Total Coliform Rule: A Handbook for Small

Noncommunity Water Systems serving lessthan 3,300 personsOne of the Simple Tools for Effective Performance (STEP)Guide Series
ater

Printed on recycled paper
1

ontents

ook for Me?..................................................................................................................... 3

tal Coliform Rule?........................................................................................................... 4

and You .......................................................................................................................... 5

g Safe Drinking Water Important?..........................................................................................................................................5

Water?............................................................................................................................ 6

ples ................................................................................................................................. 8

mples .....................................................................................................................................................................................8

e Samples .............................................................................................................................................................................9

uirements: How Many Bacteriological Samples are Required and When? .................. 10

 I Sample? .................................................................................................................... 12

op a Sample Siting Plan ................................................................................................ 13

 Siting Plan..........................................................................................................................................................................14
2

..................................................................................................................................... 17

a Sample that is Positive for Coliform Bacteria? ......................................................... 18

le Compliance Flow Chart ........................................................................................... 20

e Connections and Where to Sample ..................................................................................................................................22

Connections and Where to Sample .....................................................................................................................................23

s if Repeat Samples are Positive?............................................................................... 24

on and Compliance .............................................................................................................................................................24

ng Worksheets .............................................................................................................. 26

Do I Collect Samples Properly? ................................................................................... 36

 Drinking Water Act Primacy Agency Contacts ............................................................ 43

al Contacts ................................................................................................................... 48

rces for More Information on Total Coliform ................................................................ 49
3

Handbook for Me?

signed for use by all small “non-community water systems” (NCWS) serving fewer than 3,300

son, community water systems (CWS) are those systems which serve at least 15 service connections

-round. NCWS are all other public water systems (PWS) and are one of two types: “transient”

25 or more non-residents for at least 60 days per year) and “non-transient” (systems that regularly

he same non-residents for more than 6 months per year). Typical transient NCWS and non-transient

TransientParksRestaurantsRest AreasAnd in some states places ofworship (e.g., churches, temples)

Non-TransientHospitalsSchoolsFactoriesOffice BuildingsDaycare/Childcare Centers

12341234

12341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234123412341234 1234123412341234 123412341234 12341234
4

 the Total Coliform Rule?

Rule (TCR) is the Federal regulation under the Safe

SDWA) that sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)

irements for certain biological contaminants. It requires

dically collect samples and analyze them for bacteria

e number of routine samples required each month,

ends on your system size and source water (see chart

es must be collected according to a written “Sample

ssed in Part H (page 13). Since state or tribal primacy

nts may differ from the Federal TCR, it is

you contact your state or tribal drinking water primacy agency (Appendices II and III) for more details

 requirements.
5

Health and You

e required, under the SDWA, to provide water that meets federal standards to their customers 24

ys a year. If the water supply becomes contaminated, consumers can become seriously ill. Operators,

ortant assets of any public water system, should take many steps to ensure that the public is provided

ater. One of the most important steps is to regularly test for coliform bacteria.

ring Safe Drinking Water Important?

ng water is one of the oldest known public health concerns. Preventing waterborne disease is one of

es of any drinking water system. Although waterborne disease outbreaks are relatively uncommon in

ey do occur. In most cases, the results are diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and other symptoms. But in

ularly among the young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems—waterborne

o severe illness.

ne disease is greatly reduced when the water system is designed and operated to provide multiple

n. The key barriers are:

 protection

ystem integrity

d public awareness
6

s in My Water?

ase carrying organisms. Many different pathogens may be present in

cal to test for them all individually. Instead, we rely on monitoring for

s, or coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria may or may not be harmful

r occurrence indicates the potential presence of other harmful

cator organisms we use for monitoring drinking water are called total

 group of closely related bacteria that are generally harmless. They are natural and common

il and surface waters (such as lakes and rivers). Their presence in your drinking water suggests that

each, failure, or other change in the integrity of the water system and that pathogens may have

nking water.

nactivated, or made harmless, by treatment or die off naturally in a manner similar to most pathogens.

iforms are found in a PWS, the system may be vulnerable to pathogens, whether pathogens are

not. Additional sampling may be required to determine the extent of any contamination problem within

ion of total coliforms is a warning sign that your system may also be vulnerable to fecal

s could be caused by any number of instances such as line breaks, cross-connections, or compromised
7

 attempt to determine the source of the total coliform contamination and address the problem as

oliforms (a subset of total coliforms) or Escherichia coli (E. coli—a subset of fecal coliforms) can

ystem is contaminated with fecal waste. Immediate steps to inform and protect your consumers may

ted further on page 24. Fecal coliforms and E. coli are good indicators of fecal contamination and of

ce of waterborne pathogens associated with fecal contamination.

f coliforms are found in a sample the system is required to further test the sample for fecal coliform or E. coli. The diagram

coliform, when detected, must be tested further to determine if fecal coliforms, or even E. coli are present. Not all total

al coliform or E. coli within them. Courtesy of Wyoming EPA.

