United States
              Environmental Protection
              Agency
               Office of Water
               (4606)
EPA816-R-01-017A
June 2001
&EPA
A Small Systems Guide to the
Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring Drinking Water to Protect Public Health

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Printed on Recycled Paper

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                                      Who Is this Guide For?
This guide is designed for use by "community water systems" serving 3,300 or fewer persons. The term "community water systems" includes any
systems (regardless of ownership) serving at least 25 year-round residents or 15 year-round service connections. Typical systems finding this guide
useful include:

                                                 •  Mobile Home Parks
                                                 •  Home Owners Associations
                                                 •  Small Towns
                                                 •  Rural Water Districts
                                                 •  Small Private Systems
                                                 •  Tribal Systems

Additional copies of this guide may be obtained by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. The guide also may be downloaded from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Web site at www.epa.gov/safewater.

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Contents
What Will I Learn from this Guide?	 1
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water	2
The Total Coliform Rule	9
There Are Exceptions to Every Rule!!!	 15
Monthly Monitoring Worksheets	 16
TCR Monthly Monitoring Worksheets	17
Interpreting the Sampling Results	20
12-Month Supply of "Monthly Monitoring Worksheets"	32
Appendix A:  Developing a Sample Siting Plan	A-1
Appendix B:  Sample Collection Techniques	B-1
Disclaimer: This document does not substitute for EPA regulations, nor is this document regulation in itself. Thus, it cannot impose legally binding
requirements on EPA, states, or the regulated community, and may not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances.
                                                            ill

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What  Will I  Learn from  This Guide?
This guide is intended to help small-system operators, like these
operators of a small system serving an Alaska Native Village,
comply with the Total Coliform Rule.
As a drinking water system operator, your most important job is protecting the
health of your customers. This guide will help you do that job by providing information
about:
   •  Reducing the risk of waterborne disease by providing multiple barriers of
       protection.
   •  The importance of monitoring drinking water to ensure its quality and protect
       public health.
   •  The monitoring you are required to do under the Total Coliform Rule.
   •  The steps you must take if your samples indicate the presence of coliform
       bacteria.
   •  A worksheet to help you keep track of the monitoring and follow-up you are
       required to do.

Appendices contain information about developing an effective plan for where to collect
samples, as well as step-by-step instructions for sample collection.
    This workbook describes minimum Federal requirements under the Total Coliform Rule. Some States may have specific or additional
    requirements and/or monitoring forms. Be sure to check with your State drinking water agency regarding their specific requirements.
            (Systems on Tribal lands, in Wyoming, or in the District of Columbia should check with their EPA Regional office.)

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Ensuring Safe  Drinking Water
Children, the elderly, and people with ailments are particularly
susceptible to waterborne diseases.
                                                    Drinking water is one of the oldest known public health concerns. Preventing waterborne
                                                    disease is one of the primary objectives of any drinking water system.

                                                    Although waterborne disease outbreaks are relatively uncommon in the United States,
                                                    they do occur (see the tables on the following page). In most cases the results are
                                                    diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and other symptoms. But in some cases—particularly among
                                                    the young, the elderly, and ill people—waterborne diseases can lead to death.

                                                    The risk of waterborne disease is greatly reduced when the water system is designed
                                                    and operated to provide multiple barriers of protection. The key barriers are:
                                                       •  Source water protection
                                                       •  Treatment
                                                       •  Distribution system integrity
                                                       •  Monitoring and public awareness

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Selected Waterborne Disease Outbreaks in
Small and Mid-size Systems in the U.S.:
1986-1998
Location
Pennsylvania
(Numerous Sites)
Oregon
Texas
Texas
Arizona
Pennsylvania
Missouri
Missouri
Wyoming
Oregon
Minnesota
New York
New Mexico
Florida
Illinois
No. of
Cases
5,000
3,000
1,400
900
900
513
485
(4 deaths)
243
157
100
83
50
32
7
3
Year of
Outbreak
1987
1992
1998
1988
1989
1987
1993
1989
1998
1997
1998
1997
1998
1998
1998
Cause of
Illness
Norwalk-like virus
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium
Shigella sonnei
Norwalk-like virus
Giardia
Salmonella
E, coli
E. coli
Giardia
Shigella sonnei
Giardia
Cryptosporidium
Giardia
E, coli
     E. coli Outbreaks in Small and Mid-size
            Systems: 1999 and 2000
Location
Walkerton,
Ontario
Washington
County, NY
No. of Cases
             Year of
                                      Cause of
                            Outbreak  Illness

Approx 1,000   1Qqq
2 deaths
                        E. coli

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                                                         Source Water Protection
                                                         Doing everything possible to keep pathogens out of the source water is a good first line
                                                         of defense.

