proposed to be constructed, (ii) building sewers, sinks, gullies, inspection chambers, manholes and other appurtenances, that the applicant proposes to construct; and (c) the location and dimensions of any structure already existing on the premises. (2) The nature of pavements and exposed surfaces and any other information that in the opinion of the Authority is necessary for the purposes of these Regulations must be noted on the plans mentioned in subregulation (1). (3) The diameter and gradient of pipes and junctions proposed to be constructed and the levels of any points that might be required for the determination of the gradients must be clearly marked on the plans mentioned in subregulation (I). ( 4) The paper or cloth on which plans are drawn or printed must, where practicable, conform with one of the sizes specified by the Authority. Examination and verification of plans 21. (I) The Authority (a) shall examine and verify plans refe1Ted to in regulation 20; and (b) shall make such alterations or corrections, if any, as are considered. (2) Where the Authority examines any plans and after visiting the premist:s Lu which the plans relate, finds the plans inaccurate, a fee of fifty dollars ($50) is payable by the applicant to the Authority if so demanded for every subsequent visit the Manager makes to the premises for the purpose of correcting the plans or ascertaining their correctness. 49 [Issue 1/201 I) CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Plans to be property of the Authority 22. Where the Authority approves plans under regulation I 9 the Manager shall (a) send one copy of the plans to the applicant; (b) send one to the Ministry of Health; and (c) retain the other copies for the purposes of the Authority. Approved plans to be adhered to 23. (I) Plans approved by the Authority shall be strictly adhered to in the execution of the work. (2) No deviation from the approved plans may be made, except with the consent in writing of the Authority and any deviation sanctioned by him or her shall be clearly marked on the plan and initialled by the Authority. Levels to be referred to a fixed datum 24. Where necessary, levels inscribed on plans mentioned in these Regulations shall be referred to the datum plane adopted by the Authority, and the Authority shall furnish on request the elevations of relevant available benchmarks. The level and position of the point of junction 25. (I) The approximate level and position of the point of junction of proposed work with a public sewer shall be furnished by the Authority on application in writing being made to the Manager. (2) The exact level mentioned in subregulation (I) shall be determined by opening the ground if necessary and exposing the pipe; and building sewers shall be so designed as to connect properly with the point of junction. Notice prior to commencement of work 26. (I) Where building sewer plans are approved by the Authority and returned to an applicant, the applicant shall, by notice in writing notify the Authority of the date on which the applicant intends to begin work. (2) After pipes and other appurtenances have been laid, but before pipe-trenches have been filled in or before the pipes and other appurtenances have been covered or concealed in any manner, the applicant or his or her accredited agent shall give notice in writing to the Authority that the work is ready for inspection. (3) The Authority shall within two working days of the receipt of the notice referred to in subregulation (2) arrange to have the work inspected and tested and if the work is approved, a certificate shall promptly be issued to the applicant who shall then cover the work. (4) Where before the expiration of the rwo working days mentioned in subregula tion (3) any work has been covered before it has been inspected and approved, the appli cant shall, at his or her own cost, upon the request of the Authority, immediately uncover the work. [Issue 1/2011) 50 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Notice and defects have been remedied 27. (1) Any defects discovered by the Authority in any work executed pursuant to these Regulations shall be made good to his or her satisfaction before the ground is filled in on the pipes covered or otherwise concealed. (2) Where defects mentioned in subregulation (l) have been made good, the appli cant or his or her accredited agent shall give notice to the Authority that the work is ready for inspection. (3) Where the Authority approves work referred to in subregulation (2) the Manager shall immediately issue to the applicant a ce11ificate of approval and the applicant shall cover the work. (4) The Authority may, after issuing a certificate of approval inspect and test the work in respect of which the certificate was issued and any defect discovered by him or her shall be made good to his or her satisfaction at the cost of the applicant. Final certificate 28. After work has been