Public Notification 

Handbook for 

Transient 

Noncommunity 

Water Systems 

Document updated and prepared for Transient Noncommunity Water 

Systems: EPA 816-R-09-009, March 2010 
(Original Public Notification Handbook Document: 

EPA 816-R-00-010, June 2000)

(Document updated and prepared for Transient Noncommunity Water 

Systems: EPA 816-R-07-004, March 2007)

(Revised Document updated and prepared for Transient Noncommunity Water 

Systems: EPA 816-R-09-009, March 2010)

 Office of Water (4606)

 EPA-816-R-09-009

 www.epa.gov/safewater

 March 2010
This handbook provides guidance to states, public water systems, and the general public concerning

how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) interprets its public notification regulations. 

This document does not, however, substitute for the public notification regulations, nor is it a 

regulation itself. Thus, it cannot impose legally-binding requirements on EPA, states, or water suppliers 

and may not apply to a particular situation. This document is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to 

create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. EPA may decide to follow 

the guidance provided in this document, or to act at variance with the guidance based on its analysis of 

the specific facts present. This guidance may be revised without public notice to reflect changes in EPA’s 

approach to implementing public notice, or to clarify and update text.

You should read the regulations thoroughly to ensure that you are in compliance. The public notification 

(PN) regulations are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under Chapter 40, Part 141, Subpart Q, 

beginning at section 40 CFR 141.201. The most recent version of the rule can be found at www.epa.gov/

safewater/publicnotification. 

This document includes public notification requirements and information for all regulations through May 

2009. 
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Contents 

Appendices
 

Appendix A Templates for Transient Noncommunity Water Systems................................19
 

Appendix B NPDWR Violations and Other Situations...........................................................81
 

Appendix C Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification..............................85
 

Appendix D Translated Phrases.............................................................................................91
 

Appendix E The Public Notification Rule (40 CFR Part 141 Subpart Q)...............................95
 

List of Tables
 

Table 1. Violations and Situations Requiring Public Notice..................................................5
 

Table 2. Requirements for Issuing a Public Notice................................................................9
 


 

4. Suggestions for Layout of the Notice.............................................................................13
 

How should the notice be formatted to get people’s attention?................................................. 13
 

How can I make a notice easier to read? ..................................................................................... 13
 

How should I tailor the notice to my situation?........................................................................... 14
 

5. Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery...........................................................15
 

How can I make posting effective? ............................................................................................. 15
 

What other methods are available to reach all consumers?......................................................... 15
 

After providing the notice, what information must I provide my state?...................................... 16
 

A

1

2

3

cronyms.................................................................................................................................iii
 

. Introduction .......................................................................................................................1
 

. How to Use this Handbook ................................................................................................3
 

. Summary of Public Notification Requirements................................................................5
 

What kinds of violations and situations require public notice? ..................................................... 5
 

What information is required in my notice? .................................................................................. 6
 

Special notices............................................................................................................................... 7
 

When and how do I need to notify my consumers? ...................................................................... 9
 

Deadlines for issuing public notice .............................................................................................. 10
 

Required methods of delivery...................................................................................................... 10
 

Are there formatting requirements for public notices?................................................................ 11
 

Will I need to translate my notice? .............................................................................................. 11

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook ii March 2010 
Acronyms
 

CFE Combined Filter Effluent 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

DBP Disinfection Byproducts 

EPA United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency 

FBRR Filter Backwash Recycling Rule 

FDA United States (US) Food and Drug Administration 

GWR Ground Water Rule 

HPC Heterotrophic Plate Count 

IESWTR Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 

LT1ESWTR Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 

LT2ESWTR Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level 

mg/l Milligrams per Liter 

MRDL Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level 

MRDLG Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal 

NPDWR National Primary Drinking Water Regulation 

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit 

PN Public Notification 

PWS Public Water System 

Stage 1 DBPR Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 

SWTR Surface Water Treatment Rule 

TCR Total Coliform Rule 

TT Treatment Technique 

UV Ultraviolet Light 

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook iv March 2010 
1.Introduction 

The purpose of this handbook is to explain the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Public 

Notification (PN) Rule and provide specific examples of public notices. This handbook is geared to the 

specific needs of transient noncommunity water systems that must issue a notice when faced with a violation 

or situation affecting their water supply. Transient noncommunity water systems provide drinking water 

to a population that changes day to day. They include, among others, campgrounds, hotels, rest areas, and 

restaurants with their own water supplies. The majority of these systems are very small, serving 500 people or 

less. 

The PN requirements are designed to protect public health. One of the best ways that water system 

operators can contribute to public health protection is to make sure that as many people as possible 

who consume water from a particular water system know about water quality issues and how to protect 

themselves from potential risks. 

While the risks associated with violations at transient noncommunity water systems (and the public 

notification needs and delivery methods) are different than those for other water system types, all water 

system operators share an obligation to protect the health of their consumers. Regardless of the system type, 

all consumers have the same general health risk concerns; what is unique about a transient noncommunity 

water system’s PN requirements is the limited scope of the necessary message and the delivery options. 

Throughout this document you will find tips and suggestions to help you effectively meet the Public 

Notification Rule requirements. The suggestions contained in this document are based on the guiding 

principles for good risk communication and public education. 

This handbook complements EPA’s Revised Public Notification Handbook (EPA 816-R-09-013), which was 

written for community water systems and non-transient noncommunity water systems. The Revised Public 

Notification Handbook provides more detail on risk communication and public education strategies, with a 

focus on reaching large, diverse populations via a wide variety of communication methods, including radio 

and television. Transient noncommunity water system operators may benefit from reading that version as 

well. 

In addition to increasing the effectiveness of public notices, this handbook should make transient 

noncommunity water system owners’ and operators’ jobs easier and help them comply with federal and state 

PN requirements. This handbook contains templates designed for posted notices for several violations and 

situations that are relevant to transient systems. The templates are located in Appendix A. 

Throughout this document, the terms “state” and “states” are used to refer to all types of primacy agencies 

including states, US territories, Native American tribes, and EPA Regions that maintain state primacy. Note 

that the PN requirements described in this handbook are based on federal regulations. Citations provided 

within the document refer to specific sections found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (e.g., 40 

CFR 141.201). States or tribes may have alternate public notice requirements or more stringent drinking 

water standards. You should check with your state to make sure you meet its specific requirements. 

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 2 March 2010 
2.How to Use this Handbook 

This handbook contains information to help you prepare and issue a public notice. Before you are faced 

with a violation or situation requiring public notification, you should read this handbook. You should 

also check with your state to determine if there are additional public notification requirements or if more 

stringent public notification requirements apply. Listed below are the steps we recommend that you take to 

respond to a drinking water violation or other situation requiring notice: 

1.	 Determine what tier of public notification your violation or situation requires. 

See Table 1 in Chapter 3 for violations or situations requiring public notice listed by Tier. 

2.	 Consult your state if required. 

For violations and situations requiring Tier 1 notice, consult with your state as soon as practical, 

but no later than 24 hours after you learn of the violation or situation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. You 

must issue the notice within 24 hours of learning of the violation, even if you are unable to contact the 

state. 

If you treat surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, and have a 

single exceedance of turbidity limits or a two-day turbidity maximum contaminant level (MCL) 

violation, immediately consult with your state when you learn of the violation. Your state will 

determine whether the violation needs to be elevated to Tier 1 [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. 

3.	 Review the requirements for public notices. Read Chapter 3 on “Summary of Public Notification 

Requirements,” which describes content, mandatory language, formatting, and distribution requirements 

that are applicable to all notices. 

4.	 Determine the appropriate method(s) of delivery. For transient noncommunity water systems, this is 

generally posting or hand delivery, plus another method. Table 2 in Chapter 3 summarizes requirements 

for issuing a public notice. See Chapter 5 on “Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery” for other 

ideas on appropriate delivery methods for different situations. 

5.	 Develop a notice; you can use the templates that fit your situation or write your own. Templates 

for violations or situations are provided in Appendix A of this handbook. The reverse of each template 

(the instructions) includes specific suggestions for modifying each template. These templates are also 

available in Microsoft Word format on EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/ 

compliancehelp_templates.html. If there is no template for your violation or situation, write your 

own notice using the list of 10 required elements provided in the “Required Elements of a Public 

Notice” box in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 provides tips for formatting an effective notice. In addition, EPA 

has developed a Web-based tool (PNiWriter) to create notices. You can access this program on the EPA 

Web site at http://www.pniwriter.com. 

6.	 Translate the notice. If a large proportion of the people who receive your water do not speak English 

[40 CFR 141.205(c)], translate the notice into the appropriate language(s). Templates NC-1A and NC4A are Spanish versions of the nitrate and fecal coliform/E. coli violation templates. 

7.	 Provide your notice to persons served as soon as practical and within the required time frame. Use 

the method of delivery chosen in step 4 above. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 3	 March 2010 
8.	 Send a copy of each type of notice issued (including repeat notices) to your state within ten days 

after you distribute the notice, along with a statement certifying that all public notification requirements 

have been met [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

Plan In Advance For Public Notification 

Any advance work that you can do to prepare for a public notification effort will really pay off if you are 

faced with a violation or situation. 

` Create a list of emergency contacts, including staff at the state, people who can help copy or 

distribute a notice on short order, or people who can translate your notice. 

` Know in advance what languages are spoken by your customers. In many areas of the country 

operators should plan on providing notices in English and Spanish, at a minimum. See the discussion 

of translations in Chapter 3. 

` Think about methods of delivery that would most effectively reach your consumers. Posting will reach 

transient populations in many situations, but other methods may be needed. See Chapter 5 for ideas. 

` If your water system is “prone” to certain types of violations (e.g., nitrate exceedances in agricultural 

areas) be prepared to deal with these, especially during the growing season, when fertilizers are 

applied. 

` Prepare to have bottled water or an alternative water supply available if needed. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 4	 March 2010 
3.Summary of Public Notification Requirements 

You should read this handbook before a violation or other situation occurs to familiarize yourself with 

the public notification process and requirements. This chapter summarizes PN requirements for transient 

noncommunity water systems. See Appendix E for a copy of this regulation. Also, check with your state to 

see if they have stricter requirements. 

What kinds of violations and situations require public notice? 

EPA has assigned each violation and situation requiring notice to one of three categories, or tiers, based on 

the risk of adverse health effects. Table 1 summarizes the violations and situations requiring notice included 

in each tier. For a list of violations and situations and their respective tiers that are applicable to transient 

noncommunity water systems, refer to Appendix B of this handbook. 

Table 1: Violations or Situations Requiring Public Notice 

Tier 1 Violations or Situations (40 CFR 141.202) 

`

`

`

`

`

`

`

`

`

Violations of the MCL for total coliforms when fecal coliform or E. coli are present, or failure to test for 

fecal coliform/E. coli after any repeat sample tests positive for coliform. 

Nitrate, nitrite, or total nitrate and nitrite MCL violation or failure to take a confirmation sample within 24 

hours of the first exceedance. 

Exceedance of the nitrate MCL of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l) (but not more than 20 mg/l) when 

permitted by the state (see special notice discussion in this Chapter). 

Chlorine dioxide maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) violation when one or more of the samples 

taken in the distribution system exceed the MRDL on the day after exceeding the MRDL at the entrance of 

the distribution system, or when required samples are not taken in the distribution system. 

Violation of turbidity MCL based on an average of two consecutive days for systems avoiding filtration, if 

elevated by state, or if a consultation does not occur. 

Treatment technique violation involving single exceedance of the maximum turbidity limit, if elevated by 

state, or if a consultation does not occur. 

Detection of E. coli, enterococci, or coliphage in a ground water source sample. 

Waterborne disease outbreak or other waterborne emergency. 

Other violations or situations as determined by the state. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 5 March 2010 
Tier 2 Violations or Situations (40 CFR 141.203) 

`

`

`

`

`

`

`

All MCL, MRDL, and treatment technique violations not included in Tier 1. 

Monitoring violations as determined by the state. 

Violations of the conditions of a variance or exemption. 

For ground water systems providing 4-log treatment for viruses, failure to maintain treatment for more 

than 4 hours. 

Failure to take corrective action within the required timeframe or be in compliance with a stateapproved corrective action plan and schedule for a fecal indicator-positive ground water source 

sample under the Ground Water Rule (GWR). 

Failure to take corrective action within the required timeframe or be in compliance with a stateapproved corrective action plan and schedule for a significant deficiency under the Ground Water Rule 

(GWR). (See special notice discussion in this Chapter). 

Special public notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring for Cryptosporidium (40 CFR 141.211). 

Tier 3 Violations or Situations (40 CFR 141.204) 

`

`

`

Monitoring violations, except those in Tier 1 or 2. 

Failure to comply with testing procedures, except those in Tier 1. 

Operation under a variance or exemption. 

What information is required in my notice? 

Your public notice must include specific information listed in the following text box in order to be 

considered complete. 

Required Elements of a Public Notice [40 CFR 141.205(a)] 

1.	 A description of the violation or situation. 

2.	 When the violation or situation occurred (e.g., date the sample was collected or was supposed to be 

collected). 

3.	 Potential adverse health effects, using required language in Appendix B to Subpart Q or language for 

monitoring and testing procedure violations [40 CFR 141.205(d)(2)]. 

4.	 Population(s) at risk. 

5.	 Whether alternative water supplies should be used. 

6.	 Actions consumers should take, including when they should seek medical help, if known. 

7.	 What you are doing to correct the violation or situation. 

8.	 When you expect to return to compliance. 

9.	 Name, business address, and phone number for additional information. 

10. Standard language encouraging distribution to all persons served, where applicable. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 6	 March 2010 
 

To address the third element listed in the box above, a public notice must include the following 

standard language [40 CFR 141.205(d)]: 

f Health effects language. For violations of a maximum contaminant level (MCL), a maximum residual 

disinfectant level (MRDL), a treatment technique, or the conditions of a variance or exemption, you 

must include the health effects language specified in Appendix C of this handbook or Appendix B to 

Subpart Q [40 CFR 141.205(d)(1)]. When no mandatory language is specified, you must develop 

wording to describe potential health effects for these other situations. 

f Standard language for monitoring and testing procedure violations. You must include the 

following language for all monitoring and testing procedure violations with blanks filled in 

[40 CFR 141.205(d)(2)]: 

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of 

regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. During 

[compliance period], we [‘did not monitor or test’ or ‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’] for 

[contaminant(s)], and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time. 

f Standard language to encourage distribution. To address the tenth required element, encouraging 

distributions to all persons served, each public notice must include the following standard language 

[40 CFR 141.205(d)(3)]: 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may 

not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and 

businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. 

Special notices 

Some violations and situations that require public notice have special conditions of form, manner, and/or 

content. 

f Special notice for nitrate MCL exceedances for noncommunity water systems only. 

Some noncommunity water systems may have been granted permission by the state to exceed the 

nitrate MCL (10 mg/l) up to a level of 20 mg/l. These systems must provide continuous posting in 

a conspicuous location of the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects 

of exposure (40 CFR 141.209). You must include the required content elements summarized in this 

handbook. Your state may only grant permission to exceed the MCL if you can demonstrate that 

the water will not be available to children under 6 months of age [40 CFR 141.209(b)]. See sample 

template NC-3 in Appendix A of this handbook for this situation. 

f Special notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring of the source water for Cryptosporidium for 

surface water systems only [40 CFR 141.211(d)]. (The date to begin compliance for this requirement 

varies depending on your system size. You should check with your state to determine when this 

requirement applies to you.) 

Surface water systems that do not collect any 3 months of monitoring of the source water for 

Cryptosporidium, must provide notice within 30 days. The notice must be posted in a conspicuous 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 7	 March 2010 
location. In addition, you must use a second delivery method reasonable calculated to reach other 

people. The notice must include a description of what the system is doing to correct the violation, 

when the system expects to return to compliance or resolve the violation, and the following 

mandatory language: 

We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium. Results of the 

monitoring are to be used to determine whether (treatment plant name) is sufficient to adequately treat the 

water for Cryptosporidium. We are required to complete this monitoring and make this determination 

by (required bin determination date). We “did not monitor or test” or “did not complete all monitoring or 

testing” on schedule and, therefore, we may not be able to determine by the required date what treatment 

modifications, if any, must be made. Missing this deadline may, in turn, jeopardize our ability to have 

the required treatment modifications, if any, completed by the deadline required, (date). For more 

information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) at (phone number). 

