Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-5 - RULES FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER
Rule 391-3-5-.39 - Public Water System Classification

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-3-5-.39

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Purpose. In accordance with Section 10 of the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts Act (O.C.G.A. Section 43-51-1) the following classifications shall be considered as minimum levels, and the Division may classify any system or plant at a higher level if the complexity of the system or plant warrants such higher classification in the judgment of the Division. Any system or plant not fitting any of the following standard descriptions shall be classified individually according to the judgment of the Division. Where water is supplied to a distribution system from two or more sources, the classification may be set by the Division.

(2) Minimum Classifications. The following classifications shall be considered as minimum levels:

Public Water System Classification for Community and Non-transient Non-community Systems (1)

System Size

Class I

Class II

Class III

Class IIIG

Class IV

Surface water with conventional treatment plant

5.0 MGD or greater

4.99 MGD or less

n/a

n/a

n/a

Surface water with package or non-conventional treatment plant

1.0 MGD or greater

0.99 MGD or less

n/a

n/a

n/a

Surface water with approved high-rate filtration

3.0 gpm/sq.ft. or greater

Less than 3.0 gpm/sq.ft.

n/a

n/a

n/a

Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water

1.0 MGD or greater

Greater than 0.1 MGD to 0.99 MGD

0.1 MGD or less

n/a

n/a

Groundwater

50,000 or greater population

10,000 to 49,999 population

1,000 to 9,999 population

1,000 to 9,999 population

25 to 999 population

Distribution Systems

Certification is required for the operator of public water distribution systems.

Note: (1) MGD is million gallons per day; gpm/sq.ft. is gallons per minute per square-foot filter surface area; n/a is not applicable.

(3) Groundwater Transient Non-community Water Systems. All Transient Non-community water systems with groundwater sources must have at least a Class IV operator certification.

(4) Surface Water Transient Non-community Water Systems. Certification of Transient Non-community water systems with surface water will be specified in their permit to operate a public water system.

(5) Higher Classification. When the complexity of water treatment warrants it, a higher classification may be required and specified in the permit to operate a public water system.

O.C.G.A. § 12-5-170 et seq.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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