Public Notification 

Handbook for 

Transient 

Non-Community 

Water Systems

(Original Public Notification Handbook Document: 

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

(Document updated and prepared for Transient Non-Community 

Water Systems: EPA 816-R-07-004, March 2007)
Office of Water (4606) EPA-816-R-07-004 www.epa.gov/safewater March 2007

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This handbook provides guidance to States, public water systems, and the general public 

concerning how 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 notice (PN) 

regulations are in the Code of Federal Regulations under Chapter 40, Part 141, Subpart Q, beginning 

at section 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 up through 

July 2006. It does not include public notification requirements and information for the Ground Water Rule 

(GWR) published November 8, 2006.

Office of Water (4606) EPA-816-R-07-004 www.epa.gov/safewater March 2007
Office of Water (4606) EPA-816-R-07-004 www.epa.gov/safewater March 2007

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

Contents

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

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

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

What information is required in my notice? .................................................................................. 5

What kinds of violations and situations require public notice?...................................................... 6

When and how do I need to notify my consumers? ...................................................................... 7

Deadlines for issuing public notice ................................................................................................ 7

Required methods of delivery........................................................................................................ 8

Will I need to translate my notice? ................................................................................................ 8

4. Suggestions for Layout of the Notice.............................................................................11

How should the notice be formatted to get people’s attention?................................................. 11

How can I make a notice easier to read? ..................................................................................... 11

How should I tailor the notice to my situation?........................................................................... 12

5. Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery...........................................................13

How can I make posting effective?.............................................................................................. 13

What other methods are available to reach all consumers?......................................................... 13

After providing the notice, what information must I provide my primacy agency? ..................... 14

TEMPLATES FOR TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS ......................................... 15

Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice –Template NC-1.................................................................... 17

Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice –Template NC-1A .................................................... 19

Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice – Template NC-2 ................................. 21

Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice – Template NC-3..................... 23

Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4.................................................................... 25

Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4A .................................................... 27

Unresolved Total Coliform Notice – Template NC-5 ............................................................... 29

Monitoring Violation Notice –Template NC-6......................................................................... 31

Problem Corrected Notice –Template NC-7 ............................................................................ 33

Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice – NC-8......................................................................... 35

IESWTR or LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single

Exceedance Notice – NC-9................................................................................................... 37

Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice – NC-10...................................................................... 39

SWTR Failure to Filter Notice – NC-11 .................................................................................... 41

SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice – NC-12 ........................................................................... 43
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook ii March 2007

SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice – NC-13 ........................................................................ 45

LT2ESWTR Failure to Install Treatment Notice – NC-14a ......................................................... 47

LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment

Technique Violation Notice – NC-14b.................................................................................. 49

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Treatment Notice – NC-14c............................. 51

LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring

(Initial or Second Round) Notice – NC-14d.......................................................................... 53

Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice – NC-15...................... 55

Appendix A

NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice ................................59

Appendix B

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification ...........................................63

Appendix C

Translated Phrases ...........................................................................................................69
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

1.Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to explain EPA’s public notification rule and provide specific examples of 

public notices. This handbook is geared to the specific needs of transient non-community 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 public notification 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 

that already have or that may 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 non-community 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 concerns when facing health risks; what is unique is the generally 

limited scope of the necessary message and the delivery options available for transient non-community water 

systems.

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 Public Notification Handbook (EPA 816-R-07-003), which was written 

for community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems. The 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 non-community 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 

requirements. This handbook contains templates designed for posted notices for total coliform, fecal 

coliform/E. coli, and nitrate MCL violations, as well as for monitoring violations.

Note that the public notice requirements described in this handbook are based on Federal regulations. 

Citations provided within the document, such as 141.201, refer to specific sections found in title 40 of 

the Code of Federal Regulations. States or Tribes may have alternate public notice requirements or more 

stringent drinking water standards. You should check with your primacy agency1 to make sure you meet 

its specific requirements.

