Current through Register Vol. 48, 12, December 27, 2024
A.
Applicability. The provisions of R.61-58.17 apply to all community and
non-community public water systems.
B. General Requirements.
(1) General.
The provisions of R.61-58.17 include both maximum contaminant
level and treatment technique requirements.
(2) Compliance date.
Systems must comply with the provisions of R.61-58.17 beginning
April 1, 2016, unless otherwise specified in R.61-58.17.
(3) Violations of State Primary Drinking
Water Regulations. Failure to comply with the applicable requirements of this
regulation R.61-58.17 shall constitute a violation of the State Primary
Drinking Water Regulations.
C. Analytical Methods and Laboratory
Certification
(1) Analytical methodology.
(a) The standard sample volume required for
analysis, regardless of analytical method used, is 100 ml.
(b) Systems need only determine the presence
or absence of total coliforms and E. coli; a determination of density is not
required.
(c) The time from sample
collection to initiation of test medium incubation may not exceed 30 hours.
Systems are encouraged but not required to hold samples below 10 deg. C during
transit.
(d) If water having
residual chlorine (measured as free, combined, or total chlorine) is to be
analyzed, sufficient sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) must be added to the sample
bottle before sterilization to neutralize any residual chlorine in the water
sample. Dechlorination procedures are addressed in Section9060A.2 of Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (20th and 21st
editions).
(e) Systems must conduct
total coliform and E. coli analyses in accordance with one of the analytical
methods in
40 CFR
141.852 or one of the alternative methods
listed in Appendix A to subpart C of CFR 141.
(2) Laboratory Certification.
Systems must have all compliance samples required under
R.61-58.17 analyzed by a laboratory certified by the EPA or the Department to
analyze drinking water samples. The laboratory used by the system must be
certified for each method (and associated contaminant(s)) used for compliance
monitoring analyses under this rule.
D. General Monitoring Requirements for All
Public Water Systems.
(1) Sample siting
plans.
(a) Systems must develop a written
sample siting plan that identifies sampling sites and a sample collection
schedule that are representative of water throughout the distribution system
not later than March 31, 2016. These plans are subject to Department review and
revision. Systems must collect total coliform samples according to the written
sample siting plan. Monitoring required by R.61-58.17.E through R.61-58.17.I
may take place at a customer's premise, dedicated sampling station, or other
designated compliance sampling location. Routine and repeat sample sites and
any sampling points necessary to meet the requirements of R.61-58.16 must be
reflected in the sampling plan.
(b)
Systems must collect samples at regular time intervals throughout the month,
except that systems that use only ground water and serve 4,900 or fewer people
may collect all required samples on a single day if they are taken from
different sites.
(c) Systems must
take at least the minimum number of required samples even if the system has had
an E. coli MCL violation or has exceeded the coliform treatment technique
triggers in R.61-58.17.J(1).
(d) A
system may conduct more compliance monitoring than is required by R.61-58.17 to
investigate potential problems in the distribution system and use monitoring as
a tool to assist in uncovering problems. A system may take more than the
minimum number of required routine samples and must include the results in
calculating whether the coliform treatment technique trigger in
R.61-58.17.J(1)(a)(i) and (ii) has been exceeded only if the samples are taken
in accordance with the existing sample siting plan and are representative of
water throughout the distribution system.
(e) Systems must identify repeat monitoring
locations in the sample siting plan. Unless the provisions of
R.61-58.17.D(1)(e)(i) or (1)(e)(ii) are met, the system must collect at least
one repeat sample from the sampling tap where the original total
coliform-positive sample was taken, and at least one repeat sample at a tap
within five service connections upstream and at least one repeat sample at a
tap within five service connections downstream of the original sampling site.
If a total coliform-positive sample is at the end of the distribution system,
or one service connection away from the end of the distribution system, the
system must still take all required repeat samples. However, the Department may
allow an alternative sampling location in lieu of the requirement to collect at
least one repeat sample upstream or downstream of the original sampling site.
Except as provided for in R.61-58.17.D (1)(e)(ii), systems required to conduct
triggered source water monitoring under R.61-58.16.E(1)
must take ground water source sample(s) in addition to repeat samples required
under R.61-58.17.
(i) Systems may propose
repeat monitoring locations to the Department that the system believes to be
representative of a pathway for contamination of the distribution system. A
system may elect to specify either alternative fixed locations or criteria for
selecting repeat sampling sites on a situational basis in a standard operating
procedure (SOP) in its sample siting plan. The system must design its SOP to
focus the repeat samples at locations that best verify and determine the extent
of potential contamination of the distribution system area based on specific
situations. The Department may modify the SOP or require alternative monitoring
locations as needed.
(ii) Ground
water systems serving 1,000 or fewer people may propose repeat sampling
locations to the Department that differentiate potential source water and
distribution system contamination (e.g., by sampling at entry points to the
distribution system). A ground water system with a single well required to
conduct triggered source water monitoring may, with written Department
approval, take one of its repeat samples at the monitoring location required
for triggered source water monitoring under R.61-58.16.E(1)
if the system demonstrates to the Department's satisfaction that the sample
siting plan remains representative of water quality in the distribution system.
If approved by the Department, the system may use that sample result to meet
the monitoring requirements in both R.61-58.16.E(1)
and this section R.61-58.17.D.
(A) If a
repeat sample taken at the monitoring location required for triggered source
water monitoring is E. coli-positive, the system has violated the E. coli MCL
and must also comply with R.61-58.16.E(1)(c).
