Flexible-Membrane Materials For Potable Water Applications: AWWA Standard

ANSI/AWWA D130-02
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA D130-96)
The Authoritative Resource for Safe Drinking WaterSM
AWWA Standard
Flexible-Membrane
Materials for Potable
Water Applications
Effective date: Feb. 1, 2003.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 26, 1987.
This edition approved June 16, 2002.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Nov. 20, 2002.
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Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification. AWWA standards
describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information normally
contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the
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publication of a standard does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify,
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consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises
or withdraws this standard, an official notice of action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising
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AWWA publication of the official notice.
American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An
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Science and Technology

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ii

Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Flexible Reservoir Covers and Liners for Potable
Water Storage, which developed and revised this standard, had the following personnel at the
time of approval:
David Kittredge, P.E., Chair
Consumer Members
T.P. Campbell, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
D.G. Miller, P.E., Manchester Water Works, Manchester, N.H. (AWWA)
J.J. Morris, Camden County DPW, Lindenwold, N.J. (AWWA)
G.A. Radek, Metropolitan Utilities District, Omaha, Neb. (AWWA)
P.E. Tomes, Cincinnati Water Works, Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
G.H. Yamamoto, California Department of Health Services,
Sacramento, Calif. (AWWA)
General Interest Members
D.H. Gerber, Consultant, Los Gatos, Calif. (AWWA)

P.F. Greiner, NSF International, Ann Arbor, Mich. (NSF)
Douglas Hilts, P.E., Ficcadenti & Waggoner, Chino Hills, Calif. (AWWA)
David Kittredge, P.E., Consulting Engineer, Manchester, N.H. (NEWWA)
J.L. Lane,* Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, Mo. (AWWA)
J.S. Wailes,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
Producer Members
C.J. DeGarie, GTI Geomembrane Technologies, Fredericton, N.B. (AWWA)

D.J. McCullough, Water Saver Company, Mission Viejo, Calif. (AWWA)
*Liaison, nonvoting
iii

C.W. Neal II, C.W. Neal Corporation, Santee, Calif. (AWWA)
W.D. Shehane, P.E., Seaman Corporation, Cornelius, N.C. (AWWA)
Mark Sieracke, Serrot International Inc., Henderson, Nev. (AWWA)
iv

Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format
may be found in a particular standard.
SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE
Foreword 4 Requirements
I Introduction..................................... vii 4.1 Permeation......................................... 6
I.A Background...................................... vii 4.2 Certification....................................... 6
I.B History............................................. vii 4.3 Materials ............................................ 7
I.C Acceptance. ...................................... vii 4.4 Material Construction
II Special Issues..................................... ix Requirements .................................. 8
II.A Operation, Inspection, and 4.5 Factory Fabrication ............................ 9
Maintenance Guidelines for 4.6 Field Installation .............................. 10
Floating Covers.............................. ix 5 Verification

III Use of This Standard. ....................... ix 5.1 Quality Control Testing ....................... 11
III.A Purchaser Options and 5.2 Quality Assurance Program ................. 11
Alternatives. ................................... ix
6 Delivery
III.B Modification to Standard................... x
6.1 Marking ..................................................... 13
IV Major Revisions ................................. x
6.2 Packaging and Shipping ........................ 13
V Comments. ....................................... xi
6.3 Affidavit of Compliance ........................ 14
Standard
Tables
1 General
1 Thickness Requirements for Flexible
1.1 Scope ................................................. 1
Membrane Material ........................ 8
1.2 Purpose .............................................. 1 2 Quality Control Testing
1.3 Application ........................................ 2 (manufacturer) .............................. 12
2 References.......................................... 2 3 Quality Control Testing

(fabricators)................................... 12
3 Definitions ........................................ 2 2 Quality Control Testing
(installers) ..................................... 12

