HomeMy WebLinkAboutWTR272953PARKWAY TOWNHOMES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
CITY OF RFNTON April 2, 2002
City of Renton
Renton; WA
Council person King Parker
Dear Honorable Mr. King Parker:
APR 0 4 2002
RECEIVED
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
I would like to direct your attention to the enclosed two newspaper articles that appeared in the South
County Journal that, at least, explains the problems that 20 unit owners have had with the plumbing on
the top of each hot water heater of 20 units. There was excessive corrosion and a premature failure of the
plumbing. The plumbing of each hot water heater had to be replaced at the cost of about $275. per unit
resulting in a total expense of $4,500.
We are informed that the PH levels of the water supplied by the City of Renton did read with the
galvanized plumbing material used on these new townhome units causing excessive corrosion and
premature failure of the plumbing.
The plumber, J&J Plumbing has alleged that he used galvanized plumbing materials prescribed by city
code and that he does not share in any responsibility for the premature failure. It appears obvious that
either the plumbing code is faulty in not requiring the use of a better quality material that is compatible
with a lower PH water level, or the city is at fault in not providing water that meets a better quality
standard. Either the plumbing code needs to be changed or the; quality of the water needs to be improved.
The newspaper articles would support this. Your water department and water engineers obviously know
about the problem and are aware of what happens with galvanized plumbing materials when PH levels
are too low.
It appears that you are now working on the problem, but unfortunately much too late to help 20 unit
owners. The reason for sending you this letter is to request that you place Parkway Townhomes
Homeowners Assocaition on your agenda and allow our unit owners to bring in their corroded plumbing
so you may see first hand what has happened. In presenting this problem to your water quality people, we
got nowhere and told to grin and bear it. There is a problem that we want resolved and we expect our
elected representatives to provide a solution. We thank you for your help that will probably help many
others as well.
Sincerely,
M IN M-- FAI M- - �
Ethan A. Bowen - Secretary - Parkway Townhomes Homeowners Association tel - 425-430-2064
4708-B N.E. 18th Place
Renton, WA 98059
A2 • Friday, January 25, 2002.
SOUTH COUNTY
Water source -to chap
ge
for..Renton flighlandsc,;
By.Journal staff . -the
downtown water -supply
for secondary disinfection;.
� o, f
f M01-
The city of- Renton will ..
fluoride for prevention of
...
stbp pumping water from the .
Maplewood water wells to.`
toath: decay and`sod um
,„„,;. achenA��l, ...
the Renton Highlands beg in-.._
ning Monday. Water will rsion
hydroiide.to reduce corro'
of water pipes.
K
instead be supplied from the _
.Questions about this ..
downtown well field;
change or about water quali-.
APPLIANCES
,until
additional : treatmerit':facih- ':
ties can.bP designed aii'd con '
ty may be;, directed ;to the ..
Water. Maintenance depart.
, , ; , .E. SUNSET •
, . , & Rite Aid in the RentonHighlands
structed to improve water :
quality.
ment at 425-430-7400 or the
Wator .Utility Engineering :
' '/ a11'
The city adds chloAbe tv
department at 425-430-7295.
'
50UTI� UUUN'1'Y
MUON.-w;- When some ',tes-,.
id6nts of the Highland
on their faaicets,' the waid that''
comes out is rust-c6ld.retl, has
a funnystaste and stains 1aun-
dry anddishwashers..
Theproblems started 'a -lit ::
.nose than ayear agol,when
the:citystatedpmping-fr6n`
the - M.A.Plewood*,Well,:§ta-ti-ciii�
to increase the total amountof
water available to, city -'ells'
When the .Maplewood sta-;
tioh.:. . I
was'built; it included. .4
-,filtration-system thii -m6ets,
.basic City office'
cials', hoped.. it owovld do the
job.
tJl
trf
at the M
.:improve
said
�- W...
s c J n �'wlwsm@assog Pu ta h-c"Zntyjour.naI..com
TuEsDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2002 A3
Zimmerman said he hopes
•countyjournal
The problem seemed to
the new, system will be able to
clear up for a time, but in the
Jemqvemanganese=. the min
past fe*weeks the .Meads
.eral that is Oisqoloring the.':
haveriotice.darusty.,-ted-and-
water — as well as remove nat,
11 W. tinge- to the water
ye, o
uralltiy occurring ammonia. and,.
