Design Guidelines for Water and Sewer Facilities

MASTER TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL
SECTION SECTION NAME DATE PAGES

Introduction 09/07/2004 2
Signatory Agencies 09/07/2004 1
Technical Review 09/07/2004 1
Standard Terms and Definitions 09/07/2004 3

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Drafting Guidelines 09/07/2004 11

1.2 AutoCAD Guidelines 09/07/2004 10
1.3 MicroStation Guidelines Future Release
1.4 Land Acquisition and Disposition 05/02/2006 5
1.5 Easements and Encroachments 09/07/2004 6
1.6 Survey Standards Guideline 09/07/2004 5
1.7 Record Drawing Guidelines 09/07/2004 3

2.0 PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

2.1 Procedural Guidelines 09/07/2004 5

2.2 Development Plan and Permit Processing Procedures 09/07/2004 12
2.3 Water Facility Guidelines 09/07/2004 4
2.4 Sewer Facility Guidelines 09/07/2004 4
2.5 Recycled Water Facility Guidelines 09/07/2004 11

3.0 AGENCY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

3.1 Agency Capital Improvement Projects 09/07/2004 2

3.2 Design Project Progress Submittals 09/07/2004 6
3.3 Submittals (Shop) 09/07/2004 3
3.4 Project Cost Estimates 05/02/2006 13
3.5 Technical Specifications 09/07/2004 4

4.0 PLANNING

4.1 Water Planning 09/07/2004 13

4.2 Sewer Planning 09/07/2004 8
4.3 Recycled Water Planning 09/07/2004 5
4.4 Sub-Area Master Plan Development 09/07/2004 6
4.5 Environmental Review 09/07/2004 11
4.6 National Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) 09/07/2004 5
4.7 Other Agency Permits 05/02/2006 5

WAS Master Table of Contents

Design Guidelines Page 1 of 3 Revised: 09/26/2007
 Design Guidelines for Water and Sewer Facilities
MASTER TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTINUED

APPROVAL
SECTION SECTION NAME DATE PAGES

5.0 WATER PIPELINE DESIGN

5.1 Pressure Pipeline Design 09/07/2004 6

5.2 Thrust Restraint and Anchor Blocks 09/26/2007 8
5.3 Line Valves Selection and Placement 09/26/2007 5
5.4 Fire Hydrants and Fire Services 09/07/2004 4
5.5 Air Valves 09/07/2004 4
5.6 Blowoffs 09/07/2004 4
5.7 Water Services and Test Stations 09/07/2004 6

6.0 SEWER PIPELINE DESIGN

6.1 Gravity Sewer Pipeline Design 09/07/2004 5

6.2 Sewer Manholes and Cleanouts 09/07/2004 5
6.3 Sewer Laterals 09/07/2004 4
6.4 Pressure Systems (Force Mains) 05/02/2006 5

7.0 RESERVOIR DESIGN

7.1 Storage Facilities 05/02/2006 32

7.2 Seismic Sensing Devices Future release

8.0 CONTROL VALVES

8.1 Pressure/Flow Control Stations 05/02/2006 6

8.2 Vaults & Equipment Future Release
8.3 Agency Interconnections Future Release

9.0 WATER PUMP STATION DESIGN

9.1 Water Pump Station Design 05/01/2007 37

9.2 Structural Guidelines 05/01/2007 12
9.3 Noise Control Guidelines 05/01/2007 18

10.0 SEWAGE PUMP STATION DESIGN

10.1 Sewage Pump (Lift) Station Design Future Release

10.2 Surge Control/Analysis Future Release

WAS Master Table of Contents

Design Guidelines Page 2 of 3 Revised: 09/26/2007
 Design Guidelines for Water and Sewer Facilities
MASTER TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTINUED