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Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not part of AWWA D130.
I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. The purpose of ANSI/AWWA D130 is to provide direction
and guidance in selecting and purchasing flexible-membrane materials used to line or
cover potable water reservoirs. The standard is based on the accumulated knowledge
and experience of owners, consulting engineers, manufacturers, fabricators, and
installers of flexible-membrane liners and floating covers. The standard should be
used in conjunction with AWWA Manual M25, Flexible-Membrane Covers and
Linings for Potable Water Reservoirs, to define suitable application for use of these
materials.
I.B. History. In 1975, AWWA appointed a committee to study and report on
the adaptability of flexible-membrane liners and floating covers for use within the
water industry. The committee presented its report at the 1975 AWWA Annual
Conference. This report included a recommendation to appoint a task group to
prepare a standard to describe the use of flexible-membrane linings and floating
covers. Subsequently, the AWWA Standards Committee on Flexible Reservoir Covers
and Linings for Potable Water Storage was established in June 1976. The initial goal
of the committee was to prepare a manual with guidelines for design, installation,
and maintenance of a flexible-membrane floating cover or lining, or both. The
committee completed a first draft of the manual in February 1983 and submitted it
for consideration by the AWWA Standards Council later that same year. The first
edition of the standard, designated ANSI/AWWA D130-87, was approved by the
AWWA Board of Directors on Jan. 26, 1987, and by ANSI on May 28, 1987. The
second edition contained minor technical revisions and was approved by the AWWA
Board of Directors on Feb. 4, 1996. This third edition was approved by the AWWA
Board of Directors on June 16, 2002.
I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF
International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a
certification program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other
members of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association
Research Foundation (AWWARF) and the Conference of State Health and
vii

Environmental Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association
(AWWA) and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact with,
drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to impose
requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate the health
effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state and local
agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drink-
ing Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSI†/NSF‡ 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals—Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components—Health Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,§ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Annex A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances
not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALs of
an unspecified list of “unregulated contaminants” are based on toxicity testing
guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens).
Use of Annex A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the certifier.
*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the appropriate
authority having jurisdiction.
†American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
‡NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
§Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. N.W.,
Washington, DC 20418.
viii

AWWA D130 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in
order to
1. Determine additives requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify prod-
ucts for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues.
II.A. Operation, Inspection, and Maintenance Guidelines for Floating Covers. Water
industry experience has clearly established the critical need for a well-defined, regularly
executed, site-specific inspection and maintenance program with written documenta-
tion of procedures. See chapter 3 of AWWA Manual M25.
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability or
compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions are suitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be cov-
ered in the purchaser’s project specifications, as applicable:
1. Standard used—that is, ANSI/AWWA D130, Standard for Flexible-
Membrane Materials for Potable Water Applications, of latest edition.
2. The following items are common to all projects:
a. General site conditions: temperature, wind, and precipitation
extremes; snow loadings; exposure to sunlight; and susceptibility to flooding.
b. Soil and foundation conditions: test hole data, depth and seasonal
variation of groundwater level; soil gradation, densities, and bearing values;
slope stability indices, and soil organic content.
c. Project conditions: description of existing or proposed facilities,
physical dimensions and spatial relationships; volume, capacity, and operating
range; overflow elevation; grade of side slopes; size and location of appurte-
nances, such as valves, inlet–outlet piping, sumps, underdrains, air–gas vents,
and leakage monitoring system; general condition of construction materials;
and other related information.
d. Material properties.
e. Material installation and warranty requirements.
ix

