Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation:
Interim Update on Reporting
December 2000
Introduction
In fulfillment of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR)
requires community water systems (CWSs) and non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) that serve more
than 10,000 persons (large systems) to monitor their water for the presence of unregulated contaminants, and report the
results in electronic format to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency). In addition, the UCMR requires a
statistically selected, random sample of 800 water systems that serve 10,000 or fewer persons (small systems) to monitor and
report these unregulated contaminants. For these small systems, EPA will'pay for UCMR testing and will use contract
laboratories to conduct sample analysis. These contract labs will also handle the reporting for small system. Therefore, this
document is primarily intended for large systems and their laboratories and provides an informational update on data
reporting under the UCMR.
The purpose of UCMR monitoring is to collect data to support the U.S. EPA Administrator's decisions regarding whether or
not to regulate contaminants, such as those on the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List, to protect public health. The
Agency promulgated revisions to the UCMR, published in the Federal Register on September 17, 1999 and supplemented on
March 2, 2000. An additional supplement to the UCMR, the List 2 Rule, has been finalized, and is currently being processed
for publication in the Federal Register. The final UCMR List 2 Rule can be found on the Office of Ground Water and
Drinking Water (OGWDW) Web Site: www.epa.gov/safewater/ucmr.htm].
The promulgation of the List 2 Rule supercedes and replaces some reporting requirements that were
established in the List 1 Rule, which were to be effective on January 1, 2001. Further, because EPA's
electronic reporting system is still in final development, some initial reporting dates for large systems
have been delayed. The key final reporting requirements are outlined in this document. The final
UCMR List 2 Rule incorporates the following clarifications and changes related to data reporting:
1. The Rule clarifies that information identifying the PWSs' and laboratories' UCMR "Points of
Contact" must be provided to EPA. ...... —
2. The manner in which sampling locations are identified and reported has been revised and the
data required for each sample has been clarified.
3. The Rule clarifies that PWS laboratories will report electronically through the Internet/World
Wide Web (WWW) and EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) into the UCMR database,
whereupon these results can be reviewed and approved by the respective PWSs. This process
is designed to simulate the normal paper review process and provides for more timely and
accurate reporting. ...
4. PWSs will not be required to submit data from the first two quarters of calendar year 2001,
until September 30,2001, but may begin reporting as early as July 1,2001.
Details regarding these data reporting requirements follow.
EPA has organized the UCMR contaminants into three lists based on the availability of analytical methods to detect their
presence in drinking water and the type of monitoring to be conducted: List 1, Assessment Monitoring, consists of chemical
contaminants for which standard analytical methods are available; List 2, Screening Survey, consists of contaminants for
which new analytical methods will be used; and List 3, Pre-Screen Testing, consists of contaminants for which analytical
methods are being researched. . - . .
This informational update on UCMR reporting outlines the general electronic reporting requirements for the UCMR List 1
and List 2 contaminants, and provides a table of the required reporting data elements. EPA is currently finalizing its
electronic reporting systems and is developing further guidance and tutorials to assist systems through the UCMR reporting
process. This document is an interim supplement to other fact sheets and guidance available from EPA.
What Systems Must Report the UCMR List 1 and List 2 Contaminants? (See §141.35(a) and §141.40(a))
All water systems that are required to monitor for the UCMR contaminants are also required to report the'monitoring results
to the EPA, and to provide a copy to their State. All large systems (that do not purchase all their water) are required to
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monitor and report the analytical results for the List 1 Assessment Monitoring. List 2 Screening Survey monitoring and
reporting is required for a subset of large systems that were randomly selected by EPA for Screening Survey sampling (120
systems during 2002 for Screening Survey One chemical monitoring; and a different group of 120 systems during 2003 for
Screening Survey Two, Aeromonas monitoring). For small systems, EPA will pay for UCMR testing and will use contract
laboratories to conduct sample analysis and to handle the electronic reporting for small system. Note however, that each
small system is still responsible for ensuring compliance with State reporting requirements.
What Data Must be Reported to EPA? (See §141.35(d))
Analytical results that are reported must include the UCMR Data Elements listed below in Table 1. Many of these are QC
measures that would be provided by the laboratory.