APPROVAL
SECTION SECTION NAME DATE PAGES

11.0 CORROSION CONTROL

11.1 Pipeline Corrosion Control Systems Future Release

11.2 Reservoir Corrosion Control Systems Future Release

12.0 SPECIALIZED DESIGN

12.1 Bridge Crossings 05/02/2006 8

12.2 Trenchless Construction 05/02/2006 9
12.3 Pipe Bursting 05/02/2006 8
12.4 Railroad and Freeway Crossings 05/02/2006 2
12.5 Pipe Rehabilitation 05/01/2007 8
12.6 Temporary Above Ground Piping (Water) 05/02/2006 5
12.7 Temporary Bypass Requirements (Sewer) 05/02/2006 3
12.8 Facility Security Guidelines Future Release

13.0 APPENDICES

A Revisions 09/07/2004 3
B Units of Measurement 09/07/2004 5

WAS Master Table of Contents

Design Guidelines Page 3 of 3 Revised: 09/26/2007
 WATER AGENCIES’ STANDARDS
Design Guidelines for Water and Sewer Facilities

SECTION 5.2
THRUST RESTRAINT AND ANCHOR BLOCKS

5.2.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this section is to provide guidelines for the design of thrust blocks and anchor
blocks for underground pressure pipelines. In general, thrust blocks and anchor blocks are
required to provide thrust restraint to counteract forces created by the contents of underground
pressure pipelines. For design specific to steel pipelines the reader should also refer to AWWA
M-11.

5.2.2 STANDARD TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Wherever technical terms or pronouns are used in these guidelines or in related documents, the
intent and meaning shall be interpreted as described in industry accepted nomenclature and
reference materials.

5.2.3 GENERAL

It is the responsibility of the user of these documents to refer to and utilize industry standards not
directly referenced within this document as necessary. The Engineer of Work may not deviate
from the criteria presented in this section without prior written approval of the Agency’s Engineer.

5.2.4 GUIDELINE

Thrust blocks and anchor blocks are not required on steel pipe with welded joints where, in the
opinion of the Agency’s Engineer, pipe design provides adequate thrust restraint. In addition,
thrust blocks and anchor blocks are not required on steel or ductile-iron pipe with flanged joints if
sufficient thrust restraint has been achieved by the restraint system. For design of collar, wrapper
and crotch plates for steel pipe refer to AWWA M-11.

Thrust blocks and anchor blocks may also be eliminated in locations where thrust-restraining
fittings (including flanged fittings) are utilized along with thrust-restraining pipe joints, provided
that thrust restraint systems are designed by the Engineer of Work in accordance with the
manufacturers’ instructions, are approved by the Agency’s Engineer, and are shown on the
Approved Plans.

The design and sizing of thrust blocks and anchor blocks shall conform to the following
guidelines:

A. Thrust blocks or anchor blocks are required on all unrestrained pressure pipelines at
locations where thrust forces caused by internal pressures act upon the sides or ends of
pipelines.

1. Thrust blocks are required at all unrestrained tees, wyes, reducers, horizontal
bends, ascending vertical bends, and dead-ends. Since the act of closing an in-
line valve creates a dead-end, valves not connected to other fittings also require
thrust blocks.

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 1 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 2. Anchor blocks are required at all unrestrained descending vertical bends.

B. Thrust blocks and anchor blocks shall be formed from concrete poured against wetted,
undisturbed soil. Concrete materials shall be in accordance with Section 03000 of the
WAS Specifications unless otherwise directed by Agency’s Engineer. Concrete shall be
placed in accordance with the WAS Standard Drawing WT-01 and such that fittings and
valves are accessible for repairs or replacement.

5.2.5 THRUST CALCULATIONS

Pipeline thrust shall be calculated using the following formulae. Calculations below use standard
American units.

A. Pipeline thrust at tees, wyes, in-line valves, and dead-ends:

T = 0.25πpd 2

Where: T = resultant thrust force (lb),

p = internal pressure (lb/in2), and
d = outside diameter of side (branch) outlet piping (for tees or wyes)
or dead-end pipe (in).

B. Pipeline thrust at bends:

T = 0.50πpd 2 (sin Δ / 2)

Where: T = resultant thrust force (lb),

p = internal pressure (lb/in2),
d = outside diameter of pipe adjacent to bend (in), and
Δ = true angle of bend (degrees).

