Adopted March 19, 1985
IOWA WASTEWATER FACILITIES DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 13
WASTEWATER PUMPING STATIONS AND FORCE MAINS
13.1 GENERAL
13.1.1 Applicability
13.1.2 Variances
13.1.3 Explanation of Terms
13.1.4 Scope of Standard
13.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
13.2.1 Flood Protection
13.2.2 Accessibility
13.2.3 Siting
13.2.4 Safety
13.3 DESIGN
13.3.1 Type
13.3.2 Structures
[Link] Separation
[Link] Equipment Removal
[Link] Access and Fencing
[Link] Construction Materials
[Link] Grit Protection
13.4 PUMPS AND PNEUMATIC EJECTORS
13.4.1 Pumping Rate and Number of Units
13.4.2 Protection Against Clogging
13.4.3 Pump Openings
13.4.4 Priming
1
13.4.5 Intakes
13.4.6 Reverse Rotation Protection
13.4.7 Electrical Equipment and Controls
13.4.8 Dry Well Dewatering
13.5 PIPING AND VALVES
13.5.1 Pipe Size
13.5.2 Valves
[Link] Suction Line
[Link] Discharge Line
13.6 WET WELLS
13.6.1 Wet Well Size
13.6.2 Floor Slope
13.7 VENTILATION
13.7.1 Wet Wells
13.7.2 Dry Wells
13.8 SPECIAL DETAILS
13.8.1 Flow Measurement
13.8.2 Water Supply
13.8.3 Alarm Systems
13.8.4 Lighting
13.9 SUCTION LIFT PUMPS
13.9.1 Self-Priming Pumps
13.9.2 Vacuum-Priming Pumps
13.10 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS
13.10.1 Construction
13.10.2 Pump Removal
13.10.3 Electrical
2
[Link] Power Supply and Control
[Link] Control Center
[Link] Power Cord
13.10.4 Valves
13.11 EMERGENCY OPERATION
13.11.1 In-Place Equipment
[Link] Placement
[Link] Controls
[Link] Size
[Link] Engine Location
13.11.2 Portable Equipment
13.12 FORCE MAINS
13.12.1 Size
13.12.2 Velocity
13.12.3 Air Relief Valve
13.12.4 Termination
13.12.5 Materials of Construction
13.12.6 Pressure Tests
13.12.7 Special Construction
13.12.8 Protection of Water Supplies
13.12.9 Anchoring
13.12.10 Surge Protection
13.12.11 Design Friction Losses
13.12.12 Identification
3
IOWA WASTEWATER FACILITIES DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 13
WASTEWATER PUMPING STATIONS AND FORCE MAINS
13.1 GENERAL
13.1.1 Applicability
This chapter is applicable to construction, installation or modification of any disposal system required to
obtain a construction permit from this Department under the Iowa Code, Section 455B.45, and 900- -64.2
of the Iowa Administrative Code (I.A.C.).
13.1.2 Variances [900- -64.2(9) “c”, I.A.C.]
When engineering justification satisfactory to the executive director is provided substantially
demonstrating that variation from the design standards or siting criteria will result in either: at least
equivalent effectiveness while significantly reducing costs, or improved effectiveness, such a variation
from design standards or siting criteria may be accepted by the executive director.
13.1.3 Explanation of Terms
The terms “shall” or “must” are used in these standards when it is required that the standard be used.
Other terms such as “should” and “recommended” indicate desirable procedures or methods, which
should be considered but will not be required.
13.1.4 Scope of Standard
This chapter shall apply to all raw wastewater-pumping stations, whether located out in the collection
system or at the wastewater treatment works.
13.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
13.2.1 Flood Protection
The station’s electrical and mechanical equipment, which would be permanently damaged by flooding,
shall be located at an elevation that is not subject to the 100 year flood or shall otherwise be adequately
protected against damage from the 100 year flood. The station shall be designed to remain fully-
operational and accessible during the 25-year flood. In the absence of official records to establish 100
year and 25 year flood elevations, the best available local information shall be used.
13.2.2 Accessibility
Wastewater pumping stations shall be readily accessible by maintenance vehicles during all weather
conditions.
13.2.3 Siting
Pumping stations shall be located as far as practical from present or proposed built-up residential areas
and off the traffic way of streets and alleys. Noise control, odor control, station architectural design and
other aesthetic items shall be taken into consideration. Sites for stations shall be of sufficient size for
future expansion or addition, if applicable.
13.2.4 Safety
It is the facility owner’s responsibility to ensure that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), the National Electrical Code and other applicable building and construction codes and
4
requirements are met during construction and subsequent operation. During construction, this
requirement may be met by including references to OSHA, NEC and other applicable building and
construction codes in the contract documents.