Fecal Coliform

E. coli

Total Coliform
8

of Samples

orms is performed by collecting water samples. There are five types of samples that a NCWS

se are routine samples, repeat samples, additional routine samples, replacement samples, and

outine and repeat samples are discussed in more detail later within this workbook.)

 Samples

Routine samples are those that you are required to take on a routine basis, whether that is annually,

y. These samples, as well as the other types of samples noted below, are collected from representative

 your water system in 100mL or 125mL containers (see Appendix I for proper sample collection

samples, as with all coliform samples, should be submitted to a certified laboratory for testing within

ction.

hese compliance samples are required each time a coliform positive sample is detected and must be

ours after you receive notification of a positive coliform result. These samples confirm any positive

 bacteria and help to identify the extent of the coliform contamination within your system, the type of

d the location or source of the contamination. Samples above and beyond the repeat sample

 collected until either the system no longer detects the presence of any coliform bacteria or until the

mination has been identified, eliminated, and/or prevented. It is important to note that a minimum of

 are required for the month immediately following a positive coliform sample.
9

ance Samples

s: This type of sample refers to any additional non-compliance samples required by your state or tribal

rder to help identify the extent of the contamination, provide better information about water quality, or

onitoring of the water within the NCWS.

ples: If a compliance sample is collected and does not

 be replaced by a new sample. There are several

ied laboratory may not analyze samples:

may be outdated or too old,

ontainer may be broken upon arrival at the lab,

ontainer may have leaked,

amount may be not be enough (remember, 100mL is

,

oes not indicate a date or time to tell the lab how old it is,

may have been frozen.

hese, too, are non-compliance samples that are collected due to repairs, complaints, or maintenance

of these types of samples is often necessary to ensure that coliform has not entered your distribution

f events such as water line repairs, line breaks, or routine maintenance.
10

ng Requirements: How Many Bacteriological

are Required and When?

CWS which use ground water (not under the direct influence of surface water) and which serve 25 to

lect at least 1 routine total coliform sample per quarter. Systems which serve 1,001 to 2,500 persons

 2 routine total coliform samples per month, and those serving 2,501 to 3,300 must collect at least 3

 samples per month. If you have reduced monitoring, as prescribed by EPA or your state or tribal

 sampling frequency could be 1 sample per calendar year. Contact your state or tribal drinking water

e if you are eligible for reduced monitoring.

sonal restaurant that serves hundreds of people a day

July – September) must sample according to its

sampling schedule for July, August, and September. If

s only a few hundred people a month during the rest of

r tribal primacy agency may allow (in writing) the

mpling to once per quarter for the off-season. However,

state or tribal primacy agency reduce the sampling

an 1 sample per year.
11

Minimum Number of Routine Bacteriological Samples Required (NCWS)

Type of System Population Served Minimum Number of Routine Samples

Ground Water (GW)

2 * 5-1,000 1 sample per quarter or year

1 r ,001-2,500 2 samples per quarter or yea

2 r ,501-3,300 3 samples per quarter or yea

Type of System Population Served Minimum Number of Routine Samples

Surface Water (SW) or

Ground Water Under the

Direct Influence of Surface

Water (GWUDI)

2 h 5-1,000 1 sample per mont

1 h ,001-2,500 2 samples per mont

2 h ,501-3,300 3 samples per mont

uarter - January, February, March; 2nd Quarter - April, May, June; 3rd Quarter - July, August, September; 4th Quarter -

r, November, December.

Ss and NCWSs using ground water under the direct influence (GWUDI) of surface water must take

ples. You may be required to take more than 1 sample per month since the numbers of samples is

 served (see next page).

dditional sampling is encouraged to identify the extent of the coliform present, if any, within your water

t lists only the Federal minimum required number of routine samples. As mentioned previously, the

coliforms is a warning sign that your system is vulnerable to contamination. It does not necessarily

stem has fecal contamination.
12

Should I Sample?

pose of sampling is not to draw “clean”

tify any coliform contamination so it can be

The TCR requires each small NCWS to

 according to a sample siting plan, which

able to the state or tribal primacy agency for

. Having a written sample collection

e that all sampling is done correctly, even

personnel change.

an specifies where in the building or

outine samples (samples required to be

be drawn in order to ensure that they are

he water supplied to every consumer.

ples that accurately reflect the quality of the

ucial because if coliforms are in the water supply, they may not be found uniformly throughout the

The sample siting plan may sometimes include repeat sampling sites to be used if a sample drawn

ling point tests positive for coliforms.
13

 Develop a Sample Siting Plan

ple siting plan depend on the characteristics of the system for which it is developed and on the

state or tribal primacy agency. Contact your state or tribal primacy agency to see if there are any

here are specific requirements in addition to those mentioned in this handbook. A list of primacy

nd in the back of this handbook. Things to consider when preparing a sample siting plan include:

and type of water sources, treatment facilities, storage tanks, pressure stations, and service

of dead-end pipes, loops, and other areas of the piping system’s configuration.

