+---
+title: Site Water Distribution Piping
+category: Sitework
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: private on-site pressurized water distribution piping that carries
+ potable, reclaimed, or dual-service water across a site - from the point of
+ connection at the public main, meter vault, or utility facility, through site
+ mains, laterals, and branch services, to roughly 5 feet outside the building.
+ Covers pipe selection (ductile iron, PVC, HDPE), pressure class and wall
+ thickness, fittings, mechanical and restrained joints, isolation valves and
+ service appurtenances, thrust restraint, bedding and embedment in the pressure
+ zone, tracer wire, utility separation, hydrostatic and leakage testing, and
+ main disinfection.
+ Not intended for: private underground fire service mains feeding sprinklers and
+ private hydrants ([[sync/underground-fire-service-mains]], NFPA 24); interior
+ building domestic water within 5 ft of the building ([[sync/domestic-water-piping]]);
+ site storm drainage ([[sync/storm-drainage]]); sanitary sewer, force mains, and
+ shared dry-utility duct banks ([[sync/site-utilities]]); trench excavation,
+ dewatering, shoring, and general backfill above the pipe zone ([[sync/earthwork]]);
+ and public mains owned and accepted by the water utility under its own standards.
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers private on-site pressurized water distribution piping that conveys potable, reclaimed, or dual-service water across a developed site. {note}
+
+## The system begins at the point of connection - the public water main tap, meter vault, or utility owner's facility - and extends through the site distribution network of mains, laterals, and branch services to the building entry point, conventionally taken as 5 feet outside the exterior face of the building. Beyond that line, interior domestic piping governs. {note}
+
+## This standard applies where site water distribution is a discrete civil or site-utilities scope rather than a public main installed and accepted by the water utility. {note}
+
+## It suits commercial, institutional, industrial, campus, and multi-family residential site development where the distribution network is designed and installed by the project team. It covers distribution loops, dead-end mains with blow-offs, and metered branch services made up with service saddles and corporation stops. {note}
+
+## The Contractor shall furnish and install all site water distribution piping, fittings, valves, service appurtenances, thrust restraint, embedment, tracer wire, and appurtenant work shown or specified, complete and ready for service.
+
+## The Contractor shall connect the new site distribution system to the point of connection only after the connection has been authorized by the water utility or Authority Having Jurisdiction.
+
+## The work shall be tested, disinfected, and accepted in accordance with this standard before being placed in potable service.
+
+## Private fire service mains are outside this standard. {note}
+
+## Underground mains that supply fire sprinkler systems, private hydrants, and fire department connections are governed by NFPA 24 and are specified in [[sync/underground-fire-service-mains]]. They carry different testing, restraint, and acceptance requirements and a different Authority Having Jurisdiction; do not combine them into this section. Where a common trench serves both a potable distribution lateral and a fire service lateral, the point of divergence and the inter-utility separation are coordinated at the boundary with that standard. {note}
+
+## Interior building domestic water piping is outside this standard. {note}
+
+## Piping within 5 feet of the building exterior and all piping inside the building belong to [[sync/domestic-water-piping]]. This standard ends where that one begins. {note}
+
+## Site storm drainage is outside this standard. {note}
+
+## Inlets, storm sewer, manholes, headwalls, and outfalls are covered by [[sync/storm-drainage]]. {note}
+
+## Sanitary sewer collection mains, force mains, and shared dry-utility infrastructure are outside this standard. {note}
+
+## Gravity sewer, sewage force mains, dry-utility duct banks, conduit, and manholes that share the site utility corridor are part of [[sync/site-utilities]], which serves as the omnibus single-section specification when water, sewer, and dry utilities are bid together. Use this standard when water distribution is a standalone scope or a dedicated section is wanted. {note}
+
+## Trench excavation, dewatering, shoring, and general structural backfill above the pipe embedment zone are outside this standard. {note}
+
+## Those operations are governed by [[sync/earthwork]], which this standard references but does not duplicate. This standard governs only the bedding and embedment within the pressure-pipe zone. {note}
+
+## Backflow prevention assemblies at the service connection are coordinated with [[sync/backflow-prevention]]. {note}
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Materials, products, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited in the table or elsewhere in this standard.