Table 1: Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Reporting Requirements
Data Element
1. Public Water
System (PWS)
yentification Number
2. Public Water
System Facility
[dentification Number
-Sampling Point
[dentification Number
and Sampling Point
Type Identification
3. Sample Collection
Date
4, Sample
Identification Number
5. Contaminant/
Parameter
6, Analytical Results -
Sign
7. Analytical Result -
Value
8. Analytical Result -
Unit of Measure
9. Analytical Method
Number
Definition
["he code used to identify each PWS. The code begins with the standard two-character postal State abbreviation;
the remaining seven characters are unique to each PWS.
fhe Sampling point identification number and sampling point type identification must either be static or
traceable to previous numbers and type identifications throughout the period of unregulated contaminant
monitoring. The Sampling point identification number is a three-part alphanumeric designation, made up of:
a. The Public Water System Facility Identification Number is an identification number established by the State,
or at the State's discretion the PWS, that is unique to the PWS for an intake for each source of water, a
treatment plant, a distribution system, or any other facility associated with water treatment or. delivery and ,
jrovides for the relationship of facilities to each other to be maintained;
3. The Sampling Point Identification Number is an identification number established by the State, or at the
State's discretion the PWS, that is unique to each PWS facility that identifies the specific sampling point and
allows the relationship of the' sampling point to other facilities to be maintained; and
c. Sampling Point Type Identification is one of following:
SR - Untreated water collected at the source of the water system facility.
EP - Entry point to the distribution system.
MD - midpoint in the distribution system where the disinfectant residual would be expected to be typical for the
system such as the location for sampling coliform indicator bacteria as described in 40 CFR 141.21.
MR - point of maximum retention is the point located the furthest from the entry point to the distribution system
which is approved by the State for trihalomethane (THM) (disinfectant byproducts (DBF)) and/or total coliform
sampling. •
LD - location in the distribution system where the disinfectant residual is the lowest which is approved by the
State for THM (DBF) and/or total coliform sampling.
The date the sample is collected reported as 4-digit year, 2-digit month, and 2-digit day.
An alphanumeric value of up to 15 characters assigned by the laboratory to uniquely identify containers or
groups of containers containing water samples collected at the same time and sampling point.
The unregulated contaminant or water quality parameter for which the sample is being analyzed.
An alphanumeric value indicating whether the sample analysis result was:
a. (<) "less than" means the contaminant was not detected or was detected at a level "less than" the MRL.
b. (=) "equal to" means the contaminant was detected at a level "equal to" the value reported in "Analytical
Result - Value."
The actual numeric value of the analysis for chemical and microbiological results, or the minimum reporting
level (MRL) if the analytical result is less than the contaminant's MRL
The unit of measurement for the analytical results reported, [e.g.. micrograms per liter, (\igfL); colony-forming
units per 100 milliliters, (CFU/100 mL), etc.]
The identification number of the analytical method used.
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Table 1; Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Reporting Requirements
Data Element
Definition
10. Sample Analysis
Type
The type of sample collected. Permitted values include:
a. RFS - Raw field sample - untreated sample collected and submitted for analysis under this rule.
b. RDS - Raw duplicate field sample - untreated field sample duplicate collected at the same time and place as
the raw field sample and submitted for analysis under this rule.
c. TFS - Treated field sample - treated sample collected and submitted for analysis under this rule.
d. TDS - Treated duplicate field sample - treated field sample duplicate collected at the same time and place as
the treated field sample and submitted for analysis under this rule.
11. Sample Batch
Identification Number
The sample batch identification number consists of three parts:
a. Up to a 10-character laboratory identification code assigned by EPA;
b. Up to a 15-character code assigned by the laboratory to uniquely identify each extraction or analysis batch.
c. The date that the samples contained in each extraction batch extracted or in an analysis batch were analyzed,
reported as an 8-digit number in the form 4-digit year, 2-digit month, and 2-digit day.
12. Minimum
Reporting Level
Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) refers to the lowest concentration of an analyte that may be reported.
Unregulated contaminant monitoring (UCM) MRLs are established in §141.40 monitoring requirements for
unregulated contaminants.