ction hazards and shared connections.

water pressure and slow water movement.

ation densities.
14

ple Siting Plan

 plan may have three components: a map of the distribution system, a narrative description of the

m plan of action. Check with your state or tribal primacy agency if they have specific requirements for

m Map or Schematic: This provides the layout of the distribution system and may show:

rces and their entry points into the distribution system.

ocations served by each water source (if the waters from the various sources are not combined prior

).

cilities, such as filtration and disinfection stations.

s.

pling sites.

ling sites.

ons and critical valves.

 and size.

owoffs/flushing points.

ains and/or known trouble areas.

Example Distribution System Map
15

t a minimum, the description of the

hould include, but not be limited to:

m name, contact person(s), telephone

nd address(es).

m identification number.

 name(s).

me.

cility description (process used,

ated, location, etc.).

on served.

rvice connections.

PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

DATE: September 11, 2001WATERWORKS NAME: Bill’s CampgroundPWSID: AT0001111CERTIFIED CLASS: Class V Water SystemCOUNTY/CITY: Any CountyOWNER: Pearl E. Eyes

5300 Ocean Blvd.Anytown, USA

PHONE NUMBER: (555) 555-5555OPERATOR: John Doe IITYPE OF TREATMENT: Hypo-ChlorinationSOURCE: Groundwater (One well)DESIGN CAPACITY: 25 Existing campsite connections (65

people)

DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM:Well - This well is located at the northeast corner of the campgroundnear the entrance. The well is drilled to a total depth of 300 feet, and iscased and grouted. The well is equipped with a submersible pump,which discharges water into a 500-gallon pressure storage tank fromwhere the water flows into the distribution system. The six-inch wellcasing is properly vented and sealed. A sampling tap and meter areprovided in the well discharge line.Pressure Tank - Storage consists of a 500-gallon pressure tank. Thepressure tank is enclosed by the cinderblock well house. A pressuregauge is installed on the pressure tank.Design Basis1. Based on existing connections: 25 campsite connections2. Based on source: no data available on source capacity3. Based on storage:

500/3 gallons

---------------------------------------150 gallons/campsite connection = 1 campsite connection
16

ction: This section of the sample siting plan should identify:

site sampling plan was prepared (and revision date if applicable). The plan needs to represent all

eas and all areas of concern.

of routine sample sites and their locations.

ollection schedule. This is an approved schedule from your state or tribal primacy agency. As a

may be required to sample at least once per year.

is on an annual, monthly, or quarterly rotation cycle (as applicable). It is desirable to rotate through

site three or four times a monitoring period to better obtain representative samples. For example, a

otation cycle could include one sample obtained from the women’s bathroom during the first month,

kitchen during the second month, and one from a service station where wait-staff fill water pitchers

rd month.

of the five routine sampling sites that will be used for routine sampling after the presence of coliforms

firmed. This occurs in the next month in which you will serve consumers.

ption of the sample collection techniques used. This will help minimize the possibility for false positive

to improper collection techniques.

 for flushing the distribution system’s lines. This procedure is vital in reducing the possibility of coliform

uild-up.

d telephone number of the person who prepared the sample siting plan.
17

g Sites

should be selected carefully so that you obtain a representative sample for your entire system,

m consists of one building or multiple buildings. It is especially important to identify and include in the

he areas that may adversely affect the microbiological quality of the water. Faucets and specially

aps are the two most common types of sampling sites. If faucets are to be used, each faucet should be

o ensure its suitability. To learn how to properly collect a bacteriological sample, please refer to the

ndix I.

e examples of unsuitable sample sites are:

z Swivel-type faucets that have a single valve for hot and cold water.z Faucets that have leaky packing material around the stem.z Faucets that supply areas, such as janitorial or commercial sinks, where bacterial contamination is

likely.

z Faucets close to or below ground level.z Faucets that point upward.z Faucets that have threads on the inside of their spouts.z Faucets that have aerators. (If such faucets are to be used, the aerators must be removed before a

sample is collected.)
18

I Have a Sample that is Positive for Coliform

his step guide, if any of your routine samples test positive for the presence of total coliforms, you must

mples called repeat samples. NCWS serving 25-1,000 are required to collect a minimum of 4 repeat

 serving 1,001 to 3,300 are required to collect a minimum of 3 repeat samples for each coliform

cal sample with a coliform detection. Samples must come from the following locations when additional

e available:

rom the same location as the positive sample;

within 5 service connections upstream;within 5 service connections downstream; and

serving 25-1,000, a fourth sample from any other sampling

pproved sample siting plan.

 collected to confirm whether or not there is an actual

em within your water system. A set of repeat samples must

4 hours of the system being notified of the positive result.

er of repeat samples required is based on the number of

ples and population served, regardless of the water source.