1

The primacy agency is the agency with primary enforcement responsibility for the administration and enforcement of primary drinking water 

regulations and related requirements applicable to public water systems within a State. A primacy agency can be a State, EPA, or an eligible 

Indian tribe. A State or Tribal primary enforcement agency must adopt drinking water regulations no less stringent than the National Primary 

Drinking Water Regulations and must adopt and implement adequate procedures for the enforcement of such regulations. Other primacy 

requirements also apply.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook  March 2007

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 local health department or other primacy agency to see if your state has 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 primacy agency if required.

For violations and situations requiring Tier 1 notice, immediately consult with your primacy 

agency when you learn of the violation or situation (141.202(b)). You must issue the notice within 

24 hours of learning of the violation, even if you are unable to contact the primacy agency. 

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 MCL violation, immediately consult 

with your primacy agency when you learn of the violation. Your primacy agency will determine 

whether the violation needs to be elevated to Tier 1 (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 non-community 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. The reverse of each template includes violation-specific suggestions 

for modifying each template. 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.

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

(141.205(c)). Templates NC-1A and NC-4A 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 March 2007

8. Send a copy of each type of notice issued (including repeat notices) to your primacy agency within 

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

requirements have been met (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 primacy agency if consultation is required 

before issuing a notice, 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.

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook  March 2007

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 public notification 

requirements for transient non-community water systems. See Appendix D for a copy of this regulation. 

Also, check with your primacy agency to see if they have stricter requirements. 

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 (141.205(d))

1. A description of the violation or situation;

2. When the violation or situation occurred; 

3. Potential adverse health effects; using the health effects language in Appendix B or language for 

monitoring violations;

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; and

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

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

standard language (141.205(d)): 

Health effects language for maximum contaminant level (MCL) and maximum residual disinfectant 

level (MRDL) violations, treatment technique violations, and violations of the conditions of a variance or 

exemption. You must include the health effects language specified in Appendix B for such violations. You 

must also describe potential health effects for other situations, even if there is no mandatory language.

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

language for all monitoring and testing procedure violations:

“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.”

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

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 applicable to transient noncommunity water systems, refer to Appendix A. 

Table 1: Violations or Situations Requiring Public Notice

Tier 1 Violations or Situations (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 mg/l (but not more than 20 mg/l) when permitted by the 

primacy agency (see the “Special Notice for Nitrate MCL Exceedances Non-Community Water Systems 

Only” box in this Chapter).

Chlorine dioxide 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 primacy agency, or if a consultation does not occur.

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

primacy agency, or if a consultation does not occur.

Waterborne disease outbreak or other waterborne emergency.

Other violations or situations as determined by the primacy agency.

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Tier 2 Violations or Situations (141.203)

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

Monitoring violations as determined by the primacy agency.

 Violations of the conditions of a variance or exemption.

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Tier 3 Violations or Situations (141.203)

Monitoring violations, except those in Tier 1 or 2.

Failure to comply with testing procedures.

Operation under a variance or exemption.

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

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, 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 dictated 

by the 

primacy 

agency

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

2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not 

reached by the first method

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

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

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

agency. Posted notices must remain posted and may need periodic updating.

** Primacy agencies may approve other methods. 

*** For Tier 1, systems must also initiate consultation with the primacy agency 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 primacy agency 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.

 

Deadlines for issuing public notice

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

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 primacy agency 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.

 

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 persists, 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 persists.

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

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook March 2007

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

situation persists, 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 persists.

Required methods of delivery

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

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 (141.202(c)). 

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 primacy agency 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 the notice delivery requirement.

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 (141.203(b); 141.204(b)). If you can reach all persons 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. 

Special Notice for Nitrate MCL Exceedances

Non-Community Water Systems Only

Some non-community water systems may have been granted permission by the primacy agency 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 (141.209). You must include the required content elements summarized in this handbook. Your 

primacy agency 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 (141.11(d)). See the sample template for this situation 

in this handbook.

