AN ROINN TALMHAOCHTA AGUS BIA

S. 170A

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

July 2007

MINIMUM SPECIFICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF WATER FOR CONSUMPTION

IN COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMS
This specification covers the installation and maintenance of the water treatment systems for
commercial poultry farms to ensure that water is always chlorinated to the correct dosage for the
prevention of avian influenza.This is a minimum specification. .

1 Water Treatment Unit

1.1 Objective
This installation shall be calibrated to deliver at least 2ppm of free chlorine in solution to water for
consumption by poultry. The chlorine shall be delivered to the incoming water supply and shall
achieve a minimal residence time of 30 minutes in the mandatory header tank prior to consumption
by the poultry.
This installation is applicable to every eligible unit /poultry house present on a poultry farm on the
basis of one unit per water source/site.
Note: Excessive levels of chlorine in the water may lead to a decline in consumption of water by the
birds.
1.2 Installation Specification
The Water Treatment Unit shall comprise at least the items listed below and shall be installed in the
sequence outlined in .
1. Inlet Ball Valve D/U PVC 1 FBSP connection
2. Dirt Filter with rinsing valve outlet
3. Cold Water Impulse Meter
4. Chlorine Automatic Control Degassing Dosing Pump
5. Stock tank for concentrated sodium hypochlorite solution storage
6. Bund for stock tank
7. Non return spring loaded chlorine injection valve
8. Outlet Ball valve D/U PVC 1 FBSP connection
9. Sample tap on outlet line after header tank
Note: It is recommended that the chlorination unit be housed indoors entirely. This ensures optimum
performance for the chlorination unit and sodium hypochlorite solution.
1.3 Specification for Dosing Pump
The specification for the dosing pump for flow proportional free chlorine dosing shall at least meet
the following criteria:
a) Patented self degassing head for automatic venting system for degassing of free chlorine
solution gas build up to minimise or prevent airlocks
b) Double ball non return type PVC Valves

c) Manual stroke adjustment 0 100%

d) Automatic frequency adjustment 0 100% proportional to incoming signal (pulse, mA or
voltage) with facility to pulse multiply / divide.
e) LCD status display showing frequency or % stroke length, input signal, totalisation of
strokes
f) Selectable interval spacing of dosing rate to ensure even dosage between incoming pulses
from water meter.
g) IP 65 rating
h) Operational to the pressure of the flow
i) 24 month continuous run warranty on magnet and electronics providing they are operated
correctly
j) Accessibility to technical service, spares, repairs etc.
Note 1: In water feed systems with very low flow rate, the pump shall be capable of dosing 2ppm of
free chorine to the water.
Note 2: In the case of accepted dosing pumps fitted with twin non return lip valves, then a) & b)
above are not required.
Note 3: Details of accepted dosing pumps in the period 2006-2007 are available in Annex 1.
1.4 Stock Tank for Concentrated Sodium Hypochlorite Solution Storage
Where Sodium Hypochlorite is used, then the stock tank, if installed outdoors shall be a type HDPE
black coloured tank such that it is ultra-violet stabilised for protection against sunlight. If installed
indoors, then it shall be a type HDPE white/transparent coloured tank.
Sodium Hypochlorite, in liquid or in tablet form shall be used in accordance with manufacturers
instructions.
The stock tank shall be fitted with a level switch or probe to activate an alarm to alert personnel to
low quantities of the solution.
A foot valve with non return valve shall be installed in the stock tank to prevent fluid draining back
into the tank.
1.5

Header Tank
The header tank, if newly installed as part of the Water Treatment Unit shall be of plastic
construction specified for storage of potable water. Galvanised or metal tanks are not
permitted even where they currently exist in poultry houses.

Existing tanks shall be covered with a factory fitted lid to prevent entry of dirt and debris and
possible recontamination.

New tanks shall either be sealed or be covered with a factory fitted lid; all tanks to be
provided with drip tray with overflow.

The header tank shall be sized to accommodate peak daily water consumption (minimum 1
hour capacity), while simultaneously achieving a residence time of at least 30 minutes
for chlorinated water.

A water pump shall be fitted downstream of the header tank, where necessary.