Again.
'any
strip .out ,:hy&ogen*:sulfide, ,
They haven't'noticed
...wltich causes a rotten -egg
problems with taste* dr, odor,
smell:
'i th' H tq! 'M-6mb6rs 6 e opey they'ttse 6 .
Creek Irld-g-e H,6meo6wners
coloringIP
' ut
Association have complained.
S'- some '
lOrneowner * s
worried'
' the minerals;'
have !4 4
inclVdihg plurftbing-.andfoun-
,XATER. DUESTIONS7
tarns, he said
t ese'minera s in
7-Odes . tions about city of Renton All of h
ferquality-m . ay be dire'de-d-
1 the water. are- Absoiutel�'safe
-but they don!t &6ate� as high
t0 the ROW Met
Malhtenaice
. M . ....
anaesthetic quality f
ty.o water
4i5-430-NOO or the Water.
w 0
a:s . w.e d I i4e,
u
Zimmerman saiding.-
'Utility Eng, neq,
Department
Fp-
Wendy
YSWGiroux `covers
:e
the city. About the, color of
jzMit6yi.- reached
:to
e *i J ;Segura,
the .!;e a
water, said Tim,
a veiid i lz;i @ yqzr� SOUW
,glq
f
COM
�
We -*.::have " been informed 872 6683
r;bftse, the 1 tb4t,,+-the llonieytreeX tissue is
�pr blems j,
water
iySolei
addi, SC
on to
-ty''
acvyNcuywuNiuS.warci LLUUt a bg&� or' .fIlI..up(.a,:cl.ear.
Maplewood
..con ainer.
d said.
til ts.
tune was so: e
Witt tra j�e- , e. 1 ++-., .,bad+
annoying, ea
n mel
,+ th. ea
46 a w
s Ar + buil will be - I.M.. t, water
supplied: to - the Highlands*e.w
were baying prob-
'
lems with our hot water tank
i1fona the�-city's dbWnt'own-
. from - the 6 d welfft so_.We flushe -I�btit
RECEIVED
CITY F RENTON
PUBLIC OWORKS ADMIN
CITY OF RENTON
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 7, 2002
TO: Gregg Zimmerman
FROM: kLarry Meckling
SUBJECT: Dielectric Couplings
The use of dielectric insulators is first mentioned in the 1982 UPC where the language is
the same as it is in the 1997 UPC, i.e., 510.4 The Administrative Authority may require the
use of an approved dielectric insulator on the water piping connections of water heaters and
related water heating equipment.
Common practice for water heater installation today is to connect a copper flex connector
which has a brass fitting to a 3" to 4" galvanized nipple that is connected to the water
heater. In this scenario, the flex connector with the brass fitting is the dielectric insulator
and provides the protection necessary when dissimilar materials are used.
The Parkway Townhomes water distribution system was plumbed with CPVC (plastic pipe)
with a copper flex connection with brass fittings to a 3" nipple to the water heater. This
installation is per Code and would not contribute to the corroding and failure of any of the
plumbing components.
Therefore, I do not believe requiring the use of dielectric insulators would provide a greater
level of safety than already exists.
Cc: Neil Watts
_D�
CITY OF RENTON
PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 8, 2002
TO: Larry Meckling RECEIVED
Neil Watts
FROM: Gregg Zimmerman Cr
U11-y OF UTILITYR STTEOS
SUBJECT: Dielectric Couplings
Larry, thank you for your response to this issue. It is somewhat mysterious why the Parkway
Townhomes connections to the water heaters experienced corrosion failure considering the use of
CPVC plastic pipe, which obviously is non -corrosive, and also does not conduct current. It
sounds like the only dissimilar metals involved were the copper flex connections with brass
fittings and the galvanized steel nipples to the water heaters. However, in my experience it does
not take much dissimilar metals to create galvanic currents leading to corrosion and eventual
failure. It is possible that the flex connections and the galvanized nipples assembly acted like a
small battery to lead to this corrosion failure.