If a system takes more than one repeat sample at the monitoring location
required for triggered source water monitoring, the system may reduce the
number of additional source water samples required under R.61-58.16.E(1)(c)
by the number of repeat samples taken at that location that were not E.
coli-positive.
(B) If a system
takes more than one repeat sample at the monitoring location required for
triggered source water monitoring under R.61-58.16.E(1),
and more than one repeat sample is E. coli-positive, the system has violated
the E. coli MCL and must also comply with R.61-58.16.F(1)(a).
(C) If all repeat samples taken at the
monitoring location required for triggered source water monitoring are E.
coli-negative and a repeat sample taken at a monitoring location other than the
one required for triggered source water monitoring is E. coli-positive, the
system has violated the E. coli MCL, but is not required to comply with
R.61-58.16.E(1)(c).
(f) The Department may
review, revise, and approve, as appropriate, repeat sampling proposed by
systems under R.61-58.17.D(1)(e)(i) and (ii). The system must demonstrate that
the sample siting plan remains representative of the water quality in the
distribution system. The Department may determine that monitoring at the entry
point to the distribution system (especially for undisinfected ground water
systems) is effective to differentiate between potential source water and
distribution system problems.
(2) Special purpose samples.
Special purpose samples, such as those taken to determine whether
disinfection practices are sufficient following pipe placement, replacement, or
repair, must not be used to determine whether the coliform treatment technique
trigger has been exceeded. Repeat samples taken pursuant to R.61-58.17.I are
not considered special purpose samples, and must be used to determine whether
the coliform treatment technique trigger has been exceeded.
(3) Invalidation of total coliform samples.
A total coliform-positive sample invalidated under
R.61-58.17.D(3) does not count toward meeting the minimum monitoring
requirements of this R.61-58.17.
(a)
The Department may invalidate a total coliform-positive sample only if the
conditions of R.61-58.17.D(3)(a)(i), (ii), or (iii) are met.
(i) The laboratory establishes that improper
sample analysis caused the total coliform-positive result.
(ii) The Department, on the basis of the
results of repeat samples collected as required under R.61-58.17.I(1),
determines that the total coliform-positive sample resulted from a domestic or
other non-distribution system plumbing problem. The Department cannot
invalidate a sample on the basis of repeat sample results unless all repeat
sample(s) collected at the same tap as the original total coliform-positive
sample are also total coliform-positive, and all repeat samples collected at a
location other than the original tap are total coliform negative (e.g., the
Department cannot invalidate a total coliform-positive sample on the basis of
repeat samples if all the repeat samples are total coliform negative, or if the
system has only one service connection).
(iii) The Department has substantial grounds
to believe that a total coliform-positive result is due to a circumstance or
condition that does not reflect water quality in the distribution system. In
this case, the system must still collect all repeat samples required under
R.61-58.17.I(1), and use them to determine whether a coliform treatment
technique trigger in R.61-58.17.J has been exceeded. To invalidate a total
coliform-positive sample under this paragraph, the decision and supporting
rationale must be documented in writing, and approved and signed by the
supervisor of the Department official who recommended the decision. The
Department must make this document available to EPA and the public. The written
documentation must state the specific cause of the total coliform-positive
sample, and what action the system has taken, or will take, to correct this
problem. The Department may not invalidate a total coliform-positive sample
solely on the grounds that all repeat samples are total coliform
negative.
(b) A
laboratory must invalidate a total coliform sample (unless total coliforms are
detected) if the sample produces a turbid culture in the absence of gas
production using an analytical method where gas formation is examined (e.g.,
the Multiple-Tube Fermentation Technique), produces a turbid culture in the
absence of an acid reaction in the Presence-Absence (P-A) Coliform Test, or
exhibits confluent growth or produces colonies too numerous to count with an
analytical method using a membrane filter (e.g., Membrane Filter Technique). If
a laboratory invalidates a sample because of such interference, the system must
collect another sample from the same location as the original sample within 24
hours of being notified of the interference problem, and have it analyzed for
the presence of total coliforms. The system must continue to re-sample within
24 hours and have the samples analyzed until it obtains a valid result. The
Department may waive the 24-hour time limit on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, the Department may implement criteria for waiving the 24-hour
sampling time limit to use in lieu of case-by-case extensions.
E. Routine monitoring
requirements for non-community water systems serving 1,000 or fewer people
using only ground water.
(1) General.
(a) The provisions of this section apply to
non-community water systems using only ground water (except ground water under
the direct influence of surface water, as defined in R.61-58.B -
Definitions) and serving 1,000 or fewer people.
(b) Following any total coliform-positive
sample taken under the provisions of this section, systems must comply with the
repeat monitoring requirements and E. coli analytical requirements in
R.61-58.17.I.
(c) Once all
monitoring required by this section R.61-58.17.E and R.61-58.17.I for a
calendar month has been completed, systems must determine whether any coliform
treatment technique triggers specified in R.61-58.17.J have been exceeded. If
any trigger has been exceeded, systems must complete assessments as required by
R.61-58.17.J.
(d) For the purpose
of determining eligibility for remaining on or qualifying for quarterly
monitoring under the provisions of R.61-58.17.E(6)(d) and (7)(b), respectively,
of this section R.61-58.17.E for transient non-community water systems, the
Department may elect to not count monitoring violations under
R.61-58.17.K(3)(a) if the missed sample is collected no later than the end of
the monitoring period following the monitoring period in which the sample was
missed. The system must collect the make-up sample in a different week than the
routine sample for that monitoring period and should collect the sample as soon
as possible during the monitoring period. The Department may not use this
provision under R.61-58.17.E(8). This authority does not affect the provisions
of R.61-58.17.K(3)(a) and R.61-58.17.L(1)(d).