See sample template NC-15 in Appendix A of this handbook for this violation. 

f Special notice for failure to determine a bin classification (filtered surface water systems) or mean 

Cryptosporidium level (unfiltered surface water systems) [40 CFR 141.211(d)]. The date to begin 

compliance for this requirement varies depending on your system size. You should check with your state 

to determine when this requirement applies to you. 

Surface water systems that filter and do not determine a bin classification and surface water systems 

that do not filter and do not determine a mean Cryptosporidium level, must provide notice within 

30 days. The notice must be posted in a conspicuous location as well as another delivery method 

reasonable calculated to reach other people. The notice must include a description of what the 

system is doing to correct the violation, when the system expects to return to compliance or resolve 

the violation, and the following mandatory language: 

We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium in order to determine 

by (date) whether water treatment at the (treatment plant name) is sufficient to adequately remove 

Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. We have not made this determination by the required date. 

Our failure to do this may jeopardize our ability to have the required treatment modifications, if any, 

completed by the required deadline of (date). For more information, please call (name of water system 

contact) of (name of water system) at (phone number). 

See sample templates NC-16 and NC-17 in Appendix A of this handbook for these violations. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 8	 March 2010 
SPEciAl NOTicE fOR UNcORREcTED SigNificANT DEficiENciES 

Special notice may be required under the Ground Water Rule, beginning December 1, 2009, if the state identifies a 

significant deficiency and it is uncorrected (after a specified amount of time). 

For noncommunity systems, this special notice is required if the significant deficiency has not been completely corrected 

within 12 months of notification of the deficiency. This notice is required regardless of whether the violation listed in Table 1 

in this Chapter has occurred. This special notice is not a public notification requirement and therefore, the content and form 

and manner requirements do not apply. However, the special notice must include: the nature of the significant deficiency; the 

date it was identified by the state; the state-approved plan and schedule for correction including interim measures, progress 

to date, and any interim measures completed; and if you have a large proportion of non-English speaking consumers, as 

determined by the state, information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice or a telephone 

number or address where consumers may contact you to obtain a translated copy of the notice or assistance in the appropriate 

language. 

When and how do I need to notify my consumers? 

After you learn of a violation or situation, public notice must be provided. The deadlines for issuing public 

notice and repeat notices, and the delivery methods, vary by tier and are summarized in Table 2. 

Table 2: Requirements for Issuing a Public Notice 

Violation 

Tier 

Deadline for 

initial Notice 

Repeated 

Notices * 

Delivery Methods to Use 

1 24 hours** As directed 

by the state 

1. Posting, hand delivery, radio and/or television. In 

consultation with the state, additional methods may be 

required. 

2 30 days *** Every 3 

months 

1. Posting, hand delivery, or mail 

2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not 

reached by the first method such as publication in a local 

newspaper or delivery to community centers. 

3 1 year**** Annually 

1. Posting, hand delivery, or mail 

2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not 

reached by the first method such as publication in a local 

newspaper or delivery to community centers. 

* Repeated notices are required if the violation or situation persists, unless otherwise directed by the state. 

** For Tier 1 notices, systems must also initiate consultation with the state within 24 hours. 

*** Systems with turbidity MCL violations based on the average of samples over two days, or with turbidity single 

exceedance treatment technique violations, must consult with the state within 24 hours after learning of the 

violation. 

**** EPA recommends consolidating all Tier 3 violations and situations occurring within a given year into an annual 

notice. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 9 March 2010 
 

Deadlines for issuing public notice 

As shown in Table 2, the deadline for issuing a public notice varies by tier. 

f For Tier 1 public notices, you must provide the notice as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours 

after you learn of the violation or situation. In addition, you must contact the state within 24 hours to 

determine additional public notice requirements such as the length of time to the notice must be posted 

and if repeat notices are needed. 

f For Tier 2 public notices, you must provide the notice as soon as practical but no later than 30 days after 

you learn of the violation or situation. If you post the notice, you must keep it posted for as long as the 

violation or situation lasts, but in no case for less than seven days (even if you resolve the violation or 

situation before seven days). You must repeat the notice every three months as long as the violation or 

situation lasts. 

f For Tier 3 public notices, you must provide the notice no later than one year after you learn of the 

violation or situation. If you post the notice, you must keep it posted for as long as the violation or 

situation lasts, but in no case for less than seven days (even if you resolve the violation or situation before 

seven days). You must repeat the notice annually for as long as the violation or situation lasts. 

Generally, a violation or situation is considered resolved when the system has returned to compliance as 

defined by the regulation in question; however, you may wish to contact your state to determine whether a 

violation or situation is considered resolved. 

Required methods of delivery 

As shown in Table 2, the delivery methods vary by tier as follows: 

f For violations and situations requiring Tier 1 notification, you must use one of the following methods to 

distribute required notices: posting, hand delivery, newspapers, or radio and/or television. You may need 

to use another method such as publication in a community newspaper or posting at a community center 

to reach other persons served [40 CFR 141.202(c)]. 

f For violations and situations requiring Tier 2 or 3 notification, you must use posting, hand delivery, or 

mail, plus another method such as publication in a newspaper or posting at a community center to reach 

others if they would not normally be reached by the first method. 

Posting will probably be the most effective delivery method for the vast majority of transient noncommunity 

water systems. Your state may allow you to use a different method of delivery for any tier. See Chapter 5 on 

“Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery” for additional ideas on how various types of businesses 

can meet notice delivery requirements. 

You must also post every notice for as long as the violation or situation exists to let visitors or new employees 

know of the situation. If the violation or situation has already been resolved, Tier 2 and 3 notices must still 

be posted for at least seven days [40 CFR 141.203(b); 40 CFR 141.204(b)]. If you can reach all persons 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 10	 March 2010 
served with the first method you choose, you may not need to use additional methods. At a gas station, for 

instance, posting in the bathrooms and front door may be sufficient to reach all persons served. 

Are there formatting requirements for public notices? 

All public notices must meet certain formatting standards. These requirements will ensure that consumers 

can easily read and understand the notice. Notices must: 

f Be displayed in a conspicuous way (where printed or posted). 

f Not contain overly technical language or very small print. 

f Not be formatted in a way that defeats the purpose of the notice. 

f Not contain language which nullifies the purpose of the notice. 

Will I need to translate my notice? 

You may also be required to translate part of your notice if a large proportion of the population served 

does not speak English [40 CFR 141.205(c)]. If translations are needed, your notice must, at a minimum, 

contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice, or it must 

provide a phone number or address where a translated notice, or information or assistance in the appropriate 

language, is available. Your state may have established criteria for what constitutes a large proportion of the 

people you serve; check with the state to be sure. 

While the transient nature of your consumer base may make it difficult to find exact statistics about the 

English proficiency of the people you serve, as a business owner, you should have a general “feel” for 

the languages spoken by your consumers. If you are unsure about this, ask staff who work directly with 

customers about what languages they hear spoken by visitors. 

To facilitate translations, especially for violations or situations requiring Tier 1 notification, establish contacts 

with institutions and people who can translate notices into other languages for you in advance. Community 

centers and universities can help provide translations. If your system is in an area where a language other 

than English is predominant (for example in the Southwest, where Spanish is commonly spoken), there is 

a good chance that some of your employees may also speak that language. These employees can be valuable 

assets if you need to translate a notice or respond to questions. Spanish-language templates for nitrate and 

fecal coliform violations are provided in Appendix A of this handbook (see templates NC-1A and NC-4A). 

Appendix D provides translations of several useful phrases that convey the importance of the message and 

the need to have it translated. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 11 March 2010 
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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 12 March 2010 
4.Suggestions for Layout of the Notice 

In addition to meeting the formatting requirements discussed in Chapter 3, notices for transient 

noncommunity water systems should be appropriate to the consumers’ situation. For example, visitors at a 

rest stop just need to be aware they shouldn’t drink the water, rather than being told to boil it. See Templates 

NC-1 through NC-28 in Appendix A of this handbook for examples of postings. 

Formatting Hints 

` Limit the notice to one page. 

` Display important elements in bold and/or large type and/or all upper case letters. 

` List each of the most important elements on a separate line and center the text, leaving a blank line 

between each element. 

` Other required elements, such as health effects and your corrective actions, can be provided in paragraph 

format, with a title for each paragraph if space permits. 

How should the notice be formatted to get people’s attention? 

A person walking by a posted notice is unlikely to read the entire notice. Therefore, you should format the 

notice so that consumers will see and read the most important information first. Posters should include a 

title designed to catch people’s attention. It should highlight the population at risk (if applicable), provide 

actions consumers should take, state a very short description of the violation or situation, and tell where to 

obtain alternative sources of water if alternative water supplies should be used. 

How can I make a notice easier to read? 

Assume that consumers will only read the top half of the notice (or what can be read in ten seconds). The 

most important information, especially instructions to protect consumers’ health, should be placed on the 

top half of the notice in large print. Bullets and bold text are also effective. Smaller type is appropriate for the 

less critical elements, e.g., what the system is doing, an explanation of the cause of the violation or situation, 

etc. You must still include all the required elements in the notice. 

Remember that some of your consumers may have limited reading abilities. It is important that notices do 

not contain overly technical or confusing language. Whoever on your staff is responsible for responding to 

questions about the notice should keep in mind that it may be necessary to read or explain the entire notice. 

If many of the visitors to your system are young children, remember that they do not read at an adult level, 

and their parents may not see a posted notice (for example, at a rest stop, children may use the bathrooms 

while their parents wait outside). 

If your system serves a large proportion of non-English speaking people, include the appropriate translated 

phrases provided in Appendix D. Appendix D also includes simple pictures that convey the concept of “do 

not drink the water,” that would be understood by someone who cannot read. These pictures would also 

grab the attention of people passing by. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 13	 March 2010 
How should I tailor the notice to my situation? 

If you are providing bottled or other sources of water: 

f List the location from which you are distributing or selling it. 

f If you use water for cooking or ice making (e.g., at a restaurant), be sure to let customers know that you 

are using bottled water for this purpose. 

f Confirm ahead of time and periodically reconfirm that available bottled water supplies meet the US Food 

and Drug Administration (FDA) or state safety standards by asking bottlers for their most recent testing 

results. 

If your system supplies water to people for cooking (such as a campground), your notice should provide 

instructions on how to use the water to cook. The following are examples for nitrate and fecal coliform or E. 

coli violations: 

f For a nitrate violation, instruct consumers that boiling the water will not make the water safe for infants 

as boiling only makes nitrates more concentrated. In this scenario, the water should not be provided to 

infants. 

f For a fecal coliform or E. coli violation, instruct consumers to use boiled water for brushing teeth, 

washing dishes, and food preparation. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 14	 March 2010 
5.Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery 

Most transient noncommunity water systems can probably use some combination of posting and hand 

delivery. For instance, a campground should post notices in bathrooms or at water pumps and hand out 

flyers to campers as they register. A resort or hotel should hand deliver notices to guests’ rooms or cottages, 

as well as post notices in common areas. 

How can I make posting effective? 

Post notices at all water fountains, kitchen and bathroom sinks, ice machines, soda machines, coffee makers, 

on bulletin boards, outside administrative offices, and at any other appropriate central locations. Posted 

notices must remain posted for as long as the violation or situation lasts, but in no case less than seven 

days, even if the violation or situation is resolved [40 CFR 141.203(b) and 40 CFR 141.204(b)]. This is 

especially important for transient systems, where consumers are continuously entering and leaving the area 

served. 

Be sure that the notice is durable. It should not blow away if posted outdoors. Consider laminating notices 

that will be placed over sinks or outside, especially if they are likely to remain there for an extended time. 

You can make door hangers for hand delivery. Knot a rubber band through a hole punched in the notice 

and put the rubber band around door knobs. This method will be useful at a hotel or a campground with 

cabins. 

What other methods are available to reach all consumers? 

You may also want to use some of these ideas, in addition to one of the required methods listed above: 

f Spoken word— If you are hand delivering notices and time permits, take the time to explain the 

situation as you deliver the notice, or have a meeting to explain the situation to your employees, students, 

etc. For notifications at a hotel or campground; speak to guests as they register. 

f Sound trucks— Sound trucks (or police cars with speakers) might be useful as a supplement to hand 

delivery for violations or situations that have potential for serious adverse health effects as a result of short 

term exposure. They are most appropriate for distribution at a time of day when most people are expected 

to be in a concentrated area such as a beach or campground. 

f Answering machines— Consider including public notice information on the greeting of your answering 

machine or voicemail. The greeting can be updated as you make progress in resolving the violation 

or situation. It also enables you to at least partially answer your customers’ questions and address the 

violation at the same time. 

f Community organizations — You might distribute multiple copies to nearby social service agencies or 

clinics. This way doctors or case workers will be informed if their patients or clients ask them about the 

implications of the violation or situation. 

f Automatic dialers— Some phone systems can be programmed to send voicemail to every extension. This 

might be useful to notify guests at a hotel or resort. 

f In-house/ Cable TV— Some hotels have in-house cable television systems in which you can put 

information about the violation on the “hotel information” station. For potentially serious adverse health 

effects as a result of short term exposure, ask a local TV station or cable company to put “scrollers” across 

the screen similar to National Weather Service announcements for tornado watches. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 15	 March 2010 
After providing the notice, what information must I provide my state? 

After you provide the notice to your consumers, you must, within ten days, send your state a copy of each type 

of notice you distribute (e.g., newspaper article, press release to TV/radio, mail notices) and a certification that 

you have met all the PN requirements [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. You must send certifications for both initial and 

any repeat notices. 

A sample certification “box” with appropriate language is provided below. Although a certification is 

mandatory, the example is only one suggested format. Contact your state; they may have a certification form 

they require be submitted to them. If your state does not have a required certification form for you to use, 

you may wish to copy this certification (with appropriate blanks filled in) onto the bottom or reverse of the 

copy of the public notice you send to the state. 

PWS Name: [give system name] 

PWS ID #: [provide PWS number] 

For Violation: [describe violation or situation] 

Occurring on: [insert date] .
 

The public water system (PWS) indicated above hereby affirms that public notice has been provided to 

consumers in accordance with the delivery, content, and format requirements and deadlines in [regulatory 

citation]. 

	Consultation with state (if required) on [insert date] . 

	Notice distributed by [insert method] on [insert date] . 

	Notice distributed by [insert method] on [insert date] . 

	Content - required elements. 

___________________________________ 

Signature of owner or operator 

__________

Date 

___ 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 16 March 2010 
Appendices 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 17 March 2010 
Page Intentionally Left Blank. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 18 March 2010 
Appendix A
 

Templates for Transient Noncommunity Water Systems
 

The pages that follow contain templates recommended for use by transient noncommunity water systems. 

They are generally designed for posting, and are tailored to systems where consumers will not be able to boil 

or otherwise treat their water. Along with each template are instructions on how to complete the template, 

and suggestions for methods of delivery and modifying individual sections of the notice. These suggestions 

are designed to supplement the handbook, so you may see much of the information repeated here. 

Mandatory language on health effects or mandatory language on unknown risks for monitoring 

violations, which must be included as written (with blanks filled in), is presented in italics in each 

notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)}. 

You must also include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable. This language will 

encourage word-of-mouth communication of the problem. Use of this language does not relieve you of 

your obligation to take steps reasonably calculated to notify persons served [40 CFR 141.202(c), 40 CFR 

141.203(c), 40 CFR 141.204(c)]: 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may 

not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and 

businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. 

