1303. NONPOTABLE RAINWATER COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

1303 NONPOTABLE RAINWATER COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Strike Section 1303.1 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1303.1 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.1 General. The provisions of Section 1303 shall govern the construction, installation, alteration and repair of rainwater collection and conveyance systems for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of rainwater for nonpotable applications, as permitted by the District of Columbia. Strike Section 1303.2 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1303.2 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.2 Collection surface. Rainwater shall be collected only from above-ground impervious roofing surfaces constructed from approved materials. Collection of water from vehicular parking or pedestrian surfaces shall be prohibited except where the water is used exclusively for landscape irrigation. Strike Section 1303.4 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1303.4 in its place in the Plumbing Code to read as follows: 1303.4 Roof washer. A sufficient amount of rainwater shall be diverted at the beginning of each rain event, and not allowed to enter the storage tank, to wash accumulated debris from the collection surface. The amount of rainfall to be diverted shall be field adjustable as necessary to minimize storage tank water contamination. The roof washer shall not rely on manually operated valves or devices, and shall operate automatically. Diverted rainwater shall not be drained to the roof surface, and shall be discharged in a manner consistent with the storm water runoff requirements of the District of Columbia. Roof washers shall be accessible for maintenance and service. Exception: Roofs draining through above-grade, self-contained rainwater collection tanks or rain barrels that meet the following conditions (a) have an individual capacity of 150 gallons (568 L) or less; and (b) are not connected to a distribution piping system. Strike Section 1303.5.3 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.5.3 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.5.3 Cleanouts. Cleanouts and access panels shall be provided in the water conveyance system to allow access to all filters, flushes, pipes and downspouts, for maintenance or removal of obstructions. Strike Section 1303.6 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.6 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.6 Drainage. Water drained from the roof washer or debris excluder shall not be drained to the sanitary sewer. Such water shall be diverted from the storage tank and shall discharge in a location that will not cause erosion or damage to property in accordance with Section 1101.2. Roof washers and debris excluders shall be provided with an automatic means of self-draining between rain events, and shall not drain onto roof surfaces. Strike Section 1303.9 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.9 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.9 Disinfection. Where the intended application for rainwater requires disinfection or other treatment or both, it shall be disinfected as needed to ensure that the required water quality is delivered at the point of use. Where chlorine is used for disinfection or treatment, water shall be tested for residual chlorine in accordance with ASTM D 1253. The levels of residual chlorine shall not exceed that allowed for the intended use in accordance with the requirements of the District of Columbia. Strike Section 1303.10.1 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.10.1 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.10.1 Location. Storage tanks shall be located with a minimum horizontal distance between the tank and various elements as indicated in Table 1303.10.1. Strike Section 1303.13 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.13 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.13 Water pressure-reducing valve or regulator. Where the water pressure supplied by the pumping system exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa) static, an approved water pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the rainwater distribution system piping to 80 psi (552 kPa) static or less. Pressure-reducing valves shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section 604.8. Strike Section 1303.15.1 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.15.1 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.15.1 Roof gutter inspection and test. Roof gutters shall be inspected to verify that the installation and slope is in accordance with Section 1303.5.1. Gutters shall be tested by pouring not less than 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water into the end of the gutter opposite the collection point. The gutter being tested shall not leak and shall not retain standing water. Strike Section 1303.15.5 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.15.5 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.15.5 Water supply system test. The testing of makeup water supply piping and distribution piping utilized in rainwater collection and conveyance systems shall be conducted in accordance with Section 312.5. Strike Section 1303.15.8 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1303.15.8 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows: 1303.15.8 Water quality test. The quality of the water for the intended application shall be verified at the point of use in accordance with the requirements of the District of Columbia. Except where site conditions as specified in ASTM E 2727 affect the rainwater, collected rainwater shall be considered to have the parameters indicated in Table 1303.15.8. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 6148 (May 29, 2020 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 7439 (July 30, 2021). The District of Columbia Plumbing Code (2017), referred to as the “Plumbing Code,” consists of the 2015 edition of the International Plumbing Code (International Plumbing Code), published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the Plumbing Code Supplement of 2017 (12-F DCMR). The International Plumbing Code is copyrighted by the ICC and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/IPC2015. District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Plumbing Code Supplement of 2017 12-F DCMR § 1303