Geomembrane Materials For Potable Water Applications: AWWA Standard

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ANSI/AWWA D130-11
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA D130-02)
The Authoritative Resource on Safe Water®
©
AWWA Standard
Geomembrane
Materials for Potable
Water Applications
SM
Effective date: Nov. 1, 2011.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 26, 1987.
This edition approved June 12, 2011.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Aug. 9, 2011.
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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 specifi-
cations. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional
feature is specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard does not constitute
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is entirely voluntary. This standard does not supersede or take precedence over or displace any applicable law, regulation, or
codes of any governmental authority. AWWA standards are intended to represent a 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
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action will be placed on the first page of the official notice section of Journal AWWA. The action becomes effective on the first
day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA publication of the official notice.
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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:
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Doug Hilts, Chair
General Interest Members
D.H. Gerber, Consultant, Los Gatos, Calif. (AWWA)

P.F. Greiner, NSF International, Ann Arbor, Mich. (NSF)
D.J. Hartman,* Standards Council Liaison, Greater Cincinnati Water Works,
Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
D. Hilts, Hilts Consulting Group Inc., Chino Hills, Calif. (AWWA)
K.L. Mercer,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
I.D. Peggs, Ocean Ridge, Fla. (AWWA)
W.J. Way, Johnstown, Colo. (AWWA)
Producer Members
J. Heathcote, Firestone Building Products Company, Indianapolis, Ind. (AWWA)

D.J. McCullough, Water Saver Company, Mission Viejo, Calif. (AWWA)
C.W. Neal II, Aquate Solar Ltd., El Cajon, Calif. (AWWA)
W.D. Shehane, Seaman Corporation, Davidson, N.C. (AWWA)
C. Taylor, Geomembrane, White Salmon, Wash. (AWWA)
User Members
T.P. Campbell, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
D.G. Miller, Manchester Water Works, Manchester, N.H. (AWWA)
J.J. Morris, Camden County DPW, Lindenwold, N.J. (AWWA)
P.E. Tomes, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
G.H. Yamamoto, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, Calif. (AWWA)
* Liaison, nonvoting
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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
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I Introduction..................................... vii 4.1 Permeation......................................... 6
I.A Background...................................... vii 4.2 Certification....................................... 6
I.B History............................................. vii 4.3 Materials............................................ 6
I.C Acceptance....................................... vii 4.4 Material Construction
II Special Issues..................................... ix Requirements............................... 7
II.A Operation, Inspection, and 4.5 Factory Fabrication............................ 8
Maintenance Guidelines for 4.6 Field Installation................................ 9
Floating Covers........................... ix
5 Verification
III Use of This Standard......................... ix
5.1 Quality-Control Testing................... 10
III.A Purchaser Options and
5.2 Quality-Assurance Program............. 12
Alternatives................................. ix
III.B Modification to Standard................... x 6 Delivery
IV Major Revisions.................................. x 6.1 Marking........................................... 12
V Comments......................................... x 6.2 Packaging and Shipping................... 13
6.3 Affidavit of Compliance................... 13
Standard
1 General Tables
1 Thickness Requirements for
1.1 Scope................................................. 1
Geomembrane Material................ 8
1.2 Purpose.............................................. 1
2 Quality-Control Testing
1.3 Application......................................... 1
(manufacturer)........................... 11
2 References......................................... 2 3 Quality-Control Testing
(fabricator).................................. 11
3 Definitions........................................ 2
4 Quality-Control Testing
(installer).................................... 12

This page intentionally blank.
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Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of ANSI*/AWWA D130.
I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. The purpose of ANSI/AWWA D130 is to provide direction
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and guidance for selecting and purchasing geomembrane 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 geomembrane 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 geomembrane liners (so called flexible membranes) 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 geomembrane 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 geomembrane 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 on Feb. 4, 1996. The third edition was approved
on June 16, 2002. This edition was approved on June 12, 2011.
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 direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members
of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association Research
Foundation (AwwaRF, now Water Research Foundation†) and the Conference of
* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
† Water Research Foundation, 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
vii