Templates 

Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice –Template NC-1
 

Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice –Template NC-1A
 

Spanish TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4A
 

LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Required Cryptosporidium Monitoring for Any Three Months Notice – 


LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Calculate and Report Mean Cryptosporidium Level Notice – 


Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice – Template NC-2
 

Noncommunity PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice – Template NC-3
 

TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4
 

Unresolved Total Coliform Notice – Template NC-5 


Monitoring Violation Notice –Template NC-6
 

Problem Corrected Notice –Template NC-7 


Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice – NC-8
 

IESWTR or LT1ESWTR CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1 


Notice – NC-9
 

Stage 1 DBPR Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice – NC-10
 

SWTR Failure to Filter Notice – NC-11
 

SWTRs Turbidity Exceedance Notice – NC-12
 

SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice – NC-13
 

LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment Technique Violation Notice – NC-14
 

NC-15
 

LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Determine and Report Bin Classification Notice – NC-16
 

NC-17
 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 19 March 2010 
Appendix A 

Templates for Transient Noncommunity Water Systems Continued 

LT2ESWTR Failure to Provide or Install an Additional Level of Treatment Notice – NC-18
 

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Achieve Required Inactivation Level Notice – NC-19
 

LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Achieve Required Treatment Credit Notice – NC-20
 

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Maintain Required Inactivation Level Notice - NC-21
 

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Second Disinfectant Notice - NC-22
 

LT2ESWTR Monitoring Violation (Tier 3) Notice - NC-23
 

Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice - NC-24
 

GWR Fecal Indicator-Positive Source Sample Notice - NC-25
 

GWR Failure to Take Corrective Action within Required Time Frame Notice - NC-26
 

GWR Failure to Maintain 4-log Treatment of Viruses Notice - NC-27
 

Failure to Develop a Profile and/or Calculate a Benchmark Notice - NC-28
 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 20 March 2010 
Instructions for Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1 

Template on Reverse 

Since exceeding the nitrate maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/l requires Tier 1 notification, you must provide 

public notice to persons served as soon as practical but no more than 24 hours from learning of the violation [40 

CFR 141.202(b)]. During this time period, you must also contact your state. This template can also be used for 

nitrite and total nitrate and nitrite violations. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the 

notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Radio 

•		 Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements and leave the mandatory language 

unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that 

bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety standards. 

Repeat Notices 

If this is a repeat notice, you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following: 

As you may recall, on [give date], you were also notified of high nitrate levels that occurred during the [give 

quarter e.g., first, second, third or fourth] of the year. Since that time the water system has been monitoring 

the nitrate concentration every three months. Seasonal fluctuations in nitrate concentrations have been 

observed due to nitrates contained in fertilizer. It appears the high nitrates occur during the later summer 

and fall. Note that previous tests prior to [give year] show that we were meeting drinking water standards for 

nitrate. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below is some sample language describing 

steps commonly taken by water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. You can use the following language, if 

appropriate, or develop your own: 

•		 We are investigating water treatment and other options. These may include drilling a new well or mixing 

the water with low-nitrate water from another source. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
 

Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1 

DRINKING WATER WARNING 

FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER 

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS 

OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE FORMULA OR JUICE 

High nitrate levels were detected on [give date]. 

Bottled water should be used for infants. [We are providing 

bottled water for infants and their families at _____ ]. 

Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water. 

On [give date], we received notice that the sample collected on [give date] showed a nitrate 

concentration in the drinking water of [level and units]. This is above the nitrate standard, or 

maximum contaminant level, of [state/federal MCL]. 

Possible Health Effects 

*Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the 

maximum contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms 

include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.* Blue baby syndrome is indicated by 

blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the 

same way adults can. 

Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If 

symptoms occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you 

are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. We will inform you when 

this problem has been corrected. For more information, please contact [name of contact] of 

[system] at [phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed:______. 
Instructions for Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1A 

Template on Reverse 

The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template NC-1 for a nitrate violation. All the 

instructions for Template NC-1 apply. If you modify the English template, you should modify this 

template accordingly. Schools or universities may be able to provide low cost translations. See the 

discussion on translations in Chapter 3 for suggestions on preparing multilingual notices. 
 

Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1A 

AVISO SOBRE SU AGUA POTABLE 

PARA LOS PADRES DE BEBES DE SEIS MESES DE EDAD Y
 

MENORES
 

NO DE A BEBER EL AGUA A BEBES MENORES DE SEIS MESES 

DE EDAD, NI LA USE PARA LA PREPARACION DE SU JUGO O 

LECHE EN POLVO
 

Altos niveles de nitratos fueron detectados en [date].
 

Deberá usarse agua embotellada para los bebés. [Tenemos agua 

embotellada disponible para bebes y sus familias, en ___]. 

Adultos y bebés mayores de seis (6) meses de edad pueden 

tomar el agua del grifo. 

Recibimos un aviso el (fecha) que la muestra tomada el (fecha la muestra fue tomada) demuestra una 

concentracion de nitrato de (nivel unidades). Este nivel está por encima de la norma, o nivel máximo 

de contaminación (NMC) de [state/federal MCL in Spanish]. 

Posibles Efectos a la Salud 

*Bebés menores de seis (6) meses que ingieran agua con nitratos en exceso del nivel máximo de 

contaminación (NMC) se pueden enfermar de gravedad y, de no ser tratados, pueden morir. Los 

síntomas incluyen dificultad en respirar y síndrome de bebé azul.* El síndrome de bebé azul se refiere 

al color azulado que toma la piel del bebé. Los nitratos son dañinos para los bebés porque ellos no 

pueden procesarlos en la misma manera que los adultos pueden hacerlo. 

Los síntomas en los bebés pueden desarrollarse con rapidez, con el deterioro de su salud en los días 

subsiguientes. Si los síntomas ocurren en bebés menores de seis (6) meses de edad, busque atención 

médica inmediatamente. Si usted está embarazada o tiene algún problema de salud en particular, 

puede optar por hacer una consulta con su médico. 

Lo Que Estamos Haciendo Al Respecto 

[Describe corrective action in Spanish.] 

Anticipamos que resolveremos el problema el [date of expected resolution in Spanish day-month-year]. 

Nosotros le informaremos cuando este problema haya sido corregido. Para mayor información, por 

favor póngase en contacto con [name of contact] de [system] al [phone number] o [location/address]. 

*Por favor comparta esta información con todo aquel que puede que tome de esta agua, sea 

colocando este aviso en lugares visibles, o remitiéndolo por correo, o entregandolo manualmente. 

Es de particular interés distribuir este aviso ampliamente si usted lo recibe representando un 

negocio, un hospital, hogar de infantes u hogar de ancianos o comunidad residencial.* 

Este aviso ha sido enviado a usted por [system]. Numero de Identificación: ___________. 

Fecha de distribución: ________. 
Instructions for Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - 

Template NC-2 

Template on Reverse 

Since failure to take a confirmation sample for nitrate within 24 hours after learning that an initial sample 

exceeded the MCL is a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but 

no more than 24 hours from learning of the violation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. During this time period you must also 

contact your state. You should also coordinate with your local health department. This template is also applicable 

to nitrite and total nitrate and nitrite violations. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the 

notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Radio 

•		 Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language for monitoring and testing procedure violations [40 CFR 141.205(d)] must be included as 

written (with blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that 

bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety standards. 

Repeat Notices 

If this is a repeat notice, you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following: 

You were initially notified of our system’s failure to take a confirmation sample following high nitrate level 

on [give date]. Since that time we have taken a confirmation sample on [give date] that also resulted in 

a high nitrate level. We are currently monitoring the nitrate concentration every three months. Seasonal 

fluctuations in nitrate concentrations have been observed, due to nitrates contained in fertilizer. It appears 

that high nitrates occur during the later summer and fall. Note that prior to [give year] we were meeting 

drinking water standards for nitrate. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below is some sample language describing 

steps commonly taken by water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. You can use the following language, if 

appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are in the process of collecting a confirmation sample to determine if we have high nitrate levels. If the 

sample shows we are meeting our drinking water standards, you will not receive another notice. However, 

if the sample shows that we do have high nitrate levels in our water, another notification will be issued 

within 24 hours after we receive the results. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - Template NC-2 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
 

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD 

OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA OR JUICE 

[System] did not take a confirmation sample to determine if the 

water has high levels of nitrate. 

Bottled water should be used for infants. [We are providing 

bottled water for infants and their families at ____]. 

Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water. 

*We are required to monitor your drinking water for nitrate on a regular basis. Results of regular 

monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During 

[compliance period] we [‘did not monitor or test’ or ‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’] for nitrate 

and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.* 

On [give date], we received notice that the sample collected on [give date] showed nitrate levels above 

the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of [MCL]. We were required to take a 

confirmation sample within 24 hours. We did not complete the required confirmation sample monitoring. 

Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old. 

Possible Health Effects 

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum 

contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of 

breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a 

concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can. 

Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms 

occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you are pregnant or have 

specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. We will inform you when this 

problem has been corrected. For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at 

[phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who 

may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, 

schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing 

copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ______. 

Date distributed: ____. 
Instructions for Noncommunity PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate 

Notice - Template NC-3 

Template on Reverse 

Noncommunity water systems that have received approval by their state to exceed the nitrate maximum 

contaminant level of 10 mg/l but no more than 20 mg/l are required to provide Tier 1 notification. You do 

not incur a violation but are still required to provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical 

but no more than 24 hours from learning of the situation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. You must use one or 

more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Radio 

• Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. 

Remember that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it 

meets US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety standards. 

Continuous Notices 

As long as nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/L, continuous posting of this notice is required [40 CFR 

141.209(b)]. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 
Noncommunity PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice - Template 

NC-3 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
 

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD 

OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA OR JUICE
 

High nitrate levels were detected on [give date].
 

Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water.
 

Water sample results show nitrate levels of [level and units]. This is above the nitrate standard or 

maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/l. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for 

infants less than six months old. 

We have been given permission by [state] to provide water in excess of the standard as long as: 

• Nitrate levels do not exceed 20 mg/l. 

• The water is not made available to children under 6 months of age. 

• We continuously post this notice meeting all public notice requirements. 

• Local and state health officers are notified annually. 

• No adverse health effects result. 

Possible Health Effects 

*Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum 

contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of 

breath and blue baby syndrome.* Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a 

concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can. 

Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms 

occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you are pregnant or have 

specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who 

may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, 

schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing 

copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed:______. 
Instructions for TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4 

Template on Reverse 

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the suggestions below 

on how you can modify this template for other situations. Since exceeding the fecal coliform or E. coli maximum 

contaminant level requires a Tier 1 notification, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as 

practical but no more than 24 hours from learning of the violation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. During this time period 

you must also contact your state. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to 

consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Radio 

• Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Instructions to Consumers 

You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a 

campground, you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that 

bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug 

Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

water systems with fecal coliform or E. coli violations. You can use one or more of the following statements, if 

appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We are chlorinating and flushing the water system. 

• We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to identify the source of contamination. 

• We are repairing the wellhead seal. 

• We are repairing, cleaning, and disinfecting the storage tank. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
 

Fecal coliform [or E. coli] bacteria were found in the water supply 

on [give date].
 

Bottled water is available from [provide location].
 

Possible Health Effects 

*Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may 

be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause 

diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special 

health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune 

systems.* 

People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about 

drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

We will inform you when additional samples show no [fecal coliform/E. coli] bacteria 

and you may drink the water. We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated 

time frame]. For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at 

[phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. 

State Water System ID#: ___________. Date distributed:______.
	
Instructions for Spanish TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template 

NC-4A 

Template on Reverse 

The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template NC-4 for a Fecal Coliform or E. coli 

violation. All the instructions for Template NC-4 apply. If you modify the English template, you should 

modify this template accordingly. Schools or universities may be able to provide low cost translations. 

See the discussion on translations in Chapter 3 for suggestions on multilingual notices. 
Spanish TCR Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4A 

AVISO SOBRE SU AGUA POTABLE
 

NO BEBA EL AGUA
 

Bacterias coliformes fecales [o E. coli] fueron encontradas en su 

servicio de agua el día de [date].
 

Agua embotellada está disponible en _____].
 

Posibles Efectos a la Salud 

*Coliformes fecales y E. coli son bacterias cuya presencia indica que el agua está 

contaminada con desechos humanos o de animales. Microbios en estos desechos 

pueden causar diarrhea, cólicos, nausea, dolores de cabeza u otros síntomas. 

Presentan además un riesgo especial para la salud de bebés, niños y niñas de corta 

edad y personas con sistemas immunológicos en alto riesgo.* 

Personas en situaciones de alto riesgo deben consultar con sus proveedores de 

servicios médicos sobre agua apta para beber. 

Lo Que Estamos Haciendo Al Respecto 

[Describe corrective action in Spanish.] 

Nosotros le informaremos cuándo muestras adicionales indiquen que no existen 

bacterias coniformes presentes y que es permitido nuevamente beber de ésta agua. 

Anticipamos que resolveremos el problema el [date of expected resolution in Spanish 

day-month-year]. Para mayor información, por favor póngase en contacto con [name of 

contact] de [system] al [phone number] o [location/address]. 

*Por favor comparta esta información con todo aquel que puede que tome de ésta 

agua, sea colocando este aviso en lugares visibles, o remitiéndolo por correo, o 

entregandolo manualmente. Es importante distribuir este aviso ampliamente en 

caso que Ud. lo reciba en representación de un edificio de apartamentos, negocio, 

hospital, hogar de infantes, hogar de ancianos o comunidad residencial.* 

Este aviso ha sido enviado a usted por [system]. 

Numero de Identificación: _________. Fecha de distribución: ________.
	
Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice - Template NC-5 

Template on Reverse 

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not need to boil their water or where they will not 

have the facilities to do so. Since exceeding the total coliform bacteria maximum contaminant level requires a Tier 

2 notification, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical and within 30 days after you 

learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. Persistent total coliform problems can pose a serious health risk, and 

your state may elevate such situations to Tier 1. Check with your state to make sure you meet all its requirements. 

You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Description of the Violation 

The template on the reverse is intended for use by systems taking fewer than 40 coliform bacteria samples a 

month. You can modify the template using the following language if you are required to take 40 or more samples 

per month: 

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. During [provide month], [give 

percentage] percent of our samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria. The standard is that no 

more than 5 percent of samples may do so. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. If you know what is causing the coliform problem, 

explain this in the notice. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with total coliform 

violations. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We are chlorinating and flushing the water system. 

• We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to identify the source of contamination. 

• We are repairing the wellhead seal. 

• We are repairing, cleaning, and disinfecting the storage tank. 

• We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice - Template NC-5 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

Tests Show Presence of Coliform Bacteria in Water
 

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. We took [number] 

samples during [month]. [Number] of those samples showed the presence of total coliform 

bacteria. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. Total coliform bacteria themselves are generally not harmful. 

*Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an 

indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more 

samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.* 

Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system’s treatment or 

distribution systems. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. We anticipate resolving 

the problem within [estimated time frame]. For more information, please contact [name of 

contact] of [system] at [phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Monitoring Violation Notice - Template NC-6 

Template on Reverse 

Since most monitoring violations are included in Tier 3, you must provide public notice to persons served within 

one year after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.204(b)]. Multiple monitoring violations can be serious, and 

your state may have more stringent requirements. Check with your state to make sure you meet its requirements. 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.204(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

In addition, you must use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by 

the first method [40 CFR 141.204(c)]. 

You must post the notice until the violation is resolved. If the violation has already been resolved, you must post 

the notice for at least seven days [40 CFR 141.204(b)]. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, you should print your 

notice on your system’s letterhead, if available. 

The template on the reverse is appropriate for use as an annual notice combining notification for several 

violations, as well as for notices for individual violations. This template presents violations in a table; however, you 

may write out an explanation for each violation if you wish. 

You may need to modify the notice if you had any monitoring violations for which monitoring later showed a 

maximum contaminant level or other violation. In such cases, you should refer to the public notice you issued at 

that time. If you do modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements and leave the mandatory 

language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language for monitoring and testing procedure violations [40 CFR 141.205(d)] must be included as 

written (with blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Actions 

In your notice describe corrective actions you took or are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

water systems with monitoring violations. Choose the appropriate language, or develop your own text: 

•		 We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The 

samples showed we are meeting drinking water standards. 

•		 We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The 

sample for [contaminant] exceeded the limit. [Describe corrective action; use information from public 

notice prepared for violating the limit.] 

•		 We plan to take the required samples soon, as described in the last column of the table above. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Be sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 
Monitoring Violation Notice - Template NC-6 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for [System]
 

We violated a drinking water requirement. Even though this is not an emergency, as our customers, you 

have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. 

*We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of 

regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During 

[compliance period] we [‘did not monitor’ or ‘did not complete all monitoring’] for [contaminant(s)] and 

therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time.* 

What This Means 

There is nothing you need to do at this time. The table below lists the contaminant(s) we did not 

properly test for, how often we are supposed to sample (frequency) and how many samples we are 

supposed to take, how many samples we took, when samples should have been taken, and the date on 

which follow-up samples were (or will be) taken. 

Contaminant Required 

sampling 

frequency 

Number of 

samples taken 

When samples 

should have 

been taken 

When samples 

were (or will 

be) taken 

Coliform (example) Two samples per 

month 

1 July 1, July 15, 

August 1 

July 1, August 1 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or [location/ 

address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who 

may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, 

schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing 

copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Problem Corrected Notice - Template NC-7 

Template on Reverse 

It is a good idea to issue a notice when a serious violation or situation has been resolved. Although EPA 

regulations do not require such notices, your state may require you to issue one. You should coordinate 

with your local health department as well. You should use the same delivery methods you used for the 

original notice. 