13. Minimum-—--—
Reporting Level Unit
of Measure
The-unit of-measure to express the concentration; count,;or othervaiue of'ai:bntatriiriant level for theMinimurh'
Reporting Level reported (e.g., jag/L, colony forming units/100 mL (CFU/100 mL), etc.).
14. Analytical
Precision
Precision is the degree of agreement between two repeated measurements and is monitored through the use of
duplicate spiked samples. For purposes of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR),
Analytical Precision is defined as the relative percent difference (RPD) between spiked matrix duplicates. The
RPD for the spiked matrix duplicates analyzed in the same batch of samples as the analytical result being
reported is to be entered in this field. Precision is calculated as Relative Percent Difference (RPD) of spiked
matrix duplicates from the mean using;
RPD = absolute value of [(X, - X2) /(X, +X,)/2 ] x 100%
where:
X, is the concentration observed in spiked field sample minus the concentration observed in unspiked field
sample
X, is the concentration observed in duplicate spiked field sample minus the concentration observed in unspiked
field sample
15. Analytical
Accuracy
Accuracy describes how close a result is to the true value measured through the use of spiked field samples. For
purposes of unregulated contaminant monitoring, accuracy is defined as the percent recovery of the contaminant
in the spiked matrix sample analyzed in the same analytical batch as the sample result being reported and
calculated using:
% recovery = [(amt. found in spiked sample - amt. found in sample) / amt. spiked] x 100%'
16. Spiking
Concentration
The concentration of method analyte(s) added to a sample to be analyzed for calculating analytical precision
and accuracy where the value reported use the same unit of measure reported for Analytical Results
17. Presence/Absence
Reserved (Not needed for current reporting.)
How Are the Monitoring Data to be Reported to EPA? (See §141.35(e))
The UCMR requires that all data be reported electronically to EPA. Further guidance and tutorials will be provided by EPA
in early 2001 to clarify use of the reporting system. The Rule provides for electronic reporting of UCMR data directly from
laboratories on behalf of systems. This is intended to facilitate "one-entry"of data, reducing reporting errors and reducing the
time involved in investigating, checking and correcting errors at all levels (laboratory, system, State and EPA). The reporting
process will be secure. PWSs and labs will have to register as users of EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) before gaining"
access to EPA's electronic reporting Web Site. Registration is expected to begin in late winter or early in spring 2001.
Systems will have to approve their data before it is available electronically to EPA.
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In general, a system can fulfill its responsibilities in one of two ways: (1) it can instruct the laboratory to post the monitoring
results on the secure Web Site for UCMR reporting through the OGWDW Homepage, so the system can review the data on
line and electronically indicate its approval to make the data available to EPA; or (2) it can elect to receive a hard copy of the
monitoring results for review and then indicate its approval to the laboratory to upload the data to EPA (however, the system,
or its representative, will still have to provide electronic approval within the data system, to provide EPA access to the data).
The PWS also must submit the results to the State, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with any other State reporting
requirements.
EPA is developing several options for the electronic reporting by laboratories, including the capability to upload data in
batches using standard flat-file or XML formats, and a'web interface where data can be keyed in. For laboratories that have
good electronic reporting capabilities and want or need to upload large batches of data, two options will be available:
• Standard flat file format — such as tab or comma delimited files, or
• New XML or extensible mark-up language format -- protocol and format are currently being finalized, and
will be available through the OGWDW Homepage.
EPA is also developing an on-line data entry screen protocol to provide a third electronic reporting option over the Web. The
data entry screen, which will also be accessible through the OGWDW Homepage, can be used by any registered lab or
system, but is most appropriate for smaller data batches, or laboratories with limited electronic reporting capabilities.
If the PWS determines that the laboratory lacks either the capability to report electronically to EPA or to provide data to the
system prior to submission to EPA without rekeying, the PWS may ask EPA whether an alternate reporting format may be
used. Again, further guidance and tutorials are under development by EPA, and will be available in early 2001 at the
OGWDW Web Site: www.epa.gov/safewater/ucmr.html or by calling the SafeDrinking,Wjiter.Hp_flin^atJ8j)pj426:479.1..
