Indiana Administrative Code
Title 327 - WATER POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION
Article 8 - PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
Rule 2.3 - Ground Water Rule
Section 2.3-4 - Ground water source microbial monitoring and analytical methods

Universal Citation: 327 IN Admin Code 2.3-4

Current through March 20, 2024

Authority: IC 13-13-5; IC 13-14-8-2; IC 13-14-8-7; IC 13-18-3-1; IC 13-18-3-2; IC 13-18-16-8; IC 13-18-16-9

Affected: IC 13-18-2; IC 13-18-16

Sec. 4.

(a) The following applies to triggered source water monitoring required under this rule:

(1) A PWS using ground water shall conduct triggered source water monitoring if the conditions identified in the following exist:
(A) The PWS using ground water does not provide at least 4-log treatment of viruses using:
(i) inactivation;

(ii) removal; or

(iii) a combination of 4-log virus inactivation and removal approved by the commissioner; before or at the first customer for each ground water source.

(B) One (1) of the following conditions occurs:
(i) Until March 31, 2016, the PWS using ground water is notified that:
(AA) a sample collected under 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) is total coliform-positive; and

(BB) the sample under subitem (AA) is not invalidated under 327 IAC 8-2-8(f).

(ii) Beginning April 1, 2016, the PWS using ground water is notified that:
(AA) a sample collected under 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * is total coliform-positive; and

(BB) the sample under item (i) is not invalidated under 40 CFR 141.853(c) *.

(2) A PWS using ground water shall collect, within twenty-four (24) hours of notification of the total coliform-positive sample under subdivision (1)(B)(i), at least one (1) ground water source sample from each ground water source in use at the time the total coliform-positive sample was collected under 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016, or collected under 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857, beginning April 1, 2016, except as provided in clause (B). The commissioner may approve the following alternatives to this sampling requirement:
(A) The commissioner may extend the twenty-four (24) hour time limit on a case-by-case basis if the PWS using ground water cannot collect the ground water source water sample within twenty-four (24) hours due to circumstances beyond its control. In the case of an extension, the commissioner shall specify how much time the PWS using ground water has to collect the sample.

(B) If:
(i) approved by the commissioner, a PWS using ground water with more than one (1) ground water source may meet the requirements of this subdivision by sampling a representative ground water source or sources; and

(ii) directed by the commissioner, a PWS using ground water shall submit for commissioner approval a triggered source water monitoring plan that:
(AA) identifies one (1) or more ground water sources that are representative of each monitoring site in the PWS using ground water's sample siting plan under 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016, or under 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * beginning April 1, 2016; and

(BB) the PWS using ground water intends to use for representative sampling under this subdivision.

(C) Until March 31, 2016, a PWS using ground water that uses a single well and serves one thousand (1,000) people or fewer may use a repeat sample collected from a ground water source to:
(i) meet the requirements of 327 IAC 8-2-8.1; and

(ii) satisfy the monitoring requirements of this subdivision;

for that ground water source only if the commissioner approves the use of E. coli as a fecal indicator for source water monitoring under this subsection and the commissioner approves the use of the source water sample to meet the requirements of 327 IAC 8-2-8.1. If the repeat sample collected from the ground water source is E. coli positive, the PWS using ground water shall comply with subdivision (3).

(D) Beginning April 1, 2016, a PWS using ground water serving one thousand (1,000) or fewer people may use a repeat sample collected from a ground water source to:

(i) meet the requirements of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Y*; and

(ii) satisfy the monitoring requirements of this subdivision;

for that ground water source only if the commissioner approves the use of E. coli as a fecal indicator for source water monitoring under this subsection and the commissioner approves the use of a single sample for meeting both the triggered source water monitoring requirements in this subsection and the repeat monitoring requirements in 40 CFR 141.858 *. If the repeat sample collected from the ground water source is E. coli-positive, the PWS using ground water shall comply with subdivision (3).

(3) If the commissioner does not require corrective action under section 5(a)(2) of this rule for a fecal indicator-positive source water sample:
(A) collected under subdivision (2); and

(B) that is not invalidated under subsection (d);

then the PWS using ground water shall collect five (5) additional source water samples from the same source within twenty-four (24) hours of being notified of the fecal indicator-positive sample.