Although I accept your statement that these assemblies meet the provisions of the UPC, I do not
agree that the use of dielectric insulators would not provide a greater level of safety than already
exists. I am not an expert on this subject, but I do know something about it from my previous
background. It is my understanding that what happens with dielectric corrosion is that dissimilar
metals with different electrical potentials contact each other in the presence of a good electrical
conductor and oxidizing agent (water). This creates a conduit for electron flow (galvanic current)
leading to chemical changes and oxidation in the metals, which is the cause of corrosion. The
advantage of using brass fittings is that brass has an intermediate electrical potential and therefore
acts as an insulator — but is not nearly as effective an insulator as the rubber product and physical
separation of the dissimilar metals used in dielectric couplings.
I think we should monitor this situation, and if we continue to have incidents of this kind of
corrosion failure in new piping systems, we should revisit the need to incorporate a requirement
to use dielectric couplings for certain applications.
cc: Lys Homsby
Ray Sled
Abdoul Gallour
Document2kor
ol4:
ews Up: 253-872-6721
vs@southtountyjournal.com
-TJ
DWY,FFEBRUARY 5, 2002 0 A3
em - m ay
qv
-NOW :fflkv nn
fi a
�:n
am
zr
M
r WATER. QUESTIONS?
U itioK� . about city of Renton
"Irsomeres-'...; i:, iei Ob*ality�may be directed
ew
Y gituri� ,fhe'*Rehtbn Water
Department at
Qok"ed;:'has.
. 425,-430-7400 or the Water
n's*ldun- Utility Engineering
'`'.. I
,,Depqrtment at 425-430-7295.
ria h go, -w en
to the city about the color of
. I . - n f P ,the I ,
pingi rom "the water, -.said Tim Segura,
yell ;'•
j- - - - - , - - president of the association.
bdhburitof," �Ve.have been informed
4 t 11
ifiii;th6,116ey Creek issue is
because of our location at the
"
end of th.e:water lines, at the
includeda:..*Renton . -Newcastle border,"
_Irn6et§
... .. . I X: Segura said::
S.'Icity,offli:'- !� I - ,
,:Lync[4 Mead, who lives in a
development northeast of
38th Avenue Southeast and
pump'sta-
;.`Noitheast *Sunset Boulevard,
,gire•quired
jb.w,-j. .- -, I.. said her notices a tinge
ritfAilities"",
".to,the-watef1whenever they
bathi-6.
ran, a or fill, up a.cl6ar
it;iei�'NsAidI' -- -t
.,;,-�container.
7 -1,1_�,kiuidings? One time It's annoyin, " Mead said.
wgas so bad we
thought w
ewere having prob-
e'46 hot water tank,
:problems��fthour .,.,.,Iems
w flushed it out."
sandsedi 4.� S9,
;The:piobliem seemed to
e ay;,. SoC--le;ar, up for a time, but in the
st few weeks the Meads
'ilities'L—at-
h
noticed
a rusty, red-and-
11 tin,e to the water
Am,years
..,,again.:
6, .- hiiven't noticed any
71 They
ro e s with taste or odor,
.0, -iihd the water filter
water'from•,;
:I ey,'use4seems to take the
n 1w..! qlo
I tc
rman said. But some homeowners are
tment;facil- worried the 'minerals may
terwill'be_have, damaged property,
Highlands.. including plumbing and foun-
16whtown tains he said.
.'All, of these minerals in
'hO,h 's'; "the
water are absolutely safe
11 bi;able to
but they don't create as high
e 'aesthetic quality of water
zs,.,..°we i„woul d like,
remove nat
Zimmerman said.
e hf;sulfidtil"
�otlibit,61, 1 -1 -W ndV��
n- e, Giroux covers
eRan, be reached
'Honey` :at .i-beAdy;giroux@south-
inebwhers, 66untyJournal.com or 253-
'-6rhpiAined 4872-6683.
