1713.3 Design Considerations — 2025 Mechanical Code (CMC)

A groundwater heat pump system shall be designed by a registered design professional. Due design consideration shall be given to the following:

(1) Where multiple heat pumps or fan coils are connected to a common water loop, a diversified building design load shall be used to design a ground water heat pump.

(2) The water supply well(s) and injection wells, or water discharge system, shall be capable of being operated at sustainable pumping rates that exceed the maximum daily requirements without causing an adverse impact to existing or future offsite uses of groundwater or surface water bodies.

(3) The water temperature and the quality and chemical composition of the water resource are in accordance with the system manufacturer’s recommendations.

(4) The groundwater and surface water resources shall be protected by returning water to the source aquifer or an aquifer with the same water quality, or a surface water body.

(5) The return capacity of the injection, or surface water body discharge system, shall be suitable under winter conditions.

(6) The temperature of the return water shall have no adverse thermal impacts on offsite existing or future uses of groundwater, or on surface water bodies, in accordance with the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

(7) Pressure gauges shall be provided to aid in start-up and monitoring of the system during operation.

(8) The ability to switch over operation of supply and return wells for 100 percent standby, redevelopment, cleaning of wells, and the thermal balancing of the ground and aquifer shall be provided.

(9) There shall be no adverse effects on the quality and quantity of offsite existing or future users of groundwater, in accordance with the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.