(4) Consecutive and wholesale systems using ground water shall meet the following requirements:
(A) In addition to the other requirements of this subsection, a consecutive system using ground water that has a total coliform-positive sample collected under 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016, or under 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * beginning April 1, 2016, shall notify each wholesale system or systems using ground water that supplies water to the consecutive system within twenty-four (24) hours of being notified of the total coliform-positive sample.

(B) In addition to the other requirements of this subsection, a wholesale system using ground water shall do the following:
(i) A wholesale system using ground water that receives notice from a consecutive system using ground water that the wholesale system using ground water serves that a sample collected under 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016, or under 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * beginning April 1, 2016, is total coliform-positive shall, within twenty-four (24) hours of being notified, do the following:
(AA) Collect a sample from its ground water source or sources under subdivision (2).

(BB) Analyze it for a fecal indicator under subsection (c).

(ii) If the sample collected under item (i) is fecal indicator-positive, the wholesale system using ground water shall:
(AA) notify all consecutive systems using ground water served by that ground water source of the fecal indicator-positive source water sample result within twenty-four (24) hours of being notified of the ground water source sample monitoring result; and

(BB) meet the requirements of subdivision (3).

(C) Consecutive and wholesale systems using ground water shall work together to ensure that the requirements of this subdivision are met.

(5) A PWS using ground water is not required to comply with the source water monitoring requirements of this subsection if either of the following conditions exists:
(A) The commissioner determines and documents, in writing, that the total coliform-positive sample collected under either of the following is caused by a distribution system deficiency:
(i) 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016.

(ii) 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * beginning April 1, 2016.

(B) The total coliform-positive sample collected under either of the following is collected at a location that meets criteria set by the commissioner for distribution system conditions that will cause total coliform-positive samples:
(i) 327 IAC 8-2-8(a) through 327 IAC 8-2-8(e) until March 31, 2016.

(ii) 40 CFR 141.854 through 40 CFR 141.857 * beginning April 1, 2016.
(b) If directed by the commissioner, a PWS using ground water shall conduct assessment source water monitoring that meets the following:
(1) The commissioner shall determine the requirements for assessment source water monitoring.

(2) A PWS using ground water conducting assessment source water monitoring may use a triggered source water sample collected under subsection (a)(2) to meet the requirements of this subsection.

(3) Assessment source water monitoring requirements determined by the commissioner may include the following:
(A) Collection of at least:
(i) one (1) ground water source sample per month; or

(ii) if operating fewer than twelve (12) months, twelve (12) samples split evenly through the period of operation representing each month the PWS using ground water provides ground water to the public.

(B) Collection of samples from each well unless the PWS using ground water obtains written approval from the commissioner to conduct monitoring at one (1) or more wells within the PWS using ground water that:
(i) are representative of multiple wells used by that PWS using ground water; and

(ii) draw water from the same hydrogeologic setting.

(C) Collection of a standard sample volume of at least one hundred (100) milliliters for fecal indicator analysis regardless of the fecal indicator or analytical method used.

(D) Analysis of all ground water source samples using one (1) of the analytical methods listed in subsection (c)(2) for the presence of:
(i) E. coli;

(ii) enterococci; or

(iii) coliphage.

(E) Collection of ground water source samples at a location prior to any treatment of the ground water source unless the commissioner approves a sampling location after treatment.

(F) Collection of ground water source samples at the well unless the:

(i) PWS using ground water's configuration does not allow for sampling at the well; and

(ii) commissioner approves an alternate sampling location that is representative of the water quality of that well.
(c) The following analytical methods and requirements apply under this rule:
(1) A PWS using ground water subject to the triggered source water monitoring requirements of subsection (a) shall collect a standard sample volume of at least one hundred (100) milliliters for fecal indicator analysis regardless of the fecal indicator or analytical method used.