CITY OF RENTON, WA
PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton WA, 98055
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF WATER SUPPLY TO RENTON HIGHLANDS
Beginning on January28, 2002, the City of Renton will stop pumping water from the Maplewood wells to
the Renton Highlands until additional treatment facilities can be designed and constructed to improve water
quality. The City will supply water from the downtown well field to the Highlands area. The City adds
chlorine to the downtown water supply for secondary disinfection, fluoride for prevention of tooth decay
and sodium hydroxide to reduce corrosion of water pipes. If you have any questions regarding this change
of water supply or water quality, please call the Water Maintenance Department at 425-430-7400, or the
Water Utility Engineering Department at 425-430-7295.
1004(a) - Item Number 2 Uniform Plumbing Code Interpretations Manual
SUBJECT. MIXING OF DISSIMILAR METALS IN WATER PIPING
SECTION: 1004(a), see also 310(f)
REFERENCE: Uniform Plumbing Code,1991 Edition
LAST REVIEW: 1992 IAPMO Code Interpretations Committee
QUESTION: When a building is being piped using a copper water system, can the
riser for a shower head above the brass valve be of galvanized steel
pipe? It seems that the use of brass nipples on copper systems has
caused some people to feel that brass acts as an isolator between copper
and galvanized pipe. The applicable code sections are 310(f) and
1004(a).
ANSWER: No, with the possible exception of points of connection to steel water
heaters or similar tanks, the use of intervening steel pipe nipples at any
point in a copper water piping system is an unacceptable practice.
The use of brass valves, fittings, or nipples to isolate small amounts
of galvanized steel pipe from predominately copper water systems does
not, in the opinion of the committee, waive the provisions of Section
310(f) which would require that the point of connection of dissimilar
metals be confined to exposed or readily accessible locations.
Since it is doubtful that the position of the riser above the shower
valve could satisfy the access provisions of Section 310(f), galvanized
steel risers should not be used in otherwise copper systems.
Intermembering of dissimilar metals which are widely separated on
the galvanic scale creates a potential for electron flow, especially when
an electrolyte (water) bridges the point of connection between these
metals. Steel (anode) is sacrificial to copper (cathode) and will
degenerate to the point of failure over a period of time. The length of
time is dependent upon two factors:
(1) The total mass of copper relative to the total mass of the steel.
(2) The purity of the copper. (Brass, bronze, and other alloys are less
aggressive than pure copper, but they will eventually cause
degeneration of ferrous metals when directly connected, especially
steel piping containing an electrolyte.)
The installation of brass valves, fittings, or nipples serves to retard the
rate of electrolysis, but does not provide dielectric isolation.
CITY OF RENTON
PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 21, 2002 ftGWED
TO: Neil Watts JAN 2 2 2nn?
Larry Meckling
CITY OF RENTON
FROM: Gregg Zimmerman UTILITY SYSTEMS
�j-
SUBJECT: Dielectric Coupling Question, interior building water plumbing
As you are probably aware, representatives of the Parkway Townhomes at 4714 NE 18`h Place,
Renton, have approached the City regarding a problem they have experienced with interior water
plumbing. They state that there have been incidents of galvanized steel water line nipples near
the water heaters of the townhome units corroding and failing. They have alleged that this
corrosion failure was due, in part, to corrosive City water. The Water Utility believes that the
pipeline failures were not in fact due to corrosive water. The townhomes have been receiving
Maplewood water since 1999. This water has a higher pH than the downtown water, and is
considered non -corrosive. The Water Utility believes that the pipe couplings corroded, and the
problem may have been lack of electrical isolation between two pipe metals (copper and
galvanized steel) with differing electrical potential. Abdoul has given me copies from the UPC
and other information. Apparently the UPC is somewhat flexible about the use of dielectric
isolation couplings — it is up to the Administrative Authority to decide whether to require the use
of approved dielectric insulators on the water piping connections of water heaters. When I was in
the consulting engineering business, we always placed great importance in the use of dielectric
isolation for dissimilar pipe materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. I would like to know what
you think about the question of requiring the use of dielectric couplings for dissimilar metal water
pipes in interior building water line plumbing, especially near water heaters. Thanks.