State Health and 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
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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 Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, NSF†/ANSI 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals—Health Effects, and NSF/ANSI 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 accor-
dance with NSF/ANSI 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to accept
or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation of certi-
fication organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Annex A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” to NSF/ANSI 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.
ANSI/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.
* Persons outside the United States should contact the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
† NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
‡ Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington,
DC 20001.
viii

II. Special Issues.
II.A. Operation, Inspection, and Maintenance Guidelines for Floating Covers.
Water industry experience has established the critical need for a well-defined,
regularly executed, site-specific inspection and maintenance program with written
documentation of procedures. See chapter 3 of AWWA Manual M25.
III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA
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standard to determine that the products described in that standard are suitable for use
in the particular application under consideration.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following information should be
provided by the purchaser.
1. Standard used—that is, ANSI/AWWA D130, Standard for Geomembrane
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 varia-
tion 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 appurtenances, 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.
3. The following items are specific to geomembrane lining projects:
a. Provisions for membrane anchorage: mechanical or buried membrane ter-
mination 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 genera-
tion 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.
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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. Whether compliance with ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking Water System
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Components—Health Effects, is required.
6. Details of other federal, state or provincial, and local requirements (Sec. 4.3).
7. Fabrication experience requirements and qualifications (Sec. 4.5.3).
8. Field installation experience requirements and qualifications (Sec. 4.6.3).
9. Material and installation warranty requirements.
10. Quality-control record requirements (Sec. 5.1.3.2).
11. Production code identification requirements (Sec. 5.1.3.3).
12. Quality assurance and inspection (Sec. 5.2)
13. Whether an affidavit of compliance is required (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification of the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided by the purchaser.
IV. Major Revisions.
1. Standard title was updated.
2. Section 3, Definitions, was updated.
3. Sec. 4.5.5, Repairs, was updated.
4. Table 2, Quality-control testing, was updated.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call AWWA Engineering and Technical Services at 303.794.7711, FAX at
303.795.7603, write to the department at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO
80235-3098, or e-mail at standards@awwa.org.

ANSI/AWWA D130-11
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA D130-02)
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AWWA Standard
Geomembrane Materials for

Potable Water Applications
SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope

This standard pertains to geomembrane 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 stan-
dard includes requirements for material properties, fabrication, and installation.
AWWA Manual M25 complements this standard by providing supplemental
definitions of terms, as well as design, installation, operation, and maintenance
considerations for geomembrane systems.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for
geomembrane lining and floating-cover materials for potable water storage, includ-
ing minimum requirements for materials, fabrication, and installation and quality
assurance.
Sec. 1.3 Application

This standard can be referenced in specifications for purchasing, fabricating,
and installing geomembrane lining and floating cover materials for potable water
1
2 AWWA D130-11
applications. The stipulations of this standard apply when this document has been
referenced to geomembrane lining and floating cover materials for potable water
storage.
SECTION 2: REFERENCES
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This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions,
they 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.
ASTM* D751—Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics.
ASTM D5199—Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thick-
ness 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.
NSF†/ANSI‡ 61—Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects.
SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:

1. Baffle: Fixed or floated geomembrane curtains designed for the pur-
pose of redirecting current flow in water storage systems. Geomembrane 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.
2. Bonded seam strength: Strength of a geomembrane 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.
* ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

† NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
‡ American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Geomembrane Materials for Potable Water Applications 3
3. Breaking strength: Tensile force to break measured in pounds (new-