(2) Monitoring frequency for total coliforms.
Systems must monitor each calendar quarter that the system
provides water to the public, except for seasonal systems or as provided under
R.61-58.17.E(3) through R.61-58.17.E(8) and R.61-58.17.E(10). Seasonal systems
must meet the monitoring requirements of R.61-58.17.E(9).
(3) Transition to R.61-58.17 - Revised Total
Coliform Rule.
(a) Systems, including seasonal
systems, must continue to monitor according to the total coliform monitoring
schedules under R.61-58.5.G(1)
that were in effect on March 31, 2016, unless any of the conditions for
increased monitoring in R.61-58.17.E(6) are triggered on or after April 1,
2016, or unless otherwise directed by the Department.
(b) Beginning April 1, 2016, the Department
must perform a special monitoring evaluation during each sanitary survey to
review the status of the system, including the distribution system, to
determine whether the system is on an appropriate monitoring schedule. After
the Department has performed the special monitoring evaluation during each
sanitary survey, the Department may modify the system's monitoring schedule, as
necessary, or it may allow the system to stay on its existing monitoring
schedule, consistent with the provisions of R.61-58.17.E. The Department may
not allow systems to begin less frequent monitoring under the special
monitoring evaluation unless the system has already met the applicable criteria
for less frequent monitoring in R.61-58.17.E. For seasonal systems on quarterly
or annual monitoring, this evaluation must include review of the approved
sample siting plan, which must designate the time period(s) for monitoring
based on site-specific considerations (e.g., during periods of highest demand
or highest vulnerability to contamination). The seasonal system must collect
compliance samples during these time periods.
(4) Annual site visits.
Beginning no later than calendar year 2017, systems on annual
monitoring, including seasonal systems, must have an initial and recurring
annual site visit by the Department that is equivalent to a Level 2 assessment
or an annual voluntary Level 2 assessment that meets the criteria in
R.61-58.17.J(2) to remain on annual monitoring. The periodic required sanitary
survey may be used to meet the requirement for an annual site visit for the
year in which the sanitary survey was completed.
(5) Criteria for annual monitoring. Beginning
April 1, 2016, the Department may reduce the monitoring frequency for a
well-operated ground water system from quarterly routine monitoring to no less
than annual monitoring, if the system demonstrates that it meets the criteria
for reduced monitoring in R.61-58.17.E(5)(a) through (5)(c), except for a
system that has been on increased monitoring under the provisions of
R.61-58.17.E(6). A system on increased monitoring under R.61-58.17.E(6) must
meet the provisions of R.61-58.17.E(7) to go to quarterly monitoring and must
meet the provisions of R.61-58.17.E(8) to go to annual monitoring.
(a) The system has a clean compliance history
for a minimum of 12 months;
(b) The
most recent sanitary survey shows that the system is free of sanitary defects
or has corrected all identified sanitary defects, has a protected water source,
and meets approved construction standards; and
(c) The Department has conducted an annual
site visit within the last 12 months and the system has corrected all
identified sanitary defects. The system may substitute a Level 2 assessment
that meets the criteria in R.61-58.17.J(2) for the Department annual site
visit.
(6) Increased
Monitoring Requirements for systems on quarterly or annual monitoring.
A system on quarterly or annual monitoring that experiences any
of the events identified in R.61-58.17.E(6)(a) through (6)(d) must begin
monthly monitoring the month following the event. A system on annual monitoring
that experiences the event identified in R.61-58.17.E(6)(e) must begin
quarterly monitoring the quarter following the event. The system must continue
monthly or quarterly monitoring until the requirements in R.61-58.17.E(7) for
quarterly monitoring or R.61-58.17.E(8) for annual monitoring are met. A system
on monthly monitoring for reasons other than those identified in
R.61-58.17.E(6)(a) through (6)(d) is not considered to be on increased
monitoring for the purposes of R.61-58.17.E(7) and (8).
(a) The system triggers a Level 2 assessment
or two Level 1 assessments under the provisions of R.61-58.17.J in a rolling
12-month period.
(b) The system has
an E. coli MCL violation.
(c) The
system has a coliform treatment technique violation.
(d) The system has two monitoring violations
under R.61-58.17 or one monitoring violation under R.61-58.17 and one Level 1
assessment under the provisions of R.61-58.17.J in a rolling 12-month period
for a system on quarterly monitoring.
(e) The system has one monitoring violation
under R.61-58.17 for a system on annual monitoring.
(7) Requirements for returning to quarterly
monitoring.
The Department may reduce the monitoring frequency for a system
on monthly monitoring triggered under R.61-58.17.E(6) to quarterly monitoring
if the system meets the criteria in R.61-58.17.E(7)(a) and (7)(b).
(a) Within the last 12 months, the system
must have a completed sanitary survey or a site visit by the Department or a
voluntary Level 2 assessment by a party approved by the Department, be free of
sanitary defects, and have a protected water source; and
(b) The system must have a clean compliance
history for a minimum of 12 months.
(8) Requirements for systems on increased
monitoring to qualify for annual monitoring.
The Department may reduce the monitoring frequency for a system
on increased monitoring under R.61-58.17.E(6) if the system meets the criteria
in R.61-58.17.E(7) plus the criteria in R.61-58.17.E(8)(a) and (8)(b).