(2) A PWS using ground water shall analyze all ground water source samples collected under subsection (a) using one (1) of the analytical methods listed in the following table or with the alternative methods listed in Appendix A to Subpart C of 40 CFR 141 for the presence of E. coli, enterococci, or coliphage:

Analytical Methods for Source Water Monitoring
Fecal indicator1 Methodology Method Citation*
E. coli

Colilert2

Colisure2

Membrane Filter Method with MI Agar m-ColiBlue24 Test

E*Colite Test

EC-MUG3

NA-MUG3

9223 B

9223 B

EPA Method 1604

9221 F

9222 G
Enterococci

Multiple Tube Technique

Membrane Filter Technique

Membrane Filter Technique Enterolert

9230 B

9230 C

EPA Method 1600
Coliphage

Two-Step Enrichment Presence-Absence Procedure

Single Agar Layer Procedure

EPA Method 1601

EPA Method 1602
1 The time from sample collection to initiation of analysis may not exceed thirty (30) hours. The PWS using ground water is encouraged, but is not required, to hold samples below ten (10) degrees Centigrade during transit.

2 Medium is available through IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092.

3 EC-MUG (Method 9221F) or NA-MUG (Method 9222G) can be used for E. coli testing step as described in 327 IAC 8-2-8.4(a)(5)(A) or 327 IAC 8-2-8.4(a)(5)(B) after use of Standard Methods 9221 B, 9221 D, 9222 B, or 9222 C.

(d) The commissioner may invalidate a fecal indicator-positive ground water source sample collected under subsection (a) if one (1) of the following occurs:
(1) The PWS using ground water provides the commissioner with written notice from the laboratory that improper sample analysis occurred.

(2) The commissioner determines and documents in writing that there is substantial evidence that a fecal indicator-positive ground water source sample is not related to source water quality.

(e) Any ground water source sample required under subsection (a) must be collected at:
(1) a location prior to any treatment of the ground water source or after treatment only if that sampling location is approved by the commissioner; and

(2) the well unless the:
(A) PWS using ground water's configuration does not allow for sampling at the well; and

(B) commissioner approves an alternate sampling location that:
(i) meets the requirements of subsection (a); and

(ii) is representative of the water quality of that well.

(f) If directed by the commissioner, a PWS using ground water that places a new ground water source into service after November 30, 2009, shall:
(1) conduct assessment source water monitoring under subsection (b); and

(2) begin monitoring before the ground water source is used to provide water to the public.

(g) A PWS using ground water with a ground water source sample collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is:
(1) fecal indicator-positive; and

(2) not invalidated under subsection (d); including consecutive systems using ground water served by the ground water source, shall conduct public notification under 327 IAC 8-2.1-8.

(h) Failure to meet the requirements of subsections (a) through (f):
(1) is a monitoring violation; and

(2) requires the PWS using ground water to provide public notification under 327 IAC 8-2.1-10.

*The methods referenced in this section are incorporated by reference and can be obtained as follows:

(1) Methods 9221 F, 9222 G, 9223 B, 9230 B, and 9230 C are described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th Edition (1998), and copies can be obtained from the American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, Washington, D.C. 20005-2605.

(2) EPA Method 1604: Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Water by Membrane Filtration Using a Simultaneous Detection Technique (MI Medium); September 2002, EPA 821-R-02-024. Method is available at http://www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/1604so02.pdf or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20005-2605.

(3) A description of the m-ColiBlue24 Test, "Total Coliforms and E. coli Membrane Filtration Method with m-ColiBlue24 Broth", Method No. 10029 Revision 2, August 17, 1999, is available from Hach Company, 100 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.

(4) A description of the E*Colite Test, "Charm E*Colite Presence/Absence Test for Detection and Identification of Coliform Bacteria and Escherichia coli in Drinking Water", January 9, 1998, is available from Charm Sciences, Inc., 659 Andover Street, Lawrence, MA 01843-1032 or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.

(5) EPA Method 1600: Enterococci in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus Indoxyl-b-D-Glucoside Agar (mEI) EPA 821-R-02-022 (September 2002) is an approved variation of Standard Method 9230C. The method is available at http://www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/1600sp02.pdf or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20460. The holding time and temperature for ground water samples are specified in footnote 1 above, rather than as specified in Section 8 of EPA Method 1600.

(6) EPA Method 1601: Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Two-step Enrichment Procedure; April 2001, EPA 821-R-01-030. Method is available at http://www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/1601ap01.pdf or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.

(7) EPA Method 1602: Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Single Agar Layer (SAL) Procedure; April 2001, EPA 821-R-01-029. Method is available at http://www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/1602ap01.pdf or from EPA's Water Resource Center (RC-4100T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.

The methods are also available for review at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Office of Legal Counsel, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Avenue, [sic] Thirteenth Floor, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

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