completed and finally inspected, and approved by the Authority, he or she shall issue to the applicant a final certificate to that effect. Fees for inspection under certain circumstances 29. Where the applicant fails to remedy any defects or to complete any work, or for any other reason, the Authority finds it necessary to visit the work more than twice then, the applicant shall pay to the Authority on demand a fee of fifty dollars ($50) for each additional visit. Specification of materials 30. ( 1) Specifications of materials, appurtenances and fixtures to be used in a build ing sewer shall be prepared by the Authority and may be inspected at the office of the Manager. (2) No pipes, materials, fixtures or other appliances of a quality inferior to the speci fications mentioned in subregulation (1) shall be used in any building sewer. Minimum quality of materials 31. An applicant may appeal to the Board against the decision of the Manager respecting the minimum quality of material and the construction of pattern of appurte nances to be used in a building. Construction and maintenance 32. The Second Schedule has effect respecting the standards and specifications for construction and maintenance of sewers, sewerage works and fixtures to which these Regulations apply. 51 (Issue l/201 l] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Junction pipes installed by the Authority 33. ( 1) A side junction for building sewers for each premises shall be inserted as required in all sewer mains in streets and lanes, and in every case a pipe shall be laid by or at the expense of the Authority from the sewer to a point on the boundary of the prem ises at which point the junction of the building sewer shall be met with the pipe. (2) The position and level of each point of junction shall be fixed by the Manager. Junction pipe provided by the Authority 34. (1) The Authority shall provide, free of cost, one junction and pipe from a main sewer for any one premises. (2) Where it is necessary to provide more than one junction and pipe mentioned in subregulation ( l) the cost of the additional junction and pipe shall be borne by the applicant. (3) The applicant shall pay the cost of providing any additional junction and pipe before (a) the plan relating to any work to be done in connection with the provision of the junction and pipe is returned to the applicant; and (b) any work in connection with the junction and pipe is carried out. ( 4) The position of every additional pipe mentioned in subregulation ( 1) as shown on the plan shall be indicated on the ground by the applicant. Penal clause 35. Any person who contravenes any of these Regulations is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprison ment for twelve months, or both; and in the case of a continuing offence to a further fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day or part thereof during which the offence con tinues after a conviction is first obtained. FIRST SCHEDULE Building Sewer Work FORM 1 NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY ACT NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY SEWERAGE REGULA TI ONS Application/or Premises to be Connected to Public Sewer [Regulation 18(2).) I. Situation of premises .... .................... ... .... ...... .. ............. .... ........ ....... .. ...... ........ .... ...... ....... .... ..... .. Name and Number on Street ......... ... .... ... ....... ............. .. ..... .. ....... .. ...... ........... ............ ......... ....... . 2. Name and address of owner [Issue 1/201 I] 52 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation FIRST SCHEDULE, FORM I- continued 3. Name of Tenant and ............ ..... ....... ... ..... .... ...... .............. .... ............... ...... ... ...................... ... ...... . Narure of tenancy .. .................. ........ ........... ... .... .. ... ........ ... ...... .... .. ..... ............. .. ....... .. ...... ....... ... . 4. Description of premises and whether dwelling, store, etc., state if there is an open yard in connection with the street or lane 5. Number of persons residing or employed on the premises 6. Nature and extent of proposed sanitary arrangements .. .. .. ..... .................... .... .... .... .................... ..... ... .... ............ .... .... ... . 7. Description of water closet ... ...... ........ ... ..... .......... .. .............. ....................... .... ... ........ ............ ... . and flush tank to be used ... .............. ........... ......... ............... .. .... ....................... ......... .............. . 8. Name and address of Sanitary Constructor by whom the work is to be executed General Remarks: Signature of Applicant Address Date .......... .... ............ .... ..... ... ... ...... .... ... ..... .... .. ... . The Manager, National Water and Sewerage Authority Carenage ST. GEORGE'S Note.