+
+## Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| AWWA C150/A21.50 | Thickness Design of Ductile-Iron Pipe |
+| AWWA C151/A21.51 | Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast, for Water |
+| AWWA C104/A21.4 | Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings for Water |
+| AWWA C105/A21.5 | Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile-Iron Pipe Systems |
+| AWWA C110/A21.10 | Ductile-Iron and Gray-Iron Fittings |
+| AWWA C111/A21.11 | Rubber-Gasket Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings |
+| AWWA C153/A21.53 | Ductile-Iron Compact Fittings |
+| AWWA C600-23 | Installation of Ductile-Iron Mains and Their Appurtenances |
+| AWWA C900-22 | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, 4 In. Through 60 In. |
+| AWWA C905 | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, 14 In. Through 48 In. |
+| AWWA C605 | Underground Installation of PVC and Molecularly Oriented PVC (PVCO) Pressure Pipe and Fittings |
+| AWWA C906 | Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Fittings, 4 In. Through 65 In., for Waterworks |
+| AWWA C509 | Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service |
+| AWWA C515-20 | Reduced-Wall, Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service |
+| AWWA C800 | Underground Service Line Valves and Fittings |
+| AWWA C651 | Disinfecting Water Mains |
+| AWWA C502 | Dry-Barrel Fire Hydrants |
+| NSF/ANSI 61-2025 | Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects |
+| NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 | Drinking Water System Components - Lead Content |
+| ASTM D2774 | Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pressure Piping |
+| NFPA 24 | Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances |
+
+## The expanded size range of AWWA C900-22 overlaps the historical range of AWWA C905. {note}
+
+## The 2022 revision of AWWA C900 extended its scope to 4 in. through 60 in., which overlaps the 14 in. through 48 in. range historically governed by AWWA C905. For any PVC pipe 14 in. and larger, confirm which document the local utility or Authority Having Jurisdiction requires before submitting, and pin the governing edition in the submittal so dimension ratio and pressure class are unambiguous. Citing both standards without resolving the overlap generates an RFI on every large-diameter PVC submittal. {note}
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before ordering materials or beginning installation:
+
+- Product data for pipe, fittings, joints, and gaskets, including material standard, pressure class or dimension ratio, lining, and laying length
+- Product data for isolation valves, valve boxes, and operators
+- Product data for service saddles, corporation stops, curb stops, and meter setters
+- NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certification for every wetted component, including pipe, fittings, valves, gaskets, lubricants, and coatings
+- Thrust restraint design, showing thrust block dimensions with the soil bearing capacity used, and restrained-joint lengths for each fitting type, size, and design pressure
+- Pipe bedding and embedment details keyed to the selected pipe material and class
+- Soil resistivity test results where ductile iron is proposed, with the polyethylene encasement determination
+- Tracer wire system layout showing wire type, splices, and surface access points
+- Layout and profile coordination drawings confirming horizontal and vertical separation from sewer and other utilities
+
+### Action submittals:
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action submittals required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Pipe, fitting, joint, and gasket product data
+ - Isolation valve, valve box, and operator product data
+ - Service saddle, corporation stop, curb stop, meter setter product data
+ - NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certification (all wetted components)
+ - Thrust restraint design (blocks + restrained lengths)
+ - Bedding and embedment details
+ - Soil resistivity results and PE encasement determination
+ - Tracer wire layout and access points
+ - Utility separation coordination drawings
+```
+
+## Closeout Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals before final acceptance:
+
+- Hydrostatic pressure and leakage test reports for each tested segment, with the test pressure, duration, and allowable-versus-measured leakage
+- Disinfection records, including chlorination method, dosage, contact time, flushing, and dechlorination
+- Two consecutive passing bacteriological sample results from an accredited laboratory for each main placed in potable service
+- Record drawings showing as-built horizontal and vertical alignment, fitting and valve locations, valve ties, and service connection stationing
+- Tracer wire continuity test results
+
+### Closeout submittals:
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout submittals required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Hydrostatic pressure and leakage test reports
+ - Disinfection records
+ - Two consecutive passing bacteriological samples
+ - Record drawings with valve ties and service stationing
+ - Tracer wire continuity test results
+```
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## The Contractor shall employ installers experienced in the installation of pressurized water distribution piping of the type and size specified. {note}
+
+## Mechanical joints, restrained joints, and thermoplastic fusion each demand specific technique; improper assembly is the most common cause of test failures and in-service joint separation. Fusion of HDPE in particular shall be performed only by an operator qualified on the equipment in use. {note}
+
+## All pipe, fittings, valves, gaskets, lubricants, linings, and coatings in contact with potable or reclaimed water shall be certified to NSF/ANSI 61.
