Public Notification Handbook
for
Public Water Systems
Office of Water
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This handbook was prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Grant No. T007287-01.
Patricia Ritchey and Ralph Langemeier, EPA Project Officers, Rowena Michaels and Bill Landis, Office of
Public Affairs, Region 7, provided valuable guidance to the project. This handbook was compiled under
the direction of Sandra Hick, Ed.D., Division of Continuing Education, the University of Kansas with
assistance from Rex Buchanan, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Kansas Geological Survey, the
University of Kansas, and Malcolm Neelley, Publication Services, Division of Continuing Education, the
University of Kansas.
The author wishes to thank Carl Reeverts, EPA Office of Drinking Water, Washington, D.C., for his
significant assistance in developing and reviewing this handbook.
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Contents
INTRODUCTION t
Who Should Read This Handbook \
Who Should I Call If I Have Questions? i
Overview U
Purpose of Public Notification Hi
Purpose and Content of this Handbook iv
Development of New and Revised Drinking Water Regulations v
SECTION 1 Violations for Which Public Notification is Required i-i
Types of Violations—Six Types 1.1
Summary of Public Notification Requirements 1-3
SECTION a Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond &i
Levels of Violation 2-1
Tier 1 Violations 2-1
Her 2 Violations 2-2
Types of Public Water Systems 2-3
Community Water Systems: Notification Requirements 2-4
Notice to New Billing Units 2-4
Tier 1 Violations—Acute—Community Water System 2-4
Tier 1 Violations—Non-Acute—Community Water System 2-6
Tier 2 Violations—Community Water System 2-8
Non-Community Water Systems: Notification Requirements 2-10
Tier 1 Violations—Acute and Non-Acute—Non-Community
Water System 2-10
Tier 2 Violations—Non-Community Water System 2-12
SECTION 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
Information to be Included—12 Types 3_1
Checklists for General Public Notification Requirements 3.5
Guidelines for Presentation of Information 3.5
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SECTION 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice 4-1
Notices by Mail 4_2
Notices by Hand Delivery 4.5
Notices by Posting 4.3
Notices for Newspapers 4.13
Notices for Radio and Television 4.20
SECTION 5 Special Public Notice for Fluoride S1
Primary and Secondary Standards for Fluoride 5-1
Public Notification Requirements for Exceedances of the Secondary
Standard for Fluoride 5_1
Violations of Primary MCL for Fluoride 5.3
SECTION 6 Proof of Publication
What Constitutes Proof of Notice
SECTION 7 Annual Summary of Violations: A Recommendation
SECTION S Notification for Unregulated Contaminants
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Appendices
A. Glossary of Terms A-l
B. Mandatory Health Effects Information B-l
C. Recommended Health Effects Language c-i
D. Checklists for Community and Non-Community Public
Water Systems for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Violations D-l
E. Safe Drinking Water Act • Section 1414(c): Enforcement of
Drinking Water Regulations, General Public Notification
Requirements E-l
F. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations •
Section 141.32: General Public Notification Requirements •
October 28, 1987 • Including Technical Amendments of
April 17, 1989 and the Surface Water Treatment and Total
Coliform Regulations of June 29, 1989 F-l
G. Explanation of the Footnotes for the Summary of Public
Notification Requirements Chart in Section 1 and Public
Notification Checklists in Section 3 and Appendix D c 1
H. National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations •
Section 143.5: Compliance with the Secondary Maximum
Contaminant Level and Public Notification for Exceedances
of the Secondary Standard for Fluoride HI
I. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Offices i-i
|. State Public Drinking Water Program Offices j-i
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Introduction
Who Should Read This Handbook
This Handbook is for owners, operators, and managers of public
water systems. A public water system is a system for the provision of
piped water for human consumption, if the system has at least fifteen service
connections or regularly serves an average of at least twenty-five individuals
daily at least 60 days of the year. (See Section 2 of this Handbook for
more information.)
Who Should I Call If I Have Questions?
This Handbook discusses federal public notification regulations only.
Public water systems are required to comply with the federal regulations
from the effective date of the rule. The federal regulations went into effect
on April 28, 1989. States with primacy are required to adopt regulations no
less stringent than the federal requirements. At the time of publication of
this Handbook, some states have not yet adopted the revised public
notification regulations. In the interim, you should check with your state
primacy agency which can answer your questions or put you in contact with
someone who can.
In order to provide you with the most current information on EPA rule
development and to respond to any questions you may have concerning
federal drinking water requirements, the EPA Office of Drinking Water in
Washington, D.C. has established a toll-free number.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
9
QQQ
QQQ
QQQ
I 1
ipfpf7j;r
Sk nours:
tklj 8:30 am-4:30 pm
| EST
1 Monday-Friday
1 1-800-426-4791
In Alaska and the District of Columbia
1-202-382-5533
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Introduction
Overview
With the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974,
Congress required that public drinking water systems notify their customers
when drinking water standards were violated. EPA promulgated regulations in
1975 to implement the public notification provision. These requirements were in
place from that date until the recent revision prompted by the 1986 SDWA
Amendments.
On June 19, 1986, Congress amended the Act and, among other things,
directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise the public
notification requirements. Congress wanted those changes "to provide for
different types and frequencies of notice based on the differences between
violations" and to "take into account the seriousness of any potential adverse
health effects which may be involved." In so doing, Congress reaffirmed its
position that public notification is an important responsibility of public water
systems.
In response to this Congressional mandate, on October 28, 1987, EPA
published its revised, general public notification requirements, changing the
way public drinking water supplies are to issue notice. Those
requirements went into effect on April 28, 1989.
Since the law emphasizes that public notification is an important
responsibility of water systems, this book is designed to help people who own,
operate, or manage a public water supply to understand and comply with the
revised requirements.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Introduction
General
Public
Notification
Requirements
Purpose of Public Notification
i
The primary purpose of public notification is to inform
consumers of any potential adverse health effects
related to the drinking water being supplied to them, and
what steps consumers can take to minimize the impact.
Also, Congress requires public notification to provide
information to consumers that will encourage them to
--- support the expenditures it will take to provide safe
water. The House Report (Safe Drinking Water Act, July 10, 1974) states:
"The purpose of this notice requirement is to educate the public as to
the extent to which pubic water systems serving them are performing
inadequately in light of the objectives and requirements of this bill.
Such public education is deemed essential by the Committee in order
to develop public awareness of the problems facing public water
systems...and to advise the public of potential or actual health
hazards."
So, Congress wants you to use public notification to do more than just
announce violations. Congress wants you to educate consumers. It is in
your best interest to communicate with your customers.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
in
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Introduction
Purpose and Content of this Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to take you, step by step, through the
process of public notification. It tells you:
• What a violation consists of;
• What notices are necessary for each violation, and
when they must be provided;
• The kind of information that should be included in
a public notice;
• The different types of notices to be provided, along
with examples of each;
• Examples of how notices should be tailored to fit
specific circumstances; and,
• The special circumstances related to fluoride in
water.
States with primacy may add additional requirements or elect to
give the notice themselves. The primacy agency is the agency that is
responsible for regulation of public water systems in states and on
Indian lands. In most cases, this Is the state agency that regulates
public water systems. In states and on Indian lands where no
designated agency administers the public drinking water pro-
gram, EPA Is the primacy agent. Appendix I contains a list of EPA
regional contacts. A list of state contacts is given in Appendix J.
iv
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Introduction
EPA will continue to publish standards, including mandatory health effects
language to be used in public notices, for contaminants found in drinking water.
The design of this notebook (three hole punched) allows for copies of additional
EPA requirements, and pertinent state statutes and regulations, to be inserted in
the handbook for easy reference.
Development of New and Revised Drinking Water
Regulations
Every public water supply in the country must meet the National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR). Currently, the NPDWR contain standards
for 30 contaminants; however, the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking
Water Act require the regulation of many more contaminants. As an owner,
operator, or manager of a public water system, you will want to be informed as
to what regulations are being developed and when they will be published. EPA
publishes proposed and final regulations in the Federal Register. Please call
the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791 or for Alaska and Washington,
D.C., 202-382-5533) for the Status of EPA rule development.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Sect/on 7 Violations for Which Public Notification is Required
SECTION
Violations for Which Public
Notification is Required
Types of Violations—She Types
Summary of Public Notification Requirements
Types of Violations—Six Types
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires owners or operators of public water systems to
notify the persons they serve if certain violations of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
(NPDWRs) or certain other specified events occur.
For the fake of simplicity, we refer to atl these events as "violation*" throughout
this handbook.
The six types of violations are:
Failure to comply with an appli
cable maximum contaminant level
(MCL)
The NPDWRs establish certain levels of contaminants,
Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), that are
acceptable in drinking water under monitoring
conditions specific for each contaminant. When analysis
reveals that the water supply contains levels of
contaminants higher than those amounts, the water
supply is in violation of the applicable MCL
Failure to comply with a
prescribed treatment technique
Where EPA cannot set a MCL for a particular
contaminant because it is not economically or technically
feasible to determine the level of that contaminant in
drinking water (for example, viruses), EPA can require a
treatment technique in lieu of a MCL Failure to meet a
prescribed treatment technique requirement is a violation
that necessitates notification of persons served by the
system.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
1-1
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Section 1 Violations for Which Public Notification is Required
Failure to perform water quality
monitoring as required by the
regulations
The NPDWRs set standards for the frequency with
which waters must be tested. They also establish the
proper locations for sampling. Failure to meet these
requirements is a violation and the system must notify
the public.
•Si
Failure to comply with testing
procedures as prescribed by a
NPDWR
For a drinking water analysis to be valid under the
SDWA, it must be performed according to the methods
prescribed in the NPDWRs. Failure to comply with the
established testing procedures is a violation of the
NPDWRs and public notification is required.
Issuance of a variance or
an exemption
When EPA or a state agency allows a public water
system to vary from the established standards, the
system must let the public know.
Failure to comply with the
requirements of any schedule that has
been set under a variance or
exemption
When EPA or the state allows a public water system a
variance or an exemption from a drinking water
standard, it also establishes a schedule for coming into
compliance with that standard. If the water system does
not meet that schedule, it is in violation and must notify
the public.
Differences among violations call for different kinds of public notice. If the violation is more
serious, then the requirements for public notice are more stringent. To differentiate between the
violations—and the resulting public notice requirements—EPA has divided violations into Tier 1 and
Tier 2 categories based on the seriousness of the violation. The two tiers of violations are explained in
Section 2. The requirements also vary according to the type of public water system. A Summary of
Public Notification Requirements is given on the following page.
1-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Sect/on 1 Violations for Which Public Notification is Required
Summary of Public Notification Requirements
Public Notification Requirements
Violation
Category
Type
TIER 1
1. MCL
2. Treatment
Technique
3. Variance or
Exemption
Schedule
Violation
TIER 2
1 . Monitoring
2. Testing
Procedure
3. Variance or
Exemption
Issued
Mandatory
Health
Effects
Information
Required
(All PWSs)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Notice to
New Billing
Units
(CWSs Only)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Type of
PWS
Community
Non-
Community*
Community
Non-
Community
Time Frame Within Which Notice Must be Given (Box Indicates
time frame for Initial notice, and is followed by the frequency of
repeat notice until the violation is resolved)
.Viola- 72 7 14 45 3 Annual
t»bn hours days days days months
At
N»
Ute Violations:
TV and Radio No. Repeat
Newspaper1 No Repe
Mail or Hand Delivery*
•i in ii
W)-Actite Violation^
Newspaper1 No Repe
Maj} or Hand Delwery2
• •
at
Quarterly Repeat
a*
Quarterly Repeat
1
Option 1 :
Notice as for Community Water Systems
or
Option 2:
ACM** Violations:
Posting or „ x -
Hafld Delivery ^Mnuous/Quarterly Repeat*
N0ttvA&jte Violation^
1 Posting or Hand t>«6very Continue
Newspaper1
•us/Quarterly Repeat5
Qwterty
Repeat by
MaS or
Hand
Delivery
OptWO 1:
Notice as for Community Water Systems
or
Opttan 2:
Pasting or Hand DeKVe^y
Continuous/
Quarterly
flepeal5
Footnotes
^f no newspaper of general circulation is available, posting or hand delivery is required as specified in
§141.32(a)(3)(i)and§141.32(b)(3)(i). K
2May be waived in accordance with §141.32(a)(1)(ii).
^Includes both transient non-community public water systems and non-transient non-community public water
systems.
4Less frequent notice (but no less than annual) to be required as in §142.16(a).
Continuous repeat required if posting is used; quarterly repeat required if hand delivery is used.
I The regulations cited above (e.g., §14132(a)(3)(i)), can be found in Appendix F.
Further explanation of footnotes can be found In Appendix C.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
1-3
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
SECTION
Different Types of Violations:
How You Must Respond
• Levels of Violation
Tier 1 Violation*
Tfcr 2 Violation*
tt Types of Public Water Systems
i Community Water Systems
Notl« to Mew BWUttg UnlU
Iter 1 Violation*—Acute
Tier 1 Violations—Non Acute
tfer Z violation*
1 NoivCommimlty Water Systems
Tier 1 Violations
Violation*
I he revised general public notification requirements define two levels of violations, each with its
own set of public notification requirements. The requirements also vary according to the type of
public water system, and are summarized in the information and charts that follow. For the complete
text of the general public notification requirements, see Appendix F.
Levels of Violation
I he requirements divide violations into two types.
Tier 1 Violations
The more serious are Tier 1 violations, which require substantial efforts at public notification.
Tier 1 violations include:
• Failure to comply with an MCL
• Failure to comply with a treatment technique requirement
established in lieu of an MCL
• Failure to comply with a schedule prescribed under a variance or
exemption
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
2-1
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Tier 2 Violations
Tier 2 violations are less serious, and have simpler public notification requirements. Tier 2
violations include:
• Failure to comply with monitoring requirements
• Failure to comply with specified testing procedures
• Operating under a variance or an exemption
While operating under * variance or an exemption U not really a violation, for
the safc* of simplicity, we refer to such events as "violations" throughout this
handbook.
2-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Types of Public Water Systems
A "public water system" has 15 or more service connections or regularly serves at least 25
people 60 or more days a year. A system that serves water 60 or more days a year is considered to
"regularly serve" water. Public water systems can be publicly or privately owned. Public water systems
are subdivided by regulation into two major categories: community and non-community water
systems. This division is based on the type of consumer served and the frequency the consumer uses
the water. Basically, a community system serves water to a residential population, whereas a non-
community system serves water to a non-residential population. The non-community category is
further broken down into two categories: non-transient non-community water systems and
transient non-community water systems.
PUBLIC
WATER SYSTEM
A system that pipes water for
human consumption If such
system has at least IS service
connections or regularly
serves at least 25 Individuals
60 or more days out of the
year.
COMMUNITY
WATER SYSTEM
A public water system that
ptpes water for human
consumption to at least 15
service connections used by
year-round residents,, or one
that regularly serves at least
25 year - round residents (e,g,,
immidpaftty, subdivision,
mobile home park).
NON-COMMUNITY
WATER SYSTEM
A public water system that
pipes water for human:
consumption to at least 15
service connections used by
individuals other than
year-round residents for at least
60 days a yeaf, or serves 25 or
more people at least <$0 days a
year (e.g., schools,, factories,
rest stops, interstate
restaurants, motels, golf courses,
parks).
Contact your primacy agent if you are not sure what category you are in.
public notification regulations apply based on whether you are a community,
non-transient non-community, or transient non-community water system.
