Requirements for Use of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation

(1) Except as otherwise provided in 314 CMR 20.13(3), an application for a reclaimed water system that treats wastewater so that it may be used for irrigation shall include a public education program and an implementation schedule that provides for annual reporting on the implementation of the program. The education program shall be designed to inform users, residents and plumbing contractors and inspectors who deal with irrigation about the need to: (a) Prohibit cross connections between the reclaimed water system, the potable water, system and the pipes carrying water for drinking, domestic, and culinary purposes; (b) Clearly and distinctly identify the potable water distribution lines and plumbing carrying water for drinking, domestic and culinary purposes to differentiate them from the reclaimed water distribution lines and plumbing; (c) Avoid contact with and minimize ponding or runoff of reclaimed water; and (d) Comply with all other applicable requirements governing the use of reclaimed water for irrigation. (2) The Engineering Report for a reclaimed water system that is designed to produce reclaimed water for irrigation shall document that the irrigation system has been designed to avoid any surface ponding, to ensure that spray mist or other runoff does not enter buildings, dwellings, decks, garages, driveways, roads, designated outdoor eating areas or food handling facilities, and to prevent any contact between reclaimed water spray, mist or runoff and a drinking water fountain. (3) The requirements of 314 CMR 20.13(1) and 314 CMR 20.13(2) shall not apply to a reclaimed water system that provides reclaimed water for irrigation by means of a subsurface soil absorption system approved by the Department pursuant to 314 CMR 5.00.