3. The following items are specific to flexible membrane lining projects:
a. Provisions for membrane anchorage: mechanical or buried membrane
termination system.
b. Provisions for liner sealing at underwater terminations, such as inlet,
outlet, and overflow structures.
c. Provisions for soil sterilization to prevent vegetative growth and gas
generation beneath the liner membrane.
d. Leakage permitted and the method for determining leakage.
4. The following items are specific to floating reservoir cover projects:
a. Number and location of access hatches in the floating cover for
internal maintenance and repair.
b. Details of the rainwater removal system and of the sump and float
layout for the floating cover membrane.
c. Provisions for floating cover protection at structures that will support
the cover in the dewatered condition, such as inlets, outlets, and overflows.
d. Provisions for inflation of a floating cover if an operational
requirement.
5. The purchaser should state whether compliance with ANSI/NSF 61
Drinking Water System Components–Health Effects, is to be required, in addition to
the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
6. Fabrication experience requirements and qualifications (Sec. 4.5.3).
7. Field installation experience requirements and qualification (Sec. 4.6.3).
8. Material and installation warranty requirements.
9. Quality control record requirements (Sec. 5.1.3.2).
10. Production code identification requirements (Sec. 5.1.3.3).
11. Quality assurance and inspection (Sec. 5.2)
12. Whether an affidavit of compliance is required (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification to the provisions, defini-
tions, or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s
specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition
include the following:
1. Use of NSF 54: Previous editions of this standard contained references
to NSF 54. NSF 54 has since been rescinded, necessitating a revision to this docu-
ment. Material previously incorporated by reference to NSF 54 has been added
with this revision.

2. This standard has been rewritten in its entirety to incorporate current
industry practice and newly developed materials.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Volunteer and Technical Support Group (303) 794-7711,
FAX (303) 795-7603, or write to the group at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver,
CO 80235-3098, or by e-mail to standards@awwa.org.
xi


ANSI/AWWA D130-02
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA D130-96)
AWWA Standard
Flexible-Membrane Materials for

Potable Water Applications
SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope

This standard pertains to flexible-membrane materials supplied in sheet form
for lining, covering, or lining and covering potable water reservoirs. The successful
application of this standard is dependent on an appropriate site evaluation, design,
material selection, construction, as well as operations and maintenance. This
standard includes requirements for material properties, fabrication, and installation.
AWWA Manual M25, Flexible-Membrane Covers and Linings for Potable Water
Reservoir, complements this standard by providing supplemental definitions of terms,
as well as design, installation, operation, and maintenance considerations for flexible
membrane systems.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide purchasers, manufacturers, suppliers,
fabricators, and installers with the minimum requirements for flexible-membrane
lining and floating-cover materials for potable water storage, including minimum
requirements for materials, fabrication, and installation and quality assurance.

2 AWWA D130-02
Sec. 1.3 Application

This standard can be referenced in specifications for purchasing, fabricating, and
installing flexible-membrane lining and floating cover materials for potable water
applications. The stipulations of this standard apply when this document has been
referenced to flexible-membrane lining and floating cover materials for potable water
storage.
SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, these
documents form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard.
In any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSI*/NSF† 61—Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects.
ASTM‡D751—Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics.
ASTM D5199—Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
of Geosynthetics.
ASTM D5397—Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resis-
tance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile Load Test.
ASTM D6392—Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of
Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods.
AWWA Manual M25—Flexible-Membrane Covers and Linings for Potable-
Water Reservoirs.
SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
Baffle: Fixed or floated flexible membrane curtains designed for the purpose of
redirecting current flow in water storage systems. Flexible membrane baffles are
commonly used to provide increased chemical contact time, to eliminate short circuit
flows between inlets and outlets, and to increase retention times where required.
*American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
†NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
‡American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

FLEXIBLE-MEMBRANE MATERIALS 3
Bonded seam strength: Strength of a flexible-membrane seam as measured in