- Plans in quadruplicate showing clearing the location of all proposed building sewers, sewers, water closets, waste pipes, gully traps, grades and depths of sewers, etc., must accompany this application and no work must be commenced until the plans have been approved. 53 [Issue 1/2011) CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation FIRST SCHEDULE-continued FORM2 NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY ACT NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY SEWERAGE REGULATIONS Application for Extension, Alteration or Repair of Building Sewer [Regulation 18(2).] l. Situation of premises Name and Number on Street 2. Name and address of owner 3. Name of tenant and nature of tenancy 4. Nature and extent of proposed extensions, alterations or repairs to closet, drain or sanitary appl iances or fittings 5. Description of water closet and flush tank to be used 6. Name of Sanitary Constructor by whom the work is to be executed General Remarks: Signature of Applicant Address Date ... ...... ........ ....... ............. ... ...... .. ............ .. ....................... . . The Manager National Water and Sewerage Authority Carenage ST. GEORGE'S Note.- Plans in quadruplicate showing the location of existing sewers, etc., and indicating the proposed alterations, or extensions, must accompany this application and no work must be commenced until such plans have been approved. [Issue l/20 I l] 54 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act- Subsidiary Legislation SECOND SCHEDULE NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY ACT NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY SEWERAGE REGULA TI ONS Construction Specifications [Regulation 32.] General requirements for sewers 1. (I) Building sewers shall be laid in straight lines from point to point and shall in no part have gradients less than those specified in this Schedule. (2) A sufficient number of inspection chambers and cleaning eyes and such other neces sary appurtenances shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Authority, to enable the interior of the pipe to be inspected during construction and, to provide at all times means for the removal of obstructions without breaking or dislocating the pipes. (3) The minimum internal diameter of building sewers must be 100 millimetres. Reduction of gradients when permissible 2. (I) Building sewers must have throughout a gradient of not less than one in one hundred, but with the consent of the Authority a lesser gradient may be used. (2) Any reduction in the gradient mentioned in subregulation (I) shall be made in the portion of the building sewer nearest to the outlet, and shall be made in the main line of the pipe and not in the branches. Provision for flushing 3. If the gradient of a building sewer is less than one in one hundred then, special means of flushing the sewer shall be provided ifrequired by the Authority. Depth below ground and roadway 4. (1) Unless otherwise permitted by the Authority all underground pipes shall be placed at a depth of not less than 900 millimetres below any roadway, and not less than 450 millimetres below any other ground level. (2) Where pipes are pern1itted to be laid at any less depth they shall be properly pro tected in such manner and with such materials as the Manager directs. Pipe connected with building sewer 5. (1) Every pipe connected with a public sewer, whether the pipe is made of concrete, cast-iron, with HDPE, PVC, or other approved material must be sound and impervious in a ll its parts, and must be jointed in the manner approved by the Authority. (2) No cement or other jointing material may project from the joints, and the pipes shall be cleared from all internal projections and obstructions. Joints in Earthenware pipes 6. (I) The joints of earthenware pipes must be made of good quality hemp on jute gasket followed by pipes by cement mortar in such a manner that the joints are gas and water tight. (2) Special jointing compounds, other than lead may with the consent of the Authority be used. (3) Flanged rubber compression ring or other mechanical joints when approved by the Authority may be used in special circumstances. 55 [Issue 1/2011 ] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Acl - Subsidiary Legislation Joints of iron pipes 7. (I) The joints of soil, waste and ventilating pipes, except where screw joints are used shall be formed with good quality jointing materials so that the joints are gas and water tight. Special jointing compounds, other than that specified by the pipe Manufacturer may, by per mission of the Authority be used. (2) Flanged rubber compression ring or other mechanical joints when approved by the Authority may be used in special circumstances. Screwed Joints 8. ( 1) In the case of screwed wrought iron or steel joints, red lead or other approved jointing compound approved by the Authority must be used in making the joint. (2) No paint or putty or running