# Presentation: 289976

## Sanitary Surveys      

- Gary Carlson
- Drinking Water Program
- EPA Region 8

## Sanitary Surveys

- 			Who
- 			What
- 			When
- 			Why
- 			Typical Findings

## Sanitary Surveys

- Who conducts sanitary surveys?
- -  State Program staff or an agent or contractor approved by the regulator        (40 CFR 141.21(d)(2))

## Sanitary Surveys

- The Surveyor should have:
- 	- experience or knowledge about the operation and maintenance of public water systems
- 	- a sound understanding of public health principles and waterborne diseases
- 	- a thorough understanding of applicable regulations

## Sanitary Surveys

- A Sanitary Survey is an on-site evaluation of:
- 	- the system’s water source(s)
- 	- treatment
- 	- storage and distribution facilities and 	equipment
- 	- the operation and maintenance 		practices for each

## Sanitary Surveys

- How are Sanitary Surveys done?
- 	-  Before doing a survey:  Surveyors need to do a thorough review of existing monitoring data, past surveys, and well logs
- 	-  Survey visit must be coordinated with manager or operator

## Sanitary Surveys

- How are Sanitary Surveys done?
- 	- During a survey: look for key problems; walk through entire facility; thorough interview of operator; use standard format
- 	- take pictures, sketch the entire water system
- 	- get latitude and longitude or township range information on key features of the water system

## Sanitary Surveys

- How are Sanitary Surveys done?
- After survey is complete:
- 	-  write complete report and highlight problems that need correction

## Sanitary Surveys

- When are Sanitary Surveys done?
- 	-  An initial survey by June 29, 1999 of all non-community systems that do not collect at least 5 or more routine samples for bacteriological analyses each month, and
- 	-  once every five years thereafter except that,...

## Sanitary Surveys

- When are Sanitary Surveys done?
- 	-  non-community water systems using only protected and disinfected groundwater must undergo a sanitary survey at least once every ten years following the initial survey
- 	(40 CFR 141.21(d))

## Sanitary Surveys

- Why are Sanitary Surveys necessary?
- 	-  to identify deficiencies in a water system before they become a threat to public health
- 	-  to help operators develop a better understanding of the importance of their duties
- 	-  to help operators improve their operations so that they stay in compliance with the regulations

## Sanitary Surveys

- Typical findings during Sanitary Surveys:
- 	-  unprotected hose bibs; threaded spigot with no anti-siphon device
- 	-  no locks on storage tanks, collection vaults, treatment facilities, outside electrical panels
- 	-  tank covers that allow entrance of contaminants; holes, bad fit, rotting wood

## Sanitary Surveys

- Typical findings, continued:
- 	storage of fuel and/or flammables, chemicals in well houses, water treatment buildings or vaults
-  sanitary wellhead seals compromised by open holes through seal for electrical service and/or open hole for vent

## Sanitary Surveys

- Typical findings, continued:
- 	-  well vaults that flood above the height of the well casing
- 	-  leaky vault toilets within the recharge area of the well or spring
- 	-  damaged facilities, tanks, equipment that has not been repaired

## Sanitary Surveys

- Typical findings, continued:
- 	-  spring developments with no fence to keep livestock, wildlife, people and development away from the recharge and collection areas
- 	-  springs with no surface drainage up-gradient of collection area; no screens on overflow, drain and vents