shear or peel modes. Strength of seams is reported either in absolute units (i.e., lb
[kg] or lb/in. [kg/mm] of width) or as a percent of strength of the parent membrane.
Breaking strength: Tensile force to break measured in pounds (newtons) on a
supported membrane.
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE): Family of polymers produced by the
reaction of polyethylene with chlorine and sulfur dioxide.
Coated fabric: Fabrics coated or impregnated with a plastic solution, disper-
sion, hot melt or powder. The material is usually spread over the surface in a uniform
manner.
Elasticity: The property by virtue of which a material tends to return to its
original size and shape after removal of the stress that caused the deformation.
Elongation: Extension of membranes produced by a tensile force, usually
expressed in percent.
Elongation at break: The extension of a section of a specimen at rupture
expressed as percent of the original length.
Elongation at yield: The extension of a section of specimen at yield expressed
as percent of the original length.
Elastomer: See rubber.
Ethylene interpolymer alloy (EIA): Derived from a blend of Elvaloy resin
(Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer) and polyvinyl chloride resulting in a thermo-
plastic elastomer.
Fabric reinforcement: The reinforcing material or fabric encapsulated within
the flexible membrane to add structural strength. Commonly referred to as scrim.
Fabricator: The party that joins sheets of flexible-membrane sheeting material
into large panels in the fabrication plant for delivery to the job site for installation.
Film tearing bond (FTB): A failure in the ductile mode of one of the bonded
sheets (or one ply if the geomembrane is a reinforced laminate) by tearing prior to
complete separation to the bonded area.
Flexible membrane: Any number of continuous, flexible, impermeable mem-
branes, usually ranging in thickness from 0.036 in. (0.91 mm) to 0.06 in. (1.52
mm), that may be fabricated into large panels for final assembly in the field. The
membrane may be nonreinforced or scrim reinforced, depending on the physical
requirements of the application. Three types of flexible membranes are generally

4 AWWA D130-02
recognized: (1) plastic (thermoplastic), (2) cured elastomer, and (3) uncured
elastomer (thermoplastic elastomer).
Formulation: The compounding ingredients used to produce a single-ply sheet
of polymeric material used in the manufacture of a flexible-membrane.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE): A linear polymer prepared by a catalytic
low-pressure polymerization of ethylene (principal monomer) and other alpha-olefin
comonomer(s).
Hydrostatic resistance: Resistance to bursting using the flexible membrane liner
as the diaphragm.
Installer: The party that performs the installation of the flexible membrane
material in the field.
Manufacturer: The party that manufactures or produces materials or products.
Membrane: A prefabricated continuous sheet of flexible polymeric material
used for construction of liners, floating covers, and baffles in water reservoirs.
Panels: The product of the assembly of two or more sections of flexible-
membrane material cut and assembled by the fabricator using factory seams to form
a portion of the membrane lining or floating cover ready for field assembly by the
installer.
Plastic: A material that contains as an essential ingredient one or more
polymeric substances of high molecular weight, is solid in its finished state, and at
some stage in its manufacture or processing into finished articles, can be shaped by
flow.
Plasticizer: A material, frequently “solvent-like,” incorporated in a plastic or
rubber to increase ease of workability, flexibility, or elasticity.
Polypropylene (PP): A synthetic thermoplastic polymer made by blending high
levels of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) into a semicrystalline polypropylene matrix
directly in the polymerization reactor.
Polymer: A macromolecular material formed by the chemical combination of
monomers having either the same or different chemical composition.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A synthetic thermoplastic polymer made by poly-
merizing vinyl chloride monomer, or vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate monomers.
Normally rigid, plasticizers are added to provide properties required for flexible
membrane liners.
Purchaser: The party that contracts for the purchase or installation of a
flexible-membrane product for use on its potable water storage facility.

Quality assurance: A formal system for verifying a product conforms to specific

standards. Quality assurance is intended as an audit of quality control testing.
Quality control: The methods used to insure that a production process yields a
product in conformance with the appropriate specifications.
Reinforcement: See fabric reinforcement.
Rubber: A polymeric material, which, at room temperature, is capable of
recovering substantially in shape and size after removal of a deforming force. Refers
to both synthetic and natural rubber and is also called an elastomer.
Scrim: See fabric reinforcement.
Seams: A joining of flexible membrane materials. Seams can be further
characterized by type or seaming method:
• Adhesive seam: A chemical adhesive is used to develop bond strength
between membrane surfaces. The chemical adhesive becomes an additional element
to the seam system.
• Dielectric seam: High-frequency dielectric equipment is used to generate
heat and pressure on an overlap seam, resulting in a homogeneous melt of the
interfacing membrane surfaces.
• Extrusion welded seam: A bond between flexible membrane sheets achieved
by heat extruding the parent material between or over the overlap areas and may be
followed by applied pressure.
• Factory seam: A bond or weld made between pieces of membrane material
in a controlled, factory environment.
• Field seam: A bond or weld made between pieces of membrane material in
the field.
• Solvent seam: Solvents are used to soften and bond the membrane surfaces.
The parent material may be dissolved within the solvent (bodied solvent) used to
soften and bond the membrane materials.
• Tape seam: A width of material to which a chemical adhesive has been
applied that is used to form a bond between pieces of membrane material. The tape
provides the bond and the tensile strength of the joint.
• Thermal and fusion seams: High temperature is produced between an
overlap to melt the membrane surfaces, followed by a pressure system that results in
the homogeneous bond of the membrane surfaces.
• Vulcanized Seam: Overlapped, unvulcanized sheets cured together using
heat and pressure. Sometimes referred to as blocking.