                                                         Septic systems, livestock feeding operations, and the use of fresh manure as fertilizer
                                                         are all potential sources of ground water contamination. Wells must be sited and
                                                         constructed according to State codes in order to minimize the potential for
                                                         contamination.

                                                         Surface water can become contaminated from many sources, including incomplete or
                                                         ineffective wastewater treatment, stormwater runoff, agricultural feedlots, or simply the
                                                         normal activity of wildlife in the watershed.
When livestock are allowed to feed near a drinking water well, the
source water can possibly become contaminated with pathogens.

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Multiple stages of treatment—including sedimentation, which is
shown here—are used for sources such as surface waters, whose
quality is variable.
                                                          Treatment
                                                          Treatment to remove or inactivate pathogens (disease-causing microbes) may be
                                                          necessary if the source water is vulnerable to contamination. Depending upon the nature
                                                          of the source water, multiple levels of treatment may be required. Various types of
                                                          filtration (with or without preliminary chemical treatment) and/or disinfection are
                                                          commonly used.
Simple chlorination treatment for a small ground water system.

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                                                         Distribution System Integrity
                                                         Even if source water is treated to remove or inactivate pathogens, customers may still
                                                         be at risk from contamination entering the distribution system. Examples of typical
                                                         problems are:
                                                             •  Inadequate water pressure in the pipes may allow fecal contamination to be
                                                                sucked into  (or backflow into) the distribution system.
                                                             •  Improper distribution system repair or replacement can allow contamination to
                                                                enter the system.
                                                             •  Storage facilities with holes or other structural flaws can allow birds, rodents,
                                                                and other animals to contaminate the water.

                                                         As a water system operator, you should devote special attention to identifying such
                                                         problems in your distribution system and ensure that they are fixed.
Repair or replacement of distribution system components can
create a  potential source of contamination.
                                                                    6

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As shown in this magnification, drinking water is not sterile. It
contains many harmless bacteria. However, drinking water must
be closely monitored for certain bacteria which could indicate that
the system is vulnerable to the presence of pathogens (disease-
causing microbes).
Monitoring and Public Awareness
The importance of regular monitoring cannot be overemphasized. So much of
your water system is underground and hidden from view. The only way to be sure
you are effectively protecting public health is to monitor the quality of water
delivered to customer taps.

Many different pathogens may be present in water. It is not practical to test for them
individually. Instead, we rely on monitoring for indicator organisms. The indicator
organisms we use for monitoring drinking water are total conforms, fecal conforms, and
Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Total conforms are a group of closely related bacteria that are generally harmless. They
are natural and common inhabitants of the soil and ambient waters (such as lakes and
rivers). They are usually not found in ground water that is free of surface water or fecal
contaminants.
                                                        Total conforms are inactivated by treatment or die off naturally in a manner similar to
                                                        most bacterial pathogens and many viral pathogens. Therefore, if total conforms are
                                                        found in the distribution system, pathogens could also be present.

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                                           When total conforms are present, the system is vulnerable to
                                           pathogens, whether pathogens are actually present or not.
                                           Total coliform testing is relatively inexpensive and  easy. Fecal
                                           conforms are a subset of total conforms. E. coli is a subset of
                                           fecal conforms. Fecal conforms and E. coli are good indicators
                    of fresh fecal contamination and of the potential  presence of waterborne pathogens
                    associated with fecal contamination. Certain strains of £. coli are themselves
                    pathogenic.
                 )  Regular coliform testing is essential to protecting the health of your customers.
                    Detection of total conforms is a warning sign that your system may be vulnerable
                    to fecal contamination. You should attempt to determine the source of the total
                    coliform contamination and address the problem.
                    Detection of fecal conforms or E. coli is a danger alarm that your system is
                    contaminated with fecal waste. You must take immediate steps to inform and
DANGEROUS  ^)  Protect y°ur customers.