C. Pipeline thrust at reducers:

T = 0.25πp( D 2 − d 2 )

Where: T = resultant thrust force (lb),

p = internal pressure (lb/in2),
D = outside diameter of pipe adjacent to the large end of the reducer
(in), and
d = outside diameter of pipe adjacent to the small end of the reducer
(in).

D. Pipeline thrust at crosses:

For the most conservative approach and due to the fact that valves can be placed at
crosses on any leg and the valve then closed the designer should use the approach
above in Item B. for pipeline thrust at bends. The only difference is the angle at a cross
will always be 90°.

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 2 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 E. Thrust Table for C900/C905 PVC:

The following tables show the thrust, in pounds, resulting from the installation of the
noted fittings per 100 lb/in2 of hydrostatic pressure applied to C900 and C905 PVC Pipe.
For instance, if the required design pressure is 235 lb/in2, multiply the values in the table
by 2.35. Note that the design pressure is the class of pipe. The safety factor in
conjunction with using the class of pipe as the design pressure provides sufficient
redundancy for hydro-test conditions and minor surges for both thrust and anchor blocks.
Values in the following tables are identical to those derived from the formulae shown
above and are listed for convenience. Refer to AWWA M23 Manual of Water Supply
Practices for more detail. Thrust values for all other pipe materials shall be calculated by
the Engineer of Work.

Table 1 – Sample Table

Thrust for AWWA C900 PVC Pipe (lb)
Tees,
Average Wyes,
Nominal
Outside Pressure Valves, 90° 45° 22.5° 11.25°
Pipe Class
Diameter (lb/in2) and Bend Bend Bend Bend
Size (in)
(in) Dead
Ends
4 4.80 100 1,810 2,559 1,385 706 355 200
6 6.90 100 3,739 5,288 2,862 1,459 733 200
8 9.05 100 6,433 9,097 4,923 2,510 1,261 200
10 11.10 100 9,677 13,685 7,406 3,776 1,897 200
12 13.20 100 13,685 19,353 10,474 5,340 2,683 200

Table 2 – Sample Table

Thrust for AWWA C905 PVC Pipe (lb)
Tees,
Wyes,
Nominal *Outside
Pressure Valves,
Pipe Diameter 90° 45° 22.5° 11.25° Class
(lb/in2) and
Size (in) (in)
Dead
Ends
14 15.30 100 18,385 26,001 14,072 7,174 3,604 165/235
16 17.40 100 23,779 33,628 18,199 9,278 4,661 165/235
18 19.50 100 29,865 42,235 22,858 11,653 5,855 165/235
20 21.60 100 36,644 51,822 28,046 14,298 7,183 165/235
24 25.80 100 52,279 73,934 40,013 20,398 10,249 165/235
* The outside diameter is the same for both Class 165 and Class 235 PVC pipe. The
thrust values are per 100 lb/in2.

5.2.6 ALLOWABLE SOIL BEARING CAPACITY

Calculations to determine the size of thrust blocks or valve support blocks shall use the results of
soil bearing capacity tests performed by a qualified geotechnical engineer when such test results
are available. In the absence of such test results, allowable soil bearing capacity shall be
determined by using the following table:

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 3 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 Chart 1 – Estimated Bearing Strength (Undisturbed Soil)
Type of Soil Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity
Muck, peat, etc.* 0 lb/ft2
Soft Clay 500 lb/ft2
Fine Sand 1,000 lb/ft2
Decomposed Granite (D.G.) 1,500 lb/ft2
Sandy Gravel 2,000 lb/ft2
Cemented Sandy Gravel 4,000 lb/ft2
Hard Shale 5,000 lb/ft2
Granite 10,000 lb/ft2

*In muck, peat or other incompetent soils, resistance shall be achieved by removal and
replacement with ballast of sufficient stability to resist the intended thrusts. Design of thrust
restraint systems in such cases shall be prepared by a qualified geotechnical engineer and shall
be approved by the Agency’s Engineer.

