Standard

• Water mains must be horizontally separated from the drain, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, combined sewer or sewer service connection by 10 feet. This includes proposed, as well as existing, sewer connections.
  
  

Alternatives

• If the standard regulations are not possible because of local construction conditions, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) may grant permission to locate the water main invert 18 inches above the crown of the sewer. If you can't achieve vertical or horizontal separation, the IEPA may allow you to construct a sewer out of "water main equivalent pipe and pressure tested to the maximum expected surcharge head before backfilling."
  
  

Deviation Requests

• If you need to deviate from the standard regulation, you must request approval when you apply for the permit to install the main. On the permit application, you must show where the required separation is not possible and on Schedule B explain why requirements cannot be met and how you plan to protect the water supply. An approved permit indicates plan approval.