SECTION 651 – WATER
651.01 Description
This Section describes the requirements for installing water pipe, resetting water valve boxes, connecting water services, installing, relocating, and resetting fire hydrant assemblies, and submitting as-built plans.
651.02 Materials
Provide materials as specified: Coarse Aggregate (No. 57) ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 901.03 Concrete ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 903.03 CLSM ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 903.09 Structural Steel ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 906.01 Bolts and Bolting Material ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 908.01 Class B Bedding ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 909.01.02 Class C Bedding ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 909.01.03 Ductile Iron Water Pipe ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 909.02.08 Provide gaskets according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Provide steel pipe sleeves according to ASTM A 252, and galvanize according to ASTM A 123. Provide galvanized channel supports, rods, bolts, nuts, washers, inserts, and other hardware required for the permanent installation according to ASTM A 123 or A 153. See the Special Provisions for additional materials requirements.
651.03 Construction
651.03.01 Ductile Iron Water Pipe
A.Scheduling of Work and Interruption to Water Service. Provide the RE and the Utility with a detailed schedule of the work. Notify the Utility in writing at least 15 days before beginning construction of water facilities. Do not perform work on water facilities that will result in water service interruptions from April 1 through September 30 without approval of the Utility. The Department ma y extend this period based on weather conditions and system demand requirements as determined by the Utility. Perform the work to minimize adverse impact to the Utility’s operations. Perform work in a manner that is acceptable to the Utility’s inspector, and in coordination with the RE. Provide the Utility’s inspector with access to the work.
B.Existing Utilities and Structures. Determine the location of surface and subsurface structures within the work site, including but not limited to underground electric, telecommunication, gas, and sewer facilities. Notify the RE when excavation is required within 10 feet of any existing utility, and submit a plan to the RE for approval, detailing the proposed methods of excavating around the existing utilities, and the proposed methods of protecting and supporting the existing utilities. Protect and support utility facilities encountered. Notify the RE and the Utility 3 days before crossing any existing utilities, so that the Utility may send a representative to the work site at the time of excavation or construction. Remove and dispose of abandoned pipe, services, valves, boxes, thrust blocks, and appurtenances, unless otherwise shown on the Plans as specified in 201.03.01.H. Cap or plug pipe that is to be abandoned in a manner that is acceptable to the Utility.
C.Excavating. Excavate as specified in 202.03.03. Before excavating, sawcut the full depth of the existing pavement and sidewalk. Excavate a trench for placing water pipe, valves, services, tees, or appurtenances. Obtain RE approval before finishing excavation. If the RE determines that the bottom of the trench is unstable, undercut as directed by the RE and backfill with Class B bedding. If the material at the bottom of the trench is rock or other hard material, excavate an additional 6 inches of the material below the bottom of the pipe. Backfill the undercut with Class C bedding. Ensure that trenches are kept free of any standing water during the installation. Do not excavate for trenches in embankments until the embankment has been constructed to an elevation of at least 3 feet above the top of the pipe or to the top of the embankment, whichever is lower. Do not excavate trenches more than 300 feet in advance of installing the pipe unless approved by the RE. Maintain trenches according to 29 CFR 1926. Provide and maintain trench crossings where necessary. For trenches in the traveled way, shoulder and within 30 feet of the outside edge of the shoulder, backfill and restore the pavement structure and match the surroun ding condition before opening to traffic. The Contractor may use temporary protection instead of backfilling trenches in the traveled way and shoulder. If using temporary protection, submit working drawings for approval. For trenches not in the traveled way and shoulder, do not leave trenches open overnight unless protected with caution fence.
D.Handling of Pipe and Accessories. Lift pipe and other items using hoists. Do not drop pipe onto the ground or into a trench, and do not permit pipe to roll or skid against other pipe.