When Must Monitoring Results be Reported? (See §141.35(c) and §141.31(a))
Large systems must report the results of UCMR monitoring within 30 days following the month in which results were
received. For example, if analytical results for samples that were collected during October were not received back from the
laboratory until sometime in November, the latest allowable reporting date would be December 30. As with any required
monitoring, the system has the responsibility for timely reporting within, or shortly following the monitoring period (e.g., the
quarter), as noted above.
EPA has made an exception to this normal reporting schedule for the first rounds of monitoring during 2001 to allow
time to ensure the readiness of the" electronic reporting system. For those results received by water systems prior to June 30,
2001, systems are required to report their data between July 1 and September 30,2001.
After receiving the results, EPA will hold the data for 60 days, which will allow for quality control review and for further
review by systems and States. EPA will then place the data in the national drinking water contaminant occurrence database at
the time of the next database update.
For small system monitoring results, EPA will arrange to receive the results from the designated contract laboratory; and
copies will be sent to the system and to the State. Participating small systems will have 30 days to review and comment on
the data. EPA will then hold the data for the additional 60 days to allow for review by the system and the State before it is
available to place in the national drinking water contaminant occurrence database.
Are There Requirements for Notifying the Public?
Yes. Under the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule, published on August 19,1999 (63 FR 44511), CWSs must report
the monitoring results whenever unregulated contaminants are detected. CCRs are to be sent to all billing customers each
year by July 1. (The CCR Rule does not apply to non-community water systems.) In addition, the Public Notification Rule,
published on May 4,2000 (65 FR 25981), requires PWSs to notify the public annually that the results of monitoring for
unregulated contaminants are available. Therefore, CWSs and NTNCWSs must provide public notice if they are required to
monitor for unregulated contaminants. Details on these reporting requirements can be found in the documents Preparing
Your Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report (EPA 816-R-99-002) and Public Notification Handbook (EPA 816-R-OO-
010). Both are available on the Web at www.epa.gov/safewater.
Where Can I Get More Information?
During late winter and spring of 2001, EPA will be conducting UCMR implementation workshops for analytical laboratories,
and PWSs regulated by the UCMR. EPA will announce workshop availability and schedules as soon as those plans are
finalized. Questions on the UCMRXSDWARS data systems may be addressed to Larry Weiner at 202-260-2799 or
Weiner.Larrv@epa.gov.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 46268
i
' Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Technical Support Center
January 12,2001
RE: Electronic Reporting of Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Data by Large Water Systems
Dear Public Water System Owner/Operator:
The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR) requires large (serve
more than 10,000 persons) community water systems (CWSs) and non-transient, non-community
water systems (NTNCWSs) to monitor their water for the presence of unregulated cont^imants
and report the results in electronic form to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Actual repotting of analytical results will be accomplished by analytical laboratories reporting
electronically through the Internet/World Wide Web (WWW) and EPA's Central Data _
' Exch-a&ateDXyintD the-SDWARSWCMR-database, whereupon these results can be reviswea .
and approved by the respective PWSs. This process is designed to simulate the normal paper
process and provides for more timely and accurate reporting.
Recently EPA has received many calls regarding specifics on the proposed data reporting
system While the system is still under development, it is anticipated mat the system will be
available for data entry in a few months. PWSs will not be required to submit data until
September 30 2001 for the first two quarters of calendar year 2001, but may begin reporting as .
early as July 1,2001. Later tliis month, large PWSs regulated under the UCMR will be
receiving, by mail from EPA, a UCMRVCDX registration instruction information packet detailing
the procedures for registration. Laboratories that are likely to participate in the UCMR will also
be receiving a similar registration packet, as will States and EPA Regions.
The enclosed paper provides an information update on the electronic data reporting
system to be used for the UCMR. Additional information on the status of the system and
instructions for its use will be provided in the coming months. The information will also be
posted to our Web site at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ucmr.html. Thank you for your
patience.
Sincerely,
Gregory J. Carroll
Chief
Enclosure
Internet Address (URL) » http://vww.epa.gov
RoeyelosSaeeyclcblo « Printed with Vegstabls OH Based Inks on Reacted Paper (Minimum 25% Postconsumer)
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