(a) An annual site visit by the Department
and correction of all identified sanitary defects. The system may substitute a
voluntary Level 2 assessment by a party approved by the Department for the
Department annual site visit in any given year.
(b) The system must have in place or adopt
one or more additional enhancements to the water system barriers to
contamination in R.61-58.17.E(8)(b)(i) through (8)(b)(v).
(i) Cross connection control, as approved by
the Department.
(ii) An operator
certified by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
-Environmental Certification Board or regular visits by a circuit rider
certified by an appropriate State certification program.
(iii) Continuous disinfection entering the
distribution system and a residual in the distribution system in accordance
with criteria specified by the Department.
(iv) Demonstration of maintenance of at least
a 4-log removal or inactivation of viruses as provided for under
R.61-58.16.F(2)(c).
(v) Other
equivalent enhancements to water system barriers as approved by the
Department.
(9) Seasonal systems.
(a) Beginning April 1, 2016, all seasonal
systems must demonstrate completion of a Department-approved start-up
procedure, which may include a requirement for startup sampling prior to
serving water to the public.
(b) A
seasonal system must monitor every month that it is in operation unless it
meets the criteria in R.61-58.17.E(9)(b)(i) through (iii) to be eligible for
monitoring less frequently than monthly beginning April 1, 2016, except as
provided under R.61-58.17.E(3).
(i) Seasonal
systems monitoring less frequently than monthly must have an approved sample
siting plan that designates the time period for monitoring based on
site-specific considerations (e.g., during periods of highest demand or highest
vulnerability to contamination). Seasonal systems must collect compliance
samples during this time period.
(ii) To be eligible for quarterly monitoring,
the system must meet the criteria in R.61-58.17.E(7).
(iii) To be eligible for annual monitoring,
the system must meet the criteria under R.61-58.17.E(8).
(c) The Department may exempt any seasonal
system from some or all of the requirements for seasonal systems if the entire
distribution system remains pressurized during the entire period that the
system is not operating, except that systems that monitor less frequently than
monthly must still monitor during the vulnerable period designated by the
Department.
(10)
Additional routine monitoring the month following a total coliform-positive
sample.
Systems collecting samples on a quarterly or annual frequency
must conduct additional routine monitoring the month following one or more
total coliform-positive samples (with or without a Level 1 treatment technique
trigger). Systems must collect at least three routine samples during the next
month, except that the Department may waive this requirement if the conditions
of R.61-58.17.E(10)(a), (b), or (c) are met. Systems may either collect samples
at regular time intervals throughout the month or may collect all required
routine samples on a single day if samples are taken from different sites.
Systems must use the results of additional routine samples in coliform
treatment technique trigger calculations under R.61-58.17.J(1).
(a) The Department may waive the requirement
to collect three routine samples the next month in which the system provides
water to the public if the Department, or an agent approved by the Department,
performs a site visit before the end of the next month in which the system
provides water to the public. Although a sanitary survey need not be performed,
the site visit must be sufficiently detailed to allow the Department to
determine whether additional monitoring and/or any corrective action is needed.
The Department cannot approve an employee of the system to perform this site
visit, even if the employee is an agent approved by the Department to perform
sanitary surveys.
(b) The
Department may waive the requirement to collect three routine samples the next
month in which the system provides water to the public if the Department has
determined why the sample was total coliform-positive and has established that
the system has corrected the problem or will correct the problem before the end
of the next month in which the system serves water to the public. In this case,
the Department must document this decision to waive the following month's
additional monitoring requirement in writing, have it approved and signed by
the supervisor of the Department official who recommends such a decision, and
make this document available to the EPA and public. The written documentation
must describe the specific cause of the total coliform-positive sample and what
action the system has taken and/or will take to correct this problem.
(c) The Department may not waive the
requirement to collect three additional routine samples the next month in which
the system provides water to the public solely on the grounds that all repeat
samples are total coliform negative. If the Department determines that the
system has corrected the contamination problem before the system takes the set
of repeat samples required in R.61-58.17.I, and all repeat samples were total
coliform negative, the Department may waive the requirement for additional
routine monitoring the next month.
F. Routine monitoring requirements for
community water systems serving 1,000 or fewer people using only ground water.
(1) General.
(a) The provisions of this section apply to
community water systems using only ground water (except ground water under the
direct influence of surface water, as defined in R.61-58.B -
Definitions) and serving 1,000 or fewer people.
(b) Following any total coliform-positive
sample taken under the provisions of this section, systems must comply with the
repeat monitoring requirements and E. coli analytical requirements in
R.61-58.17.I.
(c) Once all
monitoring required by this section and R.61-58.17.I for a calendar month has
been completed, systems must determine whether any coliform treatment technique
triggers specified in R.61-58.17.J have been exceeded. If any trigger has been
exceeded, systems must complete assessments as required by
R.61-58.17.J.
(2)
Monitoring frequency for total coliforms.
The monitoring frequency for total coliforms is one sample per
month, except as provided for under R.61-58.17.F(3) through (6).
(3) Transition to R.61-58.17 -
Revised Total Coliform Rule.
(a) All systems
must continue to monitor according to the total coliform monitoring schedules
under R.61-58.5.G
that were in effect on March 31, 2016, unless any of the conditions in
R.61-58.17.F(5) are triggered on or after April 1, 2016, or unless otherwise
directed by the Department.