+
+## All wetted components shall comply with the lead-content limits of NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, with a weighted-average lead content not exceeding 0.25 percent of wetted surface.
+
+## Certification to NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 applies to every wetted component, not pipe alone. {note}
+
+## A frequent acceptance delay arises when valves, gaskets, joint lubricants, or coatings lack documented certification even though the pipe is certified. Require the certification mark or listing for each wetted item at submittal so a missing valve listing does not stall acceptance. {note}
+
+## The Contractor shall notify the Engineer and the water utility before connecting to the existing distribution system, and shall not make the connection until authorized.
+
+## Pipe and fittings shall bear the manufacturer's mark, the applicable standard designation, the nominal size, and the pressure class or dimension ratio, legible after installation where exposed.
+
+# Service and Site Conditions {toc}
+
+## The working pressure, surge allowance, depth of cover, and soil conditions establish the pipe class, restraint, and corrosion protection for the system. {note}
+
+## Pipe class shall be selected for the maximum sustained working pressure plus a surge allowance, not the static pressure alone. Depth of cover and trench loading enter the ductile iron thickness design per AWWA C150. Soil corrosivity, established by resistivity testing, determines whether polyethylene encasement is required for ductile iron. {note}
+
+### The system maximum working pressure used for design shall be established and recorded for thrust restraint and test pressure derivation.
+
+```datasheet
+label: System maximum working pressure
+type: range
+unit: psi
+min: 40
+max: 250
+step: 5
+default: 150
+```
+
+### Minimum depth of cover over the pipe shall provide frost and load protection for the project locale.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum cover over pipe
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 30
+max: 84
+step: 6
+default: 48
+drawing_ref: true
+```
+
+### Soil resistivity shall be measured where ductile iron pipe is proposed, to determine the need for corrosion protection.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Measured soil resistivity (DI evaluation)
+type: range
+unit: Ω·cm
+min: 500
+max: 10000
+step: 250
+default: 2000
+```
+
+### Ductile iron pipe installed in soil with resistivity below 1500 Ω·cm shall be polyethylene-encased in accordance with AWWA C105.
+
+## Specifying ductile iron in corrosive soil without polyethylene encasement causes early pitting failure. {note}
+
+## Where soil resistivity falls below roughly 1500 Ω·cm, or where other corrosion indicators (low pH, chlorides, stray current, cinders, or disturbed fill) are present, bare ductile iron corrodes and can perforate well before its design life. Make the resistivity test and the encasement trigger explicit rather than leaving encasement to field judgment. {note}
+
+# Pipe Materials {toc}
+
+## Pipe material is selected from ductile iron, PVC, or HDPE based on pressure class, soil corrosivity, installation method, and the local utility's accepted materials. {note}
+
+## Ductile iron offers high strength and is widely accepted but is heavier and corrodes in aggressive soil without encasement. PVC is corrosion-resistant and economical for typical distribution pressures. HDPE is fused into a continuous, leak-resistant, restrained string and suits directional drilling and ground likely to move. Confirm the selected material against the serving utility's accepted-materials list before ordering. {note}
+
+### The pipe material shall be selected and shall be uniform within each continuous run unless a transition is detailed.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Primary pipe material
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Ductile iron (AWWA C151)
+ - PVC (AWWA C900)
+ - HDPE (AWWA C906)
+default: Ductile iron (AWWA C151)
+```
+
+## Ductile Iron Pipe {toc}
+
+### Ductile iron pipe shall conform to AWWA C151/A21.51.
+
+### Ductile iron pipe wall thickness shall be designed in accordance with AWWA C150/A21.50 for the working pressure, surge, trench load, and depth of cover.
+
+### Ductile iron pipe shall be cement-mortar lined in accordance with AWWA C104/A21.4 unless an alternative lining is specified for the water chemistry.