tons) on a supported membrane.
4. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE): Family of polymers produced by
the reaction of polyethylene with chlorine and sulfur dioxide.
5. Coated fabric: Fabrics coated or impregnated with a plastic solution,
dispersion, hot melt or powder. The material is usually spread over the surface in a
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uniform manner.
6. Elasticity: The property by virtue of which a material tends to return to
its original size and shape after removal of the force that caused the deformation.
7. Elastomer: See rubber.
8. Elongation: Extension of membranes produced by a tensile force, usu-
ally expressed in percent.
9. Elongation at break: The extension of a section of a specimen at rupture
expressed as percent of the original length.
10. Elongation at yield: The extension of a section of specimen at yield
expressed as percent of the original length.
11. Ethylene interpolymer alloy (EIA): Derived from a blend of polyvinyl
chloride and ketone ethylene ester (KEE) resulting in a thermoplastic elastomer.
12. Fabric reinforcement: The reinforcing material or fabric encapsulated
within the geomembrane to add structural strength. Commonly referred to as
scrim.
13. Fabricator: The party that joins sheets of geomembrane sheeting
material into large panels in the fabrication plant for delivery to the jobsite for
installation.
14. 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
before complete separation from the bonded area.
15. Formulation: The compounding ingredients used to produce a single-
ply sheet of polymeric material used in the manufacture of a geomembrane.
16. Geomembrane (also referred to as flexible-membrane): Any number of
continuous, flexible, impermeable membranes, usually ranging in thickness from
0.036 in. (0.91 mm) to 0.06 in. (1.52 mm), that may be fabricated into large pan-
els 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 geomembranes are generally recognized: (1) plastic (thermoplastic), (2) cured
elastomer, and (3) uncured elastomer (thermoplastic elastomer).

4 AWWA D130-11
17. High-density polyethylene (HDPE): A linear polymer prepared by a

catalytic low-pressure polymerization of ethylene (principal monomer) and other
alpha-olefin comonomer(s).
18. Hydrostatic resistance: Resistance to bursting using the geomembrane
liner as the diaphragm.
19. Installer: The party that performs the installation of the geomembrane
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material in the field.
20. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
21. Membrane (also referred to as geomembrane): A prefabricated continu-
ous sheet of flexible polymeric material used for construction of liners, floating
covers, and baffles in water reservoirs.
22. Panels: The product of the assembly of two or more sections of geo-
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.
23. 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.
24. Plasticizer: A material, frequently “solvent-like,” incorporated in a
plastic or rubber to increase ease of workability, flexibility, or elasticity.
25. Polymer: A macromolecular material formed by the chemical combi-
nation of monomers having either the same or different chemical composition.
26. Polypropylene (PP): A synthetic thermoplastic polymer made by blend-
ing high levels of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) into a semicrystalline poly-
propylene matrix directly in the polymerization reactor.
27. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A synthetic thermoplastic polymer made by
polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer, or vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate monomers.
Because PVC is normally rigid, plasticizers are added to provide properties required
for geomembrane liners.
28. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
29. Quality assurance: A formal system for verifying a product conforms
to specific standards. Quality assurance is intended as an audit of quality-control
testing.

30. Quality control: The methods used to ensure a production process

yields a product in conformance with the appropriate specifications.
31. Reinforcement: See fabric reinforcement.
32. 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.
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33. Scrim: See fabric reinforcement.
34. Seams: A joining of geomembrane 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 ele-
ment to the seam system.
• Dielectric seam: High-frequency dielectric equipment is used to gener-
ate heat and pressure on an overlap seam, resulting in a homogeneous melt of the
interfacing membrane surfaces.
• Extrusion welded seam: A bond between flexible geomembrane sheets
achieved by heat extruding the parent material followed by pressure on the over-
lapped edge area of the sheets to be seamed.
• 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 sur-
faces. 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.
35. Supplier: The party that supplies materials or services. The supplier
may or may not be the manufacturer.