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 (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 primacy agency may have established criteria for what constitutes a large proportion of the 

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

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook  March 2007

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 this Handbook (see templates NC-1A and NC-4A). Appendix C 

provides translations of several useful phrases that convey the importance of the message and the need to 

have it translated.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 10 March 2007

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 11 March 2007

4.Suggestions for Layout of the Notice

In addition to being concise and readable, notices for transient non-community 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-15 at the end 

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.

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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, and highlight the population at risk (if applicable), actions 

consumers should take, a very short description of the violation or situation, and 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 C. Appendix C 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 passers-by.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 12 March 2007

How should I tailor the notice to my situation?

If you are providing bottled or other sources of water, list the location from which you are distributing or 

selling it. 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. Confirm ahead of time and periodically reconfirm that 

available bottled water supplies meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 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. For example, in the case of a nitrate violation, instruct 

consumers that boiling the water will not make the water safe for infants as boiling will only makes nitrates 

more concentrated. The water should not be provided to infants. For fecal coliform or E. coli violations, 

instruct them to use boiled water for brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 13 March 2007

5.Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery

Most transient non-community water systems can probably use some combination of posting and hand 

delivery. For instance, a campground should post notices in bathrooms or at 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 them in common areas.

Systems that have multiple monitoring violations throughout the year, may wish to consolidate notices into 

one annual notice. You must provide notice within 12 months of the first violation. This may save you 

money by reducing the amount of time you spend on posting, copying, and delivering. However, an annual 

notice at a transient system would not have much relevance to someone who passed through the area served 

by the system one day out of the year. You may find it easier and more effective to issue notices as violations 

or situations occur, rather than trying to pull together records and compile them at the end of the year. 

Your primacy agency may also have more stringent requirements.

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 persists (141.206(b)). Violations are not 

resolved until the primacy agency determines they are resolved. In no case can the notice be posted less than 

seven days even if the violation or situation has been resolved (141.203(b); 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 that will not easily blow away. 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:

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.

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. 

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.

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 14 March 2007

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.

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.

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.

After providing the notice, what information must I provide my primacy agency?

After you provide the notice to your consumers, you must, within ten days, send your primacy agency 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 public notification requirements (141.31(d)). You must send 

certifications for both initial and any repeat notices. When you certify, you are also stating that you will 

meet future requirements for notifying new billing units of the violation or situation. 

A sample certification “box” with appropriate language is provided below. The box is not mandatory (only 

a statement is); however, it is a useful tool for tracking and noting required activities. Contact your primacy 

agency; they may have a certification form they require be submitted to them. If your primacy agency 

does not have a required certification form for you to use, you may wish to copy this certification onto the 

bottom or reverse of the copy of the notice you send to the primacy agency.

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PWS Name: [system name] 

PWS ID #: [PWS number] 

For Violation: [describe violation or situation] 

Occurring on: [insert date] .

The public water system 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 primacy agency (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 15 March 2007

The pages that follow contain templates recommended for use by transient non-community water systems. 

They are generally designed for posting, and their instructions to consumers are tailored to systems where 

consumers will not be able to boil or otherwise treat their water. Along with each template are suggestions, 

including the required method of delivery and suggestions for completing 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, which must be included as written with blanks filled in, is 

presented in italics (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 (141.205(d)):

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

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

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

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

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

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 LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice 

– NC-9

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

SWTR Failure to Filter Notice – NC-11

SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice – NC-12

SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice – NC-13

LT2ESWTR Failure to Install Treatment Notice – NC-14a

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

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Treatment Notice – NC-14c

LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or Second Round) Notice – NC-14d

Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice – NC-15

TEMPLATES FOR TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 16 March 2007

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 17 March 2007

19 

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 within no more than 24 hours of learning 

of the violation (141.202(b)). During this time period, you must also contact your primacy agency. 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 (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. 

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

received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the 

health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 U.S. 

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 [date], you were also notified of high nitrate levels that occurred during the ____ 

quarter 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 [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 primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice – Template NC-1 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 18 March 2007

20 

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 [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 

A routine sample on [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: ______.

Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice – Template NC-1 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 19 March 2007

21 

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. 