The
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK!
2-3
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Community Water Systems: Notification Requirements
Notice to New Billing Units
In addition to complying with the public notification requirements for Tier 1 violations,
community water systems must provide notice to new billing units of any existing Tier 1 acute
and non-acute violations. A copy of the most recent public notice must be given to all new billing
units or hookups prior to or at the time service begins.
Tier 1 Violations—Acute—Community Water System
If the violation is an acute violation, the system must follow a three-step procedure. Acute
violations are those which involve an acute risk to human health. Current acute violations are listed in
§141.32(a)(l)(iii) of the general public notice regulations (Appendix F) and currently include (1) any
violations specified by the State as posing an acute risk to human health, (2) violations of the MCL for
nitrate, (3) violations of the MCL for total coliforms when fecal coliforms or E. coli are present in the
water distribution system,* and (4) occurrences of a waterborne disease outbreak in an unfiltered
system.* Additional acute violations will be defined as new regulations are promulgated.
*[Effective December 31, 1990, as specified by the Surface Water Treatment and Total Coliform
Regulations of June 29, 1989.]
The steps are as follows:
Step 1 Deliver notice to the principal television and radio stations serving the area within
72 hours following the violation.
and
Step 2 Provide notice within 14 days of the violation through a daily general circulation
newspaper (if none, then through a weekly newspaper) serving the area. If there
is no newspaper circulation, follow the alternate procedure below.
and
Step 3 Provide notice by direct mail, either with the water bill or in a separate letter, or
by hand delivery, within 45 days of the violation. Repeat this notice every
three months as long as the violation continues. The requirement for
notice by mail or hand delivery may be waived by the state In writing
If the violation Is corrected within 45 days of the violation. See
Appendix F, Section 141.32(a)(l)(H) for waiver requirements. If no
waiver Is issued, the public notice must be given even if the violation
has been corrected within the 45-day period. A supplier cannot forgo
the notice on the assumption that the state will waive the notice.
Alternate Procedure:
Use this procedure only if there is no daily or weekly newspaper serving the area served by
your system. Instead of following steps 1, 2, and 3 above, provide notice by hand
delivery or by posting within 72 hours of the violation. Repeat the notice by hand
delivery every three months or provide continuous posting for the duration of
the violation.
2-4
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
If your area is served by a daily or weekly newspaper, follow this procedure.
Tier 1
STEP1
STEP 2
STEPS
Community Water System Acute
No Repeat
DAILY
=
D
rES
^
D
— —
LJ=
w
NO
YE
WEEKLY
=
D
5
^
n
LT!
r
NO
J
Steps 1,2, and 3 do not
apply. Follow the H
Alternate Procedure
given below.
No Repeat
Possible State Waiver if Violation has been Corrected-
See Section 141.32(a)(1)(ii), Appendix F
Repeat every 3
months for duration
of violation
Alternate Procedure:
Provide notice by hand delivery or posting within 72 hours of the violation Repeat
the notice by hand delivery every three months or provide continuous posting for
the duration of the violation. y
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
25
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Tier 1 Violations—Non-Acute—Community Water System
For community water systems served by a daily or weekly newspaper, any Tier 1 non-acute
violation requires the following two-step procedure. For communities not served by a daily or weekly
newspaper, an alternate procedure is described below. The steps are as follows:
Step 1 Provide notice within 14 days of the violation through a daily general circulation
newspaper (if none, then through a weekly newspaper) serving the area. If there
is no newspaper circulation, follow the alternate procedure indicated.
and
Step 2 Provide notice by direct mail, either with the water bill or in a separate letter, or
by hand delivery, within 45 days of the violation. Repeat this notice every
three months as long as the violation continues. The requirement for
notice by mail or hand delivery may be waived by the state in writing
If the violation is corrected within 45 days of the violation. See
Appendix F, Section 141.32(a)(l)(ii) for waiver requirements. If no
waiver is issued, the public notice must be given even if the violation
has been corrected within the 45-day period. A supplier cannot forgo
the notice on the assumption that the state will waive the notice.
Alternate Procedure:
Use this procedure only if there is no daily or weekly newspaper serving the area served by
your system. Instead of following steps 1 and 2 above, provide notice by hand
delivery or by posting within 14 days of the violation. Repeat the notice by hand
delivery every three months or provide continuous posting for the duration of
the violation.
RIMEMBER THAT COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS MUST NOTIFY NEW CUSTOMERS OF
EXISTING US* 1 VIOLATIONS PRIOR TO THE TIMi, OR AT THE TIME, SERVICE
2-6
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
If your area is served by a daily or weekly newspaper, follow this procedure.
Tier 1 Community Water System Non-Acute
STEP
1
DAILY
m D
Ds
NO
WEE
EKLY
D
LJ=
N0 Steps land 2 do not
k aDDlv. Follow the ^^^
given below.
YES
YES
No Repeat
STEP 2
Possible State Waiver if Violation has been Corrected-
See Section 141.32(a)(1)(ii), Appendix F
Repeat every 3
months for duration
of violation
Alternate Procedure:
Provide notice by hand delivery or posting within 14 days of the violation
three
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
2-7
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Tier 2 Violations—Community Water System
Generally Tier 2 violations are less severe than Tier 1, so the frequency of public notification is
generally less. For communities served by a daily or weekly newspaper, any Tier 2 violation requires
the following two-step procedure. For communities not served by a daily or weekly newspaper, an
alternate procedure is described below. The steps are as follows:
Step 1 Provide notice through a daily, general circulation newspaper (if none, then
through a weekly newspaper) serving the area within three months of the
violation.
and
Step 2 Provide notice by direct mail, either with the water bill or in a separate letter, or
by hand delivery, within three months of the initial notice. Repeat this notice
every three months as long as the violation continues.
Alternate Procedure:
Use this procedure only if there is no daily or weekly newspaper serving the area served by
your system. Instead of following the procedure above, provide notice by hand
delivery or posting within three months of the violation. Repeat the notice by hand
delivery every three months or provide posting for the duration of the
violation.
States have the option to authorize less frequent notice for minor monitoring violations. To
do this, the state's program revision to adopt the revised public notification rules must include rules
specifying either: (1) which monitoring violations are minor and the frequency of public notice for
such violations; or (2) criteria for determining which monitoring violations are minor and the frequency
of public notification for such violations. However, notice for minor monitoring violations must be
given no later than annually and the state program revisions must first be approved by EPA
before they can be implemented. Until EPA approves the reduced monitoring frequency, the
requirement for more frequent notice must be followed. Contact your primacy agent for more
information.
2-8
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
If your area is served by a daily or weekly newspaper follow this procedure.
Tier 2
Community Water System
Steps 1 and 2 do not
apply. Follow the
Alternate Procedure
given below.
Notice
within
3
Alternate Procedure:
Repeat every 3
months for duration
of violation
°r P°Sti"9 Within three montns * the violation
three months •
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
2-9
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Non Community Water Systems: Notiflcation Requirements
Tier I Violations—Acute and Non-Acute—Non-Community Water System
Owners and operators of non-community water systems—both transient non-community
water systems and non-transient non-community water systems—have two options for public
notification of a Tier 1 violation (either acute or non-acute).
Option 1 Follow the same requirements as set for community water systems with Tier 1
violations described earlier.
or
Option 2 Provide notice by hand delivery or continuous posting within 72 hours for an
acute violation or 14 days for a non-acute violation. Posting must
continue for the duration of the violation. Notice by hand delivery
must be repeated at least every three months for as long as the
violation exists.
2-10
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Tier 1
OPTION 1
Non-Community
Water System
Acute/Non-Acute
Notification as for Community Water Systems
OPTION 2
Hand Delivery
Notice
within
72 hours
Notice
within
14 days
Notice
within
72 hours
Notice
within
14 days
Repeat every 3
months for duration
of violation
Visible for duration
of violation
probab,y not * aware
" -PI— - such areas
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
2-11
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Tier 2 Violations—Non-Community Water System
The requirements for Tier 2 violations provide two options for public notification by a non-
community water system.
Option 1
Follow the same requirements as set for community systems with Tier 2
violations described earlier.
or
Option 2
Provide notice by hand delivery or continuous posting within three months
of the violation. Posting must continue for the duration of the
violation. Notice by hand delivery must be repeated at least every
three months as long as the violation exists.
2-12
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 2 Different Types of Violations: How You Must Respond
Tier 2
Non-Community Water System
OPTION 1
Notification as for Community Water Systems
OPTION 2
Hand Delivery
Notice
within
3 months
Repeat every 3
months for duration
of violation
or
Posting
Notice
within
3 months
Visible for duration
of violation
thk tf , > °P °n t0 authorize less freq"cnt notice for minor monitoring violations To
sn iflfnn p>h S^^°9KamK r6ViSi°n l° adopt the revbed public notification rules mus° include mles
specify ng e.ther: (1) wh.ch monitoring violations are minor and the frequency of public notice for
such violafons; or (2) criteria for determining which monitoring violations are^no'r and the requency
of public notification for such violations. However, notice for minor monitoring violations mu t b >
b^rth^ tHKn annVa"y 3nd thC State Pr°9ram revisions ™* fi«t be app oved by EPA
rpr! r? 7i"" *" mPlemented "^ ^PA approves the reduced monitoring frequency the
information "^ ^ ""^ ™* ** ^^ C°ntaCt y°Ur ^rlm^ ^ ^r more
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
2-13
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Sect/or? 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
SECTION
Information That Must be Included in
a Public Notice
Information to be Included—12 Types
Checklists for General Public Notification
Requirements
Guidelines for Presentation of Information
Information to be Included—12 Types
The public notification regulations specify that certain types of information must go into any
public notice, no matter what form it takes. The following section discusses the kind of information
that must be included. In presenting this information in the notice, the order and emphasis depends
on the circumstances of each violation.
O
The notice MUST provide a clear and readily understandable explanation of the
violation.
23 mg/l of
nitrate
The notice must tell readers the nature of the violation and should help them
discern the seriousness of the violation.
example, in the case pf an MCL violation, the notice
might indicate that analysis of the water provided to
consumers showed a nitrate level of 23 milligrams per liter
(mg/l), when the MCL is 10 mg/l. In the case of a
monitoring violation, || might stale that the system failed to
take 2 of 10 samples required for bacteriological analysis.
The notice MUST Include Information about any potential adverse health effects,
APPENDIX B
Mandatory
Health
Effects
Information
EPA has established mandatory language on the health effects of
certain chemical contaminants found In water (Appendix B).
The EPA language MUST be included in notices given by public water systems
where the system is:
— in violation of an MCL or treatment technique,
— has been granted a variance or exemption,
— is operating under a variance or exemption, or
— fails to comply with a variance or exemption schedule.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Sect/on 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
The notice My$T include the mandatory health effects language in
the notice or news release, word for word, for each contaminant for
which the system is in violation. The mandatory health effects
language must be published intact; and It cannot be broken up by
Inserted material.
Fur example, for an IWOL violation of vinyl chforlde, the
rtottcc MUSI Include the following paragraph:
"The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that vinyl chloride is a
health concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical is used in
industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakdown
of related solvents. The solvents are used as cleaners and degreasers
of metals and generally get into drinking water by improper waste
disposal. This chemical has been associated with significantly
increased risks of cancer among certain industrial workers who were
exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their
working careers. This chemical has also been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals when the animals are exposed at high levels
over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause increased risk of cancer
among exposed industrial workers and in laboratory animals also may
increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels
over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water
standard for vinyl chloride at 0.002 part per million (ppm) to reduce
the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been
observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking water which
meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and
should be considered safe."
Currently promulgated mandatory health effects language is Included in
Appendix B. Appendix B includes language for microbiological contaminants
total conforms, and fecal coliforms/f. coli specified by the Surface Water
Treatment and Total Collform Regulations which were published on June 29
1989, and which become effective December 31, 1990. The language in
Appendix B must be used when NPDWRs for contaminants listed in that
appendix are violated.
EPA Is continuing to publish mandatory language for additional
contaminants and has proposed mandatory language for a number of
contaminants. Recommended language, Including proposed mandatory
language, is included in Appendix C for your use as appropriate. Health effects
language for total coliforms and turbidity Is also Included. You are not required
to use this language until It is final and the NPDWR is in effect. Future
mandatory health effects language should be added to this handbook as it
appears in the Federal Register.
The notice MUST contain Information about the population at risk.
3-2
In other words, if a particular segment of the population such as infants or
senior citizens is particularly susceptible to problems that result from a
violation—this must be made clear.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
Notices MUSI contain information about the steps being taken to correct the
problem.
Problem corrected
The public must be told about what is being done by their water system to
correct the problem, and about the schedule for correction of the violation.
Notices probably do not need to include a lengthy description of the
correction; a few sentences will probably be enough. However, notices should
mention the date by which the problem will be corrected. If the problem has
already been corrected, the notice should inform the consumers of the date
the problem was corrected.
The notice MU$T include information about the necessity of seeking alternative
water supplies, if any.
In the case of most violations, the public does not need to seek alternative
water supplies, and that should be made clear. When it is necessary to seek
alternative water supplies, the need should be emphasized early in the notice.
BoVtlbd
Drinking
-.Water
for example, where the water exceeds the MCL for nitrate,
you should caution y&w consumers »ot to use the water In
formula for feeding Infants less than $i* months of age,
Notices MU$T include any preventive measures that should be taken until the
violation is corrected.
Consumers need specific information about actions that they can take to
reduce any potential health hazard that might result from the violation.
Boil before
drinking!
for example, waters with bacterial contamination may need
to be boiled before consumption. Conversely, water high in
nitrate should not be bolted.
If you have any questions and your local health officials cannot help you
contact your primacy agency for assistance in identifying the correct preventative
measures to be taken in a particular situation. If no preventative measures are
required, then this information should also be passed on to the consumer
Notices MUST be clear and conspicuous.
Posters must be large and placed in locations where the public will see them
Newspaper notices should be large and use design techniques to attract
attention. Notices by mail or hand delivery should be tailored for that use
For more information on designing and writing notices, see Section 4 of this
Handbook.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
Notices MUST not contain unduly technical language.
This is extremely important. Avoid technical words and phrases. When they
are necessary, define them. Notices must be written in language that is easy
to understand. Anything else will defeat the purpose of public notification
Again, see Section 4 of this Handbook.
Notices MUST not contain unduly small print.
MCL MCL MCL MCL MCL MCL
MCLMCL MCLMCLMCLMCL
MCLMCLMCIMCLMCIMCI
MCL Ma Ma na MCLMCL
MCL Ma Ma Ma MCLMCL
This is especially important for notices in newspapers and for posters. See
Section 4 for guidelines.
The notice MU$T not create problems that frustrate the purpose of nubile
notification. r
The notice must inform consumers of possible problems and provide them
with information for making decisions about the safety of their drinking water.
Do not use language that might confuse customers. Do not underplay the
seriousness of the situation nor create undue alarm. Downplaying the
significance of violations defeats the purpose of public notification.
0>
Notices MySI include a phone number of the owner, operator, or someone to
contact at the public water system as a source of additional information.
John Watercrest
High Water System
City, State 33444
Office Hours: 9-5
555-1378
In news releases, this information should be included in the story itself, and at
the top of the news release, so that reporters will have a source to call' if they
have questions. It should include a person's name and not simply a phone
number. An address is optional but desirable. The notice could also list the
times someone will be available to answer questions. The source person for
additional information should be prepared to answer any questions
that might arise.