The template on the reverse is very general and can be used for any violation or situation. To help 

restore consumers’ confidence in the water system, you should modify the notice to fit your situation. 

Although the public should have seen your initial notice, there may be additional information you 

learned after the notice was issued. Therefore, you should describe the violation or situation again and 

discuss how the problem was solved. 
Problem Corrected Notice - Template NC-7 

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED
 

Customers of [system] were notified on [give date] of a problem with our drinking 

water and were advised to [describe recommended action]. We are pleased to 

report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to 

[describe recommended action]. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank 

you for your patience. 

[Add further details here when appropriate.] 

As always, you may contact [contact name] at [phone number] or [mailing 

address] with any comments or questions. 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, 

people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do 

this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or 

mail. 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. 

State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice - Template NC-8 

Template on Reverse 

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the suggestions below on 

how you can modify this template for other situations. Since a waterborne disease outbreak is a Tier 1 situation, you 

must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but no more than 24 hours from learning of the 

situation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. You must contact your state during this time. You should coordinate with your local health 

department as well. You must also issue a public notice if you are experiencing a waterborne emergency other than a 

waterborne disease outbreak, such as one caused by flooding or treatment failure. In such cases, you may be able to 

modify this template to apply to your situation. Check with your state for more direction. More information on waterborne 

disease outbreaks and emergencies is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc. 

gov/healthywater/disease/index.html, 1-800-311-3435). For a waterborne disease outbreak or other emergency, you 

must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Radio 

• Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

Instructions to Consumers 

You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a campground, 

you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation. Instructions should also depend 

on whether your system has elevated nitrate levels; boiling water concentrates nitrates and makes levels higher. If 

known, list any organisms detected, the number of affected people, any water treatment problems contributing to the 

waterborne disease outbreak, and any sources of contamination, such as flooding. If you do modify the notice on the 

reverse, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the mandatory language 

unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received 

the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. However, if 

you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be 

omitted. 

No mandatory health effects language exists for waterborne disease outbreaks. You may wish to use the sentence 

below, if appropriate, or contact your state or health department. These symptoms are common to many diseases 

caused by microscopic organisms: 

• Symptoms may include nausea, cramps, diarrhea, jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that bottled water can 

also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug Administration and 

state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe the corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water 

systems with waterborne disease outbreaks. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or 

develop your own text: 

• We are repairing our filtration system. 

• We are increasing sampling for disease-causing organisms. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice - Template NC-8 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
 

Disease-causing Organisms Have Entered [System’s] Water 

Supply
 

Bottled water is available from [provide location].
 

These organisms are causing illness in people served by [system]. We learned of a waterborne 

disease outbreak from [agency] on [give date]. 

Possible Health Effects 

•		 [Describe symptoms of the waterborne disease.] Symptoms may include nausea, 

cramps, diarrhea, jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue.
	

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe the outbreak, corrective action, and when the outbreak might end.] We will inform 

you when this problem is corrected and you may drink the water. We anticipate resolving the 

problem within [estimated time frame]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially 

those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, 

nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a 

public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for IESWTR or LT1ESWTR CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, 

or Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice - Template NC-9 

Template on Reverse 

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. If your state has designated this turbidity 

single exceedance as a Tier 1 violation [40 CFR 141.202(a)], you must provide public notice to persons served within 24 

hours after it has been designated Tier 1 [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. Turbidity violations are Tier 2 by default, but may frequently 

be elevated to Tier 1 by your state. In addition, violations are automatically elevated if you are unable to consult with your 

state within 24 hours. In such cases, you must issue a notice within the next 24 hours. You may elevate the violation to Tier 

1 yourself as well. You should also coordinate with your local health department. You must use one or more of the following 

methods to deliver the notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Radio 

• Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

Instructions to Consumers 

You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a campground, you 

might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation. If you do modify the notice, you must still 

include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and is 

presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received the 

notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. However, if you post the 

notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that bottled water 

can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug Administration and state 

bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with 

a single turbidity exceedance. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We are adding chemicals that reduce turbidity. 

• We are sampling both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria. 

• We are monitoring chlorine levels and will adjust them as needed to compensate for filtration problems. 

• We are inspecting and repairing the filters. 

Source of the Problem 

If you know why the turbidity is high, explain it in your notice. For instance, unusual conditions such as heavy rains and 

flooding can overburden the water plant and treated water may therefore not meet the standards. In addition, run-off from parts 

of the watershed could contain increased concentrations of sediment and animal waste. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notification 

requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular customers. 

See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
IESWTR or LT1ESWTR CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity 

Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice - Template NC-9 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
 

[System] Has High Turbidity Levels
 

Bottled water is available from [provide location].
 

We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are 

effectively filtering the water supply. A water sample taken [give date] showed turbidity levels 

of [number] turbidity units. This is above the standard of [standard] turbidity units. Because of 

these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain diseasecausing organisms. 

Possible Health Effects 

*Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide 

a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing 

organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause 

symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.* The symptoms 

above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these 

symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe reason for the high turbidity, corrective action, and when the system expects to 

return to compliance.] We will inform you when turbidity returns to appropriate levels and you 

may drink the water. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Stage 1 DBPR Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice -

Template NC-10 

Template on Reverse 

When one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system exceeds the chlorine dioxide MRDL on the day 

after a chlorine dioxide measurement taken at the entrance to the distribution system exceeds the MRDL, or when 

required samples are not taken in the distribution system, you must provide Tier 1 public notice to persons served 

as soon as practical but no more than 24 hours from learning of the violation [40 CFR 141.202(b)]. You must also 

contact your state within 24 hours of learning of the violation or situation. You should also coordinate with your 

local health department. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers 

[40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Radio 

•		 Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that 

bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug 

Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants. 

Population at Risk 

The language on the reverse lists “young children” as one of the groups at increased risk. Because the potential 

health effects of chlorine dioxide are based on tests on laboratory animals, there is no way to determine at exactly 

what age the water is safe to drink. If your consumers have questions, encourage them to err on the side of 

caution. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water 

systems with chlorine dioxide violations. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or 

develop your own text: 

•		 We are resetting the chlorine dioxide generator to generate the correct amount of chlorine dioxide. 

•		 We are repairing the chlorine dioxide generator. 

•		 We have already fixed the problem but it will take additional time for the extra chlorine dioxide to be 

flushed from the distribution system (pipes). 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
Stage 1 DBPR Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice - Template NC-10 

DRINKING WATER WARNING 

PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD NOT 

DRINK THE WATER
 

Bottled water is available from [provide location].
 

On [give date], we received notice that the sample collected on [give date] showed chlorine 

dioxide levels of [level and units]. This is above the standard, or maximum residual disinfectant 

level (MRDL) of 0.8 milligrams per liter. Chlorine dioxide is used for disinfection, but too much 

of it over a short period of time may harm the development of children, infants, and fetuses. 

Possible Health Effects 

•		 *Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess 

of the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in 

fetuses of pregnant mothers who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the 

MRDL. Some people may experience anemia. 

The chlorine dioxide violations reported today include exceedances of the EPA standard 

within the distribution system which delivers water to consumers. Violations of the 

chlorine dioxide standard within the distribution system may harm human health based 

on short-term exposures. Certain groups, including fetuses, infants, and young children, 

may be especially susceptible to nervous system effects from excessive chlorine dioxide 

exposure. There are no obvious symptoms, but chlorine dioxide can affect development 

of the nervous system.* 

•		 Water, juice, and formula for young children and for pregnant women should not be 

prepared with tap water. Adults who are not pregnant and older children can drink the 

tap water because their nervous systems are already developed. However, if you have 

specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. 

We will inform you when this problem has been corrected. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for SWTR Failure to Filter Notice - Template NC-11 

Template on Reverse 

Since surface water treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must provide public 

notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 

141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. 

Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may 

require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all 

requirements. 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with surface water treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 Our treatment plant needs upgrades to meet the requirements. 

•		 We are installing filtration. We expect that the filtration system will be operational by [month, 

year]. 

•		 We are monitoring for turbidity (cloudiness), disinfectant levels, and the presence of bacteria. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have 

regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
SWTR Failure to Filter Notice - Template NC-11 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements
 

On [give date], the [state] ordered us to filter the water in addition to disinfecting. We are 

required to install this filtration because we do not have an adequate watershed control 

program in place. However, we have not yet installed a filtration system. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. We do not know of any cases of contamination. However, until 

improvements are made, there is an increased chance that disease-causing organisms could 

contaminate the water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from you health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

Filtration is the best method for removing these organisms. [Describe corrective action.] 

We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. Until filtration is installed, 

you will receive a notice similar to this every three months. For more information, please 

contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for SWTRs Turbidity Exceedance Notice - Template NC-12 

Template on Reverse 

Since surface water treatment filtration treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must provide public notice 

to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue 

a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for 

treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to 

make sure you meet all requirements. This template may also be adapted for use with turbidity MCL violations. 

For Exceedances of Single Turbidity Limits 

You must consult with your state as soon as 

practical but within 24 hours of learning of the 

violation. During the consultation, the state may 

choose to elevate your turbidity exceedance to Tier 

1. If consultation does not occur, the violation is 

automatically elevated to Tier 1 (use Template NC-9). 

For a Tier 2 notice, describe your violation as follows in

the second paragraph of the notice: 

“Normal turbidity levels at our plant are [number] 

turbidity units. A water sample taken [give date] 

showed levels of [number] turbidity units. This was 

above the standard of [standard] units. Because of 

these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased 

chance that the water may contain disease-causing 

organisms.” 

For Exceedances of Monthly Turbidity Limits 

Use the following language to describe your violation 

and insert into the second paragraph of the template: 

“Water samples for [month] showed that [percentage] 

percent of turbidity measurements were over 

[standard] turbidity units – the standard is that no more 

than 5 percent of samples may exceed [standard] 

turbidity units per month. The turbidity levels are 

relatively low. However, their persistence is a concern. 

Normal turbidity levels at our plant are [standard] 

units.” 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first method [40 

CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the mandatory 

language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and is 

presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received the 

notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. However, if you post the 

notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with 

filtration treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop your 

own text: 

• We added chemicals that reduce turbidity. 

• We sampled both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria. 

• We monitored chlorine levels and adjusted them as needed to compensate for the filtration problems. 

• We inspected and cleaned the filters. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notification 

requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular customers. 

See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
SWTRs Turbidity Exceedance Notice - Template NC-12 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
 

We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are 

effectively filtering the water supply. [Insert appropriate description of the violation from 

instructions on previous page]. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. We do not know of any cases of contamination, and none of our 

testing has shown disease-causing organisms in the drinking water. 

*Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide 

a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing 

organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause 

symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.* These symptoms 

are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms 

and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

A problem occurred with the treatment system at the water plant. [Describe the reason for high 

turbidity, corrective actions, and when the system returned or expects to return to compliance.] 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice - Template NC-13 

Template on Reverse 

Since surface water treatment disinfection treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must provide public 

notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. Some 

disinfection problems may be serious. Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations 

(e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all 

requirements. 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first method [40 

CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the mandatory 

language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and is 

presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received the 

notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. However, if you post the 

notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Description of the Violation 

Include one of the following descriptions of violations, and modify to fit your situation. 

Not Enough Disinfection During Treatment - In order to ensure proper disinfection, water in the treatment plant must be in 

contact with enough chlorine or a similar disinfectant for a minimum amount of time. On [give date], this did not occur. 

Although chlorine quickly kills most bacteria, it is less effective against organisms such as viruses and parasites. For this 

reason, water needs to mix with chlorine for a longer time period to kill such organisms. The amount of time necessary, or the 

“contact time,” depends on the amount of disinfectant in the water and the temperature of the water. 

Disinfectant Residual - We routinely monitor for disinfectant residual in the distribution system. This measurement tells us 

whether we are effectively disinfecting the water supply. Disinfectant residual is the amount of chlorine or related disinfectant 

present in the pipes of the distribution system. If the amount of disinfectant is too low, organisms could grow in the pipes. 

Monthly exceedance - During the months of [give dates], disinfectant residual was undetectable in more than 5% of 

samples. The requirement is that disinfectant may be undetectable in no more than 5% of samples each month for two 

months in a row. 

Single exceedance - On [give date], disinfectant levels dropped below 0.2 milligrams per liter for [give numbers of 

hours] hours. The requirement is that levels may not drop below 0.2 milligrams per liter for more than four hours. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with 

disinfection treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop 

your own text: 

•		 We are sampling/we sampled both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria. 

•		 We are sampling/we sampled disinfectant levels and will adjust/adjusted the amount of disinfectant added as 

necessary to maintain adequate levels.
	

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notification 

requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular customers. 

See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice - Template NC-13 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Does/Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
 

[Describe the violation - use descriptions from instructions on reverse.] 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Tests 

taken during this same time period did not indicate the presence of bacteria in the water. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe why the violation occurred and the corrective action.] 

[Disinfectant residual levels/contact times] so far this month have met all requirements. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially 

those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, 

nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a 

public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment 

Technique Violation Notice - Template NC-14 

Template on Reverse 

A system’s failure to cover an uncovered finished water reservoir, provide treatment of the reservoir’s discharge, or be in 

compliance with a state-approved schedule to cover the reservoir(s) or treat the reservoir(s) discharge by April 1, 2009, is 

a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon 

as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every 

three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique 

violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all 

requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first method [40 

CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the mandatory 

language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and is 

presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received the 

notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. However, if you post the 

notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with 

this type of Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) treatment technique violation. You can use 

one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are developing plans to cover our uncovered finished water storage reservoir. We expect to have the reservoir 

covered by [give date]. Until our finished water reservoir is covered, you will receive a notice similar to this every three 

months. 

•		 We are developing plans to treat the water when it leaves our uncovered finished water storage reservoir. We expect 

to have the treatment in place by [give date]. Until the water leaving our finished water reservoir is treated, you will 

receive a notice similar to this every three months. 

•		 We are currently working with state officials to revise our schedule for covering our uncovered finished water storage 

reservoir. We expect to have the state-approved schedule in place by [give date] and the reservoir covered by [give 

date]. Until our schedule receives state approval, you will receive a notice similar to this every three months. 

•		 We are currently working with state officials to revise our schedule for treating the discharge from our uncovered 

finished water storage reservoir. We expect to have the state-approved schedule in place by [give date] and treatment 

in place by [give date]. Until the schedule receives state approval, you will receive a notice similar to this every three 

months. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notification 

requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular customers. 

See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment Technique 

Violation Notice - Template NC-14 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Violation at [System]
 

Water systems with uncovered finished water reservoirs are required to cover these 

reservoirs, treat the discharge from these reservoirs, or be in compliance with a stateapproved schedule to cover the reservoir(s) or provide treatment by April 1, 2009. We 

have failed to meet this requirement. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. 

Uncovered finished water reservoirs are a pathway for contaminants to enter the 

drinking water supply. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the reservoirs or treat the 

discharge. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms 

include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, 

cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not 

caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms 

and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your 

doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or 

are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care 

providers about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time 

frame]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] 

or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Required Cryptosporidium 

Monitoring For Any Three Months Notice - Template NC-15 

Template on Reverse 

A surface water system’s failure to conduct required Cryptosporidium monitoring of its source water 

for any three months is a monitoring violation that requires Tier 2 notification and special notice. (Note: 

failure to collect one or two of the scheduled samples requires Tier 3 notification. See Template NC-23 

for an example.) You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 

days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three 

months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for this 

monitoring violation (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with 

your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory special notice language [40 CFR 141.211(d)(1)] must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either end. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with LT2ESWTR monitoring violations. You can use one or more of the following 

statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We will begin collecting the required source water monitoring samples on [give date]. 

• We have since taken the required samples for source water monitoring. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 
LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Required Cyrptosporidium Monitoring for 

Any Three Months Notice - Template NC-15 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for [System] 

*We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium. Results 

of the monitoring are to be used to determine whether water treatment at the [treatment 

plant name] is sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. 

We are required to complete this monitoring and make this determination by [required bin 

determination date]. We ‘‘did not monitor or test’’ or ‘‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’’ 

on schedule and, therefore, we may not be able to determine by the required date what 

treatment modifications, if any, must be made to ensure adequate Cryptosporidium removal. 

