Navigating the Complex Plumbing Requirements for Cannabis Dispensaries in Cook County: What Licensed Operators Need to Know

The cannabis industry in Cook County, Illinois, has experienced tremendous growth since the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2020. With over 200 licensed dispensaries and billions in annual sales, the market continues to expand. However, operating a cannabis facility requires meeting stringent plumbing and water treatment requirements that go far beyond standard commercial establishments. Understanding these specialized needs is crucial for dispensary owners, cultivation centers, and infusion facilities to maintain compliance and ensure smooth operations.

Understanding Cannabis Facility Classifications and Their Plumbing Implications

In Cook County, cannabis facilities fall under specific building classifications that directly impact plumbing requirements. Dispensaries are classified as a Mercantile under the International Building Code (IBC), while cultivation and manufacturing facilities may be classified differently based on their operations. If the building is used for growing only, it can be classified as a Utility (similar to a greenhouse). If the building is used for growing and processing, it is classified as a Factory.

These classifications determine the specific plumbing codes that must be followed, including requirements for water supply, drainage systems, and specialized equipment connections. Code requirements for building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and electrical systems must all be considered during the design and construction phases.

Specialized Water Treatment Requirements

Cannabis facilities have unique water quality needs that far exceed typical commercial establishments. Most cannabis operations will use a reverse osmosis (RO) system to remove contaminants from the water supply. This is particularly important because with the stringent testing requirements for cannabis products, growers err on the side of caution by using this treatment method.

The water treatment system design must account for several factors:

• Daily water consumption: Watering rates are often described using a metric of gallons per plant per day, or gallons per square feet of plant canopy per day
• Storage capacity: Storage tanks should be sized for at least one day’s worth of irrigation to provide a buffer for any hiccups in operation
• Temperature control: Incoming water from the utility should be pre-heated to room temperature for two purposes: to improve the efficiency of RO membranes, and ensure that cold water is not fed directly to plants

Drainage and Wastewater Management Challenges

Cannabis facilities generate significant amounts of wastewater that require specialized handling. Typically, wastewater produced by an indoor cannabis cultivation facility is considered an industrial waste. The classification of industrial wastewater places a greater burden on the grower to ensure all regulatory requirements are being met.

Proper drainage design must address multiple water sources, including:

• Grow rooms should be provided with floor drains to remove spilled water and nutrient solutions. The drains should be trapped and equipped with screens to catch any plant material or other debris
• The collection of excess irrigation/fertigation water (runoff), or leachate, is often overlooked early in the design process but can significantly impact grow room and drainage system layouts. Collected leachate is typically directed to a trench drain or floor drain in the grow room
• The amount of condensate from heating, ventilation, air conditioning and dehumidification (HVACD) equipment is substantial in indoor grow facilities

Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control

Illinois plumbing codes require strict adherence to backflow prevention measures. The International Plumbing Code requires that water supply lines used for irrigation purposes be provided with back-flow preventers to protect the domestic water supply from contamination. This is particularly critical in cannabis facilities where fertigation systems introduce nutrients and chemicals into the water supply.

Facilities must also comply with cross-connection control devices and assemblies. The certification attests to an inspector’s understanding of the principles of backflow and back siphonage, and the public health hazard presented by the improper installation of cross-connection control devices.

Sanitation Requirements for Processing Facilities

Cannabis facilities involved in processing face additional sanitation requirements similar to food service establishments. Sanitation requirements for facilities used for processing cannabis into foods, beverages, salves, inhalants, and tinctures shall meet the requirements of Sonoma County Environmental Health Department, though Cook County has its own specific requirements.

Key sanitation plumbing requirements include:

• Location of hand wash sinks. Hand sinks must be conveniently located for employees
• CPC § 802.1 requires all food handling and health care related fixtures, devices, and equipment to discharge through indirect waste lines into a floor sink
• Specialized equipment washing and sanitizing stations

Wastewater Disposal Options and Compliance

Cannabis facilities have several options for wastewater disposal, each with different regulatory and cost implications. Discharging the wastewater to a local POTW (aka “the drain”) is generally the most cost-effective option for treatment, if permitted and accessible.

However, facilities must consider potential restrictions, including license restriction of the POTW to accept cannabis cultivation wastewater into the POTW facility and typical license restrictions are wastewater classification (industrial/sanitary), TSS, BOD/COD/color.

The Importance of Professional Commercial Plumbing Services

Given the complexity of cannabis facility plumbing requirements, partnering with experienced professionals is essential. All Rooter Hydro Jetting Experts Inc., a Chicago-based company established since 2000, has been providing professional plumbing services to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Their expertise in Commercial Plumbing Cook County, IL makes them well-positioned to handle the unique challenges of cannabis facility installations.

The company’s commitment to continuously training its plumbers in order to stay up-to-date on the latest in technology and products. We provide our customers with products and solutions to help you save on energy and water is particularly valuable for cannabis operators who need cutting-edge solutions for water treatment and waste management.

Planning for Success: Key Considerations for Cannabis Operators

When planning a cannabis facility in Cook County, operators should consider several critical factors:

• Early planning: Engage plumbing professionals during the design phase to ensure all requirements are met
• Permit coordination: Work with local building departments to understand specific requirements for your facility type
• System redundancy: Plan for backup systems to prevent operational disruptions
• Future expansion: Design systems with scalability in mind as operations grow
• Maintenance planning: Establish regular maintenance schedules for specialized equipment

The cannabis industry in Cook County continues to evolve, with new regulations and requirements emerging regularly. All Rooter is committed to customer satisfaction and constantly surveys customers to make sure that we know what they want and what we have to do to please them. This customer-focused approach, combined with their technical expertise, makes them an ideal partner for cannabis facilities navigating the complex world of specialized plumbing requirements.

Understanding and properly implementing specialized water treatment and drainage systems is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of cannabis operations in Cook County’s competitive market.