Where it is appropriate, notices MUST be multi-lingual.
DEUTSCH
FRANQAIS
ESPANOL
Where a non-English speaking population makes up a significant portion of the
water-consuming public, the notices must be in the appropriate lanquaqe as
well as English. y '
3-4
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
A Checklist of Genera! Public Notification Requirements
The checklists in Appendix D summarize the general public notification requirements and will
help community and non-community water suppliers determine if all requirements for public
notification for Tier 1 and Tier 2 violations have been met. Use the checklists as you develop your
public notice. (See Appendix D for copies of the checklist that you may duplicate for your use )
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
3-5
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Section 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
Guidelines for Presentation of Information
When writing a public notice, there are many things to keep in mind. The public notification
regulations provide specific requirements about the ways in which information is to be presented to
the public. Also, how a notice is written depends on the type of medium being used
Mail
Hand Delivery
Newspaper
The Tunas
I^^H
!
TV -Radio
PUBLIC NOTICE
That is, a notice intended for posting or direct mail may be different than a similar notice to be placed
m a newspaper. (Examples of different notices for different media are provided in Section 4 ) While
notices may vary in content and form, their purpose is, as intended by Congress: (1) to educate the
public; (2) to develop public awareness of the problems facing public water systems; (3) to encouraae
a willingness to support greater expenditures to assist in solving these problems; and (4) to advise the
public of potential or actual health hazards. In order to do this, customers must be provided
information in a manner that is
• Clear
• Accurate
• Precise
To meet this requirement:
[ MAKE IT CLEAR ]
Don t use technical terms rf they can be avoided. The subject of water quality, and its regulation
is complicated enough. Save technical words or phrases for times when they are necessary for
understanding or for future education. If such terms are necessary, define them.
Don't assume that your audience knows the
meaning of technical phrases. Avoid acronyms
or abbreviations.
3-6
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 3 Information That Must be Included in a Public Notice
PRESENT INFORMATION
IN ORDER Of IMPORTANCE
Many readers, particularly newspaper audiences, read only the first few paragraphs of a story,
letter, or notice. Those paragraphs, therefore, should contain the most important Information;
they can also attract audience interest and increase the chance that they will read further.
The first few paragraphs should also state that the information is being supplied by a water
system. That not only provides information to readers, but it gives the notice additional credibility and
lets readers know that they should be concerned.
BE CONCISE
Regardless of whether you use a letter, mail insert, legal notice, or poster, be concise. It sounds
simplistic, but studies have shown that short words are easier to understand than long words. Short
sentences are easier to understand than long sentences. Short paragraphs are easier to understand
than long paragraphs. Also, long news releases are more likely to be cut or rewritten, or not used at
all, than short ones. So ... Include all of the necessary Information, but don't clutter up a story or
notice with every available piece of information.
To check ttie clarity of a notice, you i»ay wish to $fiow copies to a few typical
consumers before mailing or publishing It. Those consumers may help you pinpoint
portions of the notice that they do not understand and which should be revised
before the notice is released.
Now that you know what information you must include in your notice, you are ready to begin
writing. As you prepare your notice, use the checklists and guidelines in this section to assist you. The
following section (Section 4) provides types and examples of public notice. Read it carefully.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
3-7
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Sect/on 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
SECTION 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
V Notices by Mall
• Notices by Hand Delivery
• Notice* by Posting
• Notices for Newspapers
• Notices for Radio and Television
This section of the handbook discusses different types of public notice and provides examples of
each. Each medium of public notice is different, and your notice should be tailored accordingly.
Whether the medium is mail, hand delivery, posting, newspaper, television, or radio, your notices must
be written and designed so they will have maximum impact.
PUBLIC NOTICE
When using this section, keep in mind that your notices must include
all the Information called for by the Checklists in Appendix D,
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Notices by
Mail
Mail or hand delivery of notices is a common means of letting the public know about water
quality problems, particularly when a problem continues for a long time and new customers need to
be notified. Delivery can generally be made with the customer's bill.
Two common forms of such notices are formal letters from the system manager, announcinq
the problem and its treatment, and a postcard-size announcement, often on stiff paper, that can
be mailed separately or included with the water bill. Perhaps the biggest problem is providinq the
necessary information and getting the customer's attention at the same time Various desian
techniques can help. *
Boldface type: WATER
Type styles: Palatino
Geneva
Monaco
Important information can be highlighted in boldface type.
Using several type styles will generally make a notice more
readable. Information should not clutter up the entire page of a
notice. White space around the type generally makes the
information more readable. The examples in this section show
various techniques for producing letters and mail inserts.
With the advent of computerized desktop publishing and word-processing systems, larger water
systems may have increased flexibility in designing such announcements.
An example of a formal letter for the Trumble Water District follows on the next page.
4-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Formal Letter or Bill Staffer with Recommended Health
Effects Language
Trumble Water District VII
1 Lakeview Road
Ball City, Utah 33333
(104)555-2859
G»
NOTICE OF HIGH NITRATES IN DRINKING WATER
JulyS, 1989
Dear Customer:
The State Department of Health has granted the Water Department an exemption from the
requirement to maintain less than 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter (mg/l) of water in the water
supply. The State Department of Health has established a nitrate limit of 10 mg/l, but has
granted the Water Department an exemption for the next year until special water treatment
equipment designed to lower nitrate levels is installed. Samples of Trumble city water show that
it contains about 15 milligrams of nitrate per liter of water.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has
determined that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
inorganic chemical is used in fertilizer, and is associated with sewage and wastes from farm
animals. It generally gets into water from sewage or as a result cf agricultural fertilizing activity.
Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in
young children under one year of age. Infants are at the greatest risk. The serious illness in
children is caused because nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body and nitrite interferes with the
oxygen carrying capacity of the child's blood. This is an acute disease in that the child can
exhibit symptoms within hours of consuming water. Symptoms include shortness of breath and
blueness of the skin. Clearly, expert medical advice should be sought immediately if these
symptoms occur. However, they do not always occur. The purpose of this notice is to encourage
parents and other responsible parties to provide children with an alternate source of drinking
water. Local and State health authorities are the best source for information concerning alternate
sources of drinking water for infants. You will receive notice as soon as a determination has been
made that the drinking water is safe.
EPA has set the drinking water standard at 10 parts per million (ppm) for nitrate to protect
against the risk of these adverse effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is
associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to nitrate.
(continued on page 2)
o
The circled numbers on the example correspond to Items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-3
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
EXAMPLE! Formal Letter or Bill Stuffer with Recommended Health
Effects Language
Trumble Water District VII
page 2
Parents should find other sources of drinking water for children under one year of age. Parents
should give babies bottled water and use bottled water in making formula. All area doctors and
hospitals have been notified of the problem, and free supplies of bottled water are available from
the Cermaine County Health Department. DO NOT BOIL WATER BEFORE DRINKING IT,
because boiling only increases the concentration of nitrate.
The high nitrate levels are probably due to faulty installation of one of the new city wells, and
should be corrected by drilling a new well within the next two weeks. Because nitrate is'
extremely difficult to remove from water, the Department has no choice but to use the existing
well until a new one is drilled. When the problem is corrected, customers will be notified
through the newspaper and by letter. In the meantime, if you have questions or concern about
nitrate in your water supply, please contact me at 555-2859 any time between the hours of
9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Robert Hill, Manager
Trumble Water Department
NA
^recommended health effects language. Substitute mandatory language when published.
W general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
* » u.t, c,!rcled numl>ers on the example correspond to Items found In the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Sect/on 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Notices by Hand Delivery
Another method of notification is the use of doorknob flyers: flyers with specially designed
paper hooks that fit over doorknobs. The same general guidelines for
• Type style
• Size
• Layout
apply to both doorknob flyers and mail notices. In fact, the same
information and design can often be used for both. Local printers
should be able to provide the paper necessary for use in doorknob
flyers.
Public
Notification
Hp Vinyl
Chloride
Levels
in
Drinking
Water
6
Water System
City, State
555-5555
Sam Shurf,
System Manager
An example of a Doorknob Flyer follows on the next page.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-5
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Doorknob Flyer—front
West Hills Water District
Route 5
Batesville, Pennsylvania 23333
(100)555-2121
July 2,1989
TESTS SHOW WEST HILLS WATER HIGH IN VINYL CHLORIDE
SITUATION
Recent tests show that water samples from the West Hills Water District
contain the chemical vinyl chloride in amounts that are higher than those
allowed by the State Department of Health. Measurements taken July 1
showed that water contained 0.003 parts per million of vinyl chloride.
The drinking water standard for vinyl chloride is 0.002 parts per million.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that vinyl chloride is a health
concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical is used in industry
and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakdown of related
solvents. The solvents are used as cleaners and degreasers of metals
and generally get into drinking water by improper waste disposal. This
chemical has been associated with significantly increased risks of cancer
among certain industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large
amounts of this chemical during their working careers. This chemical has
also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals when the animals
are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause
increased risk of cancer among exposed industrial workers and in
laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the
enforceable drinking water standard for vinyl chloride at 0.002 parts per
million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects
which have been observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking
water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk
and should be considered safe.
The vinyl chloride is the result of accidental discharges upstream from the
water intake in the White River. Accidental levels of vinyl chloride in
drinking water are expected to decrease during the coming week since
the cause of the discharge has been eliminated.
«f P KiiM*«o n"mb€r$ on the «*ample correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
4-6
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
EXAMPLE! Doorknob Flyer—back
West Hills Water District
Route 5
Batesville, Pennsylvania 23333
(100)555-2121
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The West Hills Water District will continue monitoring water samples
closely during the next week. Officials do not believe that
contamination levels pose a serious threat to the general
population and do not recommend that residents seek
alternative water supplies. However, workers who have
been exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride may want to
use bottled water for drinking until further testing is
done.
For more information please contact:
John We 11 way
West Hills Water District
(100)555-0548
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
NA
NA
tsl, ts/, w general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
The circled numbers on the example correspond to items found In the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable In this situation.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-7
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Notices by
Posting
muctnnt, th ! 'T 6r meth°d °f informin9 the P^lic about violations. These notices
must contain the requ.red information about the type of violation, health effects, steps taken to
remedy the situation, a source of more information, and so on. Like mailed and hand-delivered
notices, these posted notices should be designed to attract attention. Consider using
• Drawings
• Large amounts of white space around
the type
• Bold-face
• Other type faces as necessary
A common problem with posted notices is using type
that is too small to read comfortably at a distance.
The headings of notices should be no smaller than
18-point type. The body of the notice should be 12
point or larger. Avoid type smaller than 10 point.
These posters must be placed in prominent
locations so that customers have the best chance of
noticing and reading them. Placing posters in
obscure locations defeats the purpose of public
notification.
24 point
A common problem
18 point
A common problem
12 point
A common problem
10 point
A common problem
8 point
A common problem
An example of a Posted Notice follows on the next page.
4-8
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Posted Notice with Recommended Health Effects Language
June 1,1989
TURNPIKE WATER SYSTEM ENCOUNTERS DELAY IN LOWERING NITRATE LEVELS
Briber Way Turnpike Authority
WATER FROM THIS LOCATION SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN
UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE.
SITUATION
j
HEALTH
INFORMATION
The Amber Way Turnpike Authority has announced a delay in installation of water-
treatment equipment for this rest stop. As a result:
Water available at this rest stop may be slightly higher in nitrates than
recommended and should not be given to children under one year of age, or
used in making baby formula.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This inorganic chemical is used in fertilizer, and is associated with sewage
and wastes from farm animals. It generally gets into water from sewage or as a result of
agricultural fertilizing activity.
Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness (and sometimes
death) in young children under one year of age. Infants are at the greatest risk. The
serious illness in children is caused because nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body and
nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the child's blood. This is an acute
disease because the child can exhibit symptoms within hours of consuming water.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Clearly, expert medical
advice should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur. However, they do not
always occur. The purpose of this notice is to encourage parents and other responsible
parties to provide children with an alternate source of drinking water. Local and State
health authorities are the best source for information concerning alternate sources of
drinking water for infants. You will receive notice as soon as a determination has been
made that the drinking water is safe.
EPA has set the drinking water standard at 10 parts per million (ppm) for nitrate to
protect against the risk of these adverse effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with
respect to nitrate.
See second page of this notice for additional information.
* o u,,T!!,e C.irCled number$ on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Posted Notice with Recommended Health Effects Language (continued)
Page 2 of posted notice.
.mber Way Turnpike Authority
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Water measured at this rest stop contained 12 milligrams of nitrate per liter of water.
That is slightly higher than the nitrate limit of 10 milligrams per liter, established by the
State Health Department. The Turnpike Authority has ordered special water treatment
equipment that is designed to lower nitrate levels, and was scheduled to have the
equipment installed by June, 1989. The Turnpike Authority was granted an exemption by
the State Health Department to meet that deadline. However, because of installation
delays, the equipment will not be installed until August. An application has been made to
the State Health Department to approve that schedule.
Water available at this rest stop may be slightly higher in nitrates than
recommended and should not be given to children under one year of age or
used in making baby formula.
Safe Water Available
Low-nitrate, safe water is available from the restaurant in the southeast corner of
the rest-stop area.
The Turnpike Authority regrets the inconvenience. If you have questions regarding
nitrates or the schedule for completing this work, please contact:
Bob Paterson,
Amber Way Turnpike Authority
(417)555-8686
o
NA
recommended health effects language. Substitute mandatory language when published.
i/, 6), HP general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
* » ,_,,The clrcled num»«rs on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable In this situation.
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Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Posted Notice—Spanish
La Autoridad de las Autopistas "Via Ambar" 1 de Junio, 1.989
EL SISTEMA DE AGUA DE LAS AUTOPISTAS ENCUENTRA RETRASO EN
BAJAR LOS NIVELES DE NITRATO
NO SE DEBE DAR AGUA DE ESTE SITIO A LOS NINOS DE MENOS DE UN
ANO DE EDAD.
C
Situacibn
Informacibn
General
J
En esta parada, la Autoridad de Autopistas "Via Ambar" ha anunciado un retraso en la
instalacion de la maquinaria para tratar el agua.
El resultado es:
El agua de este sitio pudiera tener niveles de nitrato un poco m$s altos que
los recomendados y no se les debe dar a los niflos de menos de un afto de
edad, ni usarse para preparar f6rmula para los bebe's.
La Agenda de Proteccion del Medio Ambiente de los Estados Unidos, (E.P.A.), establece
las caracteristicas que debe tener el agua para ser considerada potable y ha '
determinado que, a ciertos niveles de exposici6n, el nitrato crea un serio riesgo para la
salud. Este producto quimico inorga"nico se usa en fertilizantes y esta" asociado con
aguas fecales y deposiciones de animates de granja. Generalmente llega al agua desde
el alcantarillado o como resultado de las actividades de fertilizaci6n agrlcola Niveles
excesivos de nitrato en agua potable han causado seria enfermedad, (y a veces muerte)
en niflos menores de un aflo de edad. Los niflos presentan el mayor riesgo La grave
enfermedad en niflos es causada porque el nitrato es convertido en nitrito en el cuerpo
y el nitrito interfiere con la capacidad de transporte de oxigeno en la sangre del nifio
Esta es una enfermedad grave porque el niflo puede presentar sintomas unas horas
despues de consumir el agua. Los sintomas incluyen respiracion acelerada y color
azulado de la piel. Evidentemente debe buscarse consejo medico inmediatamente si
estos sintomas se presentan. Sin embargo, los sintomas no siempre se dan El
proposito de este anuncio es impulsar a los padres y otras personas responsables a que
proporcionen a los niflos una fuente alternativa de agua para beber. Las autoridades de
salud pubhca locales y estatales son la mejor fuente de informacion sobre fuentes
alternativas de agua potable para los niflos. Seran Uds. informados tan pronto como se
determine que el agua para beber no tiene peligro.