Repeat Sampling Chart

Population Served Repeat Samples per Positive Routine Sample

2 4 5-1,000

1 3 ,001-2,500

2 3 ,501-3,300
19

TCR Flow Chart (pages 20 and 21) to assist you in determining if you are required by the TCR to take

This chart will also assist you in determining if your system is meeting the compliance standards of the

of total coliforms in any routine or repeat sample, you are also required to collect 5 routine samples

serve water to consumers. If none of the 5 routine samples test positive for the presence of total

esume collecting your usual number of routine samples the next month or quarter you are required to

ent health risk exists if any sample, routine or repeat, tests positive for fecal coliform or E.

rements established within the Public Notification Rule (Tier 1), when you are notified by

y of any repeat sample testing positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli, you must notify the

primacy agency by the end of the day you are notified, or before the end of the next busi

 state or tribal primacy agency office is closed, and notify the public within 24 hours.
20

tal Coliform Rule Compliance Flow Chart
21

Is the number of 

ROUTINE TC+’s plus 

REPEAT TC+’s

> 1 (since < 40 samples/mo)?

Any REPEAT

samples FC/EC+?

TC+ REPEATS

analyzed for FC/EC? **

OUTINE

FC/EC+?

MONTHLY

MCL VIOL

NO

MONTHLY

MCL VIOL

ACUTE

MCL VIOL

UTE

VIOL

IF BOTH

“NO,” NO

ACUTE

VIOL

Must continue collecting REPEAT

samples until all are TC negative

or an MCL is violated

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO NO

NO

mple collection

t must enable

o begin analysis

 of collection.

M/R VIOL

NOTE: This table is for information only and is not intended to be a substitute for federal or state regulations.
22

vice Connections and Where to Sample

have multiple service connections (in addition to multiple sampling points). A service connection is a

service to a facility. Separate buildings that are part of the same complex or facility and are served by

ay not always be considered separate service connections. Consult your state or tribal primacy agency

ether your system has multiple service connections.
23

ce Connections and Where to Sample

ne service connection can choose repeat sample locations in order to determine if the contamination

CWSs will have only one sample location, but most will have several. At least one repeat sample

om the same sample location as the original coliform-positive sample. If you have multiple sample

.e., multiple taps), you should collect the remaining repeat samples from representative sites at

 facility served by your system. Unless otherwise authorized by your state or tribal primacy agency,

e service connection should collect all repeat samples the same day, even if it means they are

ame tap in rapid succession. Some states or tribal primacy agencies may allow systems with a single

o collect the required set of repeat samples over a four-day period or make other arrangements.
24

Happens if Repeat Samples are Positive?

cation and Compliance

p to better explain violations associated with bacteriological sampling. You may also reference the

nd 21 for further guidance. As with any public notification requirement, it is recommended that you

r tribal primacy agency for any further notification and compliance issues immediately upon detection

samples. If you have a total coliform-positive routine sample followed by a fecal coliform- or E. coli

ple (or a fecal coliform- or E. coli-positive routine sample followed by a total coliform-positive repeat

rious potential health risk. This creates an acute, or short-term, violation that may have a more

ect. Please refer to the following:

Procedures for ACUTE (Tier 1) Violations

1 y . Notify the state or tribal primacy agency by the end of the da

you are notified or before the end of the next business day if the

state or tribal primacy agency office is closed.

2 u . Notify the public within 24 hours by posting or hand delivery. Yo

may also elect to notify the public by television, radio, or other

methods approved by the state or tribal primacy agency.

Note: Consider providing consumers with bottled water until the

problem has been solved.
25

ill significant potential health risk exists if more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is

e. This creates a monthly MCL violation. If you are notified by your laboratory of the repeat or second

-positive sample results, you must:

Procedures for Monthly MCL (Tier 2) Violations

1 t . Notify the state or tribal primacy agency by the end of the nex

business day.

2 r . Notify the public within 30 days by mail, hand delivery, or othe

methods approved by the state or tribal primacy agency.

iled to comply with a TCR requirement (for example, the sample siting plan requirement, failure to

eat sample, or failure to perform a fecal coliform/E. coli test) has committed a monitoring violation

detail how, when, and at what frequency notices for violations should be provided. Because different

rent requirements, you should contact your state or tribal primacy agency for assistance when a public

Procedures for Monitoring (Tier 3) Violations

1 n . Within 365 days, notification to the public must be conducted i

accordance with general public notification requirements

approved by the state or tribal primacy agency.
26

Monitoring Worksheets

ains simple monthly monitoring worksheets to help you keep track of your TCR sampling and sample

monitoring worksheets presented here can be a useful management tool, system operators are

iginal laboratory results must be kept on file as well.) These worksheets can help you ensure that you

ber of routine samples each month. These worksheets will also help you ensure that you collect the

of repeat samples in the event that any routine samples are total coliform-positive. Finally, the

 you organize your follow-up if you have a monthly MCL violation (if you have more than one routine

es that are total coliform-positive) or you have an acute MCL violation (triggered by fecal coliform/E.

 explain how to use the worksheet. An example is also included showing the worksheet and what

needed. Finally, a couple of blank worksheets are provided. You can copy a blank worksheet for future

Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 and request publication number EPA 816-R-01-017B for

ts.

at some Primacy Agencies (typically the state regulatory agency, except in a few cases) may have

 worksheets that small community drinking water systems are required to complete. The worksheets

ction should not replace monitoring forms required by your state or tribal primacy agency.
27

y Monitoring Worksheet

Month and Year

__________________________________________

mple Location

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Date

Sample

Collected

Location

• One must be at same site as routine.