1.6

The header tank shall be fitted with a level switch or probe to activate an alarm to alert
personnel to low quantities of chlorinated water for consumption.

Dosing / Injection Valve

6mm x MBSP non return spring loaded injection valve (No. 7 in Figure 1.)

1.7 Chlorine and pH Test Kit

A test meter shall be supplied to the end user with each installation. It shall be used to sample the
water on a regular basis to verify chlorine readings to ensure that the water is receiving the correct
dosage for disinfection purposes. In the event that the readings are indicating the dosage is
insufficient, the dosing pump shall be recalibrated accordingly to ensure at least 2ppm of chlorine is
delivered to the water. Again, the test meter shall be used to ensure the modification delivers the
correct dosage. Samples shall be obtained from the water sample tap located downstream of the
header tank. A record of test results shall be maintained.
Specification of Chlorine and pH Test Kit
Amperometric chlorine test kit (c/w carrying case), all necessary reagent and glassware for simple
photometric determination of free chlorine.
Range:

0.05 6.0 ppm free chlorine

5.5 8.4 pH (phenol red)

2 Additional Requirements
A sample water tap downstream of the header tank shall be provided to enable representative
samples to be taken for test purposes (see Figure 1). A T-junction shall be inserted in the pipe work
downstream of the header tank and a pipe connected to it. To the end of this pipe a sample water tap
shall be attached such that it is accessible to personnel at ground level.
A sample water tap downstream of the medication tank shall be provided to ascertain if the water has
been dechlorinated.
All fittings in relation to this specification shall be chlorine resistant (e.g. PVC or PTFE pipe work).

3 Optional Facilities
3.1 Carbon Filtration Unit
Installations may be equipped with an active carbon filter cartridge depending on the method
employed for vaccination or medication purposes. If required, it shall be installed downstream of the
chlorination treatment unit, and/or including a vaccination/medication tank. It shall be activated for
the duration of the vaccination or medication period to filter out the chlorine from the water (see
Figure 1). Where necessary, a booster pump downstream of the medication tank shall be installed.
However if there are a number of houses being served by a common header tank, it is permissible to
fit individual carbon filters to each house so that a single house can be isolated for the vaccination
period independent of the other houses.
Other options for dechlorinating the water include the use of skim milk powder, which does not
necessitate the use of a carbon filter. It does, however, necessitate the use of a
vaccination/medication tank.
3.2 Water Hardness Presence of Iron or Manganese
Where water hardness is present, it tends to react with the chlorine to produce scale and deposits
along the internal pipe work and injection valve, which could interfere with the performance of the
3

unit. Therefore, it is recommended that mineral composition of the drinking water should be
analytically determined in an appropriate laboratory, in order to establish whether a filtration unit
should be added. Water analysis results should be retained. Provision should be made for the
installation of a water softener facility where necessary. If required, it shall be inserted before the
impulse meter and after the dirt filter (see Figure 1).
If there is evidence of high levels of iron or manganese in the water supply, appropriate measures
should be taken to ensure the efficacy of the water chlorination system.

4 Recommendations
It is recommended that end-users be familiar with the shelf life of free chlorine solutions. Some
solutions deteriorate over time and should be stored away from heat or direct sunlight (see suppliers
handling and safety data sheets).
Insulation and lagging of the system including tanks and associated pipe work shall be applied,
whether internal or external, where deemed necessary in accordance with good professional advice.
It is also important that the pH value of the incoming water be established to ensure that the level is
not more than pH 7.0 7.5. The reason is to ensure that the chlorine is in the free chlorine ion form
(which is required for disinfection).
All equipment purchased should be suitable for the job with adequate provisions for maintenance and
repairs.
Dosing pumps should be serviced annually and service records retained.

5 Maintenance
The installation shall require regular maintenance to ensure it is fully functional and to ensure the
health and safety of personnel.

6 Safety
Applicants are advised of the need to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the Safety, Health
and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
At least one safety notice shall be erected beside the installation, in particular the drum containing the
chlorine, alerting personnel to its presence. Health and Safety requirements relating to the use of
chlorine products for water treatment shall be fully complied with.