6 AWWA D130-02
Supported membrane: A membrane material that is reinforced with fabric

reinforcement.
Supplier: The party that supplies materials or services. The supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.
Tear strength: The force required to tear a specimen. The unit of measure is
determined by the specific test procedure being used.
Thermoplastic: A material capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of
temperature and reformed by decrease in temperature.
Thermoplastic elastomers: Polymeric materials having elasticity characteristics
similar to rubber and capable of being repeatedly softened and reformed.
Unsupported membrane: A flexible membrane, one or more plies thick,
without a reinforcing fabric or scrim.
SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Permeation

The selection of materials is critical for water service and distribution piping in
locations where there is likelihood the pipe or material will be exposed to significant
concentrations of pollutants comprised of low molecular weight petroleum products
or organic solvents or their vapors. Research has documented that materials, such as
polyethylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl chloride, and asbestos cement, and elastomers
such as used in jointing gaskets and packing glands, may be subject to permeation by
low molecular weight organic compounds or petroleum products. If a water pipe or
membrane-lined or covered facility must pass through or be located in such a
contaminated area or an area subject to contamination, consult with the manufac-
turer regarding permeation of pipe walls, lining or floating cover materials, jointing
materials, and so forth, before selecting materials for use in that area.
Sec. 4.2 Certification

Materials used for membrane liners, baffles, and floating covers, including
joining materials, in contact with potable water shall be tested and certified to ANSI/
NSF Standard 61, Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects.
Chemical taste and odor evaluations of membrane materials may be conducted
in accordance with test procedures set forth by the appropriate regulatory agency or

agencies having jurisdiction. A copy of the certification shall be provided to the

purchaser upon request.
Sec. 4.3 Materials

Materials shall comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act
and other federal, state, and local requirements. Legislation is subject to change.
Therefore, it is the manufacturer’s and purchaser’s responsibility to verify the current
requirements of federal, state, and local regulations.
Membrane materials shall meet the specific physical and chemical requirements
as established in this standard for the intended application. The manufactured
membrane materials shall be free of pinholes, blisters, holes, delaminations and
contaminants, including, but not limited to, wood, paper, metal, and nondispersed
ingredients.
4.3.1 Material properties. Minimal material properties should be clearly
defined in the purchaser’s specifications. Material properties should be defined using
applicable ASTM index tests. Adequate factors of safety for site-specific conditions
shall be evaluated by qualified professionals.
4.3.2 Formulation. The compounding ingredients used in producing mem-
brane materials shall be first quality, virgin material meeting specific public health
and safety requirements as well as providing durable and effective formulations for
the intended applications. Clean rework materials containing encapsulated scrim or
other fibrous materials shall not be used in the manufacture of membrane materials.
Clean rework materials of the same virgin ingredients generated from the
manufacturer’s own production may be used by the same manufacturer, provided that
the finished products meet the requirements of this standard.
4.3.3 Chemical resistance. Chemical resistance can be a complex issue. This
standard does not attempt to provide requirements for chemical resistance.
Immersion testing of a membrane material and seams is essential for determining
chemical resistance. The resulting test data should be evaluated by qualified
professionals.
4.3.4 Joining materials. Any solvents or adhesives that may come into
contact with potable water shall be as recommended by the membrane manufacturer
for potable water use in accordance with this standard.