• One must be within 5 taps upstream.

• One must be within 5 taps downstream.

• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution

system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

+ / - + / -

1.1 + / - + / -

1.2 + / - + / -1.3 + / - + / -

1.4 (d) + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

2.1 + / - + / -

2.2 + / - + / -2.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

3.1 + / - + / -

3.2 + / - + / -3.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

4.1 + / - + / -

4.2 + / - + / -4.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

5.1 + / - + / -

5.2 + / - + / -5.3 + / - + / -

routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within 30 days.

ve for fecal coliforms or E. Coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).

positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli is

form-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed), and notify the public

s for systems taking one routine sample per month.

B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

2 3 4A

4B 4C

hly Monitoring Worksheets
28

 TCR Monthly Monitoring Worksheets

 date and location of routine sample

ter date when routine sampling occurred.

cord specific location information (e.g., street

dress) for the routine sample location.

e sample sites chosen must be representative

water throughout the distribution system

cording to a written sample siting plan (see

pendix I).

ate routine total coliform test result(s)

ter date when laboratory results became

own to the system.

ur laboratory will report whether total coliforms

e present or absent in a given sample. Circle

 if coliforms are present, or circle “-” if

iforms are absent.

ate routine fecal (or E. coli) test result(s) (if

cable)

y routine total coliform test sample that

icates the presence of coliform will also be

ted for the presence of fecal coliforms or E.

li by the laboratory.

b analysis results for fecal coliform or E. coli

 also be reported either as present or absent

a given sample. Circle “+” if fecal coliforms or

coli are present, or circle “-” if fecal coliforms or

coli are absent. Note: If a routine total coliform

st sample indicates the absence of coliforms,

ther “+” or “-” should be circled since a fecal

liform or E. coli test was not performed.

Repeat Sampling• If any one of the routine total coliform samples

shows the presence of coliforms, repeat samplesare required. If you collect only one routinesample per month, then you must collect fourrepeat samples. If you collect two or three routinesamples per month, then you must collect threerepeat samples.

Enter date and location of repeat samples (ifapplicable)• Enter date when routine sampling occurred. Note

that repeat sampling is required within 24 hours,or the next business day, after the system isnotified of the presence of total coliforms in anyone of its samples. All repeat samples must be

collected on the same day.

• Record specific location information (e.g., street

address) for each repeat sample location.

• The repeat sample locations chosen must include

one sample from the same tap as the originalroutine sample testing “present,” one samplewithin five service connections upstream, onesample within five service connectionsdownstream, and (if required) a fourth repeatsample taken anywhere in the distributionsystem. A description of these Repeat SamplingSites should also be included in your samplesiting plan (see Appendix I).

structions for completing the TCR Monthly Monitoring Worksheets. Each step presented here corresponds to a

e sample TCR worksheet on page 27.

Step #4

Step #4A
29

ate repeat total coliform test results

ter date when laboratory results became

own to the system.

b analysis results for total coliforms will be

ported as either present or absent in a given

mple. Circle “+” if coliforms are present, or

cle “-” if coliforms are absent.

ate repeat fecal coliform or E. coli test results

y repeat sample that shows the presence of

iforms will also be tested for the presence of

al coliforms or E. coli by the laboratory.

b analysis results for fecal coliforms or E. coli

 be reported as either present or absent in a

en sample. Circle “+” if fecal coliforms or E.

li are present, or circle “-” if fecal coliforms or E.

li are absent. Note: If a repeat total coliform

st sample indicates the absence of coliforms,

en neither “+” or “-” should be circled since a

cal coliform or E. coli test was not performed.

diate follow-up actions

rtain immediate follow-up actions need to be

dertaken based on the sample results (both

utine and repeat).

Notification.If more than one sample (routine and/orrepeat) in a month are total coliform-positive,you must notify the State by the end of thenext business day and notify the public within30 days.If ANY sample (routine or repeat) testspositive for fecal coliforms or E. coli, you mustnotify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THERESULTS (or the next day if the State officeis closed).

If a routine total coliform-positive sample isfollowed by a repeat sample that testspositive for fecal coliforms or E. coli, or aroutine sample that tests positive for fecalcoliforms or E. coli is followed by a repeattotal coliform-positive sample, you must notifythe State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THERESULTS (or the next day if the State officeis closed) and notify the public WITHIN 24HOURS.