(b)
Beginning April 1, 2016, the Department must perform a special monitoring
evaluation during each sanitary survey to review the status of the system,
including the distribution system, to determine whether the system is on an
appropriate monitoring schedule. After the Department has performed the special
monitoring evaluation during each sanitary survey, the Department may modify
the system's monitoring schedule, as necessary, or it may allow the system to
stay on its existing monitoring schedule, consistent with the provisions of
R.61-58.17.F. The Department may not allow systems to begin less frequent
monitoring under the special monitoring evaluation unless the system has
already met the applicable criteria for less frequent monitoring in
R.61-58.17.F.
(4)
Criteria for reduced monitoring.
(a) The
Department may reduce the monitoring frequency from monthly monitoring to no
less than quarterly monitoring if the system is in compliance with
Department-certified operator provisions and demonstrates that it meets the
criteria in R.61-58.17.F(4)(a)(i) through (4)(a)(iii). A system that loses its
certified operator must return to monthly monitoring the month following that
loss.
(i) The system has a clean compliance
history for a minimum of 12 months.
(ii) The most recent sanitary survey shows
the system is free of sanitary defects (or has an approved plan and schedule to
correct them and is in compliance with the plan and the schedule), has a
protected water source and meets approved construction standards.
(iii) The system meets at least one of the
following criteria:
(A) An annual site visit
by the Department that is equivalent to a Level 2 assessment or an annual Level
2 assessment by a party approved by the Department and correction of all
identified sanitary defects (or an approved plan and schedule to correct them
and is in compliance with the plan and schedule).
(B) Cross connection control, as approved by
the Department.
(C) Continuous
disinfection entering the distribution system and a residual in the
distribution system in accordance with criteria specified by the
Department.
(D) Demonstration of
maintenance of at least a 4-log removal or inactivation of viruses as provided
for under R.61-58.16.F(2)(c).
(E) Other equivalent enhancements to water
system barriers as approved by the Department.
(5) Return to routine monthly monitoring
requirements.
Systems on quarterly monitoring that experience any of the events
in R.61-58.17.F(5)(a) through (5)(d) must begin monthly monitoring the month
following the event. The system must continue monthly monitoring until it meets
the reduced monitoring requirements in R.61-58.17.F(4).
(a) The system triggers a Level 2 assessment
or triggers two Level 1 assessments in a rolling 12-month period.
(b) The system has an E. coli MCL
violation.
(c) The system has a
coliform treatment technique violation.
(d) The system has two monitoring violations
under R.61-58.17 in a rolling 12-month period.
(6) Additional routine monitoring the month
following a total coliform-positive sample.
Systems collecting samples on a quarterly frequency must conduct
additional routine monitoring the month following one or more total
coliform-positive samples (with or without a Level 1 treatment technique
trigger). Systems must collect at least three routine samples during the next
month, except that the Department may waive this requirement if the conditions
of R.61-58.17.F(6)(a), (b), or (c) are met. Systems may either collect samples
at regular time intervals throughout the month or may collect all required
routine samples on a single day if samples are taken from different sites.
Systems must use the results of additional routine samples in coliform
treatment technique trigger calculations.
(a) The Department may waive the requirement
to collect three routine samples the next month in which the system provides
water to the public if the Department, or an agent approved by the Department,
performs a site visit before the end of the next month in which the system
provides water to the public. Although a sanitary survey need not be performed,
the site visit must be sufficiently detailed to allow the Department to
determine whether additional monitoring and/or any corrective action is needed.
The Department cannot approve an employee of the system to perform this site
visit, even if the employee is an agent approved by the Department to perform
sanitary surveys.
(b) The
Department may waive the requirement to collect three routine samples the next
month in which the system provides water to the public if the Department has
determined why the sample was total coliform-positive and has established that
the system has corrected the problem or will correct the problem before the end
of the next month in which the system serves water to the public. In this case,
the Department must document this decision to waive the following month's
additional monitoring requirement in writing, have it approved and signed by
the supervisor of the Department official who recommends such a decision, and
make this document available to the EPA and the public. The written
documentation must describe the specific cause of the total coliform-positive
sample and what action the system has taken and/or will take to correct this
problem.
(c) The Department may not
waive the requirement to collect three additional routine samples the next
month in which the system provides water to the public solely on the grounds
that all repeat samples are total coliform negative. If the Department
determines that the system has corrected the contamination problem before the
system takes the set of repeat samples required in R.61-58.17.I, and all repeat
samples were total coliform negative, the Department may waive the requirement
for additional routine monitoring the next month.
G. Routine monitoring requirements
for subpart H public water systems serving 1,000 or fewer people.
(1) General.
(a) The provisions of this section apply to
subpart H public water systems serving 1,000 or fewer people.
(b) Following any total coliform-positive
sample taken under the provisions of R.61-58.17.G, systems must comply with the
repeat monitoring requirements and E. coli analytical requirements in
R.61-58.17.I.
(c) Once all
monitoring required by this section and R.61-58.17.I for a calendar month has
been completed, systems must determine whether any coliform treatment technique
triggers specified in R.61-58.17.J have been exceeded. If any trigger has been
exceeded, systems must complete assessments as required by
R.61-58.17.J.
(d) Seasonal systems.
(i) Beginning April 1, 2016, all seasonal
systems must demonstrate completion of a Department-approved start-up
procedure, which may include a requirement for start-up sampling prior to
serving water to the public.
(ii)
The Department may exempt any seasonal system from some or all of the
requirements for seasonal systems if the entire distribution system remains
pressurized during the entire period that the system is not
operating.
(2) Routine monitoring frequency for total
coliforms.
Subpart H systems (including consecutive systems) must monitor
monthly. Systems may not reduce monitoring.
(3) Unfiltered subpart H systems.