cc: Lys Hornsby
Abdoul Gafou
J.D. Wilson
DocumenQ\cor
CITY OF RENTON
PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 21, 2002
TO: Gregg Zimmerman adV
FROM: Abdoul Gafour (ext. 7210)
SUBJECT: Parkway Townhomes - Corrosion of galvanized pipe
Gregg:
Attached is a copy of the 1997 UPC sections on approved piping materials (604.0) and special
fittings for water heaters (510.4).
According to Phil Hudgens, plumbing inspector, the City does not require the installation of a
dielectric insulator on the water piping connection from the hot water heater to other water heating
equipment if a flexible connection is used as a dielectric break.
I am also including copies of two letters sent to the property owner of the unit that has the corrosion
problem regarding the City's water quality. The Water Utility has the short section of corroded
galvanized pipe that was brought in to us by the property owner.
I understand that the person who called Council King Parker has also spoken with Larry Meckling
and Phil Hudgens on this issue and was not happy with their response.
I have called Councilman Parker at 3:30 p.m., 1/21/02 and provided him with this information.
H/WATER/AG/water quality/parkway_townhomes
507.3 - 511.2
TER HEATERS
led in areas where
combustion air openings shall be maintained to 51may be subject d towater rmecltiani al damage shall ey
the source of combustion air.
507.3.E Dampers. Combustion air ducts shall suitably guarded against such damage by being
not be installed so as to pass through installed behind adequate barriers or by being
elevated or located out of the normal path of a
construction where fire dampers are required. vehicle using any such garage.
Volume dampers shall not be installed i
combustion air ducts. 510.4 The Administrative Authority may require
507.3.7 Screens. Neither end of ducts which the use of an approved dielectric insulator on the
water piping connections of water heaters and
terminate in an attic shall be screened. related water heating equipment.
507.4 Louvers and Grilles. In calculating free area
of all louvers and grilles, consideration shall be given
to the blocking effect of louvers, grilles or screens
protecting openings. Screens used shall not be
smaller than one-fourth (1 /4) inch (6.4 mm) mesh.
The free area through a design of louver or grille
shall be used in calculating the size opening required
to provide the free area specified.
507.5 Alternate Methods of Supplying
Combustion Air. In lieu of the requirements of Table
5-1, combustion air supply may be designed in
accordance with recognized engineering principles
when first approved by the Administrative Authority.
510.5 In seismic zones 3 and 4, water heaters shall
be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal
displacement due to earthquake motion. Strapping
shall be at points within the upper one-third (1/3)
and lower one-third (1/3) of its vertical dimensions.
At the lower point, a minimum distance of four (4)
inches (102 mm) shall be maintained above the
controls with the strapping.
510.6 A water heater supported from the ground
shall rest on level concrete or other approved base
extending not less than three (3) inches (76 mm)
above the adjoining ground level.
510.7 When a water heater is located in an attic or
furred space where damage may result from a
508.0 Clearances leaking water heater, a watertight pan of corrosion
Clearances of listed appliances from combustible resistant materials shall be installed beneath the
materials shall be as specified in the listing or on the water heater with a minimum three-quarter (3/4)
rating plate. inch (19.1 mm) diameter drain to an approved
location.
509.0 Prohibited Locations
Water heaters which depend on the combustion of
fuel for heat shall not be installed in a room used or
designed to be used for sleeping purposes,
bathroom, clothes closets or in a closet or other
confined space opening into a bath or bedroom.
Exception: Direct vent water heaters.
Where not prohibited by other regulations, water
heaters may be located under a stairway or landing.
510.0 Protection From Damage
510.1 Water heaters generating a glow, spark or
flame capable of igniting flammable vapors may be
installed in a garage, provided the pilots, burners or
heating elements and switches are at least eighteen
(18) inches (457 mm) above the floor level.