E.P.A. ha establecido 10 partes por millon (ppm) de nitrato como nivel m^ximo en agua
potable, para proteccibn contra el riesgo de estos efectos perjudiciales. El agua potable
que sigue las normas de E.P.A. tiene poco o ningun riesgo y no debe ser considerada
peligrosa con respecto al nitrato.
Lea la segunda pagina de este anuncio si desea obtener mas Informacion.
«f p,,KnTMe.C,IrClod numb€r$ on the «*ample correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation!
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Posted Notice—Spanish (continued)
Pagina 2
La Autoridad de las Autopistas "Via Ambar"
El agua de esta parada fue medida y se encontrb que contenia 12 miligramos de nitrato
por litro de agua. Este nivel es un poco m£s alto que el de 10 miligramos por litro que fue
establecido como limite por el Departamento de Salud del Estado. La autoridad de las
autopistas ha ordenado maquinaria para bajar los niveles de nitrato y los planes son para
instalarla en Junio de 1.989. El Departamento de Salud le concedio una exenci6n a la
Autoridad de autopistas para terminar el proyecto en esa fecha. No obstante, debido a
retrasos en la instalacion, la maquinaria no sera puesta en funcionamiento hasta Agosto.
La autoridad ha hecho solicitud al Departamento de Salud para aprobar estos planes.
El agua de este sitio pudiera tener niveles de nitrato un poco mas altos que los
recomendados y no se les debe dar a los niftos de menos de un afto de edad,
ni usarse para preparar f6rmula para los beb6s.
Agua Sin Riesgo Disponible En
Agua potable con bajo nivel en nitrato se puede obtener en el restaurante en la
esquina Sureste de esta parada.
C
Informaclbn
J
La Autoridad de Autopistas slente los inconvenientes. Si tiene preguntas acerca de
los nitratos o del programa para realizar este trabajo, puede llamar a:
Bob Paterson,
Autoridad de las Autopistas "Via Ambar"
Tel. (417)555-8686
«rs on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
4-12
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Notices for Newspapers
Newspaper
Th« Timas
=- =• =^
i
Plewspapers are probably the most common means of public notice Newspapers
generally considered a credible source of news by readers, and are an important means of
communication in many local communities.
are
The requirement for newspaper notice can be satisfied by:
Buying space In the newspaper, usually in the legal
notices or classified ads section.
A story by a reporter, If it has all the required
information.
A news release that Is printed In the newspaper
provided that the printed version includes all required '
information.
When giving newspaper notice, public water systems usually buy space in the
The DAILY sr^5
CLflSSIFIED
ZZT = -^-"
M
rC
Legal Notice
Notice related to
Contamination of
Drinking Water
from the Greenville
Water Department
•^««— ^—BM
™^^"™"^™^™"^^
111 1^
The DAILY ^
LOCAL WATER
TESTED
•••MBHI
n
CD
notices or
ssss^tss
" " ' * ™* C°ntain "" °f the lnf°rmation reuired the "bH
noon
An example of a Newspaper Notice follows on the next page.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-13
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Newspaper Notice
Greenville Water Department
10 Star Avenue
Greenville, Florida 99999
Notice of a Violation of the Water-Testing Schedule
The Greenville Water Department is required by state and federal regulations to test four water
samples per month for coliform bacteria. Due to a scheduling problem, only three samples
were taken during June, 1988, resulting in a violation. More recent testing, done according to
the required schedule, shows that Greenville water is safe to drink, that there is no contamination
problem, and customers do not need to seek alternative water supplies. The Greenville Water
Department regrets the mistake and will work to make sure that the testing schedule is observed
in the future.
Customers with questions or concern about bacteriological contamination, or any other water
problem, should contact James Brooks, Public Information Officer, Greenville Water
Department, 303-555-1212, during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
mandatory language is not required for monitoring violations.
no special segment of the population is at risk.
, ©, ©, w general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
o
0 NA
© NA
SNA
The circled numbers on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
4-14
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
In some cases, particularly in smaller towns where competition for
***** prwlded ^ <"
GENERAL N£WS RELEASE INFORMATION
If you use a news release for public notice, present the
information in order of importance. Readers may not
follow the entire story; the first few paragraphs can attract
audience interest and thus increase the chance that they
will read the rest of the story. The first few paragraphs
should tell readers what kind of violation has occurred and
give some sense of its seriousness. If the violation is a
threat to health, that information should be given early in
the story. Less important information can generally wait
until later. However, information presented late in a story
may be cut out during the editing process at a newspaper
Steps for Writing a News Release:
West Hills Water District
Route 5
Batesville, Pennsylvania 23333
(100)555-2121
DATE OF RELEASE: March 25, 1989
SOURCE: John Wellway, Water District Manager
(100)555-2121
f thertorf ^ ° headl"le~'
-rds as
IBIS SHOW WEST HILLS' WATER HIGH IN VINYL CHLORIDE
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-15
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
The news release should begin by showing the location of the story. That is, if the water
system is located in Batesville, the town's name should be indented and shown in capital letters,
as follows:
BATESVILLE—Recent tests show that water
samples from the West Hills...
After the location is shown, the story itself can begin. Some news reporters try to
include everything about a story in the first sentence. In a technical story, however, that is
generally difficult. The first sentence (known as the "lead" in news writing) often becomes
too long and unwieldy. In general, it is sufficient to put the most important information at
the beginning of a story, followed by an attribution, which shows the source of the story
I
BATESVILLE—Recent tests show that water
samples from the West Hills Water District contain
the chemical vinyl chloride in amounts that are
higher than those allowed by the state department
of health, according to water district manager
John We 11 way.
The paragraph after the lead could contain more specific information about the violation.
For example:
The average of the analytical results for four
quarterly samples taken between January 1, 1988
and December 31, 1989 shows that water from West
Hills contained an average of 0.003 milligrams per
liter (mg/l) of vinyl chloride. The drinking water
standard for vinyl chloride is 0.002 mg/l.
It is suggested that this paragraph include the mandatory language about the health
effects of the contaminant involved, and information about the cause and remedy of the
situation. Additional local information would be helpful.
The finished News Release for Tier 1 violations, then, should look like the one on the following page.
4-16
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
EXAMPLE: News Release for Tier 1 Violation
West Hills Water District
Route 5
Batesville, Pennsylvania 23333
(100)555-2121
DATE OF RELEASE: July 5, 1989
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Wellway, Water District Manager
(100)555-2121
TESTS SHOW WEST HILLS' WATER HIGH IN VINYL CHLORIDE
BATESVILLE—Recent tests show that water samples from the West Hills District contain the
chemical vinyl chloride in amounts that are higher than those allowed by the state department of
health, according to water district manager, John Wellway.
The average of the analytical results for four quarterly samples taken between January 1
1988 and December 31, 1989 shows that water from West Hills contained an average of 0 003
milligrams per liter (mg/l) of vinyl chloride. The national EPA drinking water standard for vinvl
chloride is 0.002 mg/l. y
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined that vinyl chloride is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical
is used in industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakdown of related solvents
The solvents are used as cleaners and degreasers of metals and generally get into drinking water
by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been associated with significantly increased risks
of cancer among certain industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this
chemical during their working careers. This chemical has also been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals
that cause increased risk of cancer among exposed industrial workers and in laboratory animals
also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods
of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for vinyl chloride at 0 002 parts per
million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been
observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is
associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
According to Wellway, the vinyl chloride is the result of an accidental discharge upstream
from the water intake in the White River. Levels of this contaminant in drinking water are
expected to decrease during the coming week, as the source of the vinyl chloride has been
eliminated. Further testing is scheduled.
™- .T.he .Water District will continue monitoring water samples closely during the next week
Officials do not believe that contamination levels pose a serious threat to health, and do not
recommend that residents seek alternative water supplies. However, workers who have been
exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride may want to use bottled water for drinking until further
testing is done. The District is currently evaluating treatment options, including the use of
granular activated carbon, should levels of vinyl chloride continue to exceed the drinking water
standard.
«r i?H,m?re.lnformatlon contact John Wellway at the West Hills Water District
555-2121 during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
-30-
general items which pertain to the notice as a whole.
o
NA
MOTE
••CJ The circled numbers on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
In the case of Tier 2 violations, which are less serious, language in news releases should make it
clear that no immediate health threat necessarily exists, but that certain monitoring or exemption
violations have taken place. For example,
BON—The Valley Water Department has been
informed by the Indiana Department of Environ-
mental Management that it has violated federal
regulations for testing turbidity of the city's water
supply.
The release should go on to include the remaining items from the checklist.
A sample News Release for a Tier 2 turbidity violation is presented on the following page:
4-18
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
News Release for Tier 2 Violation
Valley Water Department
231 River Road Valley • Bon, Indiana 77777
Telephone - (101)555-0548
DATE OF RELEASE: January 3, 1989
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Wider, Department Manager
(101)555-0548
WATER COMPANY VIOLATES TESTING PROCEDURE
BON— The Valley Water Department has been informed by the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management that it has violated federal regulations for testing the turbidity of the
city's water supply. y
The violation does not pose a threat to the quality of the city's water. Residents should not
be alarmed and do not need to seek alternative water supplies.
For the past several months, the Water Company has inadvertently used improper
equipment to measure turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the amount of suspended particles in
drinking water. High-turbidity water often appears cloudy. Tests with recently purchased proper
equipment show that the Valley water supply meets all state and federal regulations regarding
turbidity. ^ a
High turbidity can be a problem because those suspended particles can interfere with
disinfecting agents before they can do their job by preventing those agents from contacting all
microorganisms that adhere to the particles. y
,*MJ /r W3ter customers witn questions or concerns about the violation should contact Hal
Wider (555-9001) during business hours between 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
mandatory health effects language not required for notification of testing procedures.
no special segment of the population is affected.
, \s/, \g), UP general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
o
f NA
NA
NA
«f p,.KiJ!!?*|lrCl?1 n"mber$ °" the examPle correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation!
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
4-19
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Notices for Radio and Television
Public notification must also be made to broadcast media—radio and television
stations—under certain situations. It is generally difficult to convey technical and complex
information through these outlets. However, they are important because studies have shown that
Americans increasingly rely on television as a primary news source. Also, in an emergency, television
and particularly radio are the fastest means of notifying customers of a drinking water problem.
News releases for radio and television can be written in much the same way as for newspapers.
Because most stations make relatively little broadcast time available for news, it becomes even more
important to summarize the situation in the first few paragraphs of the news release. Also, because
listeners cannot refer to an earlier paragraph or technical definition, releases for broadcast media
should probably be even less technical and less complex than for newspapers.
In many cases, the same release will work for newspapers, radio, and television. However, some
stations prefer that the text of the release be written in all upper-case letters. Pronunciation
guides are sometimes helpful to broadcasters who must be able to pronounce unfamiliar terms and
words. Also, all abbreviations should be spelled out so that the story is written just the way the
words would be read.
Pronunciation Guide
Trichloroethlylene — tr'i, klo-ro-'eth-e-, len
Dichloroethane — dl, klor-o-'eth-an
The finished Broadcast News Release, then, should look like the one on the following page.
4-20
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Sect/on 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
Broadcast News Release with Mandatory Health Effects Language
ural Water District IV - Route 3 • Farmville, Texas 88888
(108)555-6284
FOR RELEASE: JUNE 2, 1989
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BOB THOMPSON, MANAGER
(108)555-6284
WATER DISTRICT VIOLATES DISINFECTANT REQUIREMENTS; CUSTOMERS
SHOULD BOIL THEIR WATER OR SEEK ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLIES.
FARMVILLE RURAL WATER DISTRICT IV HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH THAT IT HAS VIOLATED REGULATIONS FOR DISINFECTING ITS
WATER SUPPLY.
BOB THOMPSON, WATER DISTRICT MANAGER, SAID THAT THE DISTRICT'S
DISINFECTANT EQUIPMENT HAS NOT BEEN OPERATING PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM WAS
DISCOVERED MAY 30TH. SINCE THAT TIME THE WATER HAS NOT HAD ADEQUATE
DISINFECTION AND MAY POSE A RISK FOR WATER-DISTRICT CUSTOMERS. THOMPSON
RECOMMENDED THAT ALL DISTRICT CUSTOMERS BOIL THEIR WATER BFFQRF
CONSUMPTION OR USE BOTTLED WATER FOR DRINKINQ UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
ACCORDING TO THOMPSON, THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) SETS DRINKING WATER STANDARDS AND HAS DETERMINED THAT THE
PRESENCE OF MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS ARE A HEALTH CONCERN AT
CERTAIN LEVELS OF EXPOSURE. IF WATER IS INADEQUATELY TREATED,
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS IN THAT WATER MAY CAUSE DISEASE. DISEASE
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE DIARRHEA, CRAMPS, NAUSEA, AND POSSIBLY JAUNDICE,
AND ANY ASSOCIATED HEADACHES AND FATIGUE.
— MORE —
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
O
4-21
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Section 4 Types and Examples of Public Notice
ADD ONE
RURAL WATER DISTRICT IV
THESE SYMPTOMS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT JUST ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE-CAUSING
ORGANISMS IN DRINKING WATER, BUT ALSO MAY BE CAUSED BY A NUMBER OF
OTHER FACTORS OTHER THAN YOUR DRINKING WATER. EPA HAS SET ENFORCEABLE
REQUIREMENTS FOR TREATING DRINKING WATER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF THESE
ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS. TREATMENT SUCH AS FILTERING AND DISINFECTING THE
WATER REMOVES OR DESTROYS MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS. DRINKING
WATER WHICH IS TREATED TO MEET THE EPA REQUIREMENTS IS ASSOCIATED WITH
LITTLE TO NONE OF THIS RISK AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SAFE.
THE DISTRICT IS REPLACING THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND SHOULD HAVE THE
EQUIPMENT CORRECTED BY LATE TOMORROW AFTERNOON, JUNE 3. THOMPSON SAID
HE WOULD NOTIFY CUSTOMERS WHEN THEY COULD RETURN TO USING THEIR
NORMAL WATER SUPPLY.
RESIDENTS WHO WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SITUATION
SHOULD CONTACT THOMPSON AT THE WATER DISTRICT OFFICES BETWEEN 8:00 AM
AND 5:00 PM. HIS PHONE NUMBER IS 555-6284
###
ADD ONE'' is used to indicate a continuation of information for release.
### indicates end of information to be released.
NA
recommended health effects language. Substitute mandatory language when published.
general items pertaining to the notice as a whole.
The circled numbers on the example correspond to items found in the Checklists
of Public Notice Requirements, Appendix D. NA means not applicable in this situation.
4-22
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 5 Special Public Notice for Fluoride
SECTION 5 Special Public Notice for Fluoride
• Primary and Secondary Standards for Fluoride
• Public Notification Requirements for Exceedances
of tte Secondary Standard lor fluoride
• Violations of Primary MCt for Fluoride
Primary and Secondary Standards for Fluoride
Background
There are two drinking water standards for fluoride: a primary standard, called a maximum
^r!?"?? K^/MCuL)/,and 3 secondary standard, called a secondary maximum contaminant level
(SMCL). The MCL is the legally enforceable numerical standard which has been established to
protect the public from adverse health effects. The SMCL is a numerical federal guideline for the
protection of the public welfare.