5.2.7 THRUST BLOCKS

A. Thrust blocks shall be installed on unrestrained pressure pipelines at all tees, wyes,
reducers, horizontal bends, ascending vertical bends, and dead-ends, and shall bear
directly against fittings and firm, wetted, undisturbed soil. Thrust blocks shall be located
so that bearing areas on both fittings and soil are centered along the direction of thrust.
For tees and wyes, the direction of thrust is along a line directly opposite the side outlet.
For bends, the direction of thrust is along a line bisecting the outside angle formed by the
adjacent pipe segments. For reducers, the direction of thrust is along the pipeline from
the large end to the small end of the reducer. For dead-ends, including in-line valves, the
direction of thrust is along the pipeline.

B. The required minimum area, in square feet, that a concrete thrust block must bear
against undisturbed soil shall be in accordance with the following formula:

T
A= (SF )
Sb

Where: A = area of thrust block (ft2),

T = resultant thrust force (lb),
S b = allowable soil bearing capacity (lb/ft2), see Chart 1 for values,
and
SF = safety factor (Use 1.5)
A passive resistance thrust block design is required if the height of the thrust block is
greater than 0.5 times the depth from finish grade to the bottom of the designed thrust
block. The required thrust block area using this method can be calculated as follows:

T ( SF )
A=
γH t N d + 2C s N d

Where: A = area of thrust block (ft2),

T = resultant thrust force (lb),
SF = safety factor (Use 1.5),
γ = unit weight of soil (lb/ft3), use appropriate soil value,
H t = total depth to bottom of block (ft),

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 4 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 N d = tan2 (450+ F/2),
F = soil internal friction angle (degrees), use appropriate soil
value,
Cs = soil cohesion (lb/ft2), use appropriate soil value

Note: The thrust block area using the passive resistance thrust block design is
generally larger than what is shown in Table 3. The engineer shall
calculate thrust block sizes for this condition based upon each specific
case. Refer to AWWA M23 Manual of Water Supply Practices for more
detail.

The formulas above do not consider the weight of pipe and fittings. The Engineer of
Work may alternately supply thrust block calculations that include the weight of the pipe
and fittings to be restrained. Such alternate calculations shall be submitted to the
Agency’s Engineer for review and approval.

An undisturbed section of trench wall adjacent to the fitting and centered in the direction
of thrust shall be excavated to dimensions providing the minimum bearing area
calculated from the formula given above. In general, the bearing area shall be as close
to square as is possible given actual field conditions. The shape and location of all thrust
block excavations shall be approved by the Agency’s Engineer prior to placing concrete.
Thrust block excavations shall be keyed a minimum of twelve inches (12”) into
undisturbed soil.

Table 3 – Sample Table

Thrust Block Size for PVC Pipe (ft2)
Design Pressure = Class of Pipe; Sb=1,500 lb/ft2; SF=1.5
Average
Nominal Tees, Wyes
Outside 22.5° 11.25°
Pipe Size Valves, and 90° Bend 45° Bend Class
Diameter Bend Bend
(in) Dead Ends
(in)

4 4.80 3.6 5.1 2.8 2.0 2.0 200

6 6.90 7.5 10.6 5.7 2.9 2.0 200
8 9.05 12.9 18.2 9.8 5.0 2.5 200
10 11.10 19.4 27.4 14.8 7.6 3.8 200
12 13.20 27.4 38.7 20.9 10.7 5.4 200
14 15.30 30.3 42.9 23.2 11.8 5.9 165
16 17.40 39.2 55.5 30.0 15.3 7.7 165
18 19.50 49.3 69.7 37.7 19.2 9.7 165
20 21.60 60.5 85.5 46.3 23.6 11.9 165
24 25.80 86.3 122.0 66.0 33.7 16.9 165
14 15.30 43.2 61.1 33.1 16.9 8.5 235
16 17.40 55.9 79.0 42.8 21.8 11.0 235
18 19.50 70.2 99.3 53.7 27.4 13.8 235
20 21.60 86.1 121.8 65.9 33.6 16.9 235
24 25.80 122.9 173.7 94.0 47.9 24.1 235
* The values in this table were obtained assuming an allowable soil bearing capacity of
1500 lb/ft2 for decomposed granite and per 100 lb/in2. Differing soil conditions may apply.