+
+### The pressure class of ductile iron pipe shall be selected to suit the design working pressure and surge.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Ductile iron pressure class
+type: select
+unit: psi
+options:
+ - Class 150
+ - Class 200
+ - Class 250
+ - Class 300
+ - Class 350
+default: Class 350
+```
+
+### The interior lining of ductile iron pipe shall be selected for the conveyed water chemistry.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Ductile iron interior lining
+type: select
+options:
+ - Cement-mortar (AWWA C104)
+ - Glass-lined / ceramic epoxy
+ - Polyethylene-lined
+default: Cement-mortar (AWWA C104)
+```
+
+## Cement-mortar lining prevents tuberculation but is not suited to every water chemistry. {note}
+
+## The cement-mortar lining of AWWA C104 protects the pipe bore and preserves carrying capacity in most potable systems. Aggressive or low-alkalinity water can attack the lining, in which case a ceramic-epoxy or polyethylene lining is more durable. Match the lining to the water analysis rather than defaulting in every case. {note}
+
+## PVC Pressure Pipe {toc}
+
+### PVC pressure pipe shall conform to AWWA C900-22 for the size range supplied.
+
+### PVC pipe 14 in. and larger shall be furnished to the standard designated by the serving utility, resolving the C900-22 and C905 size overlap before fabrication.
+
+### The dimension ratio of PVC pipe shall be selected so the rated pressure class equals or exceeds the design working pressure plus surge allowance.
+
+```datasheet
+label: PVC dimension ratio (pressure class)
+type: select
+options:
+ - DR 25 (165 psi)
+ - DR 18 (235 psi)
+ - DR 14 (305 psi)
+default: DR 18 (235 psi)
+```
+
+### PVC pipe and fittings shall be installed in accordance with AWWA C605.
+
+## PVC dimension ratio sets the pressure rating; lower DR means thicker wall and higher rating. {note}
+
+## Dimension ratio is the ratio of outside diameter to wall thickness. A lower DR is a thicker wall and a higher pressure rating - DR 18 is rated 235 psi and DR 14 is rated 305 psi for C900 PVC. Select DR for the working pressure plus a surge allowance; rapid valve closure and pump cycling can drive transient pressures well above static. {note}
+
+## HDPE Pipe {toc}
+
+### HDPE pipe shall conform to AWWA C906.
+
+### HDPE pipe shall be joined by butt fusion or electrofusion performed by a qualified operator; threaded or solvent joints shall not be used.
+
+### The dimension ratio (DR) of HDPE pipe shall be selected for the design working pressure plus surge.
+
+```datasheet
+label: HDPE dimension ratio
+type: select
+options:
+ - DR 21
+ - DR 17
+ - DR 13.5
+ - DR 11
+default: DR 17
+```
+
+## HDPE forms a continuous restrained string, which changes the restraint and crossing strategy. {note}
+
+## Fused HDPE behaves as a continuous, fully restrained pipe with no bell-and-spigot joints to separate, so thrust blocking at in-line fittings is generally unnecessary for the pipe itself. This makes it well suited to horizontal directional drilling and to ground subject to settlement or seismic movement. Mechanical connections to valves and to dissimilar pipe still require restraint and transition fittings. {note}
+
+# Fittings and Joints {toc}
+
+## Joint type is selected by service need: push-on for straight runs, mechanical joint for adjustability, and restrained joint where thrust must be carried by the pipe. {note}
+
+## Push-on joints are the economical default for straight runs. Mechanical joints allow field deflection and disassembly. Restrained joints carry thrust through the pipe string and are required at bends, tees, caps, valves, and wherever thrust blocks are impractical or prohibited. {note}
+
+### Ductile-iron and gray-iron fittings shall conform to AWWA C110/A21.10 or to the compact fittings of AWWA C153/A21.53.
+
+### Rubber-gasket push-on and mechanical joints shall conform to AWWA C111/A21.11.
+
+### Joint gaskets and lubricants shall be certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for potable service.
+
+### The joint type for distribution mains shall be selected for the service condition.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Main joint type
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Push-on (AWWA C111)
+ - Mechanical joint (AWWA C111)
+ - Restrained joint
+default: Push-on (AWWA C111)
+```
+
+### Restrained joints shall be provided at all bends, tees, crosses, reducers, caps, plugs, valves, and dead ends, and for the full calculated restrained length on each side of the fitting.