8 AWWA D130-02
4.3.5 Exposure. Some membrane material applications are intended to be

buried; others are intended to be exposed. Exposed membrane materials may be
affected by their exposure and should be evaluated by qualified professionals.
Sec. 4.4 Material Construction Requirements

4.4.1 Thickness of membrane. Flexible-membrane thickness shall be as
shown in Table 1 of this standard. Thickness values shall be determined by ASTM
D751 for EIA Coated Fabrics and ASTM D5199 for other types of flexible
membrane material.
4.4.2 Unsupported membrane. Unsupported (nonreinforced) membrane
materials are appropriate for some flexible-membrane liner applications. It is
recommended that unsupported flexible membranes consist of two or more plies to
ensure pinhole-free construction. Unsupported liner material shall not creep under its
own weight or stretch below minimum gauge thickness during installation or normal
operation.
4.4.3 Supported membrane. Flexible membrane materials used for floating
covers and baffles shall have fabric reinforcement. Fabric reinforcement is required
because of the dynamic loading that is normally encountered by the cover membrane
in service.
All fabric reinforcement shall be completely encapsulated between two plies of
compound. Material with exposed fabric reinforcement or indication of delamination
shall not be permitted.
When tested in accordance with the grab method described in ASTM D751,
the membrane fabric reinforcement shall not reduce the composite membrane
elongation at rupture to less than 75 percent.
4.4.4 Workmanship. Membrane materials shall be free of all manufacturing
or fabricating defects, including pinholes, blisters, and unbonded surfaces.
Table 1 Thickness requirements for flexible membrane material
Supported Membrane Unsupported Membrane

EIA Coated Fabrics Materials Nominal Materials Nominal
Nominal Thickness Thickness Thickness Maximum Thickness
mils (µm) mils (µm) mils (µm) mils (µm)
Covers 30 (762) 45 (1,143) — 60 (1,524)
Liners 30 (762) 36 (914) 60 (1,524) —

Sec. 4.5 Factory Fabrication

4.5.1 General. This section describes factory fabrication of membrane
materials. Repairs shall meet the same performance requirements as factory seams.
4.5.2 Factory seams. All factory seams, lap seams, repairs, and patches shall
be made using joining materials and methods recommended by the membrane
manufacturer and shall be compatible with the material property requirements of this
standard.
Seam preparation requirements and seaming methods shall be as recommended
by the manufacturer and in compliance with purchaser’s specifications.
Factory seams shall develop a minimum of 90 percent of the tensile strength of
the parent material, when tested in accordance with ASTM D751. All factory seams
shall provide a bond between sheets sufficiently strong that failure of the seam will
not occur at the bonded surface.
Factory seaming technique should provide adequate seam strength to meet
installation and service requirements. Many factors (e.g., long-term aging, moist
environment, soil environment, chemical environment, and constant stress under
load both at normal temperatures and at elevated temperatures) can affect the long-
term performance of the seam. Seaming considerations should be given to site
specific conditions.
4.5.3 Qualifications. The fabricator shall be approved by the flexible-
membrane material manufacturer as being qualified to fabricate the flexible-
membrane material.
4.5.4 Workmanship. All cut edges where reinforcing fabric is exposed shall
be properly sealed as recommended by the membrane material manufacturer. Factory
fabricated seams, lap joint seams, and patch seams shall be fully bonded on the top
side, including encapsulated edges so that no loose edge is present on the top side of
the fabricated sheet. An unbonded lap edge on the bottom side of a factory seam is
permitted, except within 6 in. (150 mm) from the end of a sheet where intersecting
seams meet. Patches shall have neatly rounded corners and shall extend a minimum
of 2 in. (50 mm) beyond the repair area.
4.5.5 Repairs. Repair patches shall have rounded corners and shall extend a
minimum of 2 in. (50 mm) beyond the defect’s edge in all directions. No loose,
unbonded edges shall be permitted on the exposed surface of the membrane. The
total area of patching for repair of manufacturing or fabricating defects shall not
exceed 0.1 percent of the total area.