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 5 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 C. Thrust blocks are required for in-line valves not located adjacent to pipe fittings. Dead-
end thrust is created when such valves are closed for repair or maintenance. Thrust
blocks for in-line valves not located adjacent to pipe fittings shall be designed by the
Engineer of Work for the approval of the Agency’s Engineer and shall be detailed on the
Approved Plans. Concrete valve support blocks as described in Section 5.3 are not
intended to provide thrust restraint, and cannot be substituted for concrete thrust blocks.

D. Concrete support blocks are required for all valves and fittings.

E. Thrust blocks are to be placed in accordance with WAS Standard Drawing WT-01.

5.2.8 ANCHOR BLOCKS

A. Anchor blocks shall be located at all unrestrained descending vertical bends.

Thrust blocks are not suited for such applications because excavation
necessarily disturbs soil in the direction of thrust. Anchor blocks rely on the
weight of the concrete used to restrain thrust. Anchor blocks must include as a
minimum two (2) number four (#4) steel reinforcing bars with 2-inch minimum
concrete embedment as directed by the Agency’s Engineer to assure secure
attachment to the vertical bend.

B. The required minimum volume, in cubic feet, of concrete anchor blocks shall be
in accordance with the following formula:

Δ ⎛ Δ⎞
2 pA sin 0.5πpd 2 ⎜ sin ⎟
Volume =
T
( SF ) = 2 ( SF ) = ⎝ 2⎠
( SF )
B B B

Where: T = total thrust (lb),

p = internal pressure (lb/in2),
A = area of pipe using outside diameter (in2)
B = density of block material, lb/ft3 (approximately 140 lb/ft3),
SF = Safety Factor (suggest 1.5)
Δ = true angle of bend (degrees).
The formula above does not consider the weight of pipe and fittings. The
Engineer of Work may alternately supply anchor block calculations that include
the weight of the pipe and fittings to be restrained. Such alternate calculations
shall be submitted to the Agency’s Engineer for review and approval. In addition,
the buoyant density of the thrust block material must be used if it is anticipated
that the soil could become saturated or if the water table is above the thrust block
elevation.

The shape and location of all anchor blocks shall be approved by the Agency’s
Engineer prior to placing concrete.

5.2.9 NOTATIONS ON PLANS

A. The Engineer of Work shall show the results of calculations for all thrust blocks
and anchor blocks on the Approved Plans.

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 6 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 B. Results of calculations for all thrust blocks and anchor blocks may be individually
noted in plan drawings at the location(s) required, or may be presented in the
form of a clear and complete “Thrust/Anchor Block Table.” Thrust block and
anchor block information shall include pipe station, type of block (Thrust or
Anchor), test pressure, total thrust, assumed or tested soil capacity, and area or
volume of block(s) required. If Thrust/Anchor Block Table(s) are used, they shall
be shown on the same plan sheet as the fittings for which the thrust block(s) or
anchor block(s) are required. An example of a typical Thrust/Anchor Block Table
is shown in Figure A below:

FIGURE A
Sample Table

THRUST/ANCHOR BLOCK TABLE

Type/ Assumed
Type of Type of Design Total Area or Volume
Pipe Sta. Dia, of Soil
Block Appurtenance Pressure Thrust of Block
Pipe Capacity
22.5° Hor 5,020
3+52.50 PVC/8” Thrust 200 lb/in2 1,500 lb/ft2 5.0 ft2
Bend lb
9,847
6+10.00 PVC/8” Thrust 45° Hor Bend 200 lb/in2 1,500 lb/ft2 10.0 ft2
lb
22.5° Vert 5,020
6+20.00 PVC/8” Anchor 200 lb/in2 *N/A 54.0 ft3
Bend lb
9,847
6+30.00 PVC/8” Anchor 45° Vert Bend 200 lb/in2 *N/A 105.5 ft3
lb
* The specific weight of concrete is 140lb/ft3.