+
+## Restraint must extend the full calculated length, not just the fitting. {note}
+
+## The restrained joint at a fitting only anchors that fitting; the unbalanced thrust is resisted by the friction and bearing developed over a length of restrained pipe on each side. That length depends on pipe size, design pressure, depth, and soil, and shall be calculated or taken from the utility's standard detail. Restraining only the fitting itself, with unrestrained pipe immediately beyond, leaves the assembly free to pull apart on pressurization. {note}
+
+# Thrust Restraint {toc}
+
+## Every change in direction or termination develops an unbalanced thrust that must be resisted by a thrust block, a restrained-joint system, or a combination. {note}
+
+## Internal pressure acting on a bend, tee, cap, or reducer produces a resultant force that will move the fitting and open the joint unless restrained. Concrete thrust blocks transfer this force to undisturbed soil through bearing; restrained-joint systems transfer it into the pipe string. The method is selected per fitting and may combine both. Saturated, loose, or organic soils have low bearing capacity and may rule out thrust blocks entirely. {note}
+
+### A thrust restraint method shall be provided at every fitting, valve, and termination subject to unbalanced thrust.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Thrust restraint method
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Concrete thrust blocks
+ - Restrained-joint system
+ - Combination (blocks + restrained joints)
+default: Restrained-joint system
+```
+
+### Concrete thrust blocks shall be sized using the verified soil bearing capacity at the fitting location, not a generic table value.
+
+### Thrust block bearing shall be placed against undisturbed soil, and the block shall not cover the joint or bolts.
+
+### Restrained-joint lengths shall be designed for the design pressure (including surge) and the soil parameters at each fitting.
+
+### The soil bearing capacity used for thrust block design shall be recorded and used for restraint design.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Design soil bearing capacity
+type: range
+unit: psf
+min: 500
+max: 4000
+step: 250
+default: 1000
+```
+
+## Undersized thrust blocks fail on first pressurization. {note}
+
+## Sizing a block from a generic table without verifying the bearing capacity is a leading cause of joint blowouts. In loose or saturated soil the available bearing can be a fraction of the table assumption, and the block moves under load. Require the designer to confirm the bearing value used, and prefer restrained joints where soil is poor or where blocks would obstruct future excavation. {note}
+
+# Valves and Appurtenances {toc}
+
+## Isolation valves divide the system into segments that can be shut down for maintenance and repair without taking the whole network out of service. {note}
+
+## Valve spacing and the number of services isolated per valve follow the utility master plan and any fire-flow segmentation requirement. Resilient-seated gate valves are the distribution standard; butterfly valves are used on larger transmission mains. Direct-bury valves operate through a valve box; larger or frequently operated valves are set in vaults. {note}
+
+### Resilient-seated gate valves shall conform to AWWA C509, or to the reduced-wall AWWA C515-20 where a lighter valve is acceptable for the size and burial.
+
+### Gate valves shall be nonrising stem (NRS) for direct-bury service unless a vault installation requires outside screw and yoke.
+
+### Direct-bury valves shall be provided with a cast-iron slide-type valve box and an extension stem as required to reach the operating nut from grade.
+
+### The isolation valve type shall be selected for the main size and service.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Isolation valve type
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Resilient-seated gate valve (AWWA C509)
+ - Reduced-wall resilient gate valve (AWWA C515)
+ - Butterfly valve
+default: Resilient-seated gate valve (AWWA C509)
+```
+
+### The valve stem configuration shall be selected for the installation.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Valve stem / operator
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Nonrising stem (NRS), 2 in. operating nut
+ - Outside screw and yoke (OS&Y), handwheel
+default: Nonrising stem (NRS), 2 in. operating nut
+```
+
+### Maximum spacing between isolation valves shall be set per the utility master plan to limit the segment taken out of service.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum isolation valve spacing
+type: range
+unit: ft
+min: 400
+max: 1000
+step: 100
+default: 800
+drawing_ref: true
+```
+
+### Valve locations shall be as shown [[drawing: valve plan]].
+
+## Service Connections {toc}
+
+### Service saddles shall conform to AWWA C800, with a double-strap stainless-steel band and a threaded outlet.
+
+### Corporation stops and curb stops shall be ball-type, conforming to AWWA C800, of lead-free bronze certified to NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372.
+
+### Each metered branch service shall be connected to the main with a service saddle and corporation stop, or with a directly tapped tee where the main size and material permit.
+
+### The service line material from the corporation stop to the meter shall be selected for the service.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Service line material
+type: select
+options:
+ - Type K soft copper
+ - Polyethylene (PE)
+ - Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
+default: Type K soft copper
+```
+
+### Service connection locations and sizes shall be as shown [[drawing: service connection schedule]].