                    The next section of this workbook discusses the specific requirements of the Total
                    Coliform Rule for monitoring as well as for the specific steps you must take if you detect
                    total conforms or fecal coliforms/E. coli.
                               8

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The Total  Coliform  Rule
                                                     The Total Coliform Rule (TCR) is the Federal regulation that sets maximum contaminant
                                                     levels (MCLs*) and monitoring requirements for conforms in drinking water. It requires
                                                     every regulated system to periodically collect samples and analyze them for conforms.
                                                     The number of routine samples required each month depends on system size (see chart
                                                     below). Samples must be collected according to a written "Sample Siting Plan."
                                                     Appendix A describes how to develop a sample siting plan. Appendix B describes
                                                     sample collection techniques.
Samples to be analyzed for the presence of coliforms must be
collected according to a written Sample Siting Plan.
Population Served Routine Samples per Month
25 - 1 ,000
1 ,001 - 2,500
2,501 - 3,300
1
2
3
The maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water delivered to any user of a public water system. MCLs are enforceable standards.
                                                               9

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As mentioned previously, the presence of total conforms is a warning sign that your system is vulnerable to contamination. It does not necessarily mean
that your system is fecally contaminated.

If any of your routine samples test positive for the presence of total coliforms, you must:

    •  Immediately collect a set of repeat samples per positive routine sample to assess the extent of the problem, and

    •  Collect 5 routine samples the next month.

For every total coliform-positive sample, a set of repeat samples must be collected within 24 hours of the system being notified of the positive result.
The minimum number of repeat samples required  is based on the number of routine samples collected.  See the table below to determine the number
needed.
Population Served XSStfSSg P" "^
25 - 1 ,000
1 ,001 - 2,500
2,501 - 3,300
4
3
3


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Repeat Samples
                     (Conforms
                        are
    Upstream	present)  Downstream
     One Repeat
Original
Sample
  Site
One Repeat
                   One Repeat
   One must be at same site as the routine sample.
   One must be within 5 service connections upstream.
   One must be within 5 service connections downstream.
   If a fourth repeat sample is required, the system should
   take the sample wherever it feels it will help identify the
   area of contamination.
Repeat Sample Locations
One of the repeat samples must be collected from the original sample site; 1 within
5 service connections upstream; 1  within 5 service connections downstream; and for
systems serving 25-1,000 persons a fourth repeat sample is required and should be
collected from wherever the system believes it would best help identify the source
or area of contamination.

The main reason for this repeat sampling is to determine whether the contamination
is in the plumbing of an individual building or in the distribution system itself. If a
repeat sample is total coliform-positive at the same service connection, but negative
at upstream and downstream service connections, the State may investigate to
determine if it is appropriate to waive the total coliform-positive sample as being a
plumbing system problem in the individual building.


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Note: If any routine or repeat sample is total coliform-positive, the positive
sample is tested either for the presence of fecal conforms or E. coli. The test is
done automatically by the lab and does not require an additional sample.

A potential urgent health risk exists if any sample, routine or repeat, tests
positive for fecal coliform/E.  coli. When you are notified by your laboratory of
any sample testing positive for fecal conforms or E. coli, you must notify the
State by the end of the day you are notified, or before the end of the next
business day if the state office is closed.
          12

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                                                          Acute MCL
                                                          If you have a total coliform-positive routine sample followed by a fecal coliform or £.
                                                          co/;-positive repeat sample (or a fecal coliform or £. co/;-positive routine sample
                                                          followed by a total coliform-positive repeat sample), this is a serious potential health
                                                          risk. This creates an acute violation of the MCL and you must:
                                                              •   Notify the State by the end of the day you are notified, or before the end  of the
                                                                  next business day if the state office is closed.
                                                              •   Notify the public within 24 hours by television, radio, hand delivery, or other
                                                                  methods approved by the State.*
                                                              •   Consider advising your customers to boil their water.