B. Problem Identification.

If the cause of the coliform contamination isnot known, the repeat samples should beused to help identify the source of theproblem. The cause of the coliformcontamination could be in the treatmentprocess itself, or somewhere in the distributionsystem.

C. Corrective Measures Taken.

Any corrective actions or measures taken bythe small community drinking water systemprior to or after repeat testing should be

noted.

• Record the follow-up actions taken in the

space provided on the monitoringworksheets.
30

 System Serves Between 25 and 1,000 Persons

he month of November 2001.

form laboratory result showed that both total coliforms and fecal coliforms are present. Upon receiving

vember 7, 2001, the system immediately notified the state that it had detected the presence of fecal

ne sample. Repeat sampling was done.

s were collected as follow-up to the routine sample. Two of the four repeat samples showed that total

ent. Fecal coliforms were absent from the repeat samples. This constitutes an acute MCL violation

 coliforms present in a routine sample and total coliforms are present in a repeat sample. The system

within 24 hours of knowing laboratory results) notify the state and the public.

ne samples is increased to FIVE for the month of December. If all five December routine total coliform

otal coliforms are absent, then the system can resume its normal one sample per month schedule in
31

 of Total Coliform Test Results

erved by small nontransient noncommunity drinking water system = 25 to 1,000. One routine sample per month.

nthly Monitoring Worksheet

Month and Year

__________________________________________

Sample Location

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Date

Sample

Collected

Location

• One must be at same site as routine.

• One must be within 5 taps upstream.

• One must be within 5 taps downstream.

• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution

system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

+ / - + / -

1.1 + / - + / -

1.2 + / - + / -1.3 + / - + / -

1.4 (d) + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

2.1 + / - + / -

2.2 + / - + / -2.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

3.1 + / - + / -

3.2 + / - + / -3.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

4.1 + / - + / -

4.2 + / - + / -4.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

5.1 + / - + / -

5.2 + / - + / -5.3 + / - + / -

le (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within 30 days.

ositive for fecal coliforms or E. Coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).

m-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli is

coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed), and notify the public

ples for systems taking one routine sample per month.

s.

B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

November 2001

orth Street 11/7/01

11/8/01 Building #1 11/9/01 11/8/01 Building #2 11/9/01 11/8/01 Building #3 11/9/01 11/8/01 Building #4 11/9/01
32

oring Worksheet

Month and Year

__________________________________________

cation

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Date

Sample

Collected

Location

• One must be at same site as routine.

• One must be within 5 taps upstream.

• One must be within 5 taps downstream.

• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution

system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

+ / - + / -

1.1 + / - + / -

1.2 + / - + / -1.3 + / - + / -

1.4 (d) + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

2.1 + / - + / -

2.2 + / - + / -2.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

3.1 + / - + / -

3.2 + / - + / -3.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

4.1 + / - + / -4.2 + / - + / -4.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

5.1 + / - + / -

5.2 + / - + / -5.3 + / - + / -

and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within 30 days.

ecal coliforms or E. Coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).

sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli is

ositive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed), and notify the public

ystems taking one routine sample per month.

B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken
33
34

oring Worksheet

Month and Year

__________________________________________

cation

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Date

Sample

Collected

Location

• One must be at same site as routine.

• One must be within 5 taps upstream.

• One must be within 5 taps downstream.

• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution

system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).

Date

Results

Known

Total

Coliform

Result (a,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

Fecal

Coliform or

E. coli

Result (b,c)

(Circle "+" if

present, "-"

if absent)

+ / - + / -

1.1 + / - + / -

1.2 + / - + / -1.3 + / - + / -

1.4 (d) + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

2.1 + / - + / -

2.2 + / - + / -2.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

3.1 + / - + / -

3.2 + / - + / -3.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

4.1 + / - + / -

4.2 + / - + / -4.3 + / - + / -

+ / - + / -

5.1 + / - + / -

5.2 + / - + / -5.3 + / - + / -

and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within 30 days.

ecal coliforms or E. Coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).

e sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli is

ositive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed), and notify the public

ystems taking one routine sample per month.