A subpart H system that does not practice filtration in
compliance with R.61-58.10 must collect at least one total coliform sample near
the first service connection each day the turbidity level of the source water,
measured as specified in R.61-58.10.F(2)(b),
exceeds 1 NTU. When one or more turbidity measurements in any day exceed 1 NTU,
the system must collect this coliform sample within 24 hours of the first
exceedance, unless the Department determines that the system, for logistical
reasons outside the system's control, cannot have the sample analyzed within 30
hours of collection and identifies an alternative sample collection schedule.
Sample results from this coliform monitoring must be included in determining
whether the coliform treatment technique trigger in R.61-58.17.J has been
exceeded.
H.
Routine monitoring requirements for public water systems serving more than
1,000 people.
(1) General.
(a) The provisions of R.61-58.17.H apply to
public water systems serving more than 1,000 persons.
(b) Following any total coliform-positive
sample taken under the provisions of R.61-58.17.H, systems must comply with the
repeat monitoring requirements and E. coli analytical requirements in
R.61-58.17.I.
(c) Once all
monitoring required by this section and R.61-58.17.I for a calendar month has
been completed, systems must determine whether any coliform treatment technique
triggers specified in R.61-58.17.J have been exceeded. If any trigger has been
exceeded, systems must complete assessments as required by
R.61-58.17.J.
(d) Seasonal systems.
(i) Beginning April 1, 2016, all seasonal
systems must demonstrate completion of a Department-approved start-up
procedure, which may include a requirement for start-up sampling prior to
serving water to the public.
(ii)
The Department may exempt any seasonal system from some or all of the
requirements for seasonal systems if the entire distribution system remains
pressurized during the entire period that the system is not
operating.
(2) Monitoring frequency for total coliforms.
The monitoring frequency for total coliforms is based on the
population served by the system, as follows:
MINIMUM NUMBER OF POPULATION SERVED
|
MINIMUM NUMBER OF SAMPLES PER MONTH
|
1,001 to 2,500
|
2
|
2,501 to 3,300
|
3
|
3,301 to 4,100
|
4
|
4,101 to 4,900
|
5
|
4,901 to 5,800
|
6
|
5,801 to 6,700
|
7
|
6,701 to 7,600
|
8
|
7,601 to 8,500
|
9
|
8,501 to 12,900
|
10
|
12,901 to 17,200
|
15
|
17,201 to 21,500
|
20
|
21,501 to 25,000
|
25
|
25,001 to 33,000
|
30
|
33,001 to 41,000
|
40
|
41,001 to 50,000
|
50
|
50,001 to 59,000
|
60
|
59,001 to 70,000
|
70
|
70,001 to 83,000
|
80
|
83,001 to 96,000
|
90
|
96,001 to 130,000
|
100
|
130,001 to 220,000
|
120
|
220,001 to 320,000
|
150
|
320,001 to 450,000
|
180
|
450,001 to 600,000
|
210
|
600,001 to 780,000
|
240
|
780,001 to 970,000
|
270
|
970,001 to 1,230,000
|
300
|
1,230,001 to 1,520,000
|
330
|
1,520,001 to 1,850,000
|
360
|
1,850,001 to 2,270,000
|
390
|
2,270,001 to 3,020,000
|
420
|
3,020,001 to 3,960,000
|
450
|
3,960,001 or more
|
480
|
(3)
Unfiltered subpart H systems.
A subpart H system that does not practice filtration in
compliance with R.61-58.10 must collect at least one total coliform sample near
the first service connection each day the turbidity level of the source water,
measured as specified in R.61-58.10.F(2)(b),
exceeds 1 NTU. When one or more turbidity measurements in any day exceed 1 NTU,
the system must collect this coliform sample within 24 hours of the first
exceedance, unless the Department determines that the system, for logistical
reasons outside the system's control, cannot have the sample analyzed within 30
hours of collection and identifies an alternative sample collection schedule.
Sample results from this coliform monitoring must be included in determining
whether the coliform treatment technique trigger in R.61-58.17.J has been
exceeded.
(4) Reduced
monitoring.
Systems may not reduce monitoring, except for non-community water
systems using only ground water (and not ground water under the direct
influence of surface water) serving 1,000 or fewer people in some months and
more than 1,000 persons in other months. In months when more than 1,000 persons
are served, the systems must monitor at the frequency specified in paragraph
R.61-58.17.H(2). In months when 1,000 or fewer people are served, the
Department may reduce the monitoring frequency, in writing, to a frequency
allowed under R.61-58.17.E for a similarly situated system that always serves
1,000 or fewer people, taking into account the provisions in R.61-58.17.E(5)
through (7).
I.
Repeat monitoring and E. coli requirements.
(1) Repeat monitoring.
(a) If a sample taken under R.61-58.17.E
though R.61-58.17.H is total coliform-positive, the system must collect a set
of repeat samples within 24 hours of being notified of the positive result. The
system must collect no fewer than three repeat samples for each total
coliform-positive sample found. The Department may extend the 24-hour limit on
a case-by-case basis if the system has a logistical problem in collecting the
repeat samples within 24 hours that is beyond its control. Alternatively, the
Department may implement criteria for the system to use in lieu of case-by-case
extensions. In the case of an extension, the Department must specify how much
time the system has to collect the repeat samples. The Department cannot waive
the requirement for a system to collect repeat samples in R.61-58.17.I(1)(a)
through (1)(c).