thread shall be used in making screwed joints. Copper pipes 9. Joints on copper pipes may be of the soldered sleeve type or of such mechanical or compression type as the Authority may approve. Connection of iron and lead 10. (1) All connections of lead pipes with iron pipes must be made with brass sleeve or ferrule of pipes the same size as the lead pipe. (2) The lead pipe shall be attached to the ferrule by a wiped solder joint. Location of inspection chambers 11. Inspection chambers shall be provided in the following positions (a) at every point in a building sewer where two or more sewer lines converge, but in certain cases, with the permission in writing of the Authority ground connec tions may be made by means of"Y" branches; (b) at every point in a building sewer where any angle, bend, change in gradient or alteration in size occurs; (c) at every point in sewer line where there occurs a change in the type of pipe such as from metal to non-metal or from non-metal to metal pipes; and (d) at such points in the building sewer so that no part of the sewer line is more than fifteen metres from the centre of an inspection chamber unless a greater distance is approved in writing by the Authority. Design of Inspection chambers 12. ( 1) Every inspection chamber or manhole (a) must be not less than 900 millimetres long and 750 millimetres wide internally; and (b) must be fitted with a strong cast iron manhole frame and movable cover of ade quate size, design and construction approved by the Authority and the cover must be fixed not lower than the surface of the adjoining ground or floor. (2) The frame must be securely bedded in cement mortar made of one part cement and three parts sand with an adequate fillet around the exterior so that the frame cannot move. (3) The minimum size of clear opening for covers on inspection chambers is 450 milli metres. [Issue 1/20 11 ) 56 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act- Subsidiary Legislation (4) The weight and type of manhole covers must in all cases be such that they are suffi ciently strong to bear any traffic likely to pass over them. (5) The interior corners of manholes and inspection chambers must be rounded off at a radius of not less than 50 millimetres with a fillet of mortar of the same quality as specified in subregulation (2). (6) The concrete in floors or inverts of manholes and inspection chambers must be brought to a fine smooth surface properly floated and well worked in with a steel trowel. (7) Suitable channels and benching must be formed in the floors of the said manholes to collect, conduct or convey sewage or industrial waste. (8) The surface of the channels must be rendered smooth and true in order to offer the least possible resistance to the flow of the sewage or industrial waste. (9) Concrete in walls or arches must be moulded true on the exposed surface, and must be brought to a smooth and impervious surface. (I 0) Concrete walls, arches and slabs of inspection chambers and manholes must be reinforced with steel bars of such size and set in such manner as the Authority may require. 90 degree bends, etc. 13. All 90 degree bends, duckfoot bends or tee pieces set at the base of a vertical soil or ventilating pipe must be bedded in a block of concrete not less than 375 millimetres square and 225 millimetres in depth. Waste pipes to be trapped 14. All waste pipes must be trapped at each separate fixture and as close as possible to the fixture. No trap 15. No trap shall be placed at the foot of a vertical soil or vent pipe. Ventilating pipes 16. (J) Ventilating pipes must be of cast iron, asbestos cement, P. V .C. specially enam elled steel or of some other material approved by the Authority. (2) No earthenware or sheet metal shall be used for ventilating pipes. Sewers to be water-tight and air-tight 17. (I) Building sewers (a) must be water-tight and air-tight; and (b) must be tested for water-tightness and air-tightness by hydraulic pressure or by such other means as the Authority directs. (2) Where any defective pipes are discovered they must be removed and replaced by sound pipes. (3) Defective joints must be made water-tight and every part of the work must comply with these Regulations and is subject to the approval of the Authority. 