B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken
35
36

 I: How Do I Collect Samples Properly?

ection Techniques and Procedures

supplies the sampling containers normally provides instructions with the sampling kit for the type of

doing. Refer to those instructions when provided. The following instructions and photographs illustrate

g procedures for collecting coliform

samples.

n sampling. Before you begin sampling,

have all of your supplies on hand. Here

ggested supplies you may need:

pping and storage of your sample while

ween collection point and lab

hipping cooler

pported Neoprene gloves to keep

possible contamination

e bottle with sodium thiosulfate for chlorinated water systems

els, and markers for sample container identification
37

ended Items are:

or drying off the outside of your sample

r sampling

e baggies for ice and sample container

iners. Although different sizes and types

ainers may be used for collecting

, most laboratories supply 125mL

 bottles. A few laboratories may furnish

erilized glass bottles.

an Sample. As a general rule, proper

s is highly recommended for the sample

od, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette
38

ever come into contact with the sample

 These foreign objects have been

sing false results in samples, so be

good clean sample collection

le Containers. It is recommended that

with any containers that appear to have

with since this may cause an

ple result.

dures. Follow the procedures

y the laboratory (if any) for sampling

reservatives. The following steps

eral sampling procedures to be

cting TCR coliform and E. coli

les.

 selection: Select an approved

ation as designated by your approved
39

 plan. Faucets and specially-installed

s are the two most common types of

s. If faucets are to be used, each faucet

amined carefully to ensure its suitability.

esign or placement may contribute to

e results or fail to identify problems

ater system.

aerator, strainer, or hose that is

ny of these may harbor bacteria and

 coliform positive sample result.

s: Some sampling practices involve

ap with a chlorine solution, or even

p. (This step is optional since many

e this practice does not kill attached

s not necessary if the sampling tap is

fully.) Keep in mind that the average

 not perform such practices and it could

at doing so would not properly represent

lity at the point where the consumer will
40

old water and run the water to flush the

cally takes 2-3 minutes. Then reduce

at the stream is no greater than 1⁄4 inch

r the width of a pencil. Check for steady

e water is running, fill out the labels,

oratory forms. Apply the labels to the

o not change the water flow once the

 started as that could dislodge microbial

ure to test for both the chlorine and the

er and place the results on your lab

bottle cap. Be careful not to

he sample by touching the inside of the

ide of the sample container with your

bottle under the water flow. Hold the

hand and the cap in the other. Do not

own or put it in your pocket! Water

 your hands may also cause
41

n of the sample so extra care should be

ollecting this sample. Fill the bottle to

or to about 1⁄4 inch from the top. Many

a 100ml fill line.

ontainer should be tightly capped. Blot

ontainer with a paper towel to dry it off.

ometimes recommended for use in

 recommended that it be bagged

eliminate any contamination of the

off. Replace the aerator, strainer, or

e information on the label is correct (or

oratory form and attach it to the bottle

 band). Complete any additional

ms that came with the sample bottle,

n-of-custody form (if necessary).
42

 any additional recommendations or requirements, they should be understood and followed closely. If

onal questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance.

 The samples must reach the laboratory and the analysis must begin within 30 hours of collection. It

ded that all samples be refrigerated or cooled to 4 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius (39 degrees to 50

enheit). If the laboratory is nearby, refrigerate with ice packs, and deliver the samples there directly.

he samples overnight by US mail or by an overnight courier.

 chest prior to shipping is also recommended since the container could be mistakenly opened during

so, be sure to tape any additional forms or sample documentation either inside or on the outside of

have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for
43

 II: Safe Drinking Water Act Primacy Agency

mation or to learn more about the laws in your state, please contact your state primacy agency.

Web site Phone Number

anagement: Water Supply Branch www.adem.state.al.us/WaterDivision/Drinking/DWMainInfo.htm (334) 271-7700

onservation: Drinking Water Program www.state.ak.us/dec/eh/dw (907) 269-7647

y www.asg-gov.com/agencies/epa.asg.htm (684) 633-2304

uality: Safe Drinking Water Program www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/dw/index.html (602) 771-2300

of Engineering www.healthyarkansas.com/eng/ (501) 661-2623

Division of Drinking Water and Environmental

www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/technical/dwp/dwpindex.htm (916) 449-5577

d Environment: Drinking Water Program

www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/drinking_water/drinking_water_

program_home.htm (303) 692-3500

inking Water Division www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/water/dwd.htm (860) 509-7333

ision of Public Health www.state.de.us/dhss/dph/about.html (302) 744-4700
44

Web site Phone Number

cy Region 3 www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/drinkingwater (215) 814-2300

rotection: Drinking Water Program www.dep.state.fl.us/water/drinkingwater/index.htm (850) 245-8335

es: Water Resources Branch www.gaepd.org/ (404) 657-5947

cy: Water Programs Division www.guamepa.govguam.net/programs/water (671) 475-1658

ental Health Division www.hawaii.gov/health/environmental/water/sdwb/index.html (808) 586-4258

uality: Water Quality Division www.deq.state.id.us/water/ (208) 373-0194

cy: Bureau of Water www.epa.state.il.us/water/index-pws.html (217) 785-8653

anagement: Drinking Water Branch www.in.gov/idem/water/dwb/ (317) 232-8603

es: Water Supply Program www.iowadnr.com/water/drinking/index.html (515) 725-0275

onment: Bureau of Water www.kdhe.state.ks.us/pws/ (785) 296-5503

rotection: Division of Water www.water.ky.gov/dw (502) 564-3410

nking Water Program www.oph.dhh.louisiana.gov/engineerservice/safewater/ (225) 765-5038

d Human Services: Drinking Water Program www.state.me.us/dhs/eng/water/ (207) 287-2070
45