13.3 DESIGN
13.3.1 Type
Wastewater pumping stations may be of the wet well/dry well type, or may be of the type with suction lift
pumps (Section 13.9) or submersible pumps (Section 13.10) as appropriate for the circumstances. Screw
type pumps for low lift applications are also acceptable where appropriate.
13.3.2 Structures
[Link] Separation
Dry wells, including their superstructures, shall be separated from wet wells. Where
common wall construction is proposed, both the liquid and gaseous contents of the wet
well shall be completely sealed off from the dry well and any penetrations through the
common wall shall be sealed.
[Link] Equipment Removal
Provisions shall be made to facilitate removal of pumps, motors, and other mechanical
and electrical equipment.
[Link] Access and Fencing
Suitable and safe means of access shall be provided to dry wells and to wet wells
containing screens, bar racks, or other mechanical equipment requiring inspection or
maintenance.
Pumping stations shall be designed to discourage vandalism and the entrance of animals
or unauthorized personnel. Fencing should be provided when appropriate.
[Link] Construction Materials
Materials shall be selected that are appropriate under conditions of exposure to hydrogen
sulfide and other corrosive gases, greases, oils, and other constituents frequently present
in wastewater.
[Link] Grit Protection
Where it may be necessary to pump wastewater prior to grit removal, the wet well and
pumping station piping shall be designed to avoid operational problems from the
accumulation of grit.
13.4 PUMPS AND PNEUMATIC EJECTORS
13.4.1 Pumping Rate and Number of Units
At least two pumps or pneumatic ejector pots (receivers) and compressors shall be provided, each
capable of handling the expected PHWW flow.
When three or more units are provided, they must be of such capacity that with any one unit out of
service, the remaining units will have capacity to handle the expected PHWW flow.
5
When the station is expected to operate at a flow rate less than 0.5 times the ADW flow for longer than 12
hours at a time, the design shall address measures taken to prevent septicity due to long holding times in
the wet well.
Consideration shall be given to the use of variable-speed pumps, particularly when the pumping station
delivers flow directly to a treatment plant, so that wastewater will be delivered at approximately the same
rate as it is received at the pumping station.
13.4.2 Protection Against Clogging
All pumping stations handling raw wastewater shall have provisions for screening to protect the pumps
from clogging or damage.
Trash baskets constructed of a corrosion resistant material and easily removable for cleaning may be
used for small pumping stations.
Bar racks with clear openings, not exceeding 2½ inches shall be provided for larger stations.
Mechanically cleaned bar screens with manually cleaned bar rack bypasses shall be considered for very
large installations.
Unless screenings can be collected at ground level, hoists shall be provided for removing screenings
containers from facilities located below ground.
13.4.3 Pump Openings
Unless grinder pumps are used, pumps shall be capable of passing spheres at least 3 inches in diameter.
Pump suction and discharge openings shall be at least 4 inches in diameter.
13.4.4 Priming
Pumps shall be so placed that under all operating conditions they will operate under a positive suction
head (except for suction lift pumps).
13.4.5 Intakes
Each pump shall have individual intake piping. Wet well design shall be such as to avoid turbulence near
the intake and to minimize air entrainment resulting from proximity of the flow entering the wet well and
the pump intakes. Intake piping shall be as straight and short as possible and designed so as not to
entrap air.
13.4.6 Reverse Rotation Protection
Consideration should be given to providing anti-reverse rotation ratchets to protect against runaway
pumps on installations with high flows, high discharge heads, long force mains or combinations of these
which could contribute to excessive back flows in the event of check valve failure.
13.4.7 Electrical Equipment and Controls
Electrical systems and components (e.g., motors, lights, cables, conduits, switchboxes, control circuits,
etc.) in raw wastewater wet wells, or in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces where hazardous
concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may be present, shall comply with the National Electrical
Code requirements for Class 1 Group D, Division 1 locations (except for submersible pump motors). In
addition, equipment located in the wet well shall be suitable for use under corrosive conditions. Each
flexible cable (except for submersible pumps) shall be provided with a watertight seal and separate strain
relief. A fused disconnect switch located above ground shall be provided for the main power feed for all
pumping stations. When such equipment is exposed to weather, it shall meet the requirements of
weatherproof equipment. Ground fault interruption (GFI) protection shall be provided for all outdoor
outlets.
6
Sensing devices for level controls in wet wells shall be located to minimize the effects of turbulence from
entering flows or pump suctions. Provisions shall be made to alternate the pumps in use.