You are probably most familiar with the MCL for fluoride, which has been set at 4 milligrams per
Nter (mg/l) to protect against bone changes which result in crippling skeletal fluorosis, an adverse
health effect. However, in addition to the increased risk of crippling skeletal fluorosis associated with
finished waters that exceed the MCL, EPA has determined that the cosmetic effects of fluoride
associated with waters containing levels of fluoride below the MCL of 4 mg/l but above 2 ma/1
adversely affect the public welfare, as exposure to these waters results in the formation of cosmetically
objectionable dental fluorosis (discoloration and/or pitting of teeth). Therefore, EPA has set an SMCL
for fluoride of 2 mg/l and has established a public notification requirement for community water
systems that exceed this level.
Public Notification Requirements for Exceedances of the
Secondary Standard for Fluoride
Public notification requirements for fluoride are slightly different than for other contaminants If
a community water system exceeds the secondary maximum contaminant level for fluoride
(2 mg/l), but does not exceed the primary MCL (4 mg/l), it must notify its customers using the
following notice. This notice must be provided
• Annually to all customers,
• To new customers at the time service begins, and
• To the state public health officer.
The following notice from §143.5 of the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations with the
appropriate information about your water system (see footnotes © and © in notice) must be sent to
the parties above without any changes or additional language.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Section 5 Special Public Notice for Fluoride
Dear User,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that we send you this
notice on the level of fluoride in your drinking water. The drinking water in your
community has a fluoride concentration of _ milligrams © per liter (mg/l).
Federal regulations require that fluoride, which occurs naturally in your water
supply, not exceed a concentration of 4.0 mg/l in drinking water. This is an
enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), and it has been
established to protect the public health. Exposure to drinking water levels above
4.0 mg/l for many years may result in some cases of crippling skeletal fluorosis,
which is a serious bone disorder.
Federal law also requires that we notify you when monitoring Indicates that
the fluoride In your drinking water exceeds 2.0 mg/l. This Is intended to alert
families about dental problems that might affect children under nine years of age.
The fluoride concentration of your water exceeds this federal guideline.
Fluoride in children's drinking water at levels of approximately 1 mg/l reduces
the number of dental cavities. However, some children exposed to levels of
fluoride greater than about 2.0 mg/l may develop dental fluorosis. Dental
fluorosis, in its moderate and severe forms, Is a brown staining and/or pitting of
the permanent teeth.
Because dental fluorosis occurs only when developing teeth (before they erupt
from the gums) are exposed to elevated fluoride levels, households without
children are not expected to be affected by this level of fluoride. Families with
children under the age of nine are encouraged to seek other sources of drinking
water for their children to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting.
Your water supplier can lower the concentration of fluoride in your water so
that you will still receive the benefits of cavity prevention while the possibility of
stained and pitted teeth Is minimized. Removal of fluoride may increase your
water costs. Treatment systems are also commercially available for home use.
Information on such systems is available at the address given below. Low fluoride
bottled drinking water that would meet all standards Is also commercially
available.
For further information, contact _ ® at your water system.
Yours truly,
Robert Jones
Utilities Director
PVVS shaf! Insert the compliance result which triggered notification under
this
PWS shall insert the name, address, and telephone number of a contact
person at the
5-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Section 5 Special Public Notice for Fluoride
Violations of Primary MCt for Fluoride
When a community or non-community public water system
• Violates the primary standard for fluoride (MCL)
• Operates under a variance or exemption from the fluoride MCL
• Fails to comply with a schedule prescribed under a variance or exemption for fluoride
the notice must consist of the public notice (letter) given above plus a description of any steps the
system is taking to correct the problem.
The notice must be given In the same manner and frequency as for a Tier 1
non-acute violation as described In Section 2 of this Handbook.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
5-3
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Section 6 Proof of Publication
SECTION 6 Proof of Publication
• What Constitutes Proof
-------
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Section 7 Annual Summary of Violations: A Recommendation
SECTION 7 Annual Summary of Violations:
A Recommendation
Although it's not a regulatory requirement, EPA recommends that public water system owners,
operators and managers consider providing their customers with an annual summary of the overall
compliance status of their system. Consumers may overlook mail inserts or fail to realize the
significance of sporadically received public notices. An annual summary would give consumers
"the big picture" as to how their water system is performing.
EPA believes that an annual summary of violations—or, better, a report of no violations—would
have a significant impact on consumers. It would not only inform them as to how well their system is
performing, but would also help them develop a greater awareness of the problems faced by their
system. Hopefully, the summary would engender a greater willingness to support solutions to any
problems faced by their system.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems 7_1
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Section 8 Notification for Unregulated Contaminants
SECTION 8 Notification for Unregulated
Contaminants
Notification for unregulated contaminants
IS NOT
the same as public notification for regulated
contaminants (contaminants fc* which Maximum
Contaminant Levels (MCts) or treatment technique
requirements have been established).
Section 1414 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires "the owner or operator of a public
water system to give notice to the persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated
contaminant required to be monitored under section 1445(a) [Monitoring for Unregulated
Contaminants]."
On July 8, 1987 EPA published the final requirements for monitoring for unregulated
contaminants in drinking water (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141, Section 141.40).
This rule promulgate monitoring requirement* for 51 synthetic
organic chemicals for which maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)
or treatment technique requirements have not been established.
Section 141.35(d) requires that:
"The owner or operator shall notify persons served by the system of the availability of the
results of sampling conducted under Section 141.40 [Special monitoring for organic
chemicals] by including a notice in the first set of water bills issued by the system after the
receipt of the results or written notice within three months. The notice shall identify a
person and supply the telephone number to contact for information on the monitoring
results."
As you can see, notice for unregulated contaminants is not the same as for regulated
contaminants.
For unregulated contaminants, all you are required to do is send
a NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY 0* MONITORING RESULTS tO your
customers.
You can, if you want to, send a copy of the results, but this is not required. The notice of
availability must
• Be sent within three months of your receiving the results
• Contain the name and telephone number of a contact person who
can respond to customer questions
States may establish more stringent notice requirements. Contact your primacy
agent to make sure that your notice for unregulated contaminants meets ALL the
requirements.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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AoDendices
im WHk ^f^i^ ^^P^^ ^IP^1 ^* ^* ^(Pr^w ^m ^HP ^QB& ^jjr
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix A
APPENDIX A.
Glossary of Terms
ACUTE — Certain violations such as nitrate and fecal coliform bacteria can pose acute (immediate) risk
to human health. MCL violations that are acute violations are defined by regulation, and require
additional notice by electronic media (only for community water systems). Currently, EPA only defines
the violation of the nitrate standard as an acute violation. However, your State may define additional
violations as acute violations.
MCL — Maximum Contaminant Level, the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in drinking
water which is delivered to any user of a public water system. MCLs are established by the National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
NPDWR — National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, the standards for drinking water quality. Each
NPDWR contains an MCL or treatment technique, and monitoring and reporting requirements for a
contaminant of concern.
PRIMACY AGENCY — The agency that is responsible for regulation of water supply systems in states
and on Indian lands. In most cases, this is the state agency that regulates water supply systems. In
states and on Indian lands where no designated agency administers the public drinking water program,
EPA is the primacy agency.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM — A system that provides piped water for human consumption if such
system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of 25 individuals 60 or more
days out of the year. Such a system includes: (1) any collection, treatment, storage and distribution
facilities under the control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such
system, and (2) any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used
primarily in connection with such system. A public water system is either a community water
system or a non-community water system and can be publicly or privately owned.
1. COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM — A public water system that pipes water for human
consumption to at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents, or one that
regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents (e.g., municipality, subdivision, mobile
home park).
2. NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM — A public water system that pipes water for
human consumption to at least 15 service connections used by individuals other than year-
round residents for at least 60 days a year, or serves 25 or more people at least 60 days a
year (e.g., schools, factories, rest stops, interstate carrier conveyances).
a. NON-TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM — A non-community water
system that serves at least 25 of the same persons over six months per year (e.g.,
schools, factories, industrial parks, office buildings).
b. TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM — A non-community water system
that does not meet the definition of a non-transient non-community water system
(e.g., highway rest stops, restaurants, motels, golf courses, parks).
SDWA — Safe Drinking Water Act, the act that establishes standards for drinking water safety.
Amended in 1986.
TIER 1 VIOLATIONS — More serious violations, including failure to comply with an MCL (see Max-
imum Contaminant Level); failure to comply with prescribed treatment techniques; and failure to meet
variance or exemption schedules.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems A-l
-------
Appendix A
TIER 2 VIOLATIONS — Less serious violations, including failure to comply with monitoring
requirements; failure to comply with a testing procedure prescribed by a NPDWR; and operatinq under
a variance or exemption.
VOCs — Volatile synthetic organic chemicals.
A-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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APPENDIX B
Appendix B
Mandatory Health Effects Information
The following language must be included, word for word, in any notice involving a
violation related to one of the twelve following contaminants. Language for additional
contaminants is being developed and should be added to this section as it is promulgated.
1) 1,1-Dichloroethylene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,1-dichloroethylene is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical is used in industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the
breakdown of related solvents. The solvents are used as cleaners and degreasers of metals and
generally get into drinking water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause
liver and kidney damage in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at
high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals which cause adverse effects in laboratory animals also may
cause adverse health effects in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA
has set the enforceable drinking water standard for 1,1-dichloroethylene at 0.007 parts per million
(ppm) to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and
should be considered safe.
2) 1,1,1-Trlchloroethane: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,1,1-trichloroethane is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical is used as a cleaner and degreaser of metals. It generally gets into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, nervous system,
and circulatory system of laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at
high levels over their lifetimes. Some industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts
of this chemical during their working careers also suffered damage to the liver, nervous system, and
circulatory system. Chemicals which cause adverse effects among exposed industrial workers and in
laboratory animals also may cause adverse health effects in humans who are exposed at lower levels
over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water standard for 1,1,1-
trichloroethane at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects
which have been observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets this
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
3) 1,2-DIchloroethane: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that 1,2-dichloroethane is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical is used as a cleaning fluid for fats, oils, waxes, and resins. It generally gets
into drinking water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in
humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable
drinking water standard for 1,2-dichloroethane at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of
cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water
which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
4) Benzene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that benzene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This chemical is
used as a solvent and degreaser of metals. It is also a major component of gasoline. Drinking water
contamination generally results from leaking underground gasoline and petroleum tanks or improper
waste disposal. This chemical has been associated with significantly increased risks of leukemia among
certain industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during their
working careers. This chemical has also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause increased risk of cancer
among exposed industrial workers and in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems B-1
-------
B-2
Appendix B
4) Benzene continued.
humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable
drinking water standard for benzene at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or
other adverse health effects which have been observed in humans and laboratory animals. Drinking
water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered
safe.
5) Carbon tetrachlorlde: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that carbon tetrachloride is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical was once a popular household cleaning fluid. It generally gets into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory
animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who
are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water
standard for carbon tetrachloride at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of cancer or other
adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets
this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
6) Fecal collforms/f. coll: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that the presence of fecal coliforms or E. coli is a serious health
concern. Fecal coliforms and f. coli are generally not harmful themselves, but their presence in
drinking water is serious because they usually are associated with sewage or animal wastes. The
presence of these bacteria in drinking water is generally a result of a problem with water treatment or
the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with
organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and
possibly jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just
associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of
factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for fecal
coliforms and f. coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking
water samples must be free of these bacteria. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated
with little or none of this risk and should be considered safe. State and local health authorities
recommend that consumers take the following precautions: [To be inserted by the public water
system, according to instructions from State or local authorities]. Effective December 31, 1990.
7) Fluoride: (See Section 5 and Appendix H.)
8) Microbiological contaminants: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants are a
health concern at certain levels of exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological
contaminants in that water may cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps,
nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however,
are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a
number of factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating
drinking water to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Treatment such as filtering and
disinfecting the water removes or destroys microbiological contaminants. Drinking water which is
treated to meet EPA requirements is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered
safe. Effective December 31, 1990.
9) Para-dichlorobenzene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that para-dichlorobenzene is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical is a component of deodorizers, moth balls, and pesticides. It generally gets
into drinking water by improper waste disposal. The chemical has been shown to cause liver and
kidney damage in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high
levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals which cause adverse effects in laboratory animals also may cause
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Appendix B
9) Para-dichlorobenzene continued.
adverse health effects in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has
set the enforceable drinking water standard for para-dichlorobenzene at 0.075 parts per million (ppm)
to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
10) Total conforms: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that the presence of total coliforms is a possible health concern. Total
conforms are common in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves. The presence of
these bacteria in drinking water, however, generally is a result of a problem with water treatment or
the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with
organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and
possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just
associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of
factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for total
coliforms to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets this standard
is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing bacteria and should be considered safe.
Effective December 31, 1990.
11) Trlchloroethylene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined that trichloroethylene is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical is a common metal cleaning and dry cleaning fluid. It generally gets into
drinking water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals also may increase the risk of cancer in
humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA has set forth the enforceable
drinking water standard for trichloroethylene at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the risk of
cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals. Drinking water
which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
12) Vinyl chloride: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that vinyl chloride is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
This chemical is used in industry and is found in drinking water as a result of the breakdown of related
solvents. The solvents are used as cleaners and degreasers of metals and generally get into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This chemical has been associated with significantly increased risks
of cancer among certain industrial workers who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this
chemical during their working careers. This chemical has also been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that
cause increased risk of cancer among exposed industrial workers and in laboratory animals also may
increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed at lower levels over long periods of time. EPA
has set the enforceable drinking water standard for vinyl chloride at 0.002 parts per million (ppm) to
reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in humans and
laboratory animals. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this
risk and should be considered safe.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems B-3
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Appendix C
APPENDIX C. I Recommended Health Effects Language
EPA is in the process of developing final mandatory health effects language for additional
contaminants. Until such language is promulgated, recommended language is provided below. This
recommended language is used in the sample public notices in Section 4 for contaminants for which
no mandatory language has been finalized.
1) 2,4-D: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined that 2,4-0 is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic chemical is
used to control algae in reservoirs. It generally leaches into groundwater or runs off into surface water
after application as a weed killer. This chemical has been shown to produce adverse effects
characterized by damage to the liver and kidney of laboratory animals such as rats exposed at high
levels during their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this
chemical also suffered damage to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for 2,4-
D at 0.1 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to 2,4-D.
2) 2,4,5-TP: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that 2,4,5-TP is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is used as a herbicide. It generally gets into water by runoff into surface water or leaching
into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver and kidney of laboratory
animals such as rats and dogs exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. Some industrial workers
who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during working careers also suffered
damage to the nervous system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for 2,4,5-TP at 0.01 parts per
million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets
the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect
to 2,4,5-TP.
3) Barium: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that barium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
chemical occurs naturally in some types of minerals that may serve as sources of ground water. It is
also used in oil and gas drilling muds, automotive paints, bricks, tiles and jet fuels. It generally gets
into drinking water after dissolving from naturally occurring minerals in the ground. This chemical has
been shown to damage the heart and cardiovascular system, and is associated with high blood
pressure in laboratory animals such as rats exposed to high levels during their lifetimes. EPA has set
the drinking water standard for barium at 1.0 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of
these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to
none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to barium.