Missing this deadline may, in turn, jeopardize our ability to have the required treatment 

modifications, if any, completed by the deadline required, [give date].* 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be present in our raw water 

source. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We will collect all required samples by [give date]. 

*For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) 

at (phone number).* 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail. 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
 

Instructions for LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Determine and 

Report Bin Classification Notice – Template NC-16 

Template on Reverse 

A filtered system’s failure to determine and report their bin classification by the required date is a treatment 

technique violation that requires Tier 2 notification and special notice. The template on the reverse meets both 

of these requirements. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days 

after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as 

long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for this monitoring violation (e.g., 

it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all 

requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) and special notice language [40 CFR 

141.211(d)(2)] must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and are presented in this notice in italics with an 

asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water 

systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use the following language, if appropriate, or 

develop your own text: 

• We determined our bin classification on [give date], and have notified the state. 

• We are in the process of determining our bin classification and will notify the state upon completion. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Determine and Report Bin 

Classification Notice - Template NC-16 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

[System] Did Not Determine Required Treatment Based on 

Cryptosporidium Level 

*We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium in order 

to determine by [give date] whether water treatment at the [provide treatment plant name] is 

sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. We have not made 

this determination by the required date. Our failure to do this may jeopardize our ability to have 

the required treatment modifications, if any, completed by the required deadline of [give date].* 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be present in our raw water 

source. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame] 

(or the problem was resolved on [give date]). 

*For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) 

at (phone number).* 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
 

Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Calculate and 

Report Mean Cryptosporidium Level Notice – Template NC-17 

Template on Reverse 

An unfiltered system’s failure to calculate and report its mean Cryptosporidium level by the required date is a 

treatment technique violation that requires Tier 2 notification and special notice. The template on the reverse 

meets both of these requirements. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but 

within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three 

months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for this monitoring 

violation (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure 

you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) and special notice language [(40 CFR 

141.211(d)(2)] must be included as written (with blanks filled in) and are presented in this notice in italics with an 

asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water 

systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use the following language, if appropriate, or 

develop your own text: 

•		 We determined our mean Cryptosporidium level on [give date], and have notified the state. 

•		 We are in the process of determining our mean Cryptosporidium level and will notify the state upon 

completion. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Calculate and Report Mean 

Cryptosporidium Level Notice – Template NC-17 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Did Not Determine Cryptosporidium Level
 

*We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium in order 

to determine by [give date] whether water treatment at the [provide treatment plant name] is 

sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. We have not made 

this determination by the required date. Our failure to do this may jeopardize our ability to have 

the required treatment modifications, if any, completed by the required deadline of [give date].* 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be present in our raw water 

source. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame] 

(or the problem was resolved on [give date]). 

*For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) 

at (phone number).* 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Provide or Install an 

Additional Level of Treatment Notice - Template NC-18 

Template on Reverse 

A filtered system’s failure to provide or install an additional level of treatment appropriate for its Long 

Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) bin classification by the required date, 

is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice 

to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 

141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. 

Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may 

require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all 

requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are currently working to [install treatment/adjust our treatment processes] to achieve the 

required level of additional treatment. 

•		 We are currently working with state officials to finalize plans for water treatment that will satisfy 

this requirement once it is installed. 

•		 We have [installed treatment/made adjustments to our treatment processes] and are now 

achieving the required level of additional treatment.
	

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have 

regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Provide or Install an Additional Level 

of Treatment Notice - Template NC-18 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

[System] Did Not Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment 

Within Required Time Frame 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that has been found in our raw water 

source. Our water system [give system name] was required to provide an additional level of 

treatment to address Cryptosporidium by [provide date]. We failed to do this by the required 

date. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We 

do not know of any cases of contamination. However, until we provide an additional level of 

treatment, there is an increased chance that Cryptosporidium could contaminate the water 

supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We expect to achieve this additional level of treatment by [give 

date]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Achieve Required 

Inactivation Level Notice - Template NC-19 

Template on Reverse 

Based on Cryptosporidium monitoring results, unfiltered system’s must meet inactivation requirements 

for Cryptosporidium by a required date. Failure to do this is a treatment technique violation and requires 

Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 

30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every 

three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements 

for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). 

Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are currently working to adjust our treatment processes to achieve the required level of 

treatment. 

•		 We are currently working with state officials and our engineers to finalize plans for water 

treatment that will satisfy this requirement once it is installed.
	

•		 We have made adjustments to our treatment processes and are now achieving the required 

level of treatment. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have 

regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Achieve Required Inactivation 

Level Notice - Template NC-19 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

[System] Did Not Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment 

Within Required Time Frame 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be in our raw water source. 

Our water system [give system name] was required to provide a specified level of treatment to 

address Cryptosporidium by [provide date]. We failed to do this by the required date. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We do 

not know of any cases of contamination. However, until we a specified level of treatment, there 

is an increased chance that Cryptosporidium could contaminate the water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We expect to achieve this specified level of treatment by [give 

date]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Achieve Required 

Treatment Credit Notice - Template NC-20 

Template on Reverse 

Based on Cryptosporidium monitoring results, some filtered systems are required to achieve additional 

treatment credit using a microbial toolbox option. A filtered system’s failure to achieve required 

treatment credit to meet the bin classification requirements, is a treatment technique violation and 

requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical 

but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat 

notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent 

requirements for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an 

alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We are taking steps to ensure the required level of treatment can be maintained at all times. 

• The reason for the lapse in treatment has been identified and addressed. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have 

regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Filtered System Failure to Achieve Required Treatment Credit 

Notice - Template NC-20 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Did Not Maintain the Required Level of Treatment
 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that has been found in our raw water 

source. Our water system [give system name] was required to maintain a specified level of 

additional treatment to address Cryptosporidium. During [provide date range], our system fell 

below this level. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We do 

not know of any cases of contamination. However, until we consistently maintain an additional 

level of treatment, there is an increased chance that Cryptosporidium could contaminate the 

water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action and when the system returned or expects to return to compliance.] 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Maintain Required 

Inactivation Level Notice - Template NC-21 

Template on Reverse 

Based on Cryptosporidium monitoring results, an unfiltered system must maintain specified inactivation 

levels to ensure adequate treatment for Cryptosporidium. Failure to do this is a treatment technique 

violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon 

as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue 

a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more 

stringent requirements for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from 

an alternate source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

• Posting in conspicuous locations 

• Hand or direct delivery 

• Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached 

by the first method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with 

blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken 

by water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

• We are taking steps to ensure the required level of treatment can be maintained at all times. 

• The reason for the lapse in treatment has been identified and addressed. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the 

public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have 

regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Maintain Required Inactivation 

Level Notice - Template NC-21 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Did Not Maintain the Required Level of Treatment
 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be in our raw water source. Our 

water system [give system name] was required to maintain a specified level of treatment to 

address Cryptosporidium. During [provide date range], our system fell below this level. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We do 

not know of any cases of contamination. However, until we consistently maintain the specified 

level of treatment, there is an increased chance that Cryptosporidium could contaminate the 

water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action and when the system returned or expects to return to compliance.] 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Second 

Disinfectant Notice - Template NC-22 

Template on Reverse 

An unfiltered system’s failure to install a second disinfectant to treat for Cryptosporidium by the required date is a 

treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as 

soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat 

notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements 

for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source). Check with 

your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

unfiltered water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We will install a second disinfectant by [provide date] to satisfy this requirement. 

•		 We are currently working with state officials and our engineers to finalize plans for water treatment that 

will satisfy this requirement once it is installed. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Second Disinfectant Notice - 

Template NC-22 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

[System] Failed to Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment 

Within Required Time Frame 

Our unfiltered water system [give system name] was required to use a minimum of two 

disinfectants to meet our treatment requirement by [give date]. We failed to have the new 

[ultraviolet light (U.V.)/chlorine dioxide/ozone] disinfection system installed by the required 

date. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We do 

not know of any cases of contamination. However, until the second disinfectant is installed, 

there is an increased chance that disease-causing organisms could contaminate the water 

supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

We expect to have the [U.V./chlorine dioxide/ozone] disinfection system installed by [give date]. 

We will also continue to disinfect the water with chlorine, as we have in the past. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Monitoring Violation (Tier 3) Notice – 

Template NC-23 

Template on Reverse 

The template on the reverse is another example of a monitoring violation. The example in this 

template is for Cryptosporidium monitoring under LT2ESWTR. If a system fails to conduct 

Cryptosporidium monitoring of its source water for one or two months, they are required to 

issue Tier 3 notification. (Note: failure to conduct required Cryptosporidium monitoring for 

any three months requires Tier 2 notification and special notice. See Template NC-15 for an 

example.) This notice can also be modified for E. coli or turbidity monitoring violations under 

LT2ESWTR. All the instructions of Template NC-6 apply. 
LT2ESWTR Monitoring Violation (Tier 3) Notice – Template NC-23 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for [System] 

*We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular 

basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking 

water meets health standards. During [compliance period] we [‘did not monitor or test’ 

or ‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’] for Cryptosporidium and therefore cannot 

be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.* 

Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing microorganism that may be present in our raw 

water source. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. There is nothing you need to do at this time. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We began collecting our monthly samples for 

Cryptosporidium on [give date] and will continue to follow our required monitoring 

schedule. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing 

address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique 

Violation Notice - Template NC-24 

Template on Reverse 

Since failure to recycle spent filter backwash, thickener supernatant, and liquids from dewatering processes 

before all processes of the direct filtration treatment train; failure to obtain state approval for the use of an 

alternative recycle location; or failure to pursue capital improvements, are violations that require Tier 2 notice, 

you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the 

violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation 

persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require 

you to provide water from an alternate source. Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Do not use overly technical terminology when 

describing treatment methods. You can use one or more of the following statements, if appropriate, or develop 

your own text: 

•		 On [give date], we will no longer recycle our filter backwash and will not be in violation of this requirement. 

•		 On [give date], the filter backwash will be piped to the beginning of our water treatment process and we 

will no longer be in violation of this requirement. 

•		 On [give date], the filter backwash and all other current recycle flows will be discharged to waste as 

approved by the state. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice - 

Template NC-24 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
 

The Filter Backwash Recycling Rule requires water systems that recycle liquids used 

for water treatment to recycle these liquids through the system’s existing filtration 

system or to an alternate location approved by the state. Our system did not return its 

water treatment recycle flows to the required location or a state-approved location by 

the required date of [give date]. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. We do not know of any cases of contamination. However, 

until improvements are made, there is an increased chance that disease-causing 

organisms could contaminate the water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms 

include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, 

cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.* 

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you 

experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical 

advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your 

doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or 

are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care 

providers about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time 

frame]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] 

or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ________. 

Date distributed: _______ 
Instructions for GWR Fecal Indicator-Positive Source Sample Notice - 

Template NC-25 

Template on Reverse 

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the suggestions below 

on how you can modify this template for other situations. Since detection of a fecal indicator (E. coli, enterococci, 

coliphage) in a ground water source sample is a situation requiring Tier 1 notice, you must provide public 

notice to persons served as soon as practical but no more than 24 hours from learning of the violation [40 CFR 

141.202(b)]. During this time period you must also contact your state. You must use one or more of the following 

methods to deliver the notice to consumers [40 CFR 141.202(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Radio 

• Television 

You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served. 

Instructions to Consumers 

You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a 

campground, you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation. If you 

do modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Alternative Sources of Water 

If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that 

bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets US Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

water systems that have detected a fecal indicator in their ground water source. You can use one or more of the 

following statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are increasing sampling at our sources to determine the source of the contamination. 

•		 We are working with state officials to implement corrective actions to ensure water supplies are protected 

against contamination. 

•		 We are providing water from an alternative source until the problem is resolved. 

•		 We have discontinued use of the contaminated well and will rely on our other sources to meet demand. 

•		 We are abandoning the contaminated well and will replace it with a well constructed to standards. 

•		 We are pursuing treatment options for disinfection of the water from this source. 

•		 We have installed temporary disinfection while we pursue long term treatment or other options to 

eliminate contamination from this source. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
GWR Fecal Indicator-Positive Source Sample Notice - Template NC-25 

DRINKING WATER WARNING
 

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
 

[System]’s [Source] Tested Positive for Fecal Indicator (E. coli, 

Enterococci, Coliphage) on [Give Date].
 

Bottled water is available from [provide location].
 

Possible Health Effects 

*Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be 

contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause 

short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other 

symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some 

of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.* 

People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] 

We will inform you when you may drink the water. We anticipate resolving the 

problem within [estimated time frame]. For more information, please contact 

[name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, 

people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do 

this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or 

mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. 

State Water System ID#: ___________. Date distributed: ______.
	
Instructions for GWR Failure to Take Corrective Action Within Required 

Time Frame Notice - Template NC-26 

Template on Reverse 

A system’s failure to take corrective action within the required timeframe or be in compliance with a stateapproved corrective action plan and schedule for a fecal indicator-positive ground water source sample or 

significant deficiency under the Ground Water Rule (GWR) is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 

notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you 

learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the 

violation persists. Your state may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations. Check with 

your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

If this notice is for failing to address a fecal indicator-positive source sample, a Tier 1 notice for detecting a fecal 

indicator in the source water should have already been issued. Consider providing the history of the situation in 

this notice (i.e., what events lead to requiring corrective action) to avoid confusing the public when this second 

notice is issued. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

water systems with Ground Water Rule treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following 

statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 Although we did not meet our deadline, we are now in consultation with the state to develop a corrective 

action plan. 

•		 The [source of contamination/significant deficiency] has been identified and addressed. 

•		 We have implemented a short term plan to address the immediate issue while we pursue the long-term 

solution. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
GWR Failure to Take Corrective Action Within Required Time Frame 

Notice - Template NC-26 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE 

[System] Failed to [Correct a Significant Deficiency/Address a Fecal 

Indicator-Positive Source Sample] Within Required Time Frame 

Our water system [give system name] was required to take action to [correct a significant 

deficiency/address a fecal-indicator positive source sample] by [give date]. However, we failed 

to take action by the required date. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. We do 

not know of any cases of contamination. However, until the problem is corrected, there is an 

increased chance that disease-causing organisms could contaminate the water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, 

and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms 

in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to 

seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are 

elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers 

about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We expect to have the [significant deficiency/source of fecal 

contamination] corrected by [give date]. 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or 

[location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those 

who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing 

homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or 

distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for GWR Failure to Maintain 4-log Treatment of Viruses 

Notice - Template NC-27 

Template on Reverse 

A ground water system’s failure to maintain required 4-log treatment of viruses for a period greater than 4 hours 

is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons 

served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.203(b)]. You must 

issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your state may have more stringent 

requirements for treatment technique violations (e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate 

source). Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.203(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first 

method [40 CFR 141.203(c)]. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and leave the 

mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language on health effects (from Appendix B to Subpart Q) must be included as written (with blanks 

filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics with an asterisk on either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have 

received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on either 

end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not 

applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Action 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by 

water systems with Ground Water Rule treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following 

statements, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are increasing disinfection to maintain our proper residual levels. 

•		 We are pursuing improvements to our treatment system so that we can maintain required treatment at all 

times. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your state a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 

It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular 

customers. See Template NC-7 for a “problem corrected” notice template. 
GWR Failure to Maintain 4-log Treatment of Viruses Notice - Template 

NC-27 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

[System] Failed to Meet Treatment Requirements
 

Our water system [give system name] is required to [treat/disinfect] our drinking water 

source. From [give date] to [give date], we failed to provide the required [treatment/ 

disinfection]. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. 

We do not know of any cases of contamination. However, until we consistently provide 

the required treatment, there is an increased chance that disease-causing organisms 

could contaminate the water supply. 

*Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms 

include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, 

cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.* These symptoms, however, are not 

caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms 

and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. 

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your 

doctor. 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or 

are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care 

providers about drinking this water. 

Steps We Are Taking 

[Describe corrective action.] We expect to have the problem resolved by [give date] (or 

the problem was resolved on [give date]). 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] 

or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Instructions for Failure to Develop a Profile and/or Calculate a Benchmark 

Notice - Template NC-28 

Template on Reverse 

Failure to develop a disinfection profile for Giardia lamblia and viruses or calculate a benchmark prior to 

making a significant change to your disinfection practice requires Tier 3 notification. A profile for viruses 

may be applicable under Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR) and is 

required under Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). You must provide 

public notice to persons served within one year after you learn of the violation [40 CFR 141.204(b)]. 