6 AWWA D130-11
36. Supported membrane: A membrane material that is reinforced with

fabric reinforcement.
37. Tear strength: The force required to tear a specimen. The unit of mea-
sure is determined by the specific test procedure used.
38. Thermoplastic: A material capable of being repeatedly softened by
increase of temperature and reformed by decrease in temperature.
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39. Thermoplastic elastomers: Polymeric materials having elasticity charac-
teristics similar to rubber and capable of being repeatedly softened and reformed.
40. Unsupported membrane: A geomembrane, 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 potable water service and distribution
piping in locations where there is likelihood the pipe or material will be exposed to
significant concentrations of pollutants composed of low-molecular-weight petro-
leum products or organic solvents or their vapors. Documented research has shown
that pipe materials such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride and elastomers such
as those used in jointing gaskets and packing glands are subject to permeation by
lower-molecular-weight organic solvents or petroleum products. If a potable water
pipe must pass through such a contaminated area or an area subject to contamina-
tion, consult with the manufacturer regarding permeation of pipe walls, 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 61, Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects.
Chemical taste-and-odor evaluations of membrane materials may be con-
ducted 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 regulations for potable water as applicable. 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 require-
ments as established in this standard for the intended application. The manufac-
tured membrane materials shall be free of pinholes, blisters, holes, delaminations,
and contaminants, including, but not limited to, wood, paper, metal, and nondis-
©
persed ingredients.
4.3.1 Material properties. Material properties should be clearly defined in
the purchaser’s specifications. Material properties should be defined using appli-
cable ASTM 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
membrane materials shall be first-quality, virgin material meeting specific public
health and safety requirements, as well as providing durable and effective formu-
lations for the intended applications. Clean rework materials containing encap-
sulated scrim or other fibrous materials shall not be used in the manufacture of
membrane materials. Clean rework materials of the same virgin ingredients gener-
ated from the manufacturer’s own production may be used by the same manufac-
turer, 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. Immer-
sion 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 manufac-
turer for potable water use in accordance with this standard.
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. Geomembrane 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 geomembrane material.
4.4.2 Unsupported membrane. Unsupported (nonreinforced) membrane
materials are appropriate for some geomembrane liner applications. It is recom-
mended that unsupported geomembranes consist of two or more plies to ensure

8 AWWA D130-11
Table 1 Thickness requirements for geomembrane material

Supported Membrane Unsupported
EIA Coated Fabrics Materials Nominal Membrane Materials
Nominal Thickness Thickness Nominal Thickness Maximum Thickness
mils (mm) mils (mm) mils (mm) mils (mm)
Covers 30 (0.76) 45 (1.14) — 60 (1.52)
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Liners 30 (0.76) 36 (0.91) 60 (1.52) —
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. Geomembrane 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 mem-
brane in service.
Fabric reinforcement shall be completely encapsulated between two plies of
compound. Material with exposed fabric reinforcement or indication of delamina-
tion shall not be permitted.
4.4.4 Workmanship. Membrane materials shall be free of manufacturing
or fabricating defects, including pinholes, blisters, and unbonded surfaces.
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. 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 the 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. 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 geomem-
brane material manufacturer as being qualified to fabricate the geomembrane
material.
©
4.5.4 Workmanship. Cut edges where reinforcing fabric is exposed shall
be properly sealed as recommended by the membrane material manufacturer. Fac-
tory 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. Patches shall not overlap other patches; one
large patch shall be used rather than several small patches in the same area.
Sec. 4.6 Field Installation
4.6.1 General. This section describes field installation of membrane
materials. Repairs shall meet the same performance requirements as field seams.
4.6.2 Field seams. 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 recom-
mended 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. 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 shall provide adequate seam strength to meet
installation and service requirements. Many factors (e.g., long-term aging, moist

10 AWWA D130-11
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 shall be given to
site-specific conditions.
4.6.3 Qualification. The installer shall be approved by the geomem-
brane material manufacturer and fabricator as being qualified to install the geo-
©
membrane material.
4.6.4 Workmanship. The installer shall be responsible for the field assem-
bly of the membrane material using field seams to form the installed geomembrane
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 allow-
ances 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 environ-
mental considerations, 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 confor-
mance 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.

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* (400 hr) 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 hr), 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 (fabricator)

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
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.

12 AWWA D130-11
Table 4 Quality-control testing (installer)

Test Frequency
Air lance All seams (factory and field) and repairs
Seam strength Every 500 lineal feet (152 lineal meters) of field seam
©
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 prescribed milestones.
5.2.2 Shop drawing approval. The purchaser may elect to have the con-
tractor 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 geomembrane materials. Geomem-
brane 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.
Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance
If requested by the purchaser, the manufacturer, fabricator, and installer of the
geomembrane shall provide an affidavit attesting that all installed materials comply
with the requirement of this standard and with the purchaser’s specifications.

©
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Effective date: Nov. 1, 2011.

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