4) Cadmium: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that cadmium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure.
Smoking of tobacco is a common source of general exposure. This inorganic metal is a contaminant in
the metals used to galvanize pipe. It generally gets into water by corrosion of galvanized pipes or by
improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney in animals such as rats
and mice when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Some industrial workers
who were exposed to relatively large amounts of this chemical during working careers also suffered
damage to the kidney. EPA has set the drinking water standard for cadmium at 0.010 parts per million
(ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA
standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to
cadmium.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems C-1
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C-2
Appendix C
5) Chromium: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that chromium is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
inorganic metal occurs naturally in the ground and is often used in the electroplating of metals. It
generally gets into water from runoff from old mining operations and improper waste disposal from
plating operations. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney, nervous system, and the
circulatory system of laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the animals are exposed at high
levels over their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to this chemical suffered liver and kidney
damage, dermatitis and respiratory problems. EPA has set the drinking water standard for chromium
at 0.05 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking
water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to chromium.
6) Lead: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined that lead is a health concern at certain exposure levels. Lead is a soft, dull, gray metal
that has frequently been used in water supply plumbing materials, especially flux, solder, pipes, and
brass and bronze fixtures. Lead usually contaminated drinking water as a result of the corrosion of
these plumbing materials by the water they carry. Lead has been shown to cause a variety of adverse
health effects in humans and animals. In humans, lead has been shown to interfere with the formation
of red blood cells (heme synthesis), cause anemia, cause kidney damage, impair reproductive function,
reduce birth weight, cause premature birth, delay physical and mental development in babies and
young children, impair mental abilities in children, and increase blood pressure in adults. Many of
these effects have been observed at relatively low exposure levels. Studies on animals indicated that
lead may also cause cancer at high doses. EPA has set the drinking water standard for lead at 0.05
ppm (parts per million) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water
which meets the EPA standard is associated with little of this risk and should be considered safe to
drink.
7) Lindane: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that lindane is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This organic
chemical is used as a pesticide. It generally gets into drinking water by runoff into surface water or
leaching into ground water after application to crops. This chemical has been shown to damage the
liver, kidney, nervous system, and immune system of laboratory animals such as rats, mice and dogs
exposed at high levels during their lifetimes. Some humans who were exposed to relatively large
amounts of this chemical also suffered damage to the nervous system and circulatory system. EPA has
established the drinking water standard for lindane at 0.004 parts per million (ppm) to protect against
the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated
with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe with respect to lindane.
8) Mercury: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that mercury is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This inorganic
metal is used in electrical equipment and some water pumps. It usually gets into water as a result of
improper waste disposal. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidneys of laboratory animals
such as rats when the animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for mercury at 0.002 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these
adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of
this risk and should be considered safe with respect to mercury.
9) Methoxychlor: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that methoxychlor is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
organic chemical is used as a pesticide. It generally gets into water by runoff into surface water or
leaching into ground water. This chemical has been shown to damage the liver, kidney, nervous
system, and circulatory system of laboratory animals such as rats exposed at high levels during their
lifetimes. It has also been shown to produce growth retardation in rats. EPA has set the drinking
water standard for methoxychlor at 0.1 parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these
adverse health effects. Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of
this risk and should be considered safe with respect to methoxychlor.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
-------
Appendix C
10) Nitrate: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
inorganic chemical is used in fertilizer, and is associated with sewage and wastes from farm animals. It
generally gets into water from sewage or as a result of agricultural fertilizing activity. Excessive levels of
nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in young children under one
year of age. Infants are at the greatest risk. The serious illness in children is caused because nitrate is
converted to nitrite in the body and nitrite interferes with the oxygen carrying capacity of the child's
blood. This is an acute disease in that the child can exhibit symptoms within hours of consuming
water. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Clearly, expert medical advice
should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur. However, they do not always occur. The
purpose of this notice is to encourage parents and other responsible parties to provide children with an
alternate source of drinking water. Local and State health authorities are the best source for
information concerning alternate sources of drinking water for infants. You will receive notice as soon
as a determination has been made that the drinking water is safe. EPA has set the drinking water
standard at 10 parts per million (ppm) for nitrate to protect against the risk of these adverse effects.
Drinking water which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to nitrate.
11) Selenium: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that selenium is a health concern at certain high levels of exposure.
Selenium is also an essential nutrient at low levels of exposure. This inorganic chemical is found
naturally in soils and is used in electronics, photocopy operations, the manufacture of glass, chemicals,
drugs, and as a fungicide and a feed additive. This chemical has been shown to damage the kidney,
nervous system, and the circulatory system of laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Some industrial workers who were exposed to
relatively large amounts of this chemical during working careers also suffered damage to the liver,
nervous system, and circulatory system. EPA has set the drinking water standard for selenium at 0.01
parts per million (ppm) to protect against the risk of these adverse health effects. Drinking water
which meets the EPA standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered
safe with respect to selenium.
12) Toxaphene: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that toxaphene is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. This
organic chemical was once a pesticide widely used on cotton, corn, soybeans, pineapples and other
crops. It generally gets into drinking water by runoff into surface water or leaching into ground water.
This chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals such as rats and mice when the
animals are exposed at high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory
animals also may increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed over long periods of time.
EPA has set the drinking water standard for toxaphene at 0.005 parts per million (ppm) to reduce the
risk of cancer or other adverse health effects which have been observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none of this risk and should be
considered safe with respect to toxaphene.
13) Turbidity: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that the turbidity of water is a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. The turbidity, or cloudiness, of drinking water is a measure of the minute particles
suspended in the water that can interfere with disinfection and with testing for bacteria. Excessive
turbidity can allow disease-causing organisms to survive. EPA has set the enforceable drinking water
standard for turbidity at 1 turbidity unit (TU) as determined by a monthly average of daily results, and
5 TU based on an average of two consecutive days, to reduce the risk of health effects associated with
particles suspended in water. Drinking water which meets this standard is associated with little to none
of this risk and should be considered safe.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems C-3
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APPENDIX
Appendix D
Checklists for Community and Non-Community
Public Water Systems for Tter I and Her 2
Violations
Use the checklist for your type of system as you develop your public notice to be sure that all
requirements for public notification have been met.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
D 1
-------
Appendix D
Checklist of Public Notification Requirements
for
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
Determine your notification requirements for each violation by circling all that
apply. Read footnotes carefully.
Public Notification Requirements
Violation
Category
Type
TIER 1
1. MCL
2. Treatment
Technique
3. Variance or
Exemption
Schedule
Violation
TIER 2
1 . Monitoring3
2. Testing
Procedure
3. Variance or
Exemption
Issued
Mandatory
Health
Effects
Information
Required
(All PWSs)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Notice to
New Billing
Units
(CWSs Only)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Type of
PWS
Community
Community
Time Frame Within Which Notice Must be Given (Box Indicates
time frame for initial notice, and is followed by the frequency of
repeat notice until the violation Is resolved)
.Yjola- 72 7 14 45 3 Annual
tfoh hours days days days months
Acute Violations:
W^ind Radio | NP Repeat
Newspaper1 No Repeat
Mart or Hand Delivery* j
Non-Acute Violations;
^ •• ''• 1
Mart or Hand Delivery*
Newspaper1
Quarterly Repeat
Quarterly Repeat
Repeat fay
Matter
0**ff
Footnotes
'If no newspaper of general circulation is available, posting or hand delivery is required as specified in
§141.32(a)(3)(i) and §141.32(b)(3)(i). K
2May be waived in accordance with §141.32(a)(1)(ii).
3Less frequent notice (but no less than annual) to be required as in §142.16(a).
on following page.
D-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix D
Checklist of Public Notification Requirements (continued)
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
Check each Item below that appears In the notice you have prepared. When
all appropriate Items have been checked, your notice should meet the requirements
established for General Public Notification.
Notice Contents
• The notice provides a clear and readily understandable explanation of the
Q 1 . violation
Q 2. potential adverse health effects (mandatory health effects language)
Q 3. population at risk
Q 4. steps the system is taking to correct the violation
Q 5. necessity of seeking alternative water supplies (if any)
Q 6. preventive measures the consumer should take until the violation is corrected
• The notice
Q 7. is clear and conspicuous in design
8. contains non-technical language
9. uses print that is easily read
1 0. content creates no problems that would frustrate the purpose of public notification
Q
Q
Q
Q
11. contains the telephone number of the owner, operator, or designee of the public water
system as a source of additional information
Q 1 2. contains multi-lingual information, where appropriate
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
D-3
-------
Appendix D
Checklist of Public Notification Requirements
for
NON COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
Determine your notification requirements for each violation by circling all that
apply. Read footnotes carefully.
Public Notification Requirements
Violation
Category
Type
TIER 1
1. MCL
2. Treatment
Technique
3. Variance or
Exemption
Violation
TIER 2
1 . Monitoring
2. Testing
Procedure
3. Variance or
Exemption
Issued
Mandatory
Health
Effects
Information
Required
(All PWSs)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Notke to
New Billing
Units
(CWSs Only)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Type of
PWS
Non-
Community
Non-
Community1
Time Frame Within Which Notice Must be Given (Box Indicates
time frame for initial notice, and Is followed by the frequency of
repeat notice until the violation is resolved)
.Viola- 72 7 14 45 3 Annual
tfoh hours days days days months
Option 1:
Notice as for Community W*t«r Systems
w
Option 2:
Acute Violations:
H^DeHvery Continuous/Quarterly Repeat*
I: M1 n i . (
Non-Acute Violations?
Porting or Hand Delivery : tontinuaus/Quarterly Repeat*
Option 1:
Notice as for Community Water Systems
4V
Option 2:
Potting or Hand Delivery |»MSM.KIU#
1 Quarterly
Footnotes
Includes both transient non-community public water systems and non-transient non-community public water
systems.
2Less frequent notice (but no less than annual) to be required as in §142.l6(a).
^Continuous repeat required if posting is used; quarterly repeat required if hand delivery is used.
D-4
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix D
Checklist of Public Notification Requirements (continued)
NON COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
Check each item below that appears in the notice you have prepared. When
all appropriate Items have been checked, your notice should meet the requirements
established for General Public Notification.
Notice Contents
• The notice provides a clear and readily understandable explanation of the
Q 1. violation
Q 2. potential adverse health effects (mandatory health effects language)
Q 3. population at risk
Q 4. steps the system is taking to correct the violation
Q 5. necessity of seeking alternative water supplies (if any)
Q 6. preventive measures the consumer should take until the violation is corrected
• The notice
Q 7. is clear and conspicuous in design
Q 8. contains non-technical language
Q 9. uses print that is easily read
Q 10. content creates no problems that would frustrate the purpose of public notification
Q 11. contains the telephone number of the owner, operator, or designee of the public water
system as a source of additional information
Q 12. contains multi-lingual information, where appropriate
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
D-5
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Appendix E
APPENDIX E.
Safe Drinking Water Act * Section 1414(c):
Enforcement of Drinking Water Regulations,
General Public Notification Requirements
ENFORCEMENT OF DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
SEC. 1414(c) Each owner or operator of a public water system shall give notice to the persons served
by it-
(1) of any failure on the part of the public water system to-
(A) comply with an applicable maximum contaminant level or treatment technique
requirement of, or a testing procedure prescribed by, a national primary drinking water
regulation, or
(B) perform monitoring required by section 1445(a), and
(2) if the public water system is subject to a variance granted under section 1415(a)(1)(A) or
1415(a)(2) for an inability to meet a maximum contaminant level requirement or is subject to an
exemption granted under section 1416, of-
(A) the existence of such variance or exemption, and
(B) any failure to comply with the requirements of any schedule prescribed pursuant to the
variance or exemption.
The Administrator shall by regulation prescribe the form, manner, and frequency for giving notice
under this subsection. Within 15 months after the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act
Amendments of 1986, the Administrator shall amend such regulations to provide for different types
and frequencies of notice based on the differences between violations which are intermittent or
infrequent and violations which are continuous or frequent. Such regulations shall also take into
account the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects which may be involved. Notice of any
violation of a maximum contaminant level or any other violation designated by the Administrator as
posing a serious potential adverse health effect shall be given as soon as possible, but in no case later
than 14 days after the violation. Notice of a continuous violation of a regulation other than a
maximum contaminant level shall be given no less frequently than every 3 months. Notice of
violations judged to be less serious shall be given no less frequently than annually. The Administrator
shall specify the types of notice to be used to provide information as promptly and effectively as
possible taking into account both the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects and the
likelihood of reaching all affected persons. Notification of violations shall include notice by general
circulation newspaper serving the area and, whenever appropriate, shall also include a press release to
electronic media and individual mailings. Notice under this subsection shall provide a clear and readily
understandable explanation of the violation, any potential adverse health effects, the steps that the
system is taking to correct such violations, and the necessity for seeking alternative water supplies, if
any, until the violation is corrected. Until such amended regulations are promulgated, the regulations
in effect on the date of the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 shall
remain in effect. The Administrator may also require the owner or operator of a public water system
to give notice to the persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated contaminant
required to be monitored under section 1445(a). Any person who violates this subsection or
regulations issued under this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of not to exceed $25,000.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems E-1
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Appendix F
APPENDIX
F.
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations *
Section 14132; General Public Notification
Requirements • October 28, 1£&7 • Including
Technical Amendments of April 17, 1989 and the
Surface Water Treatment and Total Coliform
Regulations of June 29, 1989
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 141,142, and 143
[WH-FRL-3254-6]
Drinking Water Regulations; Public
Notification
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This action under section
1414(c] of the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA), 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq., amends
the general public notification
regulations found at 40 CFR 141.32, and
amends the public notification
requirements for exceedances of the
National Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations for fluoride found at 40 CFR
143.5, to make them consistent with the
new general public notification
requirements. These changes apply to
owners and operators of public water
systems which fail to comply with
certain requirements of the National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations
(NPDWRs), or certain monitoring
requirements, and owners or operators
of public water systems which have a
variance or exemption. EPA is
establishing requirements regarding the
manner, form, content and frequency of
the public notice.
In addition, EPA is promulgating new
public notification requirements
regarding lead contamination of
drinking water to implement section
1417(a)(2) of the SDWA. The new public
notification requirements for lead
require public water systems to identify
and provide notice to persons who may
be affected by lead contamination in
their drinking water, where such
contamination results from the use of
lead in the construction materials of the
distribution system. These notification
requirements, which apply to owners
and operators of community and non-
transient non-community water systems,
apply in addition to the general public
notification requirements for lead. EPA
is today establishing requirements
regarding the content, form, manner, and
frequency of the lead notice.
Finally. EPA is amending the State
implementation regulations found at 40
CFR Part 142, Subpart B to require
States to adopt, at a minimum, the
general public notification requirements
found in revised § 141.32, and
procedures for implementing
§ 141.32(b)(3)(iii), which allows States to
extend the public notification time
frames for certain Tier 2 monitoring
violations from three months to one
year.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The amended general
public notice requirements under new 40
CFR 141.32, will take effect April 28,
1989. The public notice requirements for
lead found at 40 CFR 141.34, the
amended public notification
requirements for violations of the
Secondary Maximum Contaminant
Level (SMCL) for fluoride found at 40
CFR 143.5, and the amended State
implementation requirements found at
40 CFR Part 142, Subpart B will take
effect November 27,1987. The
redesignation of 40 CFR 141.32 as 40
CFR 141.36 and the new introductory
text are effective November 27,1987.