510.2 Where such water heaters installed within a
garage are enclosed in a separate, approved
compartment having access only from outside of the
garage, such water heaters may be installed at floor
level provided the required combustion air is also
taken from the exterior of the garage. Fuel burning
water heaters having sealed combustion chambers
need not be elevated.
511.0 Access and Working Space
Every water heater installation shall be accessible for
inspection, repair, or replacement. The appliance
space shall be provided with an opening or doorway
of sufficient size to remove the water heater. In no
case shall such opening or doorway be less than
twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) in width. Such
access shall be continuous and shall be one or any
combination of the following means:
511.1 By an opening or door, and passageway not
less than two (2) feet (610 mm) in width and large
enough to permit removal of the water heater, but
not less than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) in height.
Stairways and ramps leading to or part of such
passageways shall comply with the Building Code.
511.2 Every attic, roof, mezzanine, or platform more
than eight (8) feet (2438 mm) above the ground or
floor level shall be made accessible by a stairway or
ladder permanently fastened to the building. Such a
ladder or stairway shall not be more than eighteen
(18) feet (5486 mm) in length between landings and
not less than fourteen (14) inches (355 mm) in width.
Such a ladder shall have rungs spaced not more than
fourteen (14) inches (355 mm) center to center and
37
UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE
603.4 — 604.6
manufacturer's instructions, with the critical
level not less than one (1) inch (25.4 mm) above
the flood level rim.
603.4.17 Faucets with Hose -Attached Sprays
shall vent to atmosphere under backsiphonage
conditions.
603.4.18 Protection from Fire Systems
603.4.18.1 Except as provided under
Sections 603.4.18.2 and 603.4.18.3 below,
potable water supplies to fire protection
systems, including but not limited to
standpipes and automatic sprinkler systems,
shall be protected from back -pressure and
back-siphonage by one of the following
testable devices:
verify that there will be sufficient water
pressure available for satisfactory operation
of the fire sprinklers.
603.4.19 Special Equipment, Water Supply
\,Protection. Vacuum breakers for washer -hose
'bedpans shall be located not less than five feet (1524 mm) above the floor. Hose
connections in health care or laboratory areas
\shall not be less than six (6) feet (1829 mm)
above the floor.
\603.4.20 Portable cleaning equipment, dental
vacuum pumps and chemical dispensers shall
be protected from backflow by an airgap, an
atmospheric vacuum breaker, a spill -proof
vacuum breaker, or a reduced pressure principle
backflow preventer.
604.0 Materials
3. Reduced pressure backflow preventor 604.1 Water pipe and fittings shall be of brass,
4. Reduced pressure detector assembly copper, cast iron, galvanized malleable iron,
603.4.18.2 Where fire protection systems galvanized wrought iron, galvanized steel, or other
supplied from a potable water system approved materials. Cast iron fittings used for water
include a fire department (siamese) need not be galvanized if over two (2) inches (51
connection which is located less than mm) in size. Asbestos -cement, CPVC, PE, or PVC
seventeen hundred (1700) feet (518.2 m) water pipe manufactured to recognized standards
from a non -potable water source that could may be used for cold water distribution systems
be used by the fire department as a outside a building. CPVC water pipe and tubing
secondary water supply, the potable water may be used for hot and cold water distribution
supply shall be protected by one of the systems within a building. All materials used in the
ter supply system, except valves and similar
following: waxcept where
I. Reduced pressure backflow preventor devices shall be of a like the material, e strative
2. Reduced pressure detector assembly otherwiAuthority.
Note: Non -potable water sources include
fire department vehicles carrying water of
questionable quality or water that is treated
with antifreeze, corrosion inhibitors, or
extinguishing agents. _
603.4.18.3 Where antifreeze, corrosion
inhibitors, or other chemicals are added to a
fire protection system supplied from a
potable water supply, the potable water
system shall be protected by one of the
following:
1. Reduced pressure backflow preventor
2. Reduced pressure detector assembly
603.4.18.4 Whenever a backflow device is
installed in the potable water supply to a
fire protection system, the hydraulic design
of the system shall account for the pressure
drop through the backflow device. If such
devices are retrofitted for an existing fire
protection system, the hydraulics of the
sprinkler system design shall be checked to
1. Double check valve assembly
2. Double check detector assembly
4.2 Copper tube for water piping shall have a
weight of not less than Type L.