(b) The system must
collect all repeat samples on the same day, except that the Department may
allow a system with a single service connection to collect the required set of
repeat samples over a three-day period or to collect a larger volume repeat
sample(s) in one or more sample containers of any size, as long as the total
volume collected is at least 300 ml.
(c) The system must collect an additional set
of repeat samples in the manner specified in R.61-58.17.I(1)(a) through (1)(c)
if one or more repeat samples in the current set of repeat samples is total
coliform-positive. The system must collect the additional set of repeat samples
within 24 hours of being notified of the positive result, unless the Department
extends the limit as provided in R.61-58.17.I(1)(a). The system must continue
to collect additional sets of repeat samples until either total coliforms are
not detected in one complete set of repeat samples or the system determines
that a coliform treatment technique trigger specified in R.61-58.17.J(1) has
been exceeded as a result of a repeat sample being total coliform-positive and
notifies the Department. If a trigger identified in R.61-58.17.J is exceeded as
a result of a routine sample being total coliform-positive, systems are
required to conduct only one round of repeat monitoring for each total
coliform-positive routine sample.
(d) After a system collects a routine sample
and before it learns the results of the analysis of that sample, if it collects
another routine sample(s) from within five adjacent service connections of the
initial sample, and the initial sample, after analysis, is found to contain
total coliforms, then the system may count the subsequent sample(s) as a repeat
sample instead of as a routine sample.
(e) Results of all routine and repeat samples
taken under R.61-58.17.E through R.61-58.17.I not invalidated by the Department
must be used to determine whether a coliform treatment technique trigger
specified in R.61-58.17.J has been exceeded.
(2) Escherichia coli (E. coli) testing.
(a) If any routine or repeat sample is total
coliform-positive, the system must analyze that total coliform-positive culture
medium to determine if E. coli are present. If E. coli are present, the system
must notify the Department by the end of the day when the system is notified of
the test result, unless the system is notified of the result after the
Department office is closed and the Department does not have either an
after-hours phone line or an alternative notification procedure, in which case
the system must notify the Department before the end of the next business
day.
(b) The Department has the
discretion to allow a system, on a case-by-case basis, to forgo E. coli testing
on a total coliform-positive sample if that system assumes that the total
coliform-positive sample is E. coli-positive. Accordingly, the system must
notify the Department as specified in R.61-58.17.I(2)(a) and the provisions of
R.61-58.5.F(3)
apply.
J.
Coliform treatment technique triggers and assessment requirements for
protection against potential fecal contamination.
(1) Treatment technique triggers.
Systems must conduct assessments in accordance with
R.61-58.17.J(2) of this section after exceeding treatment technique triggers in
R.61-58.17.J(1)(a) and (1)(b).
(a)
Level 1 treatment technique triggers.
(i) For
systems taking 40 or more samples per month, the system exceeds 5.0% total
coliform-positive samples for the month.
(ii) For systems taking fewer than 40 samples
per month, the system has two or more total coliform-positive samples in the
same month.
(iii) The system fails
to take every required repeat sample after any single total coliform-positive
sample.
(b) Level 2
treatment technique triggers.
(i) An E. coli
MCL violation, as specified in R.61-58.17.K(1).
(ii) A second Level 1 trigger as defined in
R.61-58.17.J(1)(a), within a rolling 12-month period, unless the Department has
determined a likely reason that the samples that caused the first Level 1
treatment technique trigger were total coliform-positive and has established
that the system has corrected the problem.
(iii) For systems with approved annual
monitoring, a Level 1 trigger in two consecutive years.
(2) Requirements for assessments.
(a) Systems must ensure that Level 1 and 2
assessments are conducted in order to identify the possible presence of
sanitary defects and defects in distribution system coliform monitoring
practices. Level 2 assessments must be conducted by parties approved by the
Department.
(b) When conducting
assessments, systems must ensure that the assessor evaluates minimum elements
that include review and identification of inadequacies in sample sites;
sampling protocol; sample processing; atypical events that could affect
distributed water quality or indicate that distributed water quality was
impaired; changes in distribution system maintenance and operation that could
affect distributed water quality (including water storage); source and
treatment considerations that bear on distributed water quality, where
appropriate (e.g., small ground water systems); and existing water quality
monitoring data. The system must conduct the assessment consistent with any
Department directives that tailor specific assessment elements with respect to
the size and type of the system and the size, type, and characteristics of the
distribution system.
(c) Level 1
Assessments.
A system must conduct a Level 1 assessment consistent with
Department requirements if the system exceeds one of the treatment technique
triggers in R.61-58.17.J(1)(a).
(i)
The system must complete a Level 1 assessment as soon as practical after any
trigger in R.61-58.17.J(1)(a). In the completed assessment form, the system
must describe sanitary defects detected, corrective actions completed, and a
proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed. The
assessment form may also note that no sanitary defects were identified. The
system must submit the completed Level 1 assessment form to the Department
within 30 days after the system learns that it has exceeded a
trigger.
(ii) If the Department
reviews the completed Level 1 assessment and determines that the assessment is
not sufficient (including any proposed timetable for any corrective actions not
already completed), the Department must consult with the system. If the
Department requires revisions after consultation, the system must submit a
revised assessment form to the Department on an agreed-upon schedule not to
exceed 30 days from the date of the consultation.
(iii) Upon completion and submission of the
assessment form by the system, the Department must determine if the system has
identified a likely cause for the Level 1 trigger and, if so, establish that
the system has corrected the problem, or has included a schedule acceptable to
the Department for correcting the problem.
(d) Level 2 Assessments.
