Disinfection for Pipeline Repairs - Disinfection of Pipelines and Storage Facilities Field Guide - page 58

Chapter 4
Disinfection for Pipeline Repairs
Broken pipelines, severe service line leaks, and other dam-
aged distribution system components require emergency repairs.
An action plan is needed to efficiently handle these situations.
The plan should include coordination with police, fire, and street
or highway department personnel, and describe personnel train-
ing requirements, discuss the need for accurate records, and
ensure the availability of critical repair parts. Careful planning
can lead to the quick restoration of water service.
When making emergency repairs, the following steps should
be used to reduce the chance of microbial contamination and to
safely return the pipeline to service.
1. Ensure that repair parts are available and in good sani-
tary condition before they arrive at the site.
2. Employ sanitary repair practices and check the trenches
for potential contamination.
3. Use accepted chlorination procedures.
4. Take samples for bacteriological testing.
5. Document the event and the procedures used to repair
and return the pipeline to service.
Each of these good practices are discussed in more detail in
the following sections.
Condition and Storage of Repair Parts
A carefully selected inventory of spare (repair) parts should
be stored so that they can be delivered quickly to the site of an
emergency main break. Either a parts supplier or the utility
property are suitable sites for locating a parts inventory, as long
as they are accessible when they are needed.
All pipes, fittings, valves, clamps, and other appurtenances
should be inspected on delivery. Security should be provided to
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