Instructions for Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice – Template NC-1A 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 20 March 2007

22 

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 

Una muestra rutinaria en [date] mostró que el agua de beber tiene una concentración de nitrato de [level 

and units]. 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: ________. 

Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice – Template NC-1A 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 21 March 2007 23 

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 within 24 hours after you learn of the violation (141.202(b)). During this time period you must 

also contact your primacy agency. 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 (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. 

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

received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the 

health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 U.S. 

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 [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: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice – Template NC-2
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 22 March 2007

24 

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. Water 

sample results received 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 and 

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

Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice – Template NC-2 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 25 23 March 2007

Template on Reverse

Non-community water systems that have received approval by their primacy agency 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 within no more than 24 hours of learning of 

the situation (141.202(b)). You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the 

notice to consumers (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. 

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who 

may not have received the notice. 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. If you modify the 

notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is 

mandatory (141.205(d)).

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 U.S. 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 

(141.209(b)).

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 

(141.31(d)).

Instructions for Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice – 

Template NC-3
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 24 March 2007

26 

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 [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 [primacy agency] 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:______. 

Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice – Template NC-3 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 27 25 March 2007

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 within 24 hours after you learn of the 

violation (141.202(b)). During this time period you must also contact your primacy agency. You must 

use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers (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. 

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

have received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must 

leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 U.S. 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 violations. You can use one or more of the following 

actions, if appropriate: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 26 March 2007

28 

WARNING

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER

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

on [date]

Bottled water is available from _____

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 about drinking water in general from their 

health care providers. 

Steps We Are Taking

[Describe corrective action.] 

We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform 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: ______.

Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 27 March 2007

29 

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.

Instructions for Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4A 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 2830 March 2007

AVISO

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: ________. 

Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice – Template NC-4A 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 29 March 2007

31 

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 (141.203(b)). Persistent total 

coliform problems can pose a serious health risk, and your primacy agency may elevate such 

situations to Tier 1. Check with your primacy agency to make sure you meet all its requirements. 

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

Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)). 

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

have received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must 

leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 use 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 [month], ____ 

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 actions, if appropriate, or 

develop your own: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice – Template NC-5 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 30 March 2007 32 

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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: ______.

Unresolved Total Coliform Notice – Template NC-5 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 3133 March 2007

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 (141.204(b)). Multiple monitoring violations can 

be serious, and your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements. Check with your 

primacy agency to make sure you meet its requirements. 

Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.204(c)). 

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

have received the notice. 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. 

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 (141.204(b)). If you mail, post, or hand deliver, you should 

print your notice on letterhead, if available. 

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

violations, as well as for notices for individual violations. This example 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. 

Include in your notice the standard language for monitoring and testing procedure violations in italics

with blanks filled in (141.205(d)(2)). If you modify the notice, you may not alter this mandatory 

language. 

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: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (141.31(d)). 

Instructions for Monitoring Violation Notice – Template NC-6 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 32 March 2007 34 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

Monitoring requirements not met for [system]

We violated a drinking water standard. 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 for [it/them] 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 taken

Coliform

(example)

Twice 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: ______.

Monitoring Violation Notice – Template NC-6 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 33 March 2007

35 

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 primacy agency 

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 notice 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.

Instructions for Problem Corrected Notice – Template NC-7 

35 

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 primacy agency 

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 notice 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.

Instructions for Problem Corrected Notice – Template NC-7 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 3436 March 2007

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED

Customers of [system] were notified on [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: ______.

Problem Corrected Notice – Template NC-7

36 

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED

Customers of [system] were notified on [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: ______.

Problem Corrected Notice – Template NC-7
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 35 March 2007

37 

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 within 24 hours after you 

learn of the situation (141.202(b)). You must contact your primacy agency 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 primacy agency 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/health/diseases.htm, 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 

(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. 

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

received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects 

language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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. Also, no mandatory health effects language exists for waterborne disease outbreaks. You 

may wish to use the sentence below, if appropriate, or contact your primacy agency 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 U.S. 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 actions, if 

appropriate, or develop your own: 

• We are repairing our filtration system. 