+
+## Yard hydrants placed on the distribution main for flushing or utility use shall conform to AWWA C502 and are distinct from private fire hydrants. {note}
+
+## Where the site plan locates public-style yard hydrants on the domestic or combination distribution main - for flushing or utility access rather than fire protection - they are dry-barrel hydrants per AWWA C502. Private fire hydrants serving fire protection are part of [[sync/underground-fire-service-mains]] and are not specified here. {note}
+
+# Bedding and Embedment {toc}
+
+## The bedding and embedment in the pressure-pipe zone support the pipe, distribute load, and prevent point bearing; the class is matched to the pipe material and native soil. {note}
+
+## This standard governs only the zone from the trench bottom to a point above the pipe; general backfill above that zone is governed by [[sync/earthwork]]. Ductile iron is commonly bedded to AWWA C600 Class B - a graded bedding with haunch material worked to the springline. Thermoplastic pipe is bedded and embedded per the embedment classes of AWWA C605, with the class selected for the dimension ratio and native soil. Crushed-stone embedment shall be confined where the native soil could migrate into the voids. {note}
+
+### Pipe shall be bedded on a stable, graded foundation free of rock, debris, and frozen material, and shall bear uniformly along its length, not on the bells.
+
+### Bell holes shall be excavated at each joint so the barrel bears continuously and the joint is accessible for assembly.
+
+### Embedment material shall be placed and worked under the haunches and consolidated to the springline so the pipe is laterally supported.
+
+### The bedding and embedment class shall be selected for the pipe material and native soil.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Bedding / embedment class
+type: select
+options:
+ - AWWA C600 Class B (DI)
+ - AWWA C605 Type 1 (crushed stone)
+ - AWWA C605 Type 2 (coarse-grained)
+ - AWWA C605 Type 3 (coarse-grained with fines)
+default: AWWA C600 Class B (DI)
+```
+
+### Minimum bedding thickness below the pipe shall be provided.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum bedding thickness below pipe
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 4
+max: 12
+step: 2
+default: 6
+```
+
+# Tracer Wire and Locating {toc}
+
+## Non-metallic pipe is invisible to electromagnetic locators, so a continuous tracer wire with surface access points is required to find PVC and HDPE mains after backfill. {note}
+
+## PVC and HDPE mains cannot be located by induction the way metallic pipe can. A continuous insulated tracer wire taped to the top of the pipe, brought to the surface at regular access points, provides a conductor for electronic locating. Without access points at valve boxes as well as service pits, crews cannot energize and trace the line. {note}
+
+### A continuous insulated tracer wire shall be installed on the top of all non-metallic pipe, taped to the barrel at intervals.
+
+### Tracer wire shall be 12 AWG solid copper or copper-clad steel with insulation rated for direct burial, spliced only with waterproof connectors.
+
+### Tracer wire shall be brought to the surface and terminated in a loop at every valve box, service access point, and main terminus to allow connection of a locator.
+
+### Tracer wire continuity shall be tested over the full installed length and the results recorded before acceptance.
+
+### The tracer wire conductor shall be selected for the project.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Tracer wire conductor
+type: select
+options:
+ - 12 AWG solid copper
+ - 12 AWG copper-clad steel
+ - 10 AWG solid copper
+default: 12 AWG solid copper
+```
+
+# Utility Separation {toc}
+
+## Mandatory separation from sanitary sewer protects the potable main from contamination if either line fails. {note}
+
+## Codes require a minimum horizontal and vertical clearance between water mains and sewers, with the water main above the sewer at crossings, so a sewer leak cannot enter the water main. Conflicts found after trenching force costly re-routing, so the separation shall be verified against the civil drawings at design, not in the field. {note}
+
+### A minimum horizontal clear separation shall be maintained between the water main and any sanitary or storm sewer, per the governing health or plumbing code.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum horizontal separation from sewer
+type: range
+unit: ft
+min: 6
+max: 12
+step: 1
+default: 10
+```
+
+### A minimum vertical clear separation shall be maintained where the water main crosses a sewer, per the governing code.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum vertical separation at crossings
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 12
+max: 24
+step: 6
+default: 18
+```
+
+### The water main shall be located above the sewer at all crossings; where this cannot be achieved, the sewer shall be sleeved or constructed of pressure pipe for the required distance each side of the crossing.