13.4.8 Dry Well Dewatering
A separate sump pump shall be provided in the dry well to remove leakage or drainage, with the
discharge equipped with dual check valves or located above the maximum liquid level in the wet well.
All floor and walkway surfaces shall have an adequate slope to a point of drainage. Pump seal water
shall not be permitted to discharge on the floor of the pumping station.
13.5 PIPING AND VALVES
13.5.1 Pipe Size
Pump suction and discharge piping shall not be less than four inches in diameter except where design of
specialized equipment allows. Maximum recommended velocities are six feet per second in the suction
line and eight feet per second in the discharge line. Minimum velocity shall not be less than two feet per
second in the discharge line.
13.5.2 Valves
[Link] Suction Line
Suitable shutoff valves shall be placed on the suction line of each pump except on submersible,
suction lift and screw pumps.
[Link] Discharge Line
Suitable shutoff and check valves shall be placed on the discharge line of each pump (except on
screw pumps). The check valve shall be located between the shutoff valve and the pump.
Check valves shall be suitable for the material being handled and shall be placed on the
horizontal portion of discharge piping except for ball checks, which may be placed in the vertical
run. Valves shall be capable of withstanding normal pressure and water hammer.
All shutoff and check valves shall be operable from the floor level and accessible for
maintenance. Outside levers are recommended on swing check valves.
Where limited pump backspin will not damage the pump and low discharge head conditions
exist, short individual force mains for each pump may be considered in lieu of discharge valves.
Suitable provisions shall be made on installations using screw pumps to prevent back flow down
the trough of a pump that is out of service.
13.6 WET WELLS
13.6.1 Wet Well Size
The wet well size and control setting shall be appropriate to avoid heat buildup in the pump motor due to
frequent starting. To avoid septic conditions due to excessive detention time, the effective capacity of the
wet well should provide a holding period not to exceed ten minutes for the MWW flow.
13.6.2 Floor Slope
The wet well fillets shall have a minimum slope of one to one to the hopper bottom. The horizontal area
of the hopper bottom shall be kept as small as possible while providing for proper installation and function
of the inlet.
7
13.7 VENTILATION
Adequate ventilation shall be provided for all pumping stations. Where the dry well is below the ground surface,
mechanical ventilation is required. The wet well shall be independently ventilated if screens or mechanical
equipment requiring maintenance or inspection is located in the wet well. There shall be no interconnection
between the wet well and dry well ventilation systems. Multiple inlets and outlets for ventilation are desirable for
large installations. Throttling dampers shall not be used on exhaust or fresh air ducts and fine screens or other
obstructions in air ducts should be avoided to prevent clogging. Switches for operation of ventilation equipment
shall be marked and located conveniently. All intermittently operated ventilating equipment shall be
interconnected with the respective wet well or dry well lighting system. Consideration shall be given to automatic
controls where intermittent operation is used. The fan wheel shall be fabricated from non-sparking material.
Consideration shall be given to installation of automatic heating and/or dehumidification equipment.
13.7.1 Wet Wells
Ventilation may be either continuous or intermittent. Ventilation, if continuous, shall provide at least 12
complete air changes per hour; if intermittent, at least 30 complete air changes per hour. Air shall be
forced into the wet well rather than exhausted from it. Submersible pump wet wells shall be provided with
static vents if mechanical ventilation is not provided.
13.7.2 Dry Wells
Ventilation may be either continuous or intermittent. Ventilation, if continuous, shall provide at least six
complete air changes per hour; if intermittent, at least 30 complete air changes per hour. This
requirement does not apply to the upper or grade level operating room of a wet well/dry well type
pumping station.
13.8 SPECIAL DETAILS
13.8.1 Flow Measurement
Elapsed time meters shall be installed on all pumps unless otherwise approved by the Department.
Pumping stations with an AWW flow capacity of 1.0 million gallons per day or more shall be equipped
with flow metering equipment or event recorders in addition to elapsed time meters.
13.8.2 Water Supply
There shall be no physical connection between any potable water supply and a wastewater pumping
station, which under any conditions might cause contamination of the potable water supply. If a potable
water supply is brought to the station, it shall comply with conditions stipulated under Section 14.7.1 of
these standards.
13.8.3 Alarm Systems
Alarm systems shall be provided for pumping stations. The alarm shall be activated in cases of power
failure, pump failure, high water level or any cause of pumping station malfunction. Pumping station
alarms shall be transmitted to a municipal facility that is manned 24 hours a day. If such a facility is not
available, the alarm shall be transmitted to city offices during normal working hours and to the home of
the person(s) in responsible charge of the pumping station during off-duty hours. Audio visual alarm
systems with a self contained power supply may be acceptable in some cases in lieu of the transmitting
system outlined above, depending upon location, station holding capacity and inspection frequency.