E.Installing Water Pipe. Identify areas where pipe will have less than 4 feet of cover. Provide the RE with a report of the identified areas in order to obtain the Utility’s approval. Use a laser system to control the alignment and grade of the pipe. Lay water pipe in straight lines. If deviations from a straight line are approved by the RE, ensure that the deflection at each pipe joint does not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum deflection. Provide additional pipe or connections necessary to bypass obstructions or other utilities. Adjust the depth of the pipe to pass obstructions, as approved by the RE. When grade changes through curves are required, divide the curve among several joints. Install the pipe so that it is solidly supported by the subgrade or pipe bedding as required, over its full length except where recesses have been made for joints. Ensure that the interior of the pipe is kept clean and free of intrusion by soil, or other foreign material. Ensure that the inside of the pipe is maintained clean and that valves and hydrants are in good working order when installed. Protect open ends of the pipe at all times and securely seal the openings with plugs approved by the Utility whenever work is stopped. Remove the plug, and inspect and clean the interior of the pipe before resuming pipe installation. Join pipe according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cut pipe according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure cuts are clean and square. Install gate valves, inserting valves, tapping sleeves, tapping valves, valve boxes, blow-offs, and miscellaneous fittings. Set the fittings and valves true to the pipe lines. Ensure that valve stems are set plumb. Support the valves with concrete blocking set on firm ground that has been compacted using a mechanical plate tamper. Set valve boxes plumb, centered with respect to the valve stem, and flush with the finished grade. Coordinate the installation of water mains with other work and prevent conflicts and interference with all existing facilities and proposed construction. Install tapping valves and insert valves as wet connections with no loss of water or interruption of flow. Notify the Utility 15 days before performing wet connections. Perform wet connections according to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
F.Hydrostatic Pressure Testing and Leakage Testing. After laying and joining a complete section of pipe between valves, and before backfilling, pressure-test the pipe line. Expel the air from the pipe line through blow-offs or taps, and ensure that the caps, plu gs, and fittings are adequately braced and anchored. Perform pressure testing of the water main according to the AWWA Standard C 600 in the presence of the Utility inspector using a minimum test pressure of 150 pounds per square inch. Maintain the pressure in the pipe for 120 minutes. Demonstrate that flanged, victaulic, or welded joint pipe lines exhibit no leaks under pressure. Demonstrate that the leakage fo r mechanical jointed pipe lines or push-on joint pipe lines do not exceed the allowable leakage rate as computed by: L = ND√P Where: L = allowable leakage in gallons per hour. N = number of joints in length of pipe tested. D = nominal diameter of pipe in inches. P = average test pressure during the leakage test in pounds per square inch. Where it is impractical to maintain an open trench for the full length of any section between valves, provide test plugs and perform pressure testing and leakage testing to the satisfaction of the Utility.
G.Backfilling. Symmetrically place backfill on each side of the pipe in lifts not exceeding 6 inches thick, loose measurement, and compact with a flat faced tamper using the directed method as specified in 203.03.02.B.3. Where bedding is not required, backfill with suitable excavated material that is free from rock larger than 2 inches in diameter. Reuse excess or excavated material as specified in 202.03.03.C.1. The Contractor may use CLSM as alternate backfill material when backfilling trenches. If using CLSM, install as specified in 601.03.01.F. Restore the existing pavement structure to the original condition or as shown on the Plans.
H.Disinfection/Bacteriological Testing. Before placing pipelines into service, disinfect the system according to the AWWA Standard C 651 except if trench water has entered the main or if the water temperature is less than 41 °F, use the continuous feed method. Use hypochlorite or liq uid chlorine according to AWWA Standards B -300 and B-301 respectively. Introduce and distribute the chlorine into the new lines using a minimum dosage of 50 parts per million. Maintain the chlorinated water in the system for a minimum of 24 hours. Cont act the Utility inspector to verify the chlorine residual is 50 parts per million. Flush the pipe line in a manner approved by the Utility until the chlorine concentrations are no higher than generally prevailing in the system. Retain a certified Testing Laboratory to sample and test the water for bacteriological and turbidity analysis according to the AWWA C 651 and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR, Parts 141 through 143). Ensure that the water conforms to the bacteriological standards specifi ed in the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Regulations
N.J.A.C. 7:10-1 et seq.) as well as the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR, Parts 141 through 143). Provide the test results to the Utility.
I.Thrust Blocks. Install thrust blocks at bends greater than 5 degrees, and at tees, plugs, and valves. Ensure thrust blocks are placed against firm, undisturbed ground. Ensure that thrust blocks do not come in contact with other utilities or structures without the approval of the RE. Place concrete as specified in 504.03.02.D.
651.03.02 Ductile Iron Water Pipe, Bridge
Construct water mains on bridges as specified in the Special Provisions.
651.03.03 Water Service Connection
Before performing water service connections, check the condition of the meter pit, and determine if the enclosed meter is operational. Notify the Utility and water service customers at least 5 days in advance of water shut-off. Schedule the work as specified in 651.03.01.A. Determine the location of surface and subsurface structures as specified in 651.03.01.B. Excavate as specified in 651.03.01.C. Install the temporary and permanent water services required to maintain consistent service. Install the corporation stop. Install the continuous length of copper service pipe between the corporation stop and curb stop. Install the curb stop and curb box. Ensure the curb box is set to the proposed final grade. Install and connect customer water service pipe compatible with the existing customer water service pipe. If necessary, relocate the existing water meter and meter pit. Shut off existing services that are to be abandoned, install a plug in the existing curb stop, and remove the existing curb box. Backfill as specified in 651.03.01.G.
651.03.04 Fire Hydrant
Schedule the work as specified in 651.03.01.A. Determine the location of surface and subsurface structures as specified in 651.03.01.B. Excavate as specified in 651.03.01.C. Install the fire hydrant according to AWWA section C 502-54. Install the branch connection to the main, including the standard tee, gate valve, and pipe from the main to the hydrant. Provide additional pipe or connections necessary to bypass obstructions or utilities. Place coarse aggregate aro und the base. Ensure that the fire hydrant assembly is set plumb with the pumper nozzles normal to the face of the curb. Install thrust block as specified in 651.03.01.E. Backfill as specified in 651.03.01.G.
Referenced in this section
Sections that cite this one
Water in other states
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2019 (rev. 2022-12-21) Edition. Pages 349–351 of 651. View official source ↗