Failure to develop a profile or calculate a benchmark can be serious and your state may have more 

stringent requirements. Check with your state to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Noncommunity water systems must use one of the following methods [40 CFR 141.204(c)]: 

•		 Posting in conspicuous locations 

•		 Hand or direct delivery 

•		 Mail 

In addition, you must use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be 

reached by the first method [40 CFR 141.204(c)]. 

You must post the notice until the violation is resolved. If the violation has been resolved, you must post 

the notice for at least seven days [40 CFR 141.204(b)]. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, you should 

print your notice on your system’s letterhead, if available. 

If you modify the notice, you must still include all required PN elements from 40 CFR 141.205(a) and 

leave the mandatory language unchanged (see below). 

Mandatory Language 

Mandatory language for monitoring and testing procedure violations [40 CFR 141.205(d)] must be 

included as written (with blanks filled in) and is presented in this notice in italics and with an asterisk on 

either end. 

This template also includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may 

not have received the notice [40 CFR 141.205(d)] and is presented in this notice in italics and with an 

asterisk on either end. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the 

notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. 

Corrective Actions 

In your notice, describe corrective actions you took, or are taking. Listed below is a step commonly 

taken by water systems with a profiling and benchmarking violation. You can use the following 

language, if appropriate, or develop your own text: 

•		 We are in the process of developing our disinfection profile and will calculate a benchmark as 

soon as the profile is complete. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Be sure to send your state a copy of each notice and a certification that you have met all the public 

notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice [40 CFR 141.31(d)]. 
 

Failure to Develop a Profile and/or Calculate a Benchmark Notice - 

Template NC-28 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE
 

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for [System]
 

[Prior to making any change to our disinfection practices, we are required to develop 

a year-long profile of our disinfection system to determine our inactivation levels for 

certain pathogenic organisms. Development of a profile requires monitoring disinfection 

parameters. We did not meet this requirement.] AND/OR 

[Since we (are making/made) a change to our disinfection practice, we [are/were] 

required to calculate a benchmark to determine our lowest monthly inactivation level 

over the year. We did not calculate a benchmark.] 

*We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular 

basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking 

water meets health standards. During [compliance period] we did not complete all 

monitoring or testing for the profile parameters and therefore cannot be sure of the 

quality of our drinking water during that time.* 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. There is nothing you need to do at this time. 

Steps We Are Taking 

We collected all required samples on [give date]. [Describe corrective action.] 

For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] 

or [location/address]. 

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 

especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people 

in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting 

this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.* 

This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: ___________. 

Date distributed: ______. 
Appendix B 

NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1 

(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 cfR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2008, that are Applicable 

to Transient Noncommunity Water Systems) 

Contaminant MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2 Monitoring & Testing 

Procedure Violations 

Tier of Public 

Notice Required 

Citation Tier of Public 

Notice 

Required 

Citation 

I. Violations of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR):3 

A. Microbiological contaminants 

1. Total coliform 2 141.63(a) 3 141.21(a)-(e) 

2. Fecal coliform/E. coli 1 141.63(b) 14, 3 141.21(e) 

3. Turbidity MCL 2 141.13(a) 3 141.22 

4. Turbidity MCL (average of 2 

days’ samples >5 NTU) 

25, 1 141.13(b) 3 141.22 

5. Turbidity (for TT violations 

resulting from a single 

exceedance of maximum 

allowable turbidity level) 

26, 1 141.71(a)(2), 

141.71(c)(2)(i), 

141.73(a)(2), 

141.73(b)(2), 

141.73(c)(2), 

141.73(d), 

141.173(a)(2), 

141.173(b), 

141.551(b) 

3 141.74(a)(1), 

141.74(b)(2), 

141.74(c)(1), 

141.174, 

141.560(a)-(c), 

141.561 

6. Surface Water Treatment 

Rule violations, other than 

violations resulting from 

single exceedance of max. 

allowable turbidity level (TT) 

2 141.70-141.73 3 141.74 

7. Interim Enhanced 

Surface Water Treatment 

Rule violations, other than 

violations resulting from 

single exceedance of max. 

turbidity level (TT) 

27 141.170-141.173, 

141.500-141.553 

3 141.172, 

141.174, 

141.530-

141.544, 

141.560-

141.564 

8. Filter Backwash Recycling 

Rule violations 

2 141.76(c) 3 141.76(b), (d) 

9. Long Term 1 Enhanced 

Surface Water Treatment Rule 

violations 

2 141.500-141.553 3 141.530-

141.544, 

141.560-

141.564 

10. LT2ESWTR violations 2 141.710-

141.720 

222, 3 141.701-

141.705 and 

141.708-

141.709 

11. Ground Water Rule 

violations 

2 141.404 3 141.402(h), 

141.403(d) 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 81 March 2010 
Appendix B 

NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1 

(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 cfR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2008, that are Applicable 

to Transient Noncommunity Water Systems) 

Contaminant MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2 Monitoring & Testing 

Procedure Violations 

Tier of Public 

Notice Required 

Citation Tier of Public 

Notice 

Required 

Citation 

B. inorganic chemicals (iOcs) 

11. Nitrate 1 141.62(b) 1, 312 141.23(a), (d) 

141.23(f)(2) 

12. Nitrite 1 141.62(b) 1, 312 141.23(a), (e) 

141.23(f)(2) 

13. Total Nitrate and Nitrite 1 141.62(b) 3 141.23(a) 

g. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, Disinfectant Residuals. 

Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine 

with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection 

byproducts (DBPs).13 

4. Chlorite 2 141.64(a) 3 141.132(a)-(b) 

7. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL), 

where any 2 consecutive 

daily samples at entrance to 

distribution system only are 

above MRDL 

2 141.65(a), 

141.133(c)(3) 

215, 3 141.132(a), (c) 

141.133(c)(2) 

8. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL), 

where sample(s) in 

distribution system the next 

day are also above MRDL 

116 141.65(a), 

141.133(c)(3) 

1 141.132(a), (c) 

141.133(c)(2) 

III. Public Notification for Variances and Exemptions: 

A. Operation under a variance 

or exemption 

3 1415, 141618 N/A N/A 

B. Violation of conditions of a 

variance or exemption 

2 1415, 1416, 142.30719 N/A N/A 

IV. Other Situations Requiring Public Notification: 

B. Exceedance of nitrate MCL 

for noncommunity systems, as 

allowed by state 

1 141.11(d) N/A N/A 

D. Waterborne disease 

outbreak 

1 141.2, 

141.71(c)(2)(ii) 

N/A N/A 

E. Other waterborne 

emergency20 

1 N/A N/A N/A 

F. Source Water Sample 

Positive for GWR Fecal 

indicators: E. coli, enterococci, 

or coliphage 

1 141.402(g) N/A N/A 

G. Other situations as 

determined by state 

1, 2, 321 N/A N/A N/A 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 82 March 2010 
Appendix B Endnotes 

1. Primacy agencies may, at their option, also require a more stringent public notice tier 

(e.g., Tier 1 instead of Tier 2 or Tier 2 instead of Tier 3) for specific violations and situations 

listed in this Appendix, as authorized under §141.202(a) and §141.203(a). 

2. MCL—Maximum contaminant level, MRDL—Maximum residual disinfectant level, TT— 

Treatment technique. 

3. The term Violations of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) is used here 

to include violations of MCL, MRDL, treatment technique, monitoring, and testing procedure 

requirements. 

4. Failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli is a Tier 1 violation if testing is not done after 

any repeat sample tests positive for coliform. All other total coliform monitoring and testing 

procedure violations are Tier 3. 

5. Systems that violate the turbidity MCL of 5 NTU based on an average of measurements 

over two consecutive days must consult with the state within 24 hours after learning of 

the violation. Based on this consultation, the state may subsequently decide to elevate the 

violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the state in the 24-hour period, 

the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1. 

6. Systems with treatment technique violations involving a single exceedance of a maximum 

turbidity limit under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the Interim Enhanced Surface 

Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR), or the Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 

Rule (LT1ESWTR) are required to consult with the state within 24 hours after learning of 

the violation. Based on this consultation, the state may subsequently decide to elevate the 

violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the state in the 24-hour period, 

the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1. 

7. Most of the requirements of the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (63 

FR 69477) (§§141.170–141.171, 141.173–141.174) become effective January 1, 2002 for 

Subpart H systems (surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct 

influence of surface water) serving at least 10,000 persons. However, §141.172 has some 

requirements that become effective as early as April 16, 1999. The Surface Water Treatment 

Rule remains in effect for systems serving at least 10,000 persons even after 2002; the 

Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule adds additional requirements and does not 

in many cases supersede the SWTR. 

12. Failure to take a confirmation sample within 24 hours for nitrate or nitrite after an initial 

sample exceeds the MCL is a Tier 1 violation. Other monitoring violations for nitrate are Tier 

3. 

13. Subpart H transient noncommunity systems serving fewer than 10,000 persons and 

using only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water and using chlorine 

dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning 

January 1, 2004. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 83 March 2010 
14. §§141.64(b)(1) 141.132(a)–(b) apply until §§141.620–141.630 take effect under the 

schedule in §141.620(c). 

15. Failure to monitor for chlorine dioxide at the entrance to the distribution system the day 

after exceeding the MRDL at the entrance to the distribution system is a Tier 2 violation. 

16. If any daily sample taken at the entrance to the distribution system exceeds the MRDL 

for chlorine dioxide and one or more samples taken in the distribution system the next 

day exceed the MRDL, Tier 1 notification is required. Failure to take the required samples 

in the distribution system after the MRDL is exceeded at the entry point also triggers Tier 1 

notification. 

18. This citation refers to §§1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. §§1415 and 

1416 require that “a schedule prescribed. . . for a public water system granted a variance [or 

exemption] shall require compliance by the system. . .” 

19. In addition to §§1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 142.307 specifies 

the items and schedule milestones that must be included in a variance for small systems. 

20. Other waterborne emergencies require a Tier 1 public notice under §141.202(a) for 

situations that do not meet the definition of a waterborne disease outbreak given in 40 CFR 

141.2 but that still have the potential to have serious adverse effects on health as a result of 

short-term exposure. These could include outbreaks not related to treatment deficiencies, as 

well as situations that have the potential to cause outbreaks, such as failures or significant 

interruption in water treatment processes, natural disasters that disrupt the water supply or 

distribution system, chemical spills, or unexpected loading of possible pathogens into the 

source water. 

21. Primacy agencies may place other situations in any tier they believe appropriate, based 

on threat to public health. 

22. Failure to collect three or more samples for Cryptosporidium analysis is a Tier 2 violation 

requiring special notice as specified in §141.211. All other monitoring and testing procedure 

violations are Tier 3. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 84 March 2010 
 

Appendix C 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 cfR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2008, that are Applicable 

to Transient Noncommunity Water Systems) 

Contaminant MCLG1 

mg/L 

MCL2 

mg/L 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public 

Notification 

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR): 

A. Microbiological contaminants 

1a. Total coliform Zero See 

footnote3 

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the 

environment and are used as an indicator that other, 

potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms 

were found in more samples than allowed and this was a 

warning of potential problems. 

1b. Fecal coliform/E. coli Zero Zero Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence 

indicates that the water may be contaminated with 

human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes 

can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, 

nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a 

special health risk for infants, young children, some of the 

elderly and people with severely compromised immune 

systems. 

1c. Fecal Indicators (GWR) 

i. E. coli 

ii. enterococci 

iii. coliphage 

Zero 

None 

None 

TT 

TT 

TT 

Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates 

that the water may be contaminated with human or 

animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause shortterm health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, 

headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special 

health risk for infants, young children, some of the 

elderly, and people with severely compromised immune 

systems. 

2a. Turbidity (MCL)4 None 1 NTU5/ 

5 NTU 

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can 

interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for 

microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence 

of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms 

such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated 

headaches. 

2b. Turbidity (SWTR TT)6 None TT7 Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can 

interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for 

microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence 

of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms 

such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated 

headaches. 

2c. Turbidity (IESWTR and 

LT1ESWTR TT)8 

None TT Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can 

interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for 

microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence 

of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include 

bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms 

such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated 

headaches. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 85 March 2010 
Appendix C 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 cfR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2008, that are Applicable 

to Transient Noncommunity Water Systems) 

Contaminant MCLG1 

mg/L 

MCL2 

mg/L 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public 

Notification 

B. Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 

(iESWTR), long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (lT1ESWTR), and the filter 

Backwash Recycling Rule (fBRR) violations 

3. Giardia lamblia (SWTR/ 

IESWTR/ 

LT1ESWTR) 

4. Viruses (SWTR/IESWTR/ 

LT1ESWTR) 

5. Heterotrophic plate 

count (HPC) bacteria9 

(SWTR/IESWTR/ 

LT1ESWTR) 

6. Legionella (SWTR/ 

IESWTR/ 

LT1ESWTR) 

7. Cryptosporidium 

(IESWTR/FBRR/ 

LT1ESWTR) 

Zero TT10 Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing 

organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, 

and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, 

cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. 

c. inorganic chemicals (iOcs) 

18. Nitrate 10 10 Infants below the age of six months who drink water 

containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become 

seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include 

shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 

19. Nitrite 1 1 Infants below the age of six months who drink water 

containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become 

seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include 

shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 

20. Total Nitrate and 

Nitrite 

10 10 Infants below the age of six months who drink water 

containing nitrate and nitrite in excess of the MCL could 

become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms 

include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. 

H. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disinfectant Residuals: Where 

disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic 

and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts 

(DBPs).18 

83. Chlorite 0.08 1.0 Some infants and young children who drink water 

containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could experience 

nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in 

fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing 

chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may 

experience anemia. 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 86 March 2010 
Appendix C 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 cfR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2008, that are Applicable 

to Transient Noncommunity Water Systems) 

Contaminant MCLG1 

mg/L 

MCL2 

mg/L 

Standard Health Effects Language for Public 

Notification 

86a. Chlorine dioxide, 0.8 0.8 Some infants and young children who drink water 

where any 2 consecutive (MRDLG) (MRDL) containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could 

daily samples taken experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may 

at the entrance to the occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water 

distribution system are containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some 

above the MRDL people may experience anemia. 

Add for public notification only: The chlorine dioxide 

violations reported today are the result of exceedances 

at the treatment facility only, not within the distribution 

system which delivers water to consumers. Continued 

compliance with chlorine dioxide levels within the 

distribution system minimizes the potential risk of these 

violations to consumers. 

86b. Chlorine dioxide, 

where one or more 

distribution system 

samples are above the 

MRDL 

0.8 

(MRDLG) 

0.8 

(MRDL) 

Some infants and young children who drink water 

containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could 

experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may 

occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water 

containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some 

people may experience anemia. 

Add for public notification only: The chlorine dioxide 

violations reported today include exceedances of the EPA 

standard within the distribution system which delivers 

water to consumers. Violations of the chlorine dioxide 

standard within the distribution system may harm human 

health based on short-term exposures. Certain groups, 

including fetuses, infants, and young children, may be 

especially susceptible to nervous system effects from 

excessive chlorine dioxide exposure. 

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Appendix C Endnotes 

1. MCLG - Maximum contaminant level goal 

2. MCL - Maximum contaminant level 

3. For water systems analyzing at least 40 samples per month, no more than 5.0 percent 

of the monthly samples may be positive for total coliforms. For systems analyzing fewer 

than 40 samples per month, no more than one sample per month may be positive for total 

coliforms. 

4. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, 

including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim 

Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water 

Treatment Rule. The MCL for the monthly turbidity average is 1 NTU; the MCL for the 2-day 

average is 5 NTU for systems that are required to filter but have not yet installed filtration 

(40 CFR 141.13). 

5. NTU - Nephelometric turbidity unit 

6. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, 

including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim 

Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2001 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water 

Treatment Rule. Systems subject to the Surface Water Treatment Rule (both filtered and 

unfiltered) may not exceed 5 NTU. In addition, in filtered systems, 95 percent of samples 

each month must not exceed 0.5 NTU in systems using conventional or direct filtration and 

must not exceed 1 NTU in systems using slow sand or diatomaceous earth filtration or other 

filtration technologies approved by the state. 