13.8.4 Lighting
Adequate lighting shall be provided for the pumping station. If the wet well is lighted, explosion proof
fixtures shall be provided.
8
13.9 SUCTION LIFT PUMPS
Suction lift pumps shall be of the vacuum priming or self-priming type. All suction lift pumps shall meet the
applicable requirements set forth in Sections 13.3 and 13.4 of these standards. The maximum lift for suction lift
pumps shall not exceed 15 feet. Higher lifts may be permitted if detailed calculations are submitted indicating
satisfactory pump performance under the proposed operating conditions. Such detailed calculations must include
static suction lift as measured from “lead pump off” elevation to center line of pump section, friction and other
hydraulic losses of the suction piping, vapor pressure of the liquid, altitude correction, required net positive suction
head, and a safety factor of at least 6 feet. Under no conditions shall the combined total of dynamic suction lift at
the “lead pump off” elevation and required net positive suction head (NPSH) at design operating conditions
exceed 22 feet.
The pump equipment compartment shall be above grade or offset and shall be effectively isolated from the wet
well to prevent the humid and corrosive sewer atmosphere from entering the equipment compartment. Wet well
access shall not be through the equipment compartment. Valving shall not be located in the wet well.
13.9.1 Self-Priming Pumps
Self-Priming pumps shall be capable of rapid priming and re-priming at the “lead pump on” elevation.
Such self-priming and re-priming shall be accomplished automatically under design operating conditions.
Suction piping shall not exceed the size of the pump suction and shall not exceed 25 feet in total length.
13.9.2 Vacuum-Priming Pumps
Vacuum-priming pumping stations shall be equipped with dual vacuum pumps capable of automatically
and completely removing air from the suction lift pump. The vacuum pumps shall be adequately
protected from damage due to wastewater.
13.10 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS
Submersible pumping stations shall meet all applicable requirements under Sections 13.3 and 13.4.
13.10.1 Construction
Submersible pumps and motors shall be designed specifically for wastewater use, including totally
submerged operation during a portion of each pumping cycle. An effective method to detect shaft seal
failure or potential seal failure shall be provided, and the motor shall be of the type without brushes or
other arc producing mechanisms.
13.10.2 Pump Removal
Submersible pumps shall be readily removable and replaceable without dewatering the wet well or
disconnecting any piping in the wet well.
13.10.3 Electrical
[Link] Power Supply and Control
Electrical supply, control and alarm circuits shall be designed to provide strain relief and
to allow disconnection from outside the wet well. Terminals and connectors shall be
protected from corrosion by location outside the wet well or through use of watertight
seals. If located outside, weatherproof equipment shall be used.
[Link] Control Center
The motor control center shall be located outside the wet well and be protected by a
conduit seal or other appropriate measures meeting the requirements of the National
Electrical Code, to prevent the atmosphere of the wet well from gaining access to the
control center. The seal shall be so located that the motor may be removed and
electrically disconnected without disturbing the seal.
9
[Link] Power Cord
Pump motor power cords shall be designed for flexibility and serviceability under
conditions of extra hard usage. Ground fault interruption (GFI) protection shall be used to
de-energize the circuit in the event of any failure in the electrical integrity of the cable.
13.10.4 Valves
Valves for submersible pumps required under Section 13.5 shall be located in a separate
valve chamber. Accumulated water shall be drained to the wet well. An effective method
shall be provided to prevent wastewater and gas from entering the valve chamber.
13.11 EMERGENCY OPERATION
Pumping stations and collection systems shall be designed to prevent or minimize bypassing of wastewater. For
use during possible periods of extensive power outages, mandatory power reductions, or uncontrolled storm
events, an emergency means of operation shall be provided, such as a second, independent power source
connected to the station, an engine driven generator, engine driven standby pumps or portable pumps or portable
generator. The standby facilities must be capable of being placed in operation at the site within 30 minutes of the
onset of the emergency condition (preferably before the liquid level in the wet well rises to the overflow level).
Engine driven pumps must meet all applicable requirements in Section 13.4 of these standards. Provisions for
backup power sources must comply with the requirements of Section 14.5.3 of these standards.
In addition to the required emergency means of operation, where overflows affect public water supplies, a high
level wet well overflow and a storage/detention basin, or tank, shall be provided having 2 hour detention capacity
at the anticipated overflow rate. Storage/detention tanks, or basins, shall be designed to drain by gravity or
pumping to the station wet well.