Web site Phone Number

Water Supply Program

www.mde.state.md.us/programs/WaterPrograms/Water_

Supply/index.asp (410) 537-3000

rotection: Drinking Water Program www.mass.gov/dep/brp/dws/dwshome.htm (617) 292-5770

uality: Water Bureau www.michigan.gov/deq (517) 373-7917

Water Protection Section www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/index.html (651) 215-0770

pply Division www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/index.cfm/44,0,76,html (601) 576-7518

es: Water Protection and Soil Conservation

www.dnr.state.mo.us/wpscd/wpcp/index.html (573) 751-1300

uality: Public Water Supply Program www.deq.state.mt.us/wqinfo/pws/index.asp (406) 444-4071

an Services: Public Water Supply Program www.hhs.state.ne.us/enh/pwsindex.htm (402) 471-0521

king Water Program http://ndep.nv.gov/bsdw/index.htm (775) 687-6353

ervices: Water Division www.des.state.nh.us/wseb/ (603) 271-2153

rotection: Water Supply Administration www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/ (609) 292-5550

ng Water Bureau www.nmenv.state.nm.us/dwb/dwbtop.html (505) 827-1400
46

Web site Phone Number

Health: Bureau of Water Supply Protection www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/water/main.htm (518) 402-7650

Natural Resources: Public Water Supply

www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/ (919) 733-2321

of Water Quality www.health.state.nd.us/mf/ (701) 328-5211

cy: Division of Drinking and Ground Water www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/ (614) 644-2752

uality: Water Quality Division www.deq.state.ok.us/WQDnew/index.htm (405) 702-8100

: Drinking Water Program http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/dwp/index.shtml (971) 673-0405

rotection: Office of Water Management

www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wsm/

WSM.htm (717) 772-4018

ater Supply Supervision Program www.epa.gov/region02/cepd/prlink.htm (787) 977-5870

Drinking Water Quality www.health.ri.gov/environment/dwq/index.php (401) 222-6867

onmental Control: Drinking Water Program www.scdhec.net/eqc/water/html/dwater.html (803) 898-4300

Natural Resources: Drinking Water Program www.state.sd.us/denr/des/drinking/dwprg.htm (605) 773-3754
47

Web site Phone Number

Conservation: Division of Water Supply www.state.tn.us/environment/dws/index.html (615) 532-0191

mental Quality www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/util_water/ (512) 239-4691

uality: Division of Drinking Water www.drinkingwater.utah.gov (801) 536-4200

ources www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/watersup/wsd.htm (802) 241-3400

tural Resources: Division of Environmental

http://dpnr.gov.vi/dep/home.htm (340) 773-1082

Drinking Water www.vdh.state.va.us/dw/index.asp (804) 864-7500

h: Office of Drinking Water www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/ (360) 236-3100

rtment of Health and Human Resources www.wvdhhr.org/oehs/eed/ (304) 558-6715

es: Bureau of Drinking Water and Ground

www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/ (608) 266-0821

ng Water Program www.epa.gov/region08/water/dwhome/wycon/wycon.html (303) 312-6812
48

 III: Tribal Contacts

mation or to learn more about the laws governing your tribe, use the contact information provided below.

Web site Phone Number

ntal Office www.epa.gov/indian (202) 564-0303

tors Web site Phone Number

www.epa.gov/region01/govt/tribes/index.html (888) 372-7341

www.epa.gov/region02/nations/index.html (212) 637-3000

www.epa.gov/region04/ead/indian/index.htm (404) 562-6939

www.epa.gov/region5/water/stpb (312) 353-2123

www.epa.gov/region06/6xa/tribal.htm (800) 887-6063

www.epa.gov/region07/government_tribal/index.htm (913) 551-7003

www.epa.gov/region08/tribes (303) 312-6312

www.epa.gov/region09/cross_pr/indian/index.html (415) 947-8704

yosemite.epa.gov/r10/tribal.NSF (206) 553-4011

Web site Phone Number

mericans www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/ (877) 922-9262

www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html (202) 208-3710

www.ihs.gov (301) 443-3024

ociation www.nawainc.org (775) 782-6636
49

 IV: Sources for More Information on Total Coliform

of the Total Coliform Rule: Federal Register Vol. 54, No 124. pp. 27544-27568

m Rule: A Quick Reference Guide, EPA 816-F-01-035: www.epa.gov/safewater/source/

dev10.pdf

rinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

rinking Water Web site (www.epa.gov/safewater/tcr/tcr.html) describes the Total Coliform Rule and

isions and Distribution System Requirements.

ter Works Association: www.awwa.org

f State Drinking Water Administrators: www.asdwa.org

und Water Association: www.ngwa.org

al Water Association: www.nrwa.org
50