The example table shown above is intended to be representative only. Any

similar format that conveys all information required to size thrust blocks and
anchor blocks is acceptable.

Calculated areas or volumes shown in Thrust/Anchor Block tables shall be

rounded up to the next ½ ft2 or ½ ft3. In the example above, an assumed soil
capacity of 1,500 lb/ft2 is used. If soil bearing capacities are assumed, and, in
the opinion of the Agency’s Engineer, soils actually encountered on-site are not
equal to or better than those assumed, the Engineer of Work shall promptly
recalculate thrust block sizes based on observed soil conditions or on soil
capacity tests and transmit such recalculations to the Agency’s Engineer. If
thrust block calculations rely upon the results of soils capacity tests, the
appropriate column shall be labeled “Tested Soil Capacity” and the soils tests
shall be submitted to the Agency’s Engineer for review.

C. In locations where thrust-restraining fittings (including flanged fittings) and thrust-

restraining pipe joints are used in lieu of concrete thrust blocks, the length of the
required thrust-restraining pipe system shall be clearly delineated and noted on
the pipeline profile drawing(s). Thrust restraining systems shall not be used in
conjunction with thrust blocks. The Engineer of Work shall submit calculations
confirming the adequacy of the thrust restraint design detailed in the drawing(s)
for the review and approval of the Agency’s Engineer.

5.2.10 REFERENCES

A. Should the reader have any suggestions or questions concerning the material in
this section, contact one of the member agencies listed.

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 7 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 B. The publications listed below form a part of this section to the extent referenced
and are referred to in the text by the basic designation only. Reference shall be
made to the latest edition of said publications unless otherwise called for. The
following list of publications, as directly referenced within the body of this
document, has been provided for convenience. It is the responsibility of the user
of these documents to make reference to and/or utilize industry standards not
otherwise directly referenced within this document.

1. Water Agencies’ Standards (WAS)

a. Design Guidelines:

1. Section 5.3, Line Valves

b. Standard Specifications:

1. Section 03000 Cast in Place Concrete

c. Standard Drawings:

1. WT-01

2. AWWA M23 PVC – Design and Installation

3. AWWA M11 Steel Pipe – A Guide for Design and Installation

END OF SECTION

WAS Section 5.2

Design Guidelines Page 8 of 8 Revised: 09/26/2007
 WATER AGENCIES’ STANDARDS
Design Guidelines for Water and Sewer Facilities

SECTION 5.3
LINE VALVES

5.3.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this section is to provide guidelines for the type, spacing and location of line
valves on water pipeline projects.

5.3.2 STANDARD TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Wherever technical terms or pronouns occur in these guidelines or in related documents, the
intent and meaning shall be interpreted as described in Standard Terms and Definitions.

The following terms and definitions as found in this section shall have the following meaning:

DU: Dwelling Unit

5.3.3 GENERAL

It is the responsibility of the user of these documents to make reference to and/or utilize
industry standards not otherwise directly referenced within this document. The Engineer of
Work may not deviate from the criteria presented in this section without prior written approval
of the Agency’s Engineer.

5.3.4 GUIDELINES

A. In general, line valves are installed in distribution and transmission pipelines to

isolate and depressurize pipeline segments for repairs, modifications, inspections or
maintenance.

B. Isolation of water lines during repairs, modifications, inspection or maintenance

causes a temporary loss of water service within the affected area. Locations of line
valves shall be based on the following considerations:

1. Limiting the number of customers that will be out of service,

2. Limiting the number of fire hydrants out of service,
3. Limiting the time it takes to drain a pipe segment,
4. Limiting the number of customers impacted by future system modifications,
5. Limiting future construction within major streets or intersections,
6. Conformance to State of California Codes and Regulations
7. Avoiding excessive number of valves thus reducing initial capital cost,
exercising and maintenance of valves, and replacement costs.