57 [ Issue 1/2011) CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidia,y Legislation Gully basins, etc., inside buildings 18. {I) Where it is impracticable for any gully basin or inspection chamber to be located outside a building or where, on account of subsequent building extensions or altera tions, a gully basin or inspection chamber falls within any building, covered way, or area, the gully basin must be fitted with a specially sealed cover. (2) The cover must be both water-tight and air-tight and must be bolted or so secured to the frame of the basin or chamber that it may be readily removed and replaced when necessary for inspection or cleaning. (3) Notwithstanding subregulations (1) and (2) cast iron access with bolted water-tight covers of a design approved by the Authority may be securely fitted in the chamber frame instead of a sealed cover. (4) Every sealed gully basin must be adequately ventilated by means of a pipe not less than 50 millimetres in internal diameter. Pipes in soft ground 19. Where sewer pipes are run through soft or yielding ground they shall be laid with the use of such materials and methods and with such conditions as the Authority directs. Sewer not to be run under buildings 20. No person shall lay a sewer under any building, unless the Authority certifies in writing that in its opinion it is impracticable or inexpedient to do otherwise. Sewer under buildings 21. Where it is necessary to lay any sewer under a building the sewer shall be laid with the use of such materials and methods and with such conditions as the Authority directs. Building shall not be constructed over sewers 22. No person shall construct a building over an existing building sewer except with the written permission of the Authority. No rain water pipe to be used for sewage 23. A pipe used for carrying off rain water from the roof of any building shall not be used (a) for carrying off sewage or industrial waste; (b) as a ventilating pipe or antisiphon pipe for any sewer, soil pipe or trap. Rain water to be excluded from gullies and inlets 24. (I) Gullies or other inlets connected with building sewers (a) must be raised above ground level; and (b) must be surrounded with a concrete kerb not less than 150 millimetres high or otherwise protected against the ingress of rain or surface water. (2) Condensation and waste cooling water from air conditioning plants shall be dis charged over trapped gully basins. (3) No rain or surface water shall be allowed to enter any sanitary sewer. [Issue 1/2011) 58 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Sump pumps or ejector 25. Where the use of sump pumps or ejectors is necessary in installations that lie below the level of a public sewer the following conditions of construction and operation apply (a) the sump must be constructed of water-proof concrete adequately reinforced or of cast iron; ( b) the sump must be of sufficient capacity to receive the peak sewage or waste flow for thirty minutes; (c) sump discharge pipes to the public sewers must be provided with a check or non return valve and a gate valve; (d) the sump must be provided with a gas and air-tight metal cover securely fastened in place; (e) the sump must be adequately ventilated in accordance with these Regulations; (j) the entire installation including ejector or pump together with the prime mover must be installed in well ventilated and easily accessible compartments; and (g) the starting equipment must be located above the flood level of the sump. Ventilating outlets 26. (I) A ventilating shaft not less than I 00 millimetres in internal diameter (a) shall be erected at the termination of all building sewers; and (b) shall extend not less than 600 millimetres above the eaves of the building or as the authority may direct. (2) A ventilating wire cage, guard, cowl, or similar protection (a) shall be fitted to the top of all ventilating pipes; and (b) shall be of such form as to protect the ventilating pipe from being choked with leaves and other obstructions. (3) The total area of openings in the guard or cowl must be at least equal to the area of a cross-section of the ventilating pipe to which it is fitted. Branches exceeding 5 metres 27. Where building sewers have branches exceeding five metres in length, each branch shall in respect of ventilation, be regarded as a separate building sewer unless the Authority otheiwise directs. Back ventilating 28. (I) All trapped pipes that are likely to be subjected to siphonage or back pressure shall be fitted with a ventilation pipe from the crown of the trap. (2) Every ventilating pipe from any water closet traps must have an internal diameter of not less than 50 millimetres and where ventilating pipes from more than four water closet traps are combined the diameter of the ventilating pipe must be not less than 75 millimetres. (3) Ventilating pipes from water closets traps may be connected to a main soil and venti lating pipe only if the connection is made at a point above all other connections. Two or more fixtures 29. (!) Where two or more fixtures are attached to a single waste pipe all traps shall be back ventilated. 