Section 141.36 expires April 28,1989. In
accordance with 40 CFR 23.7, this
regulation shall be considered final
Agency action for the purposes of
judicial review at 1:00 p.m. eastern time
on November 12,1987.
§141.32 Public notification.
The requirements in this section are
effective April 28,1989. The
requirements of § 141.36 apply until
April 28,1989.
(a) Maximum contaminant level
(MCL), treatment technique, and
variance and exemption schedule
violations. The owner or operator of a
public water system which fails to
comply with an applicable MCL or
treatment technique established by this
part or which fails to comply with the
requirements of any schedule prescribed
pursuant to a variance or exemption,
shall notify persons served by the
system as follows:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph
(a)(3) of this section, the owner or
operator of a public water system must
give notice:
(i) By publication in a daily
newspaper of general circulation in the
area served by the system as soon as
possible, but in no case laterJhan 14
days after the violation or failure. If the
area served by a public water system is
not served by a dailyTtewspaper qf
general circulation, notice shall instead
be given-by publication in a weekly
newspaper of general circulation serving
the area: and
fii) By mail delivery (by direct mail or
with the water bill), or by hand delivery,
not later than 45 days after the violation
or failure. The State may waive mail or
hand delivery if it determines that the
owner or operator of the public water
system in violation has corrected the
violation or failure within the 45-day
period. The State must make the waiver
in writing and within the 45-day period;
and
(iii) For violations of the MCLs of
contaminants that ?na.y pose an acute
risk to human health, by furnishing a
copy of the notice to the radio and
television stations serving the urea
served by.the public water system as
soon as possible but in no case later
than 72 hours after the violation. The
following violations are acute violations:
(A) Any violations specified by the
State as posing an acute risk to human
health.
(B) Violation of the MCL for nitrate as
defined in § 141.11(b) and determined
according to § 141.23(d).
(C) Violation of the MCL for total
coliforms, when fecal coliforms or E.
co/i arc present in the water distribution
system, as specified in § 141.63(b).
(Dj Occurrence of a waterborne
disease outbreak, as defined in § 141.2,
in an unfiltered system subject to the
requirements of Subpart H of this part.
after December 30,1991 (see
§ 141,71(b)(4)).
(2) Except as provided in paragraph
(a)(3) of this section, following the initial
notice given under paragraph (a)(l) of
this section, the owner or operator of the
public water system must give notice at
least once every three months by mail
delivery (by direct mail or with the
water bill) or by hand delivery, for as
long as the violation or failure exists.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
F 1
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Appendix F
(3) (i) In lieu of the requirements of
paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section,
the owner or operator of a community
water system in an area that is not
served by a daily or weekly newspaper
of general circulation must give notice
by hand delivery or by continuous
posting in conspicuous places within
the area served by the system. Notice
by hand delivery or posting must begin
as soon as possible, but no later than 72
hours after the violation or failure for
acute violations (as defined in paragraph
(a) (1) (iii) of this section), or 14 days
after the violation or failure (for any
other violation). Posting must
continue for as long as the violation or
failure exists. Notice by hand delivery
must be repeated at least every three
months for as long as the violation or
failure exists.
(ii) In lieu of the requirements of
paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section,
the owner or operator of a non-
community water system may give
notice by hand delivery or by
continuous posting in conspicuous
places within the area served by the
system. Notice by hand delivery or
posting must begin as soon as possible,
but no later than 72 hours after the
violation or failure for acute violations
(as defined in paragraph (a) (1) (iii) of
this section, or 14 days after the
violation or failure (for any other
violation). Posting must continue for
as long as the violation or failure exists.
Notice by hand delivery must be
repeated at least every three months for
as long as the violation or failure exists.
(b) Other violations, variances,
exemptions. The owner or operator of a
public water system which fails to
perform monitoring required by section
1445(a) of the Act (including monitoring
required by the National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs)
of this part), fails to comply with a
testing procedure established by this
part, is subject to a variance granted
under section 1415(a)(l)(A) or 1415(a)(2)
of the Act. or is subject to an exemption
under section 1416 of the Act. shall
notify persons served by the system as
follows:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph
(b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section, the owner
or operator of a public water system
must give notice within three months of
the violation or granting of a variance or
exemption by publication in a daily
newspaper of general circulation in the
area served by the system. If the area
served by a public water system is not
served by a daily newspaper of general
circulation, notice shall instead be given
by publication in a weekly newspaper of
general circulation serving the area.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph
(b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section, following
the initial notice given under paragraph
(b)(l) of this section, the owner or
operator of the public water system
must give notice at least once every
three months by mail delivery (by direct
mail or with the water bill) or by hand
delivery, for as long as the violation
exists. Repeat notice of the existence of
a variance or exemption must be given
every three months for as long as the
variance or exemption remains in effect.
(3) (i) In lieu of the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(l) and (b)(2) of this
section, the owner or operator of a
community! water system in an area that
is not served by a daily or weekly
newspaper; of general circulation must
give notice; within three months of the
violation or granting of the variance or
exemption, by hand delivery or by
continuous posting in conspicuous
places with the area served by the
system. Posting must continue for as
long as the violation exists or a variance
or exemption remains in effects. Notice
by hand delivery must be repeated at
least every three months for as long as
the violation exists or a variance or
exemption remains in effect.
(ii) In lieu of the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(l) and (b)(2) of this
section, the owner or operator of a non-
community water system may give
notice, within three months of the'
violation or the granting of the variance
or exemption, by hand delivery or by
continuourposting in conspicuous
places within the area served by the
system. Posting must continue for as
long as the violation exists, or a
variance or exemption remains in effect.
Notice by hand delivery must be
repeated at least every three months for
as long as the violation exists or a
variance or exemption remains in effect.
(4) In lieu of the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(l). (b)(2). and (b)(3) of
this section, the owner or operator of a
public water system, at the discretion of
the State, may provide less frequent
notice for minor monitoring violations as
defined by the State, if EPA has
approved the State's application for a
program revision under § 142.16. Notice
of such violations must be given no less
frequently than annually.
(c) Notice to new billing unite. The
owner or operator of a community water
system must give a copy of the most
recent public notice for any outstanding
violation of any maximum contaminant
level, or any treatment technique
requirement, or any variance or
exemption schedule to all new billing
units or new hookups prior to or at the
time service begins.
(d) General content of public notice.
Each notice required by this section
must provide a clear and readily
understandable explanation of the
violation, any potential adverse health
effects, the population at risk, the steps
that the public water system is taking to
correct such violation, the necessity for
seeking alternative, water supplies, \\
any, and any preventive measures the
consumer should take until the violation
is corrected. Each notice shall be
conspicuous and shall not contain
unduly technical language, unduly small
print, orsimilar problems that frustrate
the purpose of the. notice. Each notice
shall include the telephone number of
the owner, opera tpr, or designee of the
public water system as a source of
additional information concerning the
notice. Where appropriate, the notice
shall be: multi-lingual.
(e) Mandatory health effects
language. When providing the
information on potential adverse health
effects required by paragraph (d) of :this
section in notices of violations of
maximum contaminant levels or
treatment technique requirements, or
notices of the granting or the qorUirtued
existence of,exemptions or variances, or
notices of failure to comply with a
variance or exemption schedule, the
owner or operator of a public ivater
system shall-indude .the language
specified below for each contaminant.
(If language for a particular contaminant
is not specified below at the time notice
is required, this paragraph does not
apply.)
(I) Twcti/oroethylene: The United
States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined that triohloroethylene is
a health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This chemical, is a common
metal cleaning and dry cleaning fluid. It
generally gets into drinking water by
improper waste disposal. This chemical
has been shown to cause cancer in
laboratory animals such as rats and
mice when the animals.are exposed at
•high'levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals that'cause cancer in
laboratory animals also may increase
the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed at lower levels over long
periods of time. EPA has set forth the
enforceable drinking water standard for
trichloroethylene at 0.005 parts per
million (ppmj to reduce the risk of
cancer or other adverse health effects
which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets
this standard is associated with little to
none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
F-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix F
(2) Carbon tetrachloride. The United
States Environmental Protection.Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined.that cacbon
tetrachloride is a hiwHh-concernst
certain levels of exposure. This chemical
was once-a popular household cleaning
fluid. It .generally gets into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This
chemical has been shown to cause.
cancer Jn.laboratory animals such as
rats and mice when the animals are
exposed-at high levels over their
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in
laboratory animals also may Increase
the risk of cancer in humans who are
exposed at lower levels over long
periods of of time. EPATias set the
enforceable drinking water standard for
carbon tetrachloride at 0.005 parts per
million:(ppm) to reduce the risk of
cancer or other adverse health effects
which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water whichmeets
this standard is associated-with little to
none-of this ris-k and should be
considered safe.
(3) 7,2-Z7/cA/OT-aetf?a/je. The United
States EnvironmentaTProtection Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards Bird
ha« determined that 1,2-dichloroetrrarre
is a health concern at certain levels-of
exposure. This chemical is used BS a
cleaning fluid Tor fats, oils, waxes, and
resins. It generally gets into -drinking
water from improper waste -dispersal.
This chemical has been shown to cause
cancer in laboratory animals such as
rats and mitre when'the animals are
exposed at high levels over then-
lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in
laboratory animals also may increase
the risk of cancer .in humans who are
exposed at lower levelsrwer long
periods of time. EPA has set the
enforceable drinking water-standard for
1,2-dichloroethane at 0.005-parts per
million (ppm) to reduce the jisk of
cancer.or other adverse;health effects
which have been observed in laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets
this standard is associated with little to
none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
(4) Vinyl chloride. The United States ,
EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA)
sets drinking water standards and has
determined that vinyl chloride is a
health concern at certain levels of
exposure. This.chemicaUs.used in
industry and is found in. drinking water
as a result of the breakdown of related
sol vents. The solvents are used as
cleaners- and degreasers of metals and
generally get into.drinking water by
improper waste disposal. This chemical
has been associated with significantly
increased risks of cancer among certain
industrial workers who w«re exposed to
relatively large amounts of this chemical
during their working careers. This
chemical has also been shown to cause
cancenin,laboratory animals when the
animals are exposed tit high levels over
their;lifetimes,'GhemicQls'that cause
increased risk of cancer-among-exposed
industrial .workers and in laboratory
animals also mH,y increase the risk of
cancer in humans who are exposed at
lower levels over long periods of time.
EPA haslet the-enforceable, drinking
water standard for vinyl chloride at
0.002 part penmillion (ppm) tone. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has-determined:that para-
dichlorobenzene is a health concern at
certain levels of exposure. This chemical
is a component of deodorizers, moth
balls, and pesticides. It generally gets
into drinking water by improper waste
disposal. This chemical has been shown
to cause.liver and kidney damage in
laboratory animals such as rats and
mice when the animals are exposed to
high levels over their lifetimes.
Chemicals which cause adverse effects
in laboratory animals also may cause
adverse health effects in humans who
are exposed at lower levels over long
periods of time. EPA has set the
enforceable drinking water standard for
para-dichlorobenzene at 0.075.parts per
million (ppm) to reduce the risk of these
adverse health effects which have been
observed in laboratory animals.
Drinking water which meets this
standard is associated with little to none
of this risk and should be considered
safe.
(8) 1,1.1-Trichloroethane. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards and
has determined that the 1,1,1-
trichloroethane is a health concern at
certain levels of exposure. This chemical
is used as a cleaner and degreaser of
metals. It generally gets into drinking
water by improper waste disposal. This
chemical has been shown to damage the
liver, nervous system, and circulatory
system of laboratory animals such as
rats and mice when the animals are
exposed at high levels over their
lifetimes. Some industrial workers who
were exposed to relatively large
amounts of this chemical during their
working careers also suffered damage to
the liver, nervous system, and
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
F-3
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Appendix F
circulatory system. Chemicals which
cause adverse effects among exposed
industrial workers and in laboratory
animals also may cause adverse health
effects in humans who are exposed at
lower levels over long periods of time.
EPA has set the enforceable drinking
water standard for 1.1.1-trichloro-
ethane at 0.2 parts per million (ppm)
to protect against the risk of these
adverse health effects which have been
observed in humans and laboratory
animals. Drinking water which meets
this standard is associated with little to
none of this risk and should be
considered safe.
(9) Fluoride.
[Note.—EPA is not specifying language
that must be included in a public notice for
a violation of the fluoride maximum
contaminant level in this section because
§ 143.5 of this part includes the necessary
information. See paragraph (f) of mis
section.]
(ID) Microbiological contaminants
(for use when there is a violation of
the treatment technique requirements
for filtration and disinfection in
Subpart H of this part). The United
States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) sets drinking water
standards and has determined that the
presence of microbiological
contaminants are a health concern at
certain levels of exposure. If water is
inadequately treated, microbiological
contaminants in that water may cause
disease. Disease symptoms may
include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and
possibly jaundice, and any associated
headaches and fatigue. These
symptoms, however, are not just
associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also
may be caused by a number of factors
other than your drinking water. EPA
has set enforceable requirements for
treating drinking water to reduce the
risk of these adverse health effects.
Treatment such as filtering and
disinfecting the water removes or
destroys microbiological contaminants.
Drinking water which is treated to
meet EPA requirements is associated
with little to none of this risk and
should be considered safe.
(11) Total coliforms (To be used
when there is a violation of
§ 141.63(a), and not a violation of
§ 141.63(b)). The United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets drinking water standards
and has determined that the presence
of total coliforms is a possible health
concern. Total coliforms are common
in the environment and are generally
not harmful themselves. The presence
of these bacteria in drinking water,
however, generally is a result of a
problem with water treatment or the
pipes which distribute the water, and
indicates that the water may be
contaminated with organisms that can
cause disease. Disease symptoms may
include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and
possibly jaundice, and any associated
headaches and fatigue. These
symptoms, however, are not just
associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also
may be caused by a number of factors
other than your drinking water. EPA
has set an enforceable drinking water
standard for total coliforms to reduce
the risk of these adverse health effects.
Under this standard, no more than 5.0
percent of the samples collected during
a month can contain these bacteria,
except that systems collecting fewer
than 40 samples/month that have one
total coliform-positive sample per
month are not violating the standard.
Drinking water which meets this
standard is usually not associated with
a health risk from disease-causing
bacteria and should be considered safe.
(12) Fecal Coliforms/E. coli (To be
used when there is a violation of
§ 141.63(b) or both § 141.63(a) and
(b)). The United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking
water standards and has determined
that the presence of fecal coliforms or
E. coli is a serious health concern.
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are
generally not harmful themselves, but
their presence in drinking water is
serious because they usually are
associated with sewage or animal
wastes. The presence of these bacteria
in drinking water is generally a result
of a problem with water treatment or
the pipes which distribute the water,
and indicates that the water may be
contaminated with organisms that can
cause disease. Disease symptoms may
include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and
possibly jaundice, and associated
headaches and fatigue. These
symptoms, however, are not just
associated with disease-causing
organisms in drinking water, but also
may be caused by a number of factors
other than your drinking water. EPA
has set an enforceable drinking water
standard for fecal coliforms and E.
coli to reduce the risk of these adverse
health effects. Under this standard all
drinking water samples must be free of
these bacteria. Drinking water which
meets this standard is associated with
little or none of this risk and should be
considered safe. State and local health
authorities recommend that consumers
take the following precautions: [To be
inserted by the public water system,
according to instructions from State or
local authorities].
(f) Public notices for fluoride.