7. TT - Treatment technique 

8. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, 

including 40 CFR 141.13, the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the 1998 Interim 

Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced 

Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR). For systems subject to the IESWTR (systems 

serving at least 10,000 people, using surface water or ground water under the direct 

influence of surface water), that use conventional filtration or direct filtration, after January 

1, 2002, the turbidity level of a system’s combined filter effluent may not exceed 0.3 NTU in 

at least 95 percent of monthly measurements, and the turbidity level of a system’s combined 

filter effluent must not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Systems subject to the IESWTR using 

technologies other than conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration 

must meet turbidity limits set by the state. For systems subject to the LT1ESWTR (systems 

serving fewer than 10,000 people, using surface water or ground water under the direct 

influence of surface water) that use conventional filtration or direct filtration, after January 

1, 2005, the turbidity level of a system’s combined filter effluent may not exceed 0.3 NTU in 

at least 95 percent of monthly measurements, and the turbidity level of a system’s combined 

filter effluent must not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Systems subject to the LT1ESWTR using 

technologies other than conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 88 March 2010 
must meet turbidity limits set by the state. 

9. The bacteria detected by heterotrophic plate count (HPC) are not necessarily harmful. 

HPC is simply an alternative method of determining disinfectant residual levels. The number 

of such bacteria is an indicator of whether there is enough disinfectant in the distribution 

system. 

10. SWTR, IESWTR, and LT1ESWTR treatment technique violations that involve turbidity 

exceedances may use the health effects language for turbidity instead. 

18. Subpart H transient noncommunity systems serving ≥10,000 that use chlorine dioxide as 

a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 

2002. All other transient noncommunity systems that use chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant 

or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2004. 

22. MRDLG - Maximum residual disinfectant level goal. 

23. MRDL - Maximum residual disinfectant level. 

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Appendix E 

The Public Notification Rule (40 CFR Part 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
	

§ 141.201 

than 2.0 NTU in two consecutive measurements taken 15 minutes apart at 

any time in each of two consecutive 

months, the system must report the 

filter number, the turbidity measurement, and the date(s) on which the exceedance occurred. In addition, the system must arrange for the conduct of a 

comprehensive performance evaluation 

by the State or a third party approved 

by the State no later than 30 days following the exceedance and have the 

evaluation completed and submitted to 

the State no later than 90 days following the exceedance. 

(c) Additional reporting requirements. 

(1) If at any time the turbidity exceeds 

1 NTU in representative samples of filtered water in a system using conventional filtration treatment or direct 

filtration, the system must inform the 

State as soon as possible, but no later 

than the end of the next business day. 

(2) If at any time the turbidity in 

representative samples of filtered 

water exceeds the maximum level set 

by the State under § 141.173(b) for filtration technologies other than conventional filtration treatment, direct filtration, slow sand filtration, or diatomaceous earth filtration, the system 

must inform the State as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the 

next business day. 

[63 FR 69516, Dec. 16, 1998, as amended at 66 

FR 3779, Jan. 16, 2001] 

Subpart Q—Public Notification of 

Drinking Water Violations 

SOURCE: 65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 141.201 General public notification 

requirements. 

Public water systems in States with 

primacy for the public water system 

supervision (PWSS) program must 

comply with the requirements in this 

subpart no later than May 6, 2002 or on 

the date the State-adopted rule becomes effective, whichever comes first. 

Public water systems in jurisdictions 

where EPA directly implements the 

PWSS program must comply with the 

requirements in this subpart on October 31, 2000. Prior to these dates, public 

water systems must continue to com40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–08 Edition) 

ply with the public notice requirements in § 141.32 of this part. The term 

‘‘primacy agency’’ is used in this subpart to refer to either EPA or the State 

or the Tribe in cases where EPA, the 

State, or the Tribe exercises primary 

enforcement responsibility for this subpart. 

(a) Who must give public notice? Each 

owner or operator of a public water 

system (community water systems, 

non-transient non-community water 

systems, and transient non-community 

water systems) must give notice for all 

violations of national primary drinking water regulations (NPDWR) and for 

other situations, as listed in Table 1. 

The term ‘‘NPDWR violations’’ is used 

in this subpart to include violations of 

the maximum contaminant level 

(MCL), maximum residual disinfection 

level (MRDL), treatment technique 

(TT), monitoring requirements, and 

testing procedures in this part 141. Appendix A to this subpart identifies the 

tier assignment for each specific violation or situation requiring a public notice. 

TABLE 1 TO § 141.201—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A PUBLIC 

NOTICE 

(1) NPDWR violations: 

(i) Failure to comply with an applicable 

maximum contaminant level (MCL) or 

maximum residual disinfectant level 

(MRDL). 

(ii) Failure to comply with 	a prescribed 

treatment technique (TT). 

(iii) Failure to perform water quality monitoring, as required by the drinking 

water regulations. 

(iv) Failure to comply with testing procedures as prescribed by a drinking 

water regulation. 

(2) Variance and exemptions under sections 

1415 and 1416 of SDWA: 

(i) Operation under a variance or an exemption. 

(ii) Failure 	to comply with the requirements of any schedule that has been 

set under a variance or exemption. 

(3) Special public notices: 

(i) Occurrence of a waterborne disease 

outbreak or other waterborne emergency. 

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TABLE 1 TO § 141.201—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A PUBLIC 

NOTICE—Continued 

(ii) Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by 

non-community water systems 

(NCWS), where granted permission by 

the primacy agency under 141.11(d) of 

this part. 

(iii) Exceedance of the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) for 

fluoride. 

(iv) Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data. 

(v) Other violations and situations determined by the primacy agency to require a public notice under this subpart, not already listed in Appendix A. 

(b) What type of public notice is required for each violation or situation? 

Public notice requirements are divided 

into three tiers, to take into account 

the seriousness of the violation or situation and of any potential adverse 

health effects that may be involved. 

The public notice requirements for 

each violation or situation listed in 

Table 1 of this section are determined 

by the tier to which it is assigned. 

Table 2 of this section provides the definition of each tier. Appendix A of this 

part identifies the tier assignment for 

each specific violation or situation. 

TABLE 2 TO § 141.201—DEFINITION OF PUBLIC 

NOTICE TIERS 

(1) Tier 1 public notice—required for NPDWR 

violations and situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on 

human health as a result of short-term exposure. 

(2) Tier 2 public notice—required for all other 

NPDWR violations and situations with potential to have serious adverse effects on 

human health. 

(3) Tier 3 public notice—required for all other 

NPDWR violations and situations not included in Tier 1 and Tier 2. 

(c) Who must be notified? 

(1) Each public water system must 

provide public notice to persons served 

by the water system, in accordance 

with this subpart. Public water systems that sell or otherwise provide 

drinking water to other public water 

systems (i.e., to consecutive systems) 

§ 141.202 

are required to give public notice to 

the owner or operator of the consecutive system; the consecutive system is 

responsible for providing public notice 

to the persons it serves. 

(2) If a public water system has a violation in a portion of the distribution 

system that is physically or hydraulically isolated from other parts of the 

distribution system, the primacy agency may allow the system to limit distribution of the public notice to only 

persons served by that portion of the 

system which is out of compliance. 

Permission by the primacy agency for 

limiting distribution of the notice 

must be granted in writing. 

(3) A copy of the notice must also be 

sent to the primacy agency, in accordance with the requirements under 

§ 141.31(d). 

§ 141.202 Tier 1 Public Notice—Form, 

manner, and frequency of notice. 

(a) Which violations or situations require a Tier 1 public notice? Table 1 of 

this section lists the violation categories and other situations requiring 

a Tier 1 public notice. Appendix A to 

this subpart identifies the tier assignment for each specific violation or situation. 

TABLE 1 TO § 141.202—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A TIER 1 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

(1) Violation of the MCL for total coliforms 

when fecal coliform or E. coli are present 

in the water distribution system (as specified in § 141.63(b)), or when the water system fails to test for fecal coliforms or E. 

coli when any repeat sample tests positive 

for coliform (as specified in § 141.21(e)); 

(2) Violation of the MCL for nitrate, nitrite, or 

total nitrate and nitrite, as defined in 

§ 141.62, or when the water system fails to 

take a confirmation sample within 24 hours 

of the system’s receipt of the first sample 

showing an exceedance of the nitrate or 

nitrite MCL, as specified in § 141.23(f)(2); 

(3) Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by noncommunity water systems, where permitted 

to exceed the MCL by the primacy agency 

under § 141.11(d), as required under 

§ 141.209; 

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§ 141.203 

TABLE 1 TO § 141.202—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A TIER 1 

PUBLIC NOTICE—Continued 

(4) Violation of the MRDL for chlorine dioxide, as defined in § 141.65(a), when one or 

more samples taken in the distribution system the day following an exceedance of 

the MRDL at the entrance of the distribution system exceed the MRDL, or when 

the water system does not take the required samples in the distribution system, 

as specified in § 141.133(c)(2)(i); 

(5) 	 Violation of the turbidity MCL under 

§ 141.13(b), where the primacy agency determines after consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required or where consultation does 

not take place within 24 hours after the 

system learns of the violation; 

(6) Violation of the Surface Water Treatment 

Rule (SWTR), Interim Enhanced Surface 

Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) or Long 

Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR) treatment technique requirement resulting from a single 

exceedance of the maximum allowable turbidity limit (as identified in Appendix A), 

where the primacy agency determines after 

consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required 

or where consultation does not take place 

within 24 hours after the system learns of 

the violation; 

(7) Occurrence of a waterborne disease outbreak, as defined in § 141.2, or other waterborne emergency (such as a failure or 

significant interruption in key water treatment processes, a natural disaster that disrupts the water supply or distribution system, or a chemical spill or unexpected 

loading of possible pathogens into the 

source water that significantly increases 

the potential for drinking water contamination); 

(8) 	 Detection of E. coli, enterococci, or 

coliphage in source water samples as 

specified in § 141.402(a) and § 141.402(b); 

(9) Other violations or situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of shortterm exposure, as determined by the primacy agency either in its regulations or on 

a case-by-case basis. 

(b) When is the Tier 1 public notice to 

be provided? What additional steps are 

required? Public water systems must: 

(1) Provide a public notice as soon as 

practical but no later than 24 hours 

40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–08 Edition) 

after the system learns of the violation; 

(2) Initiate consultation with the primacy agency as soon as practical, but 

no later than 24 hours after the public 

water system learns of the violation or 

situation, to determine additional public notice requirements; and 

(3) Comply with any additional public 

notification requirements (including 

any repeat notices or direction on the 

duration of the posted notices) that are 

established as a result of the consultation with the primacy agency. Such requirements may include the timing, 

form, manner, frequency, and content 

of repeat notices (if any) and other actions designed to reach all persons 

served. 

(c) What is the form and manner of the 

public notice? Public water systems 

must provide the notice within 24 

hours in a form and manner reasonably 

calculated to reach all persons served. 

The form and manner used by the public water system are to fit the specific 

situation, but must be designed to 

reach residential, transient, and nontransient users of the water system. In 

order to reach all persons served, water 

systems are to use, at a minimum, one 

or more of the following forms of delivery: 

(1) Appropriate broadcast media 

(such as radio and television); 

(2) Posting of the notice in conspicuous locations throughout the area 

served by the water system; 

(3) Hand delivery of the notice to persons served by the water system; or 

(4) Another delivery method approved 

in writing by the primacy agency. 

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 67 

FR 1836, Jan. 14, 2002; 71 FR 65652, Nov. 8, 

2006] 

§ 141.203 Tier 2 Public Notice—Form, 

manner, and frequency of notice. 

(a) Which violations or situations require a Tier 2 public notice? Table 1 of 

this section lists the violation categories and other situations requiring 

a Tier 2 public notice. Appendix A to 

this subpart identifies the tier assignment for each specific violation or situation. 

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TABLE 1 TO § 141.203—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A TIER 2 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

(1) 	All violations of the MCL, MRDL, and 

treatment technique requirements, except 

where a Tier 1 notice is required under 

§ 141.202(a) or where the primacy agency 

determines that a Tier 1 notice is required; 

(2) Violations of the monitoring and testing 

procedure requirements, where the primacy agency determines that a Tier 2 rather than a Tier 3 public notice is required, 

taking into account potential health impacts 

and persistence of the violation; and 

(3) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any variance or exemption in 

place. 

(4) Failure to take corrective action or failure 

to maintain at least 4-log treatment of viruses (using inactivation, removal, or a 

State-approved combination of 4-log virus 

inactivation and removal) before or at the 

first customer under § 141.403(a). 

(b) When is the Tier 2 public notice to 

be provided? 

(1) Public water systems must provide the public notice as soon as practical, but no later than 30 days after 

the system learns of the violation. If 

the public notice is posted, the notice 

must remain in place for as long as the 

violation or situation persists, but in 

no case for less than seven days, even if 

the violation or situation is resolved. 

The primacy agency may, in appropriate circumstances, allow additional 

time for the initial notice of up to 

three months from the date the system 

learns of the violation. It is not appropriate for the primacy agency to grant 

an extension to the 30-day deadline for 

any unresolved violation or to allow 

across-the-board extensions by rule or 

policy for other violations or situations requiring a Tier 2 public notice. 

Extensions granted by the primacy 

agency must be in writing. 

(2) The public water system must repeat the notice every three months as 

long as the violation or situation persists, unless the primacy agency determines that appropriate circumstances 

warrant a different repeat notice frequency. In no circumstance may the 

repeat notice be given less frequently 

than once per year. It is not appropriate for the primacy agency to allow 

§ 141.203 

less frequent repeat notice for an MCL 

violation under the Total Coliform 

Rule or a treatment technique violation under the Surface Water Treatment Rule or Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. It is also 

not appropriate for the primacy agency 

to allow through its rules or policies 

across-the-board reductions in the repeat notice frequency for other ongoing 

violations requiring a Tier 2 repeat notice. Primacy agency determinations 

allowing repeat notices to be given less 

frequently than once every three 

months must be in writing. 

(3) For the turbidity violations specified in this paragraph, public water 

systems must consult with the primacy 

agency as soon as practical but no 

later than 24 hours after the public 

water system learns of the violation, to 

determine whether a Tier 1 public notice under § 141.202(a) is required to protect public health. When consultation 

does not take place within the 24-hour 

period, the water system must distribute a Tier 1 notice of the violation 

within the next 24 hours (i.e., no later 

than 48 hours after the system learns of 

the violation), following the requirements under § 141.202(b) and (c). Consultation with the primacy agency is 

required for: 

(i) Violation of the turbidity MCL 

under § 141.13(b); or 

(ii) Violation of the SWTR, IESWTR 

or LT1ESWTR treatment technique requirement resulting from a single exceedance of the maximum allowable 

turbidity limit. 

(c) What is the form and manner of the 

Tier 2 public notice? Public water systems must provide the initial public 

notice and any repeat notices in a form 

and manner that is reasonably calculated to reach persons served in the 

required time period. The form and 

manner of the public notice may vary 

based on the specific situation and type 

of water system, but it must at a minimum meet the following requirements: 

(1) Unless directed otherwise by the 

primacy agency in writing, community 

water systems must provide notice by: 

(i) Mail or other direct delivery to 

each customer receiving a bill and to 

other service connections to which 

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§ 141.204 

water is delivered by the public water 

system; and 

(ii) Any other method reasonably calculated to reach other persons regularly served by the system, if they 

would not normally be reached by the 

notice required in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of 

this section. Such persons may include 

those who do not pay water bills or do 

not have service connection addresses 

(e.g., house renters, apartment dwellers, university students, nursing home 

patients, prison inmates, etc.). Other 

methods may include: Publication in a 

local newspaper; delivery of multiple 

copies for distribution by customers 

that provide their drinking water to 

others (e.g., apartment building owners 

or large private employers); posting in 

public places served by the system or 

on the Internet; or delivery to community organizations. 

(2) Unless directed otherwise by the 

primacy agency in writing, non-community water systems must provide 

notice by: 

(i) Posting the notice in conspicuous 

locations throughout the distribution 

system frequented by persons served by 

the system, or by mail or direct delivery to each customer and service connection (where known); and 

(ii) Any other method reasonably calculated to reach other persons served 

by the system if they would not normally be reached by the notice required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Such persons may include those 

served who may not see a posted notice 

because the posted notice is not in a location they routinely pass by. Other 

methods may include: Publication in a 

local newspaper or newsletter distributed to customers; use of E-mail to notify employees or students; or, delivery 

of multiple copies in central locations 

(e.g., community centers). 