+
+### Separation from other utilities and any required encasement shall be as shown [[drawing: utility crossing details]].
+
+# Testing {toc}
+
+## Pressure and leakage testing confirms the installed system is sound before it is disinfected and placed in service. {note}
+
+## Each segment is filled, purged of air, and held at a test pressure above the working pressure for a fixed duration. The allowable leakage is calculated from the segment length, diameter, and test pressure per AWWA C600 for ductile iron or AWWA C605 for thermoplastic; measured make-up water above the allowable indicates a defective joint or fitting. Testing precedes disinfection so leaks are repaired before chlorinated water is introduced. {note}
+
+### Each segment shall be slowly filled, and air shall be expelled through corporation stops or other vents at high points before testing.
+
+### Each segment shall be hydrostatically tested at not less than 1.5 times the working pressure, or 150 psi, whichever is greater, held for the required duration.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Hydrostatic test pressure
+type: range
+unit: psi
+min: 150
+max: 350
+step: 25
+default: 200
+```
+
+### The hydrostatic test shall be held for the required duration without dropping below the test pressure except for measured make-up.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Hydrostatic test duration
+type: range
+unit: hr
+min: 1
+max: 4
+step: 1
+default: 2
+```
+
+### Measured leakage shall not exceed the allowable leakage computed per AWWA C600 or AWWA C605 for the segment.
+
+### Any joint, fitting, or length showing leakage above the allowable shall be repaired or replaced and the segment retested until it passes.
+
+# Disinfection {toc}
+
+## Disinfection and bacteriological clearance are required before any main is placed in potable service. {note}
+
+## A new main is chlorinated to a specified residual, held for a contact time, then flushed and dechlorinated per AWWA C651. The line is not accepted for potable use until two consecutive bacteriological samples, taken at least 24 hours apart, are free of coliform. Specifying "flush until clear" without a minimum flushing velocity and the two-sample requirement creates a dispute over when sampling can begin and routinely delays the schedule. {note}
+
+### New and disturbed mains shall be disinfected in accordance with AWWA C651 before being placed in potable service.
+
+### The disinfection method shall be selected for the project.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Disinfection method
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Continuous-feed chlorination
+ - Slug method
+ - Tablet method
+default: Continuous-feed chlorination
+```
+
+### The main shall be flushed at a velocity of at least 2 ft/s before and after disinfection, where hydrant or outlet capacity permits.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum flushing velocity
+type: range
+unit: ft/s
+min: 2.0
+max: 5.0
+step: 0.5
+default: 2.5
+```
+
+### Chlorinated water shall be neutralized or dechlorinated before discharge to the environment, in accordance with the disinfection method and local discharge rules.
+
+### Two consecutive bacteriological samples taken at least 24 hours apart shall be free of total coliform before the main is placed in potable service.
+
+### Reclaimed-water and dual-service mains shall be color-coded and marked to distinguish them from potable mains, and shall not be cross-connected to potable service.
+
+# Delivery, Storage, and Handling {toc}
+
+## Pipe, gaskets, and linings degrade if mishandled or left exposed, so protection from delivery through installation is part of the work. {note}
+
+## Pipe shall be handled with wide slings, not chains or hooks through the bells, and stored off the ground. PVC and gaskets shall be shaded from prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Open pipe ends shall be plugged whenever work stops so soil, water, and animals do not enter and contaminate the main before disinfection. {note}
+
+### Pipe and fittings shall be loaded, unloaded, and handled to prevent impact, gouging, and damage to linings, coatings, and bell ends.
+
+### Pipe, gaskets, lubricants, and fittings shall be stored off the ground and protected from prolonged ultraviolet exposure and from contaminants.
+
+### Open ends of installed pipe shall be closed with a watertight plug whenever pipe-laying is not in progress to keep contaminants out of the main.
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## The Contractor shall warrant the installed water distribution system against defects in materials and workmanship for the period required by the Contract.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Warranty period
+type: range
+unit: months
+min: 12
+max: 36
+step: 12
+default: 12
+```
+
+### The Contractor shall repair or replace any pipe, joint, valve, or appurtenance that leaks, separates, or fails within the warranty period, and shall restore disturbed surfaces, at no cost to the Owner.