Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-2-16-.13 - Water Supply

(1) Approved System. The water supply for milkhouse and milking operations must be:

(a) Approved as safe by the applicable Government Water Control Authority, or

(b) For individual water systems, constructed, maintained, and operated consistent with specifications outlined in Appendix D and Appendix G of the current edition of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, which are adopted by reference in 40-2-16-.31(7)(a).

(2) Cross-Connections Prohibited. No cross-connection may exist between a safe water supply and any unsafe or questionable water supply or any other source of pollution.

(3) Backflow Prevention. There must be no submerged inlets through which a safe water supply may be contaminated.

(4) Well Head Protected. The well or other source of water must be located and constructed in such a manner that neither underground nor surface contamination from any sewerage systems, privy or other source of pollution can reach such water supply.

(5) Disinfection Before Use.

(a) New individual water supplies and water supply systems that have been repaired or otherwise become contaminated must be thoroughly disinfected before being placed in use.

(b) The supply must be made free of the disinfectant by pumping to waste before any sample for bacteriological testing is collected.

(6) Containers and Tanks.

(a) All containers and tanks used in the transportation of water must be sealed and protected from possible contamination.

(b) These containers and tanks must be subjected to a thorough cleaning and a bacteriological treatment prior to filling with potable water to be used at the dairy farm.

(c) To minimize the possibility of contamination of the water during its transfer from the potable tanks to the elevated or groundwater storage at the dairy farm, a suitable pump, hose, and fittings must be provided.

(d) When the pump, hose, and fittings are not being used, the outlets must be capped and stored in a suitable dust-proof enclosure so as to prevent their contamination.

(e) The storage tank at the dairy farm must be:

1. Constructed of impervious material;

2. Provided with a dust and rainproof cover; and

3. Provided with an approved vent and roof hatch.

4. All new reservoirs or reservoirs which have been cleaned must be disinfected prior to placing them into service.

(7) Water Sampling.

(a) Samples for bacteriological examination of individual water supplies and reclaimed water from heat exchanger processes or compressors on dairy farms must be taken:

1. Upon the initial approval of the physical structure or water system;

2. When any repair or alteration of the water supply system has been made; and

3. At least:

(i) Once every three (3) year period for individual water supplies, and

(ii) At least once every six (6) month period for reclaimed water, thereafter.

(iii) Individual water supplies with buried well casing seals, installed prior to the adoption of these Regulations, must be tested at least once every six (6) month period.

(b) Whenever such samples indicate either the presence of E. coli bacteria or whenever the well casing, pump, or seal need replacing or repair, the well casing and seal:

1. Must be brought above the ground surface; and

2. Must comply with all other applicable construction criteria of this Rule.

(c) When water is hauled to the dairy farm, such water must be sampled for bacteriological examination at the point of use and submitted to a laboratory at least four (4) times in separate months during any consecutive six (6) month period.

(d) To determine if water samples have been taken at the frequency established in this Rule, the interval shall include the designated three (3) year or six (6) month period, respectively, plus the remaining days of the month in which the sample is due.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-2-16-.13

O.C.G.A. § 26-2-450, et seq.

Original Rule entitled "Water Supply" adopted. F. June 9, 2023; eff. July 1, 2023, as specified by the Agency.