• We are increasing sampling for disease-causing organisms. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice – Template NC-8 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 38 36 March 2007

WARNING

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER

Disease-causing organisms have entered [system’s] water 

supply.

Bottled water is available from _____

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. 

People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water in general from their 

health care providers. 

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: ______.

Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice – Template NC-8 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 37 March 2007 39 

Template on Reverse

This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. If your primacy agency has 

designated this turbidity single exceedance as a Tier 1 violation (141.202(a)), you must provide public notice to 

persons served within 24 hours after it has been designated Tier 1 (141.202(b)). Turbidity violations are Tier 2 by 

default, but may frequently be elevated to Tier 1 by your primacy agency. In addition, violations are automatically 

elevated if you are unable to consult with your primacy agency 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 (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. 

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

the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics 

unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 U.S. Food and Drug 

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

Population Served 

Make sure it is clear who is served by your water system--you may need to list the areas you serve. 

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 actions, if appropriate, or 

develop your own: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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.

Instructions for IESWTR or LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity 

Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice – Template NC-9 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 38 March 2007

40 

WARNING

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER

[System] has high turbidity levels 

Bottled water is available from _____ 

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 disease-causing 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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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.

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: ______.

IESWTR or LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single Exceedance 

as Tier 1 Notice – Template NC-9 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 39 March 2007

41 

Template on Reverse

Since it is a Tier 1 violation 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 public notice to persons served as soon as practical but 

within 24 hours after you learn of the violation (141.202(b)). You must also contact your primacy 

agency 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 (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. 

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

have received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must 

leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 U.S. 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 

actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• We are resetting the generator to generate the correct amount of chlorine dioxide. 

• We are repairing the 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 primacy agency 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 (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. 

Instructions for Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice – Template NC-10 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 42 40 March 2007

DRINKING WATER WARNING 

PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN 

SHOULD NOT DRINK THE WATER 

Bottled water is available from _____ 

Sampling results received [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

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: ______.

Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice – Template NC-10 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 43 41 March 2007

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 

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

Your primacy agency 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 agency to make sure you 

meet all requirements. 

Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)). 

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

received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the 

health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• 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. 

Repeat Notices 

For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind consumers of 

when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing filtration, describe it. 

Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation, let consumers know. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 (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.

Instructions for SWTR Failure to Filter Notice – Template NC-11 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 44 42 March 2007

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

[System] Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements 

On [give date], the [primacy agency] 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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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: ______.

SWTR Failure to Filter Notice – Template NC-11 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 43 March 2007

45 

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 

(141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your 

primacy agency 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 agency 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 primacy agency as 

soon as practical but within 24 hours of learning 

of the violation. During the consultation, the agency 

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 NC9). 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 [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." 

Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)).

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

received the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects 

language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 actions, if 

appropriate, or develop your own: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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.

Instructions for SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice – Template NC-12 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 44 March 2007 46 

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.]

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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: ______.

SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice – Template NC-12 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 47 45 March 2007

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 (141.203(b)). 

Some disinfection problems may be serious. Your primacy agency 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 

agency to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)). 

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

the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics 

unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

Description of the Violation 

Choose from 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 ________, disinfectant residual was undetectable in more than 5% 

of samples. The standard 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 ___ hours. The 

standard is that levels may not drop below 0.2 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 actions, if 

appropriate, or develop your own: 

• 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 primacy agency 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 (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.

Instructions for SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice – Template NC-13 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 48 46 March 2007

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 immediately. 

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

Steps We Are Taking

[Describe why the violation occurred and 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: ______.

SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice – Template NC-13 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 47 March 2007

49 

Template on Reverse

A system’s failure to provide the level of treatment appropriate for its LT2ESWTR bin 

classification by the required treatment 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 (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three 

months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency 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 agency to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)).

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who 

may not have received the notice. 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. If you modify the 

notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is 

mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• We will install treatment by [provide date] that will satisfy this requirement. 