10 AWWA D130-02
Sec. 4.6 Field Installation

4.6.1 General. This section describes field installation of membrane materi-
als. Repairs shall meet the same performance requirements as field seams.
4.6.2 Field seams. All field seams, lap seams, penetrations, terminations,
repairs, and patches shall be made using materials and methods recommended by the
membrane manufacturer and shall be compatible with the requirements of this
standard.
Seam preparation requirements and seaming methods shall be as recommended
by the manufacturer and in compliance with project specifications.
Field seams shall develop a minimum of 90 percent of the tensile strength of the
parent material, when tested in accordance with ASTM D751 and D6392 for
reinforced and nonreinforced membranes, respectively. All field seams shall provide a
bond between sheets sufficiently strong that failure of the seam will not occur at the
bonded surface.
Field seaming technique should provide adequate seam strength to meet
installation and service requirements. Many factors (e.g., long-term aging, moist
environment, soil environment, chemical environment, and constant stress under
load both at normal temperatures and at elevated temperatures) can affect the long-
term performance of the seam. Seaming considerations should be given to site
specific conditions.
4.6.3 Qualification. The installer shall be approved by the flexible-membrane
material manufacturer and fabricator as being qualified to install the flexible-
membrane material.
4.6.4 Workmanship. The installer shall be responsible for the field assembly
of the membrane material using field seams to form the installed flexible-membrane
liner or floating cover in accordance with the plans, specifications, shop drawings,
and this standard.
4.6.5 Permissible liner leakage. The purchaser shall establish what maxi-
mum allowable leakage will be permitted, how the leakage is to be measured and
calculated, and when and how the leakage test is to be performed. Leakage allowances
shall take into consideration the lined area, the number of penetrations, the reservoir
configuration, the subsoil conditions, and other structural and geometric conditions
and constraints. Calculation of leakage rates should include environmental consider-
ations, such as evaporation and rainfall, as appropriate.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Quality Control Testing

5.1.1 General. A quality control program shall be implemented by each
party performing services to verify product quality and to demonstrate conformance
with this standard.
5.1.2 Manufacturer. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to maintain a
quality control program that will ensure that products continue to conform to
applicable requirements of the standard on a continuous basis. The tests and test
frequencies shall be as stated in Table 2.
5.1.3 Fabricator. It is the fabricator’s responsibility to maintain a quality
control program that will ensure that products continue to conform to applicable
requirements of this standard on a continuous basis. The tests and test frequencies
shall be as stated in Table 3.
5.1.3.1 Testing facilities. The manufacturer shall provide and maintain
quality control testing facilities at each production location.
5.1.3.2 Quality control records. The manufacturer shall maintain records of
quality control testing at each production location as defined by the purchaser.
5.1.3.3 Production code identification. If code identification of products is
required, the manufacturer shall maintain additional records necessary to confirm
identification of all products. These records shall be maintained at each production
location as defined by the purchaser.
5.1.4 Installer. It is the installer’s responsibility to maintain a quality control
program that will ensure that products continue to conform to applicable
requirements of this standard on a continuous basis. The tests and test frequencies
shall be as stated in Table 4.
Sec. 5.2 Quality Assurance Program

5.2.1 General. The purchaser is responsible for implementation of any
quality assurance measures deemed necessary to satisfy themselves that the final
product is in compliance with this standard. Quality assurance testing desired by the
purchaser should be clearly identified in the project specifications.
Quality assurance functions may be performed by purchaser’s personnel or
performed under contract by a qualified third party.
Inspection may be continuous or may be provided at pre-identified milestones.