59 (Issue 1/2011] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary legislation (2) Ventilating pipes shall be run separately or combined together to a point at least 600 millimetres above the eaves of the building. Air-gap in fixtures 30. An adequate air-gap of not less than 25 millimetres shall be provided through free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or delivery cock supplying water to any tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim or overflow of the receptacle. Pattern to be approved 31. (I) All water closets, bidets, and fittings connected therewith must be of patterns, and conform with standards, approved by the Authority. (2) Each water closet (a) must be capable of being kept clean with a flush of water of not more than 9 litres for each time the closet is used; and (b) shall be provided with a trap or siphon, placed near to the pan and capable of maintaining a sufficient and effective water seal. Flush tank 32. Every water closet shall be provided (a) with a siphonic waste-preventing flush tank of satisfactory pattern; or (b) with a flush-tank of such other type as the Authority may approve. Maximum capacity 33. No person shall use a tank giving a greater flush than 9 litres per closet. Stop cock 34. The water service pipe to every flush tank shall be provided with a stop cock. Overflow pipe 35. Every flush-tank shall be provided with an overflow pipe, which must be discharge into open air and not into soil pipe, and the overflow pipe shall be arranged in such a manner as to act as a warning pipe. Flushing valves 36. Where automatic flushing valves or flushometres are used, the valves must be of a waste-preventing type and must be supplied by a pipe of adequate size from a timk giving a volume of water under sufficient head to allow the flushing valves to operate satisfactorily and discharge at each separate operation a volume of water of not more than 9 litres per closet. Water Closet in upper floors 37. (I) Water closets installed on upper floors shall be connected to soi l pipes of cast iron, steel, PVC or such other materials as the Authority approves. (2) The soil pipes mentioned in subregulation (I) (a) must be not less than I 00 millimetres in diameter; ( b) must be jointed with approved jointing material or compound; (c) must be, wherever practicable outside the building or in a pipe duct within the building. ,,..-.... [Issue 1/20 11) 60 CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Authority Act - Subsidiary Legislation Ventilation of sewers not be obstructed 38. There shall be no trap or obstruction to the free circulation of air through the whole course of a building sewer or soil pipe. Fixtures to have traps 39. Baths, wash basins, lavatories and sinks, including slop sinks, shall be fitted with traps attached as close as possible to the fixture. Size of waste pipes from basins and sinks 40. ( l) The main waste pipe of wash basins, lavatories or s inks, other than slops sinks, must be not less than 35 millimetres in diameter. (2) Waste pipes from slop sinks must not be less than 75 millimetres in diameter. Size of waste pipe from baths 41. The main waste water pipe of each bath must throughout its length , have an internal diameter of not less than 50 millimetres. Tee fittings 42. (I) Tee fittings may be used only in connections made to vertical pipes. (2) Connection to pipes, other than vertical pipes must be made with angle branches. Waste Pipes 43. ( 1) All waste pipe must be of galvanised iron, PVC, copper or other material approved by the Authority. (2) Baths, wash basins and sinks shall be provided with adequate overflows, the diame ter of which must not be less than those specified for waste pipes. Construction of urinal 44. ( 1) Every urinal shall be fitted with a basin or stall of glazed material. (2) A urinal of the basin type, shall be separately connected with the soi l pipe by means of (a) a pipe of copper, PVC, cast iron effectively protected from corrosion, galvanised wrought iron, or galvanised ma lleable iron, or such other material as the Author ity approves; and ( b) sha II have a trap of an internal diameter of not less than 50 millimetres. (3) Where a urinal is of the stall type, a properly graded glazed channel shall be pro vided along the bottom of the sta ll and the channel shall lead to a glazed trap having an inter nal diameter of not less than 100 millimetres. (4) Traps (a) must have a deep and effective water seal and effective access for cleaning; and (b) must be covered with a strong moveable grid. Automatic flush tank 45. (I) Every urinal shall be fitted with a suitable and efficient automatic flush tank with a capacity of 4.5 litres for each basin, or for each 685 millimetres of length of stall. 61 [Issue 1/2011] CAP.208 National Water and Sewerage Awhority Act - Subsidia,y legislation (2) A tank shall be so installed as to be separate and distinct from any tank for drinking water. (3) Every flush tank must be capable of being filled in not more than twenty-five min utes or such less period as might be necessary for the satisfactory cleansing of the fixture; and the supply pipe to every such tank, shall be fitted with two effective stop cocks in easily accessible positions, one stop cock being of the screw down type for regulating the supply to the tank and the other for shutting off the supply. [ Issue 1/20 I I] 62