• We are currently working with state health department officials and our engineers to finalize 

plans for additional water treatment that will satisfy this requirement once it is installed.

Repeat Notices

For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind 

consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing 

treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of 

treatment, let consumers know. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 

(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.

Instructions for LT2ESWTR 

Failure to Install Treatment Notice- Template NC-14a 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 48 March 2007 50 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

[Name of System] Failed to Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment Within 

Required Timeframe 

Our water system [give system name] was required to provide additional treatment for 

Cryptosporidium by [provide date]. Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing 

microorganism that has been found in our raw water source. 

We failed to provide the required treatment by the required date. Although this situation 

is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and 

what we are doing to correct this situation. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

Steps We Are Taking

[Describe corrective action.] We expect to have the additional treatment installed 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: ______.

LT2ESWTR

Failure to Install Treatment Notice - Template NC-14a 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 49 March 2007 51 

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 (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat 

notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency 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 agency to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)). 

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

the notice. 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. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics 

unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 LT2ESWTR treatment technique violation. You can use one or more of the following actions, 

if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• 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 3 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 3 months. 

• We are currently working with state health department 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 3 months. 

• We are currently working with state health department 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 3 months. 

Repeat Notices

For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind consumers of when you 

sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in covering your reservoirs or providing treatment, describe 

it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying coverage, let consumers know. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 (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.

Instructions for LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment 

Technique Violation Notice – Template NC-14b 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 50 March 2007 52 

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 state-approved 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 immediately.

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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:

LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment Technique Violation

Notice – Template NC-14b 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 51 March 2007 53 

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 (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the 

violation persists. Your primacy agency 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 agency to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)).

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who 

may not have received the notice. 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. If you modify the 

notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is 

mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• We will install treatment by [provide date] to satisfy this requirement. 

• We are currently working with state health department officials and our engineers to finalize 

plans for water treatment that will satisfy this requirement once it is installed. 

Repeat Notices

For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind 

consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing 

treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of 

treatment, let consumers know. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 

(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.

Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System 

Failure to Install Treatment Notice – Template NC-14c 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 54 52 March 2007

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

[Name of System] Failed to Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment 

Within Required Timeframe. 

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.) disinfection system installed by the required date. 

What This Means 

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. 

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. 

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at 

increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care 

providers.

Steps We Are Taking 

We expect to have the U.V. disinfection system installed by [give date]. We 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: ______.

LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System 

Failure to Install Treatment Notice – Template NC-14c 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 53 March 2007 55 

Template on Reverse

A system’s failure to conduct an initial or second round of Cryptosporidium monitoring by the 

required date is a monitoring violation that 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 

(141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation 

persists. Your primacy agency 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 

agency to make sure you meet all requirements. 

Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)).

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who 

may not have received the notice. 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. If you modify the 

notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is 

mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• We will begin collecting the required source water monitoring samples on [give date]. 

• We have since taken the required samples for initial monitoring and will begin collecting our 

second round of sampling on [give date]. 

Repeat Notices

For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind 

consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing 

treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of 

treatment, let consumers know. 

After Issuing the Notice 

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 

(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.

Instructions for LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or 

Second Round) Notice –Template NC-14d 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 54 March 2007

56 

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements Not Met for [Name of 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 [name of treatment plant] is sufficient to 

adequately treat the water for Cryptosporidium. We are required to complete this monitoring and 

make this determination by [give date]. We did not monitor or test 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, [give date]. 

What This Means

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. 

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. 

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at 

increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care 

providers.

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: ______.

LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or Second Round) 

Notice –Template NC-14d 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 55 March 2007

57 

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 is a Tier 2 violation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as 

practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat 

notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency 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 agency to make sure you meet all 

requirements.

Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (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 (141.203(c)).

This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who 

may not have received the notice. 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. If you modify the 

notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is 

mandatory (141.205(d)). 