A system must ensure that a Level 2 assessment consistent with
Department requirements is conducted if the system exceeds one of the treatment
technique triggers in R.61-58.17.J(1)(b). The system must comply with any
expedited actions or additional actions required by the Department in the case
of an E. coli MCL violation.
(i) The
system must ensure that a Level 2 assessment is completed by the Department or
by a party approved by the Department as soon as practical after any trigger in
R.61-58.17.J(1)(b). The system must submit a completed Level 2 assessment form
to the Department within 30 days after the system learns that it has exceeded a
trigger. The assessment form must describe sanitary defects detected,
corrective actions completed, and a proposed timetable for any corrective
actions not already completed. The assessment form may also note that no
sanitary defects were identified.
(ii) The system may conduct Level 2
assessments if the system has staff or management with the certification or
qualifications specified by the Department unless otherwise directed by the
Department.
(iii) If the Department
reviews the completed Level 2 assessment and determines that the assessment is
not sufficient (including any proposed timetable for any corrective actions not
already completed), the Department must consult with the system. If the
Department requires revisions after consultation, the system must submit a
revised assessment form to the Department on an agreed-upon schedule not to
exceed 30 days.
(iv) Upon
completion and submission of the assessment form by the system, the Department
must determine if the system has identified a likely cause for the Level 2
trigger and determine whether the system has corrected the problem, or has
included a schedule acceptable to the Department for correcting the
problem.
(3)
Corrective Action.
Systems must correct sanitary defects found through either Level
1 or 2 assessments conducted under R.61-58.17.J(2). For corrections not
completed by the time of submission of the assessment form, the system must
complete the corrective action(s) in compliance with a timetable approved by
the Department in consultation with the system. The system must notify the
Department when each scheduled corrective action is completed.
(4) Consultation.
At any time during the assessment or corrective action phase,
either the water system or the Department may request a consultation with the
other party to determine the appropriate actions to be taken. The system may
consult with the Department on all relevant information that may impact on its
ability to comply with a requirement of R.61-58.17, including the method of
accomplishment, an appropriate timeframe, and other relevant
information.
K.
Violations
(1) E. coli MCL Violation.
A system is in violation of the MCL for E. coli when any of the
conditions identified in R.61-58.17.K(1)(a) through (1)(d) occur.
(a) The system has an E. coli-positive repeat
sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.
(b) The system has a total coliform-positive
repeat sample following an E. coli-positive routine sample.
(c) The system fails to take all required
repeat samples following an E. coli-positive routine sample.
(d) The system fails to test for E. coli when
any repeat sample tests positive for total coliform.
(2) Treatment technique violation.
(a) A treatment technique violation occurs
when a system exceeds a treatment technique trigger specified in
R.61-58.17.J(1) and then fails to conduct the required assessment or corrective
actions within the timeframe specified in R.61-58.17.J(2) and (3).
(b) A treatment technique violation occurs
when a seasonal system fails to complete a Department-approved start-up
procedure prior to serving water to the public.
(3) Monitoring violations.
(a) Failure to take every required routine or
additional routine sample in a compliance period is a monitoring
violation.
(b) Failure to analyze
for E. coli following a total coliform-positive routine sample is a monitoring
violation.
(4) Reporting
violations.
(a) Failure to submit a monitoring
report or completed assessment form after a system properly conducts monitoring
or assessment in a timely manner is a reporting violation.
(b) Failure to notify the Department
following an E. coli-positive sample as required by R.61-58.17.I(2)(a) in a
timely manner is a reporting violation.
(c) Failure to submit certification of
completion of Department-approved start-up procedure by a seasonal system is a
reporting violation.
L. Reporting and recordkeeping.
(1) Reporting.
(a)E. coli.
(i) A system must notify the Department by
the end of the day when the system learns of an E. coli MCL violation, unless
the system learns of the violation after the Department office is closed and
the Department does not have either an after-hours phone line or an alternative
notification procedure, in which case the system must notify the Department
before the end of the next business day, and notify the public in accordance
with R.61-58.6.
(ii) A system must
notify the Department by the end of the day when the system is notified of an
E. coli-positive routine sample, unless the system is notified of the result
after the Department office is closed and the Department does not have either
an after-hours phone line or an alternative notification procedure, in which
case the system must notify the Department before the end of the next business
day.
(b) A system that
has violated the treatment technique for coliforms in R.61-58.17.J must report
the violation to the Department no later than the end of the next business day
after it learns of the violation, and notify the public in accordance with
R.61-58.6.
(c) A system required to
conduct an assessment under the provisions of R.61-58.17.J must submit the
assessment report within 30 days. The system must notify the Department in
accordance with R.61-58.17.J(3) when each scheduled corrective action is
completed for corrections not completed by the time of submission of the
assessment form.
(d) A system that
has failed to comply with a coliform monitoring requirement must report the
monitoring violation to the Department within 10 days after the system
discovers the violation, and notify the public in accordance with
R.61-58.6.
(e) A seasonal system
must certify, prior to serving water to the public, that it has complied with
the Department-approved start-up procedure.
(2) Recordkeeping.
(a) The system must maintain any assessment
form, regardless of who conducts the assessment, and documentation of
corrective actions completed as a result of those assessments, or other
available summary documentation of the sanitary defects and corrective actions
taken under R.61-58.17.J for Department review. This record must be maintained
by the system for a period not less than five years after completion of the
assessment or corrective action.
(b) The system must maintain a record of any
repeat sample taken that meets Department criteria for an extension of the
24-hour period for collecting repeat samples as provided for under
R.61-58.17.I(1)(a).