7 Electrical Installations
Wiring and fittings shall be installed, and all work shall be carried out in accordance with the Second
Edition of the National Rules for Electrical Installations, ET 101/1991 and Amendment A1:197, and
specifically Section 705 - Electrical Installations for Agricultural and Horticultural premises.
A certificate, specifically for agricultural work, the "Supplementary Agricultural Certification Form"
shall be signed by the Electrical Contractor. For electrical work associated with the installation of the
water treatment unit, a Sub-System Completion Certificate is also required.

List of changes to S170 incorporated into S170A

1.2 Installation Specification
Note: It is recommended that the chlorination unit be housed indoors entirely. This ensures optimum
performance for the chlorination unit and sodium hypochlorite solution.
1.3 Specification for Dosing Pump
Note 2: In the case of accepted dosing pumps fitted with twin non return lip valves, then a) & b)
above are not required.
Note 3: Details of accepted dosing pumps in the period 2006 - 2007 are available in Annex 1
1.4 Stock Tank for Concentrated Sodium Hypochlorite Solution Storage
Sodium Hypochlorite, in liquid or in tablet form shall be used in accordance with manufacturers
instructions.
The stock tank shall be fitted with a level switch or probe to activate an alarm to alert personnel to
low quantities of the solution.
A foot valve with non return valve shall be installed in the stock tank to prevent fluid draining back
into the tank.
1.5

Header Tank
The header tank shall be sized to accommodate peak daily water consumption (minimum 1
hour capacity), while simultaneously achieving a residence time of at least 30 minutes
for chlorinated water.

The header tank shall be fitted with a level switch or probe to activate an alarm to alert
personnel to low quantities of chlorinated water for consumption.

2 Additional Requirements
A sample water tap downstream of the medication tank shall be provided to ascertain if the water has
been dechlorinated.
3.1 Carbon Filtration Unit
Where necessary, a booster pump downstream of the medication tank shall be installed.
3.2 Water Hardness Presence of Iron or Manganese
Therefore, it is recommended that mineral composition of the drinking water should be analytically
determined in an appropriate laboratory, in order to establish whether a filtration unit should be
added. Responsibility for this lies with the applicant. Water analysis results should be retained.
Provision should be made for the installation of a water softener facility where necessary. If there is
evidence of high levels of iron or manganese in the water supply, appropriate measures should be
taken to ensure the efficacy of the water chlorination system.

4 Recommendations
Dosing pumps should be serviced annually and service records retained.

Annex 1
ACCEPTED DOSING PUMPS FOR THE TREATMENT OF WATER FOR
CONSUMPTION IN COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMS
This list details all the dosing pumps (and supplier contact details) that were accepted for the
treatment of water for consumption in commercial poultry farms and fully met the detailed
specifications for dosing pumps set out in S. 170A in the period 2006 - 2007
If a manufacturing/supply company for chlorine dosing pumps which is not on this list wishes to be
included, they should contact: Farm Buildings Section, Department of Agriculture and Food,
Pavilion A, Grattan Business Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Tel. 057 869 4402
Note: Dosing pumps must satisfy the requirements of this Specification in order to be included on
this list.
Dosing Pump

Etatron DLXB - VFT/MO

Supplier
P.E. Services,
Cavan Road,
Ballyjamesduff,
Co. Cavan.
Tel. 049 854 5171

Grundfos DDI Plus 3

Grundfos (Ireland) Ltd.,

Unit A, Merrywell Business Park,
Ballymount Road Lower,
Dublin 12
Tel. 01 408 9800

Prominent Gala

V. Fleming Ltd.,
Tivoli Terrace East,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co.Dublin.
Tel. 01 280 5028

Direction of flow of water

from water supply source
to poultry drinking lines
Water
Hardness
Filter (Optional)
2
Valve
1

Impulse Meter

8
Valve

Valve

Pipework

Dirt (sediment)
Filter

Chlorine
Injection
Valve

Header Tank

Water
Water
Sample
Pump
(optional)

Valve
Carbon
Cartridge
Filter

4
Free Chlorine Solution
Stock Tank

Water
Sample

Pump

Water
Pump
(optional)

5
Valve

Bund 6

Figure 1

Schematic of Chlorine Disinfection of Water for Avian Flu Prevention

Vaccination / medication Tank