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 

actions, if appropriate, or develop your own: 

• As of [give date], we will no longer recycle our filter backwash and will not be in violation of 

this standard. 

• As of [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 standard. 

• As of [give date], the filter backwash and all other current recycle flows will be discharged to 

waste as approved by the primacy agency.

Repeat Notices

If this is an ongoing violation, you should give the history behind the violation, if known. 

After Issuing the Notice

Make sure to send your primacy agency 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 

(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.

Instructions for Filter Backwash Recycling Rule 

Treatment Technique Violation Notice – Template NC-15 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 58 56 March 2007

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

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. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.

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.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be 

at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their 

health care providers. 

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: _______] 

Filter Backwash Recycling Rule 

 Treatment Technique Violation Notice – Template NC-15 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 57 March 2007

Appendices
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 58 March 2007

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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 59 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 61 March 2007 

Appendix A

NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1

(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)

MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2 Monitoring & Testing 

Procedure Violations

Contaminant 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

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)
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 60 March 2007

Appendix A

NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1

(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 62 March 2007 

MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2 Monitoring & Testing 

Procedure Violations

Contaminant Tier of Public 

Notice

Required

Citation Tier of Public 

Notice

Required

Citation

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 non-community 

systems, as allowed by 

primacy agency 

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. Other situations as 

determined by primacy 

agency

1, 2, 321

N/A N/A N/A 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 61 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 63 March 2007 

Appendix A 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 primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of the 

violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to elevate 

the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency 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 primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of 

the violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to 

elevate the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency 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 non-community 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. 

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 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 62 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 64 March 2007 

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 63 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 65 March 2007 

Appendix B

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community 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.

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 64 March 2007

Appendix B

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 66 March 2007 

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 diseasecausing 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.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 65 March 2007

Appendix B

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 67 March 2007 

Contaminant MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard Health Effects Language for Public 

Notification

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. 

86a. Chlorine dioxide, 

where any 2 

consecutive daily 

samples taken at the 

entrance to the 

distribution system 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 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. 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 66 March 2007

Appendix B

Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 

(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are 

Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 68 March 2007 

Contaminant MCLG1

mg/L

MCL2

mg/L

Standard Health Effects Language for Public 

Notification

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. 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 67 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 69 March 2007 

Appendix B 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 primacy agency. 

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 primacy agency. 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 must meet turbidity limits set by 

the primacy agency. 

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. 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 68 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 70 March 2007 

18. Subpart H transient non-community 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 non-community 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. 
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook

69 March 2007

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 71 March 2007 

Appendix C 

Translated Phrases 

From: Washington Department of Health (DOH PUB. # 331-246, February 2004) http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/public_notification.htmEnglish

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it. 

Boil your water before using. 

Don't drink the water. Children under 12 months old should not drink the 

water. Don’t use the water to make formula. 

AmharicArabicCambodian (Khmer) Chinese SimplifiedChinese Traditional FarsiFrench

Ce rapport contient des informations importantes à propos de votre eau potable. Demander à quelqu’un de traduire ces informations pour vous ou discuter avec une personne qui comprend ces informations.

Faire bouillir l’eau avant de l’utiliser.

Ne pas boire l’eau. Les enfants des moins de 12 mois ne doivent pas 

boire l’eau. Ne pas utiliser l’eau dans une préparation lactée pour nourrisson.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 70 March 2007 Appendix C Translated Phrases 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 72 March 2007 English

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it. 

Boil your water before using. 

Don't drink the water. Children under 12 months old should not drink the 

water. Don’t use the water to make formula. 

Greek Hebrew HindiHmong

Dlaim ntawv tshaabxu nuav muaj lug tseemceeb heev nyob rua huv kws has txug cov dlej mej haus. Kuas ib tug paab txhais rua koj, los nrug ib tug kws paub lug thaam.

Uantej kws yuav siv mej cov dlej nuav yuav tau muab nwg rhaub kuas npau.

Tsi txhob haus cov dlej nuav.

Cov mivnyuas kws tsi tau muaj 12 xyoo tsi txhob haus cov dlej nuav. Txhob muab cov dlej nuav moog tov mig.