12 AWWA D130-02
Table 2 Quality control testing (manufacturer)
Materials
Test PVC HDPE CSPE PP EIA
Thickness 1 1 1 1 1
Density 2 2 2
Tensile 3 3 3 3 3
Tear 3 3 3 3 3
Puncture 4 4 4 4 4
Low temp impact 4 5 5 5 4
Carbon black dispersion 2 4 4
NCTL* (200 hours) 6
Dimensional stability 4 2 4 4 4
Carbon black content 3 4 4
Ply adhesion 1 4 4
Hardness 5 5
Hydrostatic Resistance 5 5 1
*Typically specified as SP-NCTL, Single Point Notched Constant Tensile Load test per ASTM D5397.
1. Start of a given material type and/or gauge and once per roll.
2. Once per 8.17 × 104 kg (180,000 lb) of resin.
3. Start of a given material type and/or gauge and once per every 4,645 m2 (50,000 ft2) of panel.
4. Start of a given material type and/or gauge and once per shift (8 hours), or 1.82 × 104 kg (40,000 lb) of resin, whichever is
more frequent.
5. Test required to qualify new resin.
6. Once for each gauge produced from an 8.17 × 105 kg (1.8 × 106 lb) lot of resin.
Table 3 Quality control testing (fabricators)
Test Frequency
Bonded seam Every 3,000 lineal feet (915 lineal meters) or once per factory panel, whichever is more
frequent
Peel adhesion Every 3,000 lineal feet (915 lineal meters) or once per factory panel, whichever is more
frequent
Table 4 Quality control testing (installers)
Test Frequency
Air lance All seams (factory and field) and repairs
Seam strength Every 500 lineal feet (152 lineal meters) of field seam

5.2.2 Shop drawing approval. The purchaser may elect to have the contrac-
tor submit shop drawings.
5.2.3 Shop inspection. The purchaser may elect to provide inspection at the
point of manufacture or fabrication.
5.2.4 Field inspection. The purchaser may elect to provide inspection at the
point of installation.
SECTION 6: DELIVERY
Sec. 6.1 Marking

6.1.1 Identification requirements for flexible-membrane materials. All flexi-
ble membrane material shall bear identification markings before shipment. Such
markings shall remain affixed to the membrane and shall be clearly legible during
normal handling, storage, and installation.
6.1.2 Identification requirements for factory fabricated panels. Where appli-
cable, factory fabricated panels shall bear suitable identification markings before
shipment to the installer. Such markings shall remain affixed and legible during
normal handling, storage, and installation. Markings shall indicate installation
sequence, location, and any required unfolding directions.
Sec. 6.2 Packaging and Shipping

6.2.1 Lifting and protective cover. Membrane materials shipped directly
from the manufacturer shall be rolled around a core with sufficient strength to allow
lifting from the ends. An ultraviolet resistant protective cover shall be installed over
each individual roll.
6.2.2 Factory fabricated panels. Where applicable, factory-fabricated panels
should be consolidated for packaging, banded to pallets, and fully enclosed in heavy
cardboard or wood crates sufficient to prevent damage during shipment, storage, and
jobsite positioning and operations. Pallets should not be stacked. Factory fabricated
panels should be stored unopened, off the ground, and in a dry area, until needed. If
outdoors, they should be protected from direct sunlight under a light-colored heat-
reflective opaque cover in a manner that provides, free-flowing air space between the
crate and the opaque cover.

14 AWWA D130-02
Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance

If requested by the purchaser, the manufacturer, fabricator, and installer of the
flexible-membrane shall provide an affidavit attesting that all installed materials
comply with the requirement of this standard and with the purchaser’s specifications.


AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality
and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water
professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of
the full spectrum of the drinking water community. Through our collective strength we become better
stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
1P-4.2M-44130-1/03-CM Printed on recycled paper.

Flexible-Membrane Materials For Potable Water Applications: AWWA Standard

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ANSI/AWWA D130-02

(Revision of ANSI/AWWA D130-96)

The Authoritative Resource for Safe Drinking WaterSM

Effective date: Feb. 1, 2003.

6666 West Quincy Avenue Advocacy

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

American National Standard

Science and Technology

Copyright © 2003 by American Water Works Association

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

David Kittredge, P.E., Chair

T.P. Campbell, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California,

General Interest Members

D.H. Gerber, Consultant, Los Gatos, Calif. (AWWA)

C.J. DeGarie, GTI Geomembrane Technologies, Fredericton, N.B. (AWWA)

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Maintenance Guidelines for 4.6 Field Installation .............................. 10

Floating Covers.............................. ix 5 Verification

2 References.......................................... 2 3 Quality Control Testing

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2003 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.