Consideration should be given to providing a high level wet well overflow to supplement alarm systems and
required standby facilities in order to prevent backup of wastewater into basements, or other discharges which
may cause severe adverse impacts on public interests, including public health and property damage.
13.11.1 In-Place Equipment
Where in-place internal combustion equipment is utilized, the following guidelines must be followed.
[Link] Placement
The unit shall be bolted in place. Facilities shall be provided for unit removal for
purposes of major repair or routine maintenance.
[Link] Controls
Consideration shall be given to provisions for automatic and manual startup and cut-in.
[Link] Size
Unit size shall be adequate to provide power for lighting and ventilating systems in
addition to pumping requirements.
[Link] Engine Location
The unit internal combustion engine shall be located at or above grade, with suitable and
adequate provisions for heat dissipation and ventilation of exhaust gases.
10
13.11.2 Portable Equipment
Where portable equipment is utilized, the following guidelines must be followed:
Pumping units shall have capability to operate between the wet well and the discharge side of the station,
and the station shall be provided with permanent fixtures that will facilitate rapid and easy connection of
lines. Electrical energy generating units shall be protected against burnout when normal utility services
are restored, and shall have sufficient capacity to provide power for lighting and ventilating systems in
addition to the pumping units.
13.12 FORCE MAINS
13.12.1 Size
Minimum size force mains shall be not less than 4 inches in diameter, except for grinder pumps or other
specialized applications.
13.12.2 Velocity
The minimum self-scouring velocity shall not be less than two feet per second. Recommended maximum
velocity is eight feet per second.
13.12.3 Air Relief Valve
An air relief valve shall be placed at high points in the force main to relieve air locking.
13.12.4 Termination
The force main shall enter the receiving manhole with an invert elevation that will ensure a smooth flow
transition to the gravity flow section; but in no case shall the force main enter the gravity sewer system at
a point more than 1 foot above the flow line of the receiving manhole. The design shall minimize
turbulence and scouring at the point of discharge.
Consideration shall be given to the use of inert materials or protective coatings for the receiving manhole
to prevent deterioration as a result of exposure to hydrogen sulfide or other chemicals where such
chemicals are present or suspected to be present because of industrial discharges or long force mains.
13.12.5 Materials of Construction
The pipe material shall be adapted to local conditions, such as character of industrial wastes, soil
characteristics, exceptionally heavy external loadings, internal erosion, corrosion, and similar problems.
Installation specifications shall contain appropriate requirements based on the criteria, standards, and
requirements established by the industry in its technical publications. Requirements shall be set forth in
the specifications for the pipe and methods of bedding and back-filling thereof, so as not to damage the
pipe or its joints nor impede cleaning operations, nor to create excessive side fill pressures, nor to
seriously impair flow capacity.
All pipes shall be designed to prevent damage from superimposed loads. Proper allowance for loads on
the pipe shall be made because of the width and depth of trench.
13.12.6 Pressure Tests
All force mains shall be tested at a minimum pressure of at least 50 percent above the design operating
pressure for at least 30 minutes at the low point in the line. Leakage shall not exceed the amount given
by the following formula:
L = SD P
133,200
11
Where L is allowable leakage in gallons per hour,
S is the length of pipe in feet,
D is the pipe diameter in inches, and
P is the test pressure in pounds per square inch.
13.12.7 Special Construction
Force main construction near streams or used for aerial crossings shall meet the requirements of
Sections 12.5.11 and 12.5.12 of these standards.
13.12.8 Protection of Water Supplies
Force main construction shall comply with all applicable requirements of Section 12.5.8 of these
standards for the protection of public and private water supplies.
13.12.9 Anchoring
Force mains shall be sufficiently anchored within the pumping station and throughout the line length. The
number of bends shall be as few as possible. Thrust blocks, restrained joints, and/or tie rods shall be
provided where restraint is needed.
13.12.10 Surge Protection
Consideration shall be given to the use of surge anticipation valves, surge tanks, or other suitable means
to protect the force main against severe pressure changes due to the starting or stopping of large
capacity pumps particularly when such pumps are required to run against high discharge heads.
13.12.11 Design Friction Losses
Friction losses through force mains shall be based on the Hazen and Williams formula or other
acceptable method. When the Hazen and Williams formula is used, the following values for “C” shall be
used for design.
Unlined iron or steel – 100
All other materials – 120
When initially installed, force mains will have a significantly higher “C” factor than shown, which should be
used in designing for the discharge forces at receiving or splitting structures at the discharge end of force
mains and in calculating maximum power requirements.
13.12.12 Identification
Where force mains are constructed of material which might cause the force main to be confused with
potable water mains, the force mains shall be appropriately identified.
12