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 67 

FR 1836, Jan. 14, 2002; 71 FR 65652, Nov. 8, 

2006] 

§ 141.204 Tier 3 Public Notice—Form, 

manner, and frequency of notice. 

(a) Which violations or situations require a Tier 3 public notice? Table 1 of 

this section lists the violation categories and other situations requiring 

a Tier 3 public notice. Appendix A to 

this subpart identifies the tier assign40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–08 Edition) 

ment for each specific violation or situation. 

TABLE 1 TO § 141.204—VIOLATION CATEGORIES 

AND OTHER SITUATIONS REQUIRING A TIER 3 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

(1) Monitoring violations under 40 CFR part 

141, except where a Tier 1 notice is required under § 141.202(a) or where the primacy agency determines that a Tier 2 notice is required; 

(2) Failure to comply with a testing procedure 

established in 40 CFR part 141, except 

where a Tier 1 notice is required under 

§ 141.202(a)) or where the primacy agency 

determines that a Tier 2 notice is required; 

(3) Operation under a variance granted under 

Section 1415 or an exemption granted 

under Section 1416 of the Safe Drinking 

Water Act; 

(4) Availability 	 of unregulated contaminant 

monitoring results, as required under 

§ 141.207; and 

(5) 	 Exceedance of the fluoride secondary 

maximum contaminant level (SMCL), as 

required under § 141.208. 

(b) When is the Tier 3 public notice to 

be provided? 

(1) Public water systems must provide the public notice not later than 

one year after the public water system 

learns of the violation or situation or 

begins operating under a variance or 

exemption. Following the initial notice, the public water system must repeat the notice annually for as long as 

the violation, variance, exemption, or 

other situation persists. If the public 

notice is posted, the notice must remain in place for as long as the violation, variance, exemption, or other situation persists, but in no case less than 

seven days (even if the violation or situation is resolved). 

(2) Instead of individual Tier 3 public 

notices, a public water system may use 

an annual report detailing all violations and situations that occurred during the previous twelve months, as 

long as the timing requirements of 

paragraph (b)(1) of this section are met. 

(c) What is the form and manner of the 

Tier 3 public notice? Public water systems must provide the initial notice 

and any repeat notices in a form and 

manner that is reasonably calculated 

to reach persons served in the required 

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time period. The form and manner of 

the public notice may vary based on 

the specific situation and type of water 

system, but it must at a minimum 

meet the following requirements: 

(1) Unless directed otherwise by the 

primacy agency in writing, community 

water systems must provide notice by: 

(i) Mail or other direct delivery to 

each customer receiving a bill and to 

other service connections to which 

water is delivered by the public water 

system; and 

(ii) Any other method reasonably calculated to reach other persons regularly served by the system, if they 

would not normally be reached by the 

notice required in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of 

this section. Such persons may include 

those who do not pay water bills or do 

not have service connection addresses 

(e.g., house renters, apartment dwellers, university students, nursing home 

patients, prison inmates, etc.). Other 

methods may include: Publication in a 

local newspaper; delivery of multiple 

copies for distribution by customers 

that provide their drinking water to 

others (e.g., apartment building owners 

or large private employers); posting in 

public places or on the Internet; or delivery to community organizations. 

(2) Unless directed otherwise by the 

primacy agency in writing, non-community water systems must provide 

notice by: 

(i) Posting the notice in conspicuous 

locations throughout the distribution 

system frequented by persons served by 

the system, or by mail or direct delivery to each customer and service connection (where known); and 

(ii) Any other method reasonably calculated to reach other persons served 

by the system, if they would not normally be reached by the notice required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Such persons may include those 

who may not see a posted notice because the notice is not in a location 

they routinely pass by. Other methods 

may include: Publication in a local 

newspaper or newsletter distributed to 

customers; use of E-mail to notify employees or students; or, delivery of 

multiple copies in central locations 

(e.g., community centers). 

(d) In what situations may the Consumer Confidence Report be used to meet 

§ 141.205 

the Tier 3 public notice requirements? For 

community water systems, the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) required under Subpart O of this part 

may be used as a vehicle for the initial 

Tier 3 public notice and all required repeat notices, as long as: 

(1) The CCR is provided to persons 

served no later than 12 months after 

the system learns of the violation or 

situation as required under § 141.204(b); 

(2) The Tier 3 notice contained in the 

CCR follows the content requirements 

under § 141.205; and 

(3) The CCR is distributed following 

the delivery requirements under 

§ 141.204(c). 

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000; 65 FR 38629, June 21, 

2000] 

§ 141.205 Content of the public notice. 

(a) What elements must be included in 

the public notice for violations of National 

Primary Drinking Water Regulations 

(NPDWR) or other situations requiring a 

public notice? When a public water system violates a NPDWR or has a situation requiring public notification, each 

public notice must include the following elements: 

(1) A description of the violation or 

situation, including the contaminant(s) 

of concern, and (as applicable) the contaminant level(s); 

(2) When the violation or situation 

occurred; 

(3) Any potential adverse health effects from the violation or situation, 

including the standard language under 

paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section, whichever is applicable; 

(4) The population at risk, including 

subpopulations particularly vulnerable 

if exposed to the contaminant in their 

drinking water; 

(5) Whether alternative water supplies should be used; 

(6) What actions consumers should 

take, including when they should seek 

medical help, if known; 

(7) What the system is doing to correct the violation or situation; 

(8) When the water system expects to 

return to compliance or resolve the situation; 

(9) The name, business address, and 

phone number of the water system 

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owner, operator, or designee of the public water system as a source of additional information concerning the notice; and 

(10) A statement to encourage the notice recipient to distribute the public 

notice to other persons served, using 

the standard language under paragraph 

(d)(3) of this section, where applicable. 

(b) What elements must be included in 

the public notice for public water systems 

operating under a variance or exemption? 

(1) If a public water system has been 

granted a variance or an exemption, 

the public notice must contain: 

(i) An explanation of the reasons for 

the variance or exemption; 

(ii) The date on which the variance or 

exemption was issued; 

(iii) A brief status report on the steps 

the system is taking to install treatment, find alternative sources of water, 

or otherwise comply with the terms 

and schedules of the variance or exemption; and 

(iv) A notice of any opportunity for 

public input in the review of the variance or exemption. 

(2) If a public water system violates 

the conditions of a variance or exemption, the public notice must contain 

the ten elements listed in paragraph (a) 

of this section. 

(c) How is the public notice to be presented? 

(1) Each public notice required by 

this section: 

(i) Must be displayed in a conspicuous way when printed or posted; 

(ii) Must not contain overly technical 

language or very small print; 

(iii) Must not be formatted in a way 

that defeats the purpose of the notice; 

(iv) Must not contain language which 

nullifies the purpose of the notice. 

(2) Each public notice required by 

this section must comply with multilingual requirements, as follows: 

(i) For public water systems serving 

a large proportion of non-English 

speaking consumers, as determined by 

the primacy agency, the public notice 

must contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice or contain a telephone number or address where persons 

served may contact the water system 

to obtain a translated copy of the no40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–08 Edition) 

tice or to request assistance in the appropriate language. 

(ii) In cases where the primacy agency has not determined what constitutes a large proportion of nonEnglish speaking consumers, the public 

water system must include in the public notice the same information as in 

paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, 

where appropriate to reach a large proportion of non-English speaking persons served by the water system. 

(d) What standard language must public water systems include in their public 

notice? Public water systems are required to include the following standard language in their public notice: 

(1) Standard health effects language 

for MCL or MRDL violations, treatment technique violations, and violations of the condition of a variance or 

exemption. Public water systems must 

include in each public notice the 

health effects language specified in Appendix B to this subpart corresponding 

to each MCL, MRDL, and treatment 

technique violation listed in Appendix 

A to this subpart, and for each violation of a condition of a variance or exemption. 

(2) Standard language for monitoring 

and testing procedure violations. Public water systems must include the following language in their notice, including the language necessary to fill in 

the blanks, for all monitoring and testing procedure violations listed in Appendix A to this subpart: 

We are required to monitor your drinking 

water for specific contaminants on a regular 

basis. Results of regular monitoring are an 

indicator of whether or not your drinking 

water meets health standards. During [compliance period], we ‘‘did not monitor or test’’ 

or ‘‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’’ for [contaminant(s)], and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking 

water during that time. 

(3) Standard language to encourage 

the distribution of the public notice to 

all persons served. Public water systems must include in their notice the 

following language (where applicable): 

Please share this information with all the 

other people who drink this water, especially 

those who may not have received this notice 

directly (for example, people in apartments, 

nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You 

can do this by posting this notice in a public 

place or distributing copies by hand or mail. 

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§ 141.206 Notice to new billing units or 

new customers. 

(a) What is the requirement for community water systems? Community water 

systems must give a copy of the most 

recent public notice for any continuing 

violation, the existence of a variance 

or exemption, or other ongoing situations requiring a public notice to all 

new billing units or new customers 

prior to or at the time service begins. 

(b) What is the requirement for noncommunity water systems? Non-community water systems must continuously 

post the public notice in conspicuous 

locations in order to inform new consumers of any continuing violation, 

variance or exemption, or other situation requiring a public notice for as 

long as the violation, variance, exemption, or other situation persists. 

§ 141.207 Special notice of the availability of unregulated contaminant 

monitoring results. 

(a) When is the special notice to be 

given? The owner or operator of a community water system or non-transient, 

non-community water system required 

to monitor under § 141.40 must notify 

persons served by the system of the 

availability of the results of such sampling no later than 12 months after the 

monitoring results are known. 

(b) What is the form and manner of the 

special notice? The form and manner of 

the public notice must follow the requirements for a Tier 3 public notice 

prescribed in §§ 141.204(c), (d)(1), and 

(d)(3). The notice must also identify a 

person and provide the telephone number to contact for information on the 

monitoring results. 

§ 141.208 Special notice for exceedance 

of the SMCL for fluoride. 

(a) When is the special notice to be 

given? Community water systems that 

exceed the fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 2 

mg/l as specified in § 143.3 (determined 

by the last single sample taken in accordance with § 141.23), but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level 

(MCL) of 4 mg/l for fluoride (as specified in § 141.62), must provide the public 

notice in paragraph (c) of this section 

to persons served. Public notice must 

be provided as soon as practical but no 

§ 141.208 

later than 12 months from the day the 

water system learns of the exceedance. 

A copy of the notice must also be sent 

to all new billing units and new customers at the time service begins and 

to the State public health officer. The 

public water system must repeat the 

notice at least annually for as long as 

the SMCL is exceeded. If the public notice is posted, the notice must remain 

in place for as long as the SMCL is exceeded, but in no case less than seven 

days (even if the exceedance is eliminated). On a case-by-case basis, the primacy agency may require an initial notice sooner than 12 months and repeat 

notices more frequently than annually. 

(b) What is the form and manner of the 

special notice? The form and manner of 

the public notice (including repeat notices) must follow the requirements for 

a Tier 3 public notice in § 141.204(c) and 

(d)(1) and (d)(3). 

(c) What mandatory language must be 

contained in the special notice? The notice must contain the following language, including the language necessary to fill in the blanks: 

This is an alert about your drinking water 

and a cosmetic dental problem that might 

affect children under nine years of age. At 

low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, 

but children drinking water containing more 

than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of fluoride 

may develop cosmetic discoloration of their 

permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The 

drinking water provided by your community 

water system [name] has a fluoride concentration of [insert value] mg/l. 

Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe 

forms, may result in a brown staining and/or 

pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem 

occurs only in developing teeth, before they 

erupt from the gums. Children under nine 

should be provided with alternative sources 

of drinking water or water that has been 

treated to remove the fluoride to avoid the 

possibility of staining and pitting of their 

permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young 

children of fluoride-containing products. 

Older children and adults may safely drink 

the water. 

Drinking water containing more than 4 

mg/L of fluoride (the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency’s drinking water standard) can increase your risk of developing 

bone disease. Your drinking water does not 

contain more than 4 mg/l of fluoride, but 

we’re required to notify you when we discover that the fluoride levels in your drinking water exceed 2 mg/l because of this cosmetic dental problem. 

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For more information, please call [name of 

water system contact] of [name of community water system] at [phone number]. Some 

home water treatment units are also available to remove fluoride from drinking water. 

To learn more about available home water 

treatment units, you may call NSF International at 1–877–8–NSF–HELP.’’ 

§ 141.209 Special notice for nitrate 

exceedances above MCL by noncommunity water systems (NCWS), 

where granted permission by the 

primacy agency under § 141.11(d) 

(a) When is the special notice to be 

given? The owner or operator of a noncommunity water system granted permission by the primacy agency under 

§ 141.11(d) to exceed the nitrate MCL 

must provide notice to persons served 

according to the requirements for a 

Tier 1 notice under § 141.202(a) and (b). 

(b) What is the form and manner of the 

special notice? Non-community water 

systems granted permission by the primacy agency to exceed the nitrate 

MCL under § 141.11(d) must provide continuous posting of the fact that nitrate 

levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential 

health effects of exposure, according to 

the requirements for Tier 1 notice delivery under § 141.202(c) and the content 

requirements under § 141.205. 

§ 141.210 Notice by primacy agency on 

behalf of the public water system. 

(a) May the primacy agency give the 

notice on behalf of the public water system? The primacy agency may give the 

notice required by this subpart on behalf of the owner and operator of the 

public water system if the primacy 

agency complies with the requirements 

of this subpart. 

(b) What is the responsibility of the 

public water system when notice is given 

by the primacy agency? The owner or operator of the public water system remains responsible for ensuring that the 

requirements of this subpart are met. 

§ 141.211 Special notice for repeated 

failure to conduct monitoring of the 

source water for Cryptosporidium 

and for failure to determine bin 

classification or mean 

Cryptosporidium level. 

(a) When is the special notice for repeated failure to monitor to be given? The 

owner or operator of a community or 

non-community water system that is 

40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–08 Edition) 

required to monitor source water under 

§ 141.701 must notify persons served by 

the water system that monitoring has 

not been completed as specified no 

later than 30 days after the system has 

failed to collect any 3 months of monitoring as specified in § 141.701(c). The 

notice must be repeated as specified in 

§ 141.203(b). 

(b) When is the special notice for failure 

to determine bin classification or mean 

Cryptosporidium level to be given? The 

owner or operator of a community or 

non-community water system that is 

required to determine a bin classification under § 141.710, or to determine 

mean Cryptosporidium level under 

§ 141.712, must notify persons served by 

the water system that the determination has not been made as required no 

later than 30 days after the system has 

failed report the determination as 

specified in § 141.710(e) or § 141.712(a), respectively. The notice must be repeated as specified in § 141.203(b). The 

notice is not required if the system is 

complying with a State-approved 

schedule to address the violation. 

(c) What is the form and manner of the 

special notice? The form and manner of 

the public notice must follow the requirements for a Tier 2 public notice 

prescribed in § 141.203(c). The public notice must be presented as required in 

§ 141.205(c). 

(d) What mandatory language must be 

contained in the special notice? The notice must contain the following language, including the language necessary to fill in the blanks. 

(1) The special notice for repeated 

failure to conduct monitoring must 

contain the following language: 

We are required to monitor the source of 

your drinking water for Cryptosporidium. Results of the monitoring are to be used to determine whether water treatment at the 

(treatment plant name) is sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your 

drinking water. We are required to complete 

this monitoring and make this determination by (required bin determination date). 

We ‘‘did not monitor or test’’ or ‘‘did not 

complete all monitoring or testing’’ on 

schedule and, therefore, we may not be able 

to determine by the required date what 

treatment modifications, if any, must be 

made to ensure adequate Cryptosporidium removal. Missing this deadline may, in turn, 

jeopardize our ability to have the required 

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treatment modifications, if any, completed 

by the deadline required, (date). 

For more information, please call (name of 

water system contact) of (name of water system) at (phone number). 

(2) The special notice for failure to 

determine bin classification or mean 

Cryptosporidium level must contain the 

following language: 

We are required to monitor the source of 

your drinking water for Cryptosporidium in 

order to determine by (date) whether water 

treatment at the (treatment plant name) is 

sufficient to adequately remove 

Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. 

§ 141.211 

We have not made this determination by the 

required date. Our failure to do this may 

jeopardize our ability to have the required 

treatment modifications, if any, completed 

by the required deadline of (date). For more 

information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) at 

(phone number). 

(3) Each special notice must also include a description of what the system 

is doing to correct the violation and 

when the system expects to return to 

compliance or resolve the situation. 

[71 FR 768, Jan. 5, 2006] 

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