Exception: Type M copper tubing may be used
for water piping when piping is above ground
in, or on, a building or underground outside of
structures.
604.3 In addition to the required incised marking,
all hard drawn copper tubing shall be marked by
means of a continuous and indelibly colored stripe at
least one quarter (1 /4) inch (6.4 mm) in width, as
follows: Type K, green; Type L, blue; Type M, red;
Type DWV, yellow.
604.4 Listed flexible copper water connectors shall
be installed in exposed locations, unless otherwise
listed.
604.5 Cast iron fittings up to and including two (2)
inches (51 mm) in size, when used in connection
with potable water piping shall be galvanized.
604.6 All malleable iron water fittings shall be
galvanized.
50
July 25, 2001
Gigi Luk .
15535 — 156`h Ct SE
Renton, WA 98055
SUBJECT: RENTON WATER SYSTEM — CORROSION CONTROL TREATMENT
Dear Ms. Luk:
Please find enclosed the following:
"Lead & Copper Rule Corrosion Control Recommendation Report", March 1995
"Copper piping corrosion in potable water plumbing systems", October 1987
Water distribution pH measurements, April 1999 — June 2001
The City began treating the water from the downtown wells (Wells 1, 2, 3, 8 & 9) and
Springbrook Springs with sodium hydroxide to raise the pH in April 1999. In June 1999 the City
began operating the Maplewood wellfield (Wells 11 and 17) on a continuing basis. The
treatment of the Maplewood water includes lowering its pH to aid in the air stripping of
hydrogen sulfide, adding sodium hydroxide to raise the pH to about 8.0 and adding an ortho-
polyphosphate to retard the precipitation of manganese found in the raw water. The ortho-
polyphosphate also acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
Regarding the water served to 4714 NE 180' PI, Renton, WA 98059 (Parkway Townhomes):
prior to April 1999 the water came from the downtown wells and had a pH of about 6.5.
Between April 1999 and June 1999 the water came from the downtown wells; after June 1999
the water has come from the Maplewood wellfield. The enclosed water distribution system pH
measurements show the pH readings for samples taken from various water sampling stations.
The Hoquiam Place NE sampling station is the sampling station closest to 4714 NE 18`h Pl.
If you have any further questions please contact me at 425430-7295 or jwilson@ci.renton.wa.us
Sincerely,
J.D. Wilson, P.E.
Water Utility Engineer
Enclosures
H:D0CS:0l-XXX:JDW:tb
cc: Abdoul Gafour
Lys Hornsby
October 4, 2001
Tak Suen Luk
4714A NE 18`h Place
Renton, WA 98059
SUBJECT: RENTON WATER SYSTEM — CORROSION CONTROL TREATMENT
(INQUIRY BY GIGI LUK — OCTOBER 1, 2001)
Dear Mr. Luk:
The water that is served to your residence at 4714 NE 180' Place comes from the City of Renton's
Maplewood wellfield. The pH of this water is adjusted at the Maplewood treatment plant to a
target value of approximately 8.0. During the month of August 2001 the pH measured at the
sampling station located near 1622 Hoquiam PI NE varied between 7.7 and 8.6 with a median
value of 8.0 and an average value of 8.0. The water from the Maplewood wellfield is also treated
with an orthopolyphosphate corrosion inhibitor. We do not consider the water from this source,
as currently treated, to be corrosive.
Prior to April 1999 the water serving your residence came from the downtown wellfield and had
a pH of approximately 6.5 and was considered to be corrosive. Typical effects of that water were
corrosion of new copper pipes causing blue-green stains on fixtures and green tinting of blonde
hair. We do not know of any instances where the water has caused corrosion -induced leaks in a
customer's plumbing when the plumbing was properly designed and installed. An example of an
improper installation is placing two dissimilar metals in contact with each other (e.g., a threaded
copper nipple used at the inlet or outlet of a steel hot water tank in direct contact with the steel).