Notice of violations of the maximum
contaminant level for fluoride, notices
of variances and exemptions from the
maximum contaminant level for
fluoride, and notices of failure to
comply with variance and exemption
schedules for the maximum
contaminant level for fluoride shall
consist of the public notice prescribed
in § 143.5(b), plus a description of
any steps which the system is taking
to come into compliance.
(g) Public notification by the State.
The State may give notice to the
public required by this section on
behalf of the owner or operator of the
public water system if the State
complies with the requirements of this
section. However, the owner or
operator of the public water system
remains legally responsible for
ensuring that the requirements of this
section are met
§143.5 Compliance with secondary
maximum contaminant level and
public notification for fluoride.
(a) Community water systems, as
defined in 40 CFR 141.2(e)(i) of this
title that exceed the secondary
maximum contaminant level for
fluoride as determined by the last
single sample taken in accordance with
the requirements of § 141.23 of this
title or any equivalent State law, but
do not exceed the maximum
contaminant level for fluoride as
specified by § 141.62 of this title or
any equivalent State law, shall provide
the notice prescribed in paragraph (b)
of all billing units annually, all new
billing units at the time service begins,
and the State public heajth officer.
(b) The notice required by paragraph
(a) shall contain the following
language including the language
necessary to replace the superscripts:
§ 142.16 Special primacy
requirements.
(a) State public notification
requirements. If a State exercises the
option specified in § 142.32(b)(4) to
authorize less frequent notice for
minor monitoring violations, it must
adopt a program revision enforceable
under State authorities which
promulgates rules specifying either:
(1) whicn monitoring violations are
minor and the frequency of public
notification for such violations; or (2)
by establishing criteria for determining
which monitoring violations are minor
and the frequency of public
notification.
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Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix C
APPENDIX
G.
Explanation of the Footnotes for the Summary
of Public Notification Requirements Chart in
Section 1 and Public Notification Checklists in
Appendix D
FOOTNOTE 1
Alternate
procedure to
be used when
there Is no
dally or
weekly
of
general
circulation.
Section 141.32(a)(3)(i), which applies to Tier 1 violations,
states that "... the owner or operator of a community water
system in an area that is not served by a daily or weekly
newspaper of general circulation must give notice by hand
delivery or by continuous posting in conspicuous places
within the area served by the system. Notice by hand
delivery or posting must begin as soon as possible, but no
later than 72 hours after the violation or failure for acute
violations (as defined in paragraph (a)(1 )(iii) of this section)
or 14 days after the violation or failure (for any other
violation). Posting must continue for as long as the violation
or failure exists. Notice by hand delivery must be repeated
at least every three months for as long as the violation or
failure exists. Notice by hand delivery must be repeated at
least every three months for as long as the violation or failure
exists."
Section 141.32(b)(3)(5), which applies to Tier 2 violations,
states that "... the owner operator of a community water
system in an area that is not served by a daily or weekly
newspaper of general circulation must give notice, within
three months of the violation or granting of the variance or
exemption, by hand delivery or by continuous posting in
conspicuous places with the area served by the system.
Posting must continue for as long as the violation exists or a
variance or exemption remains in effect. Notice by hand
delivery must be repeated at least every three months for as
long as the violation exists or the variance or exemption
remains in effect."
FOOTNOTE 2
Waiver of
notice by ntall
or band
delivery for
Tfcrl
violations.
Section 141.32(a)(1)00 states, "... The State may waive mail
or hand delivery if it determines that the owner or operator
of the public water system in violation has corrected the
violation or failure within the 45-day period. The State must
make the waiver in writing and within the 45-day period..."
NOTE: A supplier cannot forgo the notice on the assumption that the state will waive
notice.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
G1
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Appendix C
FOOTNOTE 3
Involves both
transient and
non-transient
non-com-
munity water
systems.
Indicates that the term "non-community system" includes
both transient and non-transient non-community water
systems. The definition of non-transient non-community
public water system (Rules for Volatile Organic Chemicals, 40
CFR 141.2 is as follows:
"A public water system that is not a community water
system and that regularly serves at least 25 of the same
persons over six months per year" (e.g., schools,
factories).
FOOTNOTE 4
Circumstances
where less
frequent
notke is
allowed*
Section 142.16(a). "State public notification requirements,"
states, "If a State exercises the option...to authorize less
frequent notice for minor monitoring violations, it must
adopt a program revision enforceable under State authorities
which promulgates rules specifying either: (1) which
monitoring violations are minor and the frequency of public
notification for such violations; or (2) by establishing criteria
for determining which monitoring violations are minor and
the frequency of public notification."
NOTE: In this case a public water system would have to contact the primacy agent to
see whether this provision is in effect for that state.
FOOTNOTE 5
Repeat notice
for HOI*-
community
waiter systems
depends upon
the manner
of notke.
If posting is selected as the manner of notice by a non-
community water system, posting must be continuous until
the violation is resolved. If hand delivery is selected as the
manner of notice, notice by hand delivery must be repeated
quarterly until the violation is resolved.
G-2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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APPENDIX H
Appendix H
National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
* Section 143,5: Compliance with the Secondary
Maximum Contaminant Level and Public
Notification for Exceedances of the Secondary
Standard for Fluoride
§ 143.5 Compliance with secondary maximum contaminant level and public
notification for fluoride.
(a) Community water systems, as defined in 40 CFR 141.2(e)(i) of this title, that exceed the
secondary maximum contaminant level for fluoride as determined by the last single sample
taken in accordance with the requirements of §141.23 of this title or any equivalent State law,
but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level for fluoride as specified by §141.62 of this
title or any equivalent State law, shall provide the notice prescribed in paragraph (b) of all
billing units annually, all new billing units at the time service begins and the State public
health officer.
(b) The notice required by paragraph (a) shall contain the following language including the
language necessary to replace the superscripts:
PUBLIC NOTICE
Dear User,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that we send you this notice on the level of
fluoride in your drinking water. The drinking water in your community has a fluoride concentration of
milligrams vL) per liter (mg/l).
Federal regulations require that fluoride, which occurs naturally in your water supply, not exceed a
concentration of 4.0 mg/l in drinking water. This is an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL), and it has been established to protect the public health. Exposure to
drinking water levels above 4.0 mg/l for many years may result in some cases of crippling skeletal
fluorosis, which is a serious bone disorder.
Federal law also requires that we notify you when monitoring indicates that the fluoride in your
drinking water exceeds 2.0 mg/l. This is intended to alert families about dental problems that might
affect children under nine years of age. The fluoride concentration of your water exceeds this federal
guideline.
Fluoride in children's drinking water at levels of approximate 1 mg/l reduces the number of dental
cavities. However, some children exposed to levels of fluoride greater than about 2.0 mg/l may
develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or
pitting of the permanent teeth.
Because dental fluorosis occurs only when developing teeth (before they erupt from the gums) are
exposed to elevated fluoride levels, households without children are not expected to be affected by
this level of fluoride. Families with children under the age of nine are encouraged to seek other
sources of drinking water for their children to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting.
Your water supplier can lower the concentration of fluoride in your water so that you will still
receive the benefits of cavity prevention while the possibility of stained and pitted teeth is minimized.
Removal of fluoride may increase your water costs. Treatment systems are also commercially available
for home use. Information on such systems is available at the address given below. Low fluoride
bottled drinking water that would meet all standards is also commercially available.
For further information contact v2/ at your water system.
^P PWS shall insert the compliance result which triggered notification under this part.
2) PWS shall insert the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at the PWS.
(c) The effective date of this section is May 2, 1986.
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems H-1
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Appendix I
APPENDIX I.
Environmental Protection Agency Regional
Offices
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGIONAL ORGANIZATION
EPA Regional Offices
EPA Region 1
Water Supply Branch
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
(61 7) 565-0361C
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Vermont
EPA Region 2
Drinking Water/Groundwater
Protection Branch
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-1800
New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
EPA Region 3
Drinking Water/Groundwater
Protection Branch
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 587-8227
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, West Virginia, District of
Columbia
EPA Region 4
Office of Drinking Water
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-2913
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee
EPA Region 5
Safe Drinking Water Branch
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-2650
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
EPA Region 6
Water Supply Branch
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75270
(214) 655-7150
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas
EPA Region 7
Drinking Water Branch
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913)236-2815
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
EPA Region 8
Drinking Water Branch
999 18th Street Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2405
(303) 293-1407
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
EPA Region 9
Drinking Water Branch
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 974-0912
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,
American Samoa, Guam, Common-
wealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands
EPA Region 10
Drinking Water Branch
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 442-4092
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
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Appendix J
APPENDIX J
State Public Drinking Water Program
Offices
Alabama
Water Supply Branch
Department of Environmental Management
1751 Congressional W. L Dickinson Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Alaska
Alaska Drinking Water Program
Wastewater and Water Treatment Section
Department of Environmental Conservation
Post Office Box O
Juneau, Alaska 99811 -1800
Arizona
Field Services Section
Office of Water Quality
2655 East Magnolia Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Arkansas
Division of Engineering
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-3867
California
Public Water Supply Branch
California Department of Health Services
714 P Street, Room 692
Sacramento, California 95814
Colorado
Drinking Water Unit
Colorado Department of Health
4210 East 11th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80220
Connecticut
Water Supplies Section
Connecticut Department of Health Services
150 Washington Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Delaware
Office of Sanitary Engineering
Delaware Division of Public Health
Robbins Building
Post Office Box 637
Dover, Delaware 19903
District of Columbia
Washington, DC (not a primacy agency)
Water Hygiene Branch
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
5010 Overlook Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20032
The primacy agency for the District of Columbia is
EPA Region 3.
Florida
Drinking Water Program
Department of Environmental Regulation
Twin Towers Office Building
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Georgia
Water Resource Management Branch
Environmental Protection Division
Department of Natural Resources
270 Washington Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Hawaii
Drinking Water Program
Sanitation Branch
Environmental Protection and Health Services
Division
Post Office Box 3378
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
Idaho
Bureau of Water Quality
Division of Environment
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Statehouse
Boise, Idaho 83720
Illinois
Division of Public Water Supplies
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
2200 Churchill Road
Post Office Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
1-1
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Appendix J
Indiana (not a primacy agency)
Public Water Supply Section
Office of Water Management
Indiana Department of Environmental
Management
5500 West Bradbury Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46241
The primacy agency for Indiana is EPA Region 5.
Iowa
Environmental Protection Division
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
900 East Grand Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Kansas
Bureau of Water Protection
Kansas Department of Health and the
Environment
Forbes Field
Building 740
Topeka, Kansas 66620
Kentucky
Division of Water
Department of Environmental Protection
18 Reilly Road, Fort Boone Plaza
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Louisiana
Office of Public Health
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Post Office Box 60630
New Orleans, Louisiana 70160
Maine
Drinking Water Program
Division of Health Engineering
Maine Department of Human Services
State House (STA 10)
Augusta, Maine 04333
Maryland
Water Supply Program
Maryland Department of the Environment
Point Breeze Building 40, Room 8L
2500 Broening Highway
Dundalk, Maryland 21224
Massachusetts
Division of Water Supply
Department of Environmental Quality
Engineering
One Winter Street, 9th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Michigan
Division of Water Supply
Michigan Department of Public Health
Post Office Box 30195
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Minnesota
Section of Public Water Supplies
Minnesota Department of Health
717 Delaware Street
Post Office Box 9441
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440
Mississippi
Division of Water Supply
State Board of Health
Post Office Box 1700
Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1700
Missouri
Public Drinking Water Program
Division of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 176
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Montana
Water Quality Bureau
Department of Health and Environmental
Sciences
Cogswell Building, Room A206
Helena, Montana 59620
Nebraska
Division of Environmental Health and Housing
Surveillance
Nebraska Department of Health
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Nevada
Public Health Engineering
Nevada Department of Human Resources
Consumer Health Protection Services
505 East King Street, Room 103
Carson City, Nevada 89710
New Hampshire
Water Supply Engineering Bureau
Department of Environmental Services
Post Office Box 95, Hazen Drive
Concord, New Hampshire 03302-0095
J2
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix}
New Jersey
Bureau of Safe Drinking Water
Division of Water Resources
New jersey Department of Environmental
Protection
Post Office Box CN-029
Trenton, New Jersey 06825
New Mexico
Drinking Water Section
New Mexico Health and Environment
Department
1190 St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503
New York
Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection
New York Department of Health
Room 406 University Place
Albany, New York 12203-3399
North Carolina
Public Water Supply Branch
Division of Health Services
Department of Human Resources
1330 Step St. Mary's Street
Post Office Box 2091
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-2091
North Dakota
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control
ND State Department of Health and
Consolidated Laboratories
1200 Missouri Avenue
Post Office Box 5520
Bismarck, North Dakota 58502-5520
Ohio
Office of Public Drinking Water
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
1800 Watermark Drive
Post Office Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0149
Oklahoma
Water Facility Engineering Service
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Post Office Box 53551
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
Oregon
Drinking Water Program
Health Division
Department of Human Resources
1400 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Room 611
Portland, Oregon 97201
Pennsylvania
Division of Water Supplies
Department of Environmental Resources
Post Office Box 2357
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Rhode Island
Division of Drinking Water Quality
Rhode Island Department of Health
75 Davis Street, Cannon Building
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
South Carolina
Bureau of Drinking Water Protection
Department of Health and Environmental
Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
South Dakota
Office of Drinking Water
Department of Water and Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 Capital Avenue, East
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Tennessee
Division of Water Supply
Tennessee Department of Health and
Environment
150 9th Avenue, North
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-5404
Texas
Bureau of Environmental Health
Texas Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756-3199
Utah
Bureau of Drinking Water/Sanitation
Utah Department of Health
Post Office Box 16690
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116-0690
Vermont
Environmental Health Division
Vermont Department of Health
60 Main Street
Post Office Box 70
Burlington, Vermont 05402
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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Appendix ]
Virginia
Division of Water Supply Engineering
Virginia Department of Health
James Madison Building
109 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Washington
Drinking Water Program Section
Department of Social and Health Services
Mail Stop LD-11, Building 3
Airdustrial Park
Olympia, Washington 98504
West Virginia
Environmental Engineering Division
Office of Environmental Health Services
State Department of Health
Room 554
1800 Washington Street, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
Wisconsin
Bureau of Water Supply
Department of Natural Resources
Post Office Box 7921
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
Wyoming (not a primacy agency)
DEQ - Water Quality
Herschler Building
4th Floor West
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
The primacy agency for Wyoming is EPA Region 4.
Insular Areas
Department of Natural Resources
Government of Virgin Islands
179 Altona Welgunst
Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802
Water Supply Supervision Program
Puerto Rico Department of Health
Post Office Box 70184
San |uan, Puerto Rico 00936
American Samoa Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of the Governor
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Division of Environmental Quality
Commmonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands
Dr. Torres Hospital
P.O. Box 1304
Saipan, MP 96950
Guam Environmental Protection Agency
IT&E Harmon Plaza
Complex Unit D-107
130 Rojas Street
Harmon, Guam 96911
Department of Human Resources
Federated States of Micronesia
P.O. Box 312
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941
Environmental Protection Authority
Republic of the Marshall Islands
P.O. Box 1322
Majuro, MH 96960
Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board
Republic of Palau
P.O. Box 1484
Koror, Republic of Palau 96940
Indian Tribes
As of August, 1989, the EPA is the primacy agency for Indian Tribes. See Appendix I for addresses of
EPA Regional Offices.
M
Public Notification Handbook for Public Water Systems
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