C. Valves shall be placed on all branches of crosses and tees unless otherwise directed
by the Agency’s Engineer. Valves may be placed at each street intersection on the
main prior to the branch and on each branch if the system is looped in a fashion that
allows isolation of each reach of pipe segment.

WAS Section 5.3

Design Guidelines Page 1 of 5 Revised: 09/26/2007
 D. In high-density residential (ten (10) + DU’s per acre) areas and commercial areas,
the valve placement is not to exceed one city block up to a maximum of one
thousand feet (1,000’).

E. In medium density residential (five (5) + DU’s per acre) areas, the valve placement is
not to exceed one quarter (¼) mile or seventy (70) DU’s out of service.

F. In low-density residential (two (2) + DU’s per acre) or rural areas (one (1) DU per
acre), the valve placement is not to exceed one quarter (¼) mile or thirty (30) DU’s
out of service,

G. Line valves shall be incorporated into the design to ensure that no more than two (2)
fire hydrants are out of service when a line valve is closed. Fire hydrants shall be
spaced in accordance with Section 5.4.

H. Valves are placed on fire hydrants and private fire service laterals, air/vacuum valves,
three inch (3) and larger service connections and blow-offs in accordance with the
WAS Standard Drawings.

I. Line valves may be located between each fire hydrant and/or side connection in
commercial areas as required by the Agency’s Engineer.

J. The maximum spacing between valves on distribution lines twelve inch (12”) or less
shall be one-quarter (¼) mile. The maximum spacing between valves on
transmission lines sixteen inch (16”) or larger shall be one half (½) mile.

K. For maintenance purposes the line valve spacing may be reduced to accommodate
the location of blowoff, air release, and air/vacuum valves. Typically blowoff, air re
release, and air/vacuum valves should be placed at no greater spacing than that
which allows the pipe to be drained in the time specified in Section 5.6.

L. Where future water main extensions are anticipated, valves shall be located on the
branch line at the tee or cross and blind flanged only as directed by the Agency’s
Engineer.

M. The maximum spacing for line valves on distribution lines is governed by the one
thousand three hundred twenty foot (1,320’) maximum distance recommended by the
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 21, Public Works.

N. Selection of valves and appurtenances to be used with the installation of valves shall
be in accordance with WAS Standard Specification 15100 and 15102 and the
Approved Materials List.

O. Concrete support blocks are required for all valves, and shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements shown in the WAS Standard Drawings. Concrete
support blocks are not intended to provide thrust restraint when valves are operated.
In locations where valves are not adjacent to pipe fittings or are otherwise not
provided with thrust restraint when valves are operated, thrust blocks are required
instead of support blocks. The Engineer of work shall design thrust blocks in
accordance with Section 5.2.

5.3.5 MISCELLANEOUS VALVE INFORMATION

A. Motor operated valves will be used in locations where valves are operated and
installed in a vault or on inlet/outlets of reservoirs as required by the Agency’s
Engineer. Locations shall be approved by the Agency’s Engineer during the sixty
percent (60%) submittal plan review.

WAS Section 5.3

Design Guidelines Page 2 of 5 Revised: 09/26/2007
 B. Installation: Valves and gate wells shall be installed at locations shown on the
approved plans in accordance with the applicable sections of the WAS Standard
Specification and Standard Drawings.

C. Only resilient-seated gate valves (twelve inch (12”) or less) and butterfly valves
(sixteen inch (16”) or larger) are allowed in accordance with the Approved Materials
List. The Agency’s Engineer may require the use of plug valves or ball valves in
high-pressure locations and other locations.

D. Valves rated for higher pressures are available (i.e. two hundred fifty (250) psi class),
but are not covered by the AWWA Standards. In these situations, valve
specifications must be individually prepared to meet the requirements of each project.

E. Vaults should have a hole cored in the lid above the valve actuator nut to allow for an
extension and portable motor operator to be used to operate the valve above ground
without entering a confined space.