If you have any further questions please contact me at 425430-7295 or jwilson@ci.renton.wa.us
Sincerely,
J.D. Wilson, P.E.
Water Utility Engineer
Enclosures
H:D0CS:0l-XXX:JDW:tb
cc: Abdoul Gafour
Lys Hornsby
Proper Water Heater Installation
CITY OF
ABILENE
/ Home / Hand Outs / Proper Water Heater Installation
Permit Fees : Permit Holders General Information : Permit/Voucher Program : Forms
The image in the table below is an imagemap. Clicking on number in drawing will take you to the
corresponding instructions on the right side of the page.
(1) Vent shall extend above
the roof surface, through a
flashing, and terminate in
an approved or listed vent
cap which shall be installed.
according to its listing and
manufacturers instructions.
(2) Venting system shall
consist of approved
chimney, Type B Vent,
Type L vent (for L.P.), or a
venting assembly which is
an integral part of a listed
appliance. (3) The draft
hood shall be properly
installed and must be the
draft hood designed for the
water heater.
(4) A fullway valve shall be
installed on the cold water
supply to each water heater.
If covver water Dining is
(6) T & P shall discharge
downward, no more than 6"
from grade.
(7) Water heater in an attic
or furred space shall be
installed in a water -tight
pan with a full size drain
line discharged outside the
building.
(8) Gas valve shall be AGA
approved and accessible.
Connector may be rigid
black pipe with a union or a
listed AGA flexible
connector. Electric water
heaters shall have a positive
means of disconnect at the
heater.
(9) All water heaters, gas or
electric, installed in a
varaQe or in a. closet
CITY OF RENTON
PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
March 20, 2002
TO:
Leslie Betlach, Parks Department, Community Services
FROM:
Lys Hornsby, Utility Systems Division
SUBJECT:
Parks Participation in the Maplewood Treatment Project
We understand that Parks is interested in building a parking lot next to the new Maplewood
Treatment Facility and that you have an interest in a future maintenance structure near this
location. Utility Systems would like to work with the Parks Department to have the necessary
park improvements constructed along with the additional treatment facility. Utility Systems
offers the following participation proposal and timeline:
Design
The Water Utility will design and pay for all aspects of the parking lot and common stormwater
system EXCEPT the structural design of the netting and supports. Design of the netting and
supports is estimated at approximately $20,000.
Construction
The Parks Department will pay for all aspects of construction of the parking lot, including but not
limited to associated storm water collection and conveyance, lighting, netting, landscaping, etc.
(Estimated costs $60,000 paving, $40,000 netting, $20,000 other).
Water Utility will pay to pave the small parking area next to the driving range across the access
road from the treatment facility (as reimbursement for lost revenues due to modification of play
during construction).
Each section will pay for storm water collection and conveyance that is specific to their
improvements. Common storm water facilities will be paid on a percent impervious basis. Total
cost of the common facilities will be multiplied by the percent of impervious surface built by each
section (parks share estimated at 2/3 or approximately $120,000).
Project Management
The Water Utility will manage the design and construction contracts. Parks must specify a
project manager to coordinate with the Water Utility project manager.
The project will be designed in 2002 and we hope to start construction in 2003 with completion in
2004. In order to meet this schedule, Parks needs to provide the following:
1. A project manager to coordinate with the Water Utility — As soon as possible.
2. Approximate location of new maintenance facility, square foot impervious surface for the
building and square foot impervious pollutant -generating surface (i.e. parking, walkways,
other pavement, etc.) — April 1.
March 20, 2002
Page 2
3. Parking lot lighting specifications, e.g. illumination requirements, poles etc. —April 30.
4. Netting and support specifications — April 30.
The costs provided above are very rough. We will provide you with better estimates as the design
progresses so that you can include the right amount in your budget. If you have any questions
regarding this participation proposal, please call me at X7239. Thank you.
cc: JD Wilson
Abdoul Gafour
Gregg Zimmerman
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