Japanese Korean LaotianOromo

Gabaasii kun odeeffanno barbachisa wa’ee bisaan dhugaatii qaba. Akkaa isinii turjumaa’uu gaafadhaa yokaan nama afaan keessan dubbatuu dubbisaa.

Bisaan oso hindhuggneen duraa akka danffisttan.

Bisaan kan hindhuginaa. Daa’imman baatii(ji’aa) 12 hingahiin bisaan kan 

dhuguun isaan irra hinjiru. Bisaan kana foormmulaa(Nyaata Ijoolee) qopheessuf itii hinfayyadamina.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 71 March 2007 Appendix C Translated Phrases 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 73 March 2007 English

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it. 

Boil your water before using. 

Don't drink the water. Children under 12 months old should not drink the 

water. Don’t use the water to make formula. 

Polish

NastĊpujący raport zawiera waĪną informacjĊ na 

temat wody pitnej. ProszĊ poprosiü kogoĞ o 

przetáumaczenie lub porozmawiaü z kimĞ kto 

rozumie.

NaleĪy przegotowaü

wodĊ przed spoĪyciem.

ProszĊ nie piü wody. Dzieci w wieku poniĪej 12 miesiĊcy nie powinny piü

tej wody. ProszĊ nie uĪywaü tej wody do 

przygotowywania formuáy.

PunjabiRussian Samoan

O le lipoti lenei o lo’o iai ni mea e sili ona taua e uiga i le vai o lo’o e taumafaina nei. Su’e se tagata e fa’aliliuina mo oe, po’o lou talatalanoa i seisi e iai sona malamalamaga i lenei mataupu.

Tunu le vai ia pupuna ona fa’atoa inu lea.

Aua le inuina le vai. Tamaiti uma lava e i lalo o le 12 tausaga e le tatau 

ona inuina le vai. Aua le fa’aaogaina le vai e sui ai ni vaila’au po’o le palu ai o ni mea tausama.

SerboCroatian Ovaj izvještaj sadrži važnu informaciju u vašoj vodi za piüe. Neka vam neko prevede, ili popriþajte sa nekim ko se u ovo razumije. Prokljuþajte vodu prije upotrebe. Ne pijte vodu. Djeca ispod 12 mjeseci starosti ne bi trebala piti vodu. Ne koristite vodu za pripravljanje hrane u flašici za bebe.Somali

Warbixintan waxay wadataa macluumaad muhiim ah ee la xiriira biyaha aad cabtid. Cid ha kuu tarjunto ama la hadl cid fahmaysa.

Karkari biyaha inta aadan isticmaalin.

Ha cabin biyaha. Carruurta sannad jir ka yar ma aha inay biyaha 

cabaan. Ha u isticmaalin biyaha inaad kula qastid caanaha ama raashinka la qaso ee carruurta.

Spanish 

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

Haga hervir el agua antes de usarla.

No beba el agua. Los niños menores de 12 meses de edad no deben 

beber el agua. No use el agua para preparar la fórmula para bebés (biberón).

Tagalog 

Naglalaman ang report na ito ng importanteng impormasyon tungkol sa iyong iniinom na tubig. Magkaroon ng isang tao na isasalin ito sa iyong wika para sa iyo, o makipag-usap sa isang tao na nakakaintindi dito.

Pakuluin ang inyong tubig bago gagamitin.

Huwag inumin ang tubig. Ang mga bata na kulang sa 12 na buwan ang gulang 

ay hindi dapat na iinumin ang tubig. Huwag gagamitin ang tubig sa paggawa ng pormula.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 72 March 2007 Appendix C Translated Phrases 

TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 74 March 2007 English

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it. 

Boil your water before using. 

Don't drink the water. Children under 12 months old should not drink the 

water. Don’t use the water to make formula. 

ThaiTigrigna UkrainianVietnamese The water glass and faucet may be useful in a posted notice that would be seen by many non-English speaking people to illustrate that they should not drink the water.