5.3.6 NOTATIONS ON PLANS

Valves shall be shown in the plan view portion of the sheet(s) only and include, but not limited
to, the following information.

A. Standard symbols, stationing and plan callout notes shall be in accordance with
Section 1.1. Note: butterfly valves shall be shown with the valve operator located to
the curb line side of the water main.

B. Valves shall be shown with the following information:

• Stationing of the valve.

• Size of valve.
• Refer to Figure 1 below.

Figure 1
Plan Callouts for Line Valves

5.3.7 DESIGN NOTES

A. Gate Valves: The decision to limit gate valves to a maximum size of twelve inch (12”)
is based on the standard depth of cover criteria of forty-two inches (42”). Gate valves
over twelve inches (12”) in size have such a tall bonnet that the operating nut is too
close to finish grade. An auxiliary reason is the number of turns required to close a
gate valve larger than twelve inch (12”).

B. Butterfly Valves: Pipeline design criteria limits flow velocity to ten (10) feet per second
(fps). Class 150A valves are designed for eight (8) fps, Class 150B valves are
designed for sixteen (16) fps, therefore only Class 150B butterfly valves are allowed.

C. Holes cored in the valve vault lids will allow the use of portable motor operators and
reduce the need for entry into a confined space. Confined space rules significantly
increase the cost of accessing vaults and therefore are avoided by designing for
operation without entry by operations personnel.

WAS Section 5.3

Design Guidelines Page 3 of 5 Revised: 09/26/2007
5.3.8 REFERENCE

Reference shall be made to the latest edition of the following publications unless otherwise
called for. The following list of publications, as directly referenced within the body of this
document, has been provided for the users convenience. It is the responsibility of the user of
these documents to make reference to and/or utilize industry standards not otherwise directly
referenced within this document.

1. Water Agencies’ Standards (WAS):

a. Design Guidelines:

1. Section 1.1, Drafting Guidelines

2. Section 5.5, Air Valves
3. Section 5.6, Blowoffs

b. Standard Specifications

1. Section 15000, General Piping System and Appurtenances

2. Section 15100, Resilient Wedge Gate Valves
3. Section 15102, Butterfly Valves

c. Standard Drawings

1. WV-01, Gate Well Installation

d. Approved Materials List for Water Facilities

2. American Water Works Association (AWWA):

a. C504, Rubber Seated Butterfly Valves

b. C509, Resilient Seated Gate Valves

3. California Code of Regulations (CCR):

a. Title 21,

WAS Section 5.3

Design Guidelines Page 4 of 5 Revised: 09/26/2007
 LINE VALVE SPACING AND LOCATION FLOWCHART
Calculate Valve
YES
Spacing Per 5.6
Place Valves at no
M ore Than ½ m ile
Place Valves at no
Greater Than 1/4 m ile
Place Valves at All Tees and
Xs on Branch and one on
M ain Prior to Each Branch
Com m erical Area
NO
Place Valves So No M ore Than
2 FH out of Service
High Density
Residential > 10 DU /
Acre
NO
M edium Density
Residential > 5 DU /
Acre
NO
Low Density Residential < 2 DU / Acre
Place Valves so no More Than 30 DU s
Out of Service but not > ¼ mile
WAS
Design Guidelines
16-in or Greater
Pipeline
YES PL- No Braches, DU s, or
> 30-in
FH s for over ½ M ile
NO
12-in or Less PL , NO
YES No Branches, DU s, or
FH s for over 1/4 Mile
NO
System Looping
YES Allows Elim ination of
a Valve on Main
NO
Place Valves at All Tees and Xs on
Branch and M ain
Place Valves So No M ore Than 1 FH out of
YES
Service as Directed by Agency Engineer
Place Valves at O ne City Block but not
YES
>1000 feet
Place Valves so no M ore Than 70 DU s
YES
Out of Service but not > ¼ m ile
Adjust Spacing of Line Valves for
Location of Blowoffs and Air/Vacum
Valves per 5.5 and 5.6
END OF SECTION
Section 5.3
Page 5 of 5 Revised: 09/26/2007