                                                          Monthly MCL
                                                          A less serious but still significant potential health risk exists if more than one sample
                                                          (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive. This creates a monthly MCL
                                                          violation. When you are notified by your laboratory of the repeat or second routine total
                                                          coliform-positive sample results, you must:
                                                              •   Notify the State by the end of the next business day.
                                                              •   Notify the public within 30 days by mail, hand delivery, or other methods
                                                                  approved by the State.*
This guide contains information that reflects new U.S. EPA public notification requirements. See Public Notification Requirements: A Quick Reference Guide
(document number EPA 816-F-00-023) for more information.
                                                                     13

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In the month following detection of total conforms in any routine or repeat sample, you
are required to collect five routine samples. If none of these tests positive for the
presence of total conforms, you may resume  collecting  your usual number of routine
samples the next month.

A total coliform-positive sample is cause for concern. However, if a set of repeat
samples that month and five routine samples the next month are  all negative, and your
other multiple barriers to contamination are in good shape, you can have confidence that
your water is safe.
           14

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There  Are Exceptions  to  Every Rule!!!

The Total Coliform Rule provides States with flexibility to alter certain requirements, on a case-by-case basis, in response to local circumstances. This
guide is not designed to provide exhaustive detail on all the potential exceptions to the basic requirements we have thus far described. However, as a
small system operator, you should be aware of the most significant possible exceptions.

   1.  Invalidation of Total Coliform-Positive Samples. Under certain limited and specific circumstances, the State may invalidate a sample. You
       should not interpret this flexibility to mean that total coliform-positive samples are not a serious matter! Rather, this flexibility exists to allow the
       State to invalidate a sample in those rare instances when it is justified to do so.

   2.  Reduced Monitoring. Systems serving 25-1,000 persons may, under very specific conditions, be allowed to collect 1 sample per quarter rather
       than 1  sample per month. States may only allow this reduced monitoring if a system has no history of coliform contamination and if it is supplied
       solely by a protected ground water source and is free of sanitary defects.


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Monthly  Monitoring  Worksheets
This guide contains simple monthly monitoring worksheets to help you keep track of your Total Coliform Rule sampling and sample results. (While the
monitoring worksheets presented here can be a useful management tool, system operators are reminded that the original laboratory results must be
kept on file as well.) These worksheets can help you ensure that you collect the right number of routine samples each month. These worksheets will also
help you ensure that you collect the appropriate number of repeat samples in the event that any routine samples are total coliform-positive. Finally, the
worksheets will help you organize your follow-up if you have a monthly MCL violation (if you have  more than one routine and/or repeat samples that are
total coliform-positive) or you have an acute MCL violation (triggered by fecal coliform/E. coli positives).

The following pages explain how to use these worksheets. A series of examples is included showing how the worksheets would be filled out in various
circumstances and what follow-up would be needed. Finally,  a 12-month supply of blank worksheets is provided. Additional worksheets are available by
calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 and requesting publication number EPA 816-R-01-017B.

It should be noted that some Primacy Agencies (typically the State regulatory agency, except in a  few cases) may have their own monitoring worksheets
that small community drinking water systems are required to complete. The worksheets contained in this section should not replace monitoring forms
required by the Primacy Agency.


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TCR Monthly Monitoring Worksheets
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
^r
Date
Sample
Collected





1
Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2
Date
Results
Known





Month and
Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
/ear

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples i _^ Jt
[ftJ
Sample
Collected
















Location
' • One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
*n
Date
Results
Known
















EK
"otal
ooliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecai
Coliform or
£. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or £. co//you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken
                                                  b


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Using the  TCR  Monthly Monitoring Worksheets

This section presents instructions for completing the TCR Monthly Monitoring Worksheets. Each step presented here corresponds to a numbered
section of the sample TCR worksheet on page 17.
   Step #1
   Step #2
   Step #3
Enter date and location of routine sample

• Enter date when routine sampling occurred.

• Record specific location information (e.g., street
  address) for the routine sample location.

• The sample sites chosen must be representative of
  water throughout the distribution system according to a
  written Sample Siting Plan (see Appendix A).

Indicate routine total coliform test result(s)

• Enter date when laboratory results became known to
  the system.

• Your laboratory will report whether total conforms are
  present or absent in a given sample. Circle "+" if
  conforms are present, or circle "-" if conforms are
  absent.

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

• Any routine total coliform test sample that indicates the
  presence of coliform will also be tested for the
  presence of fecal conforms or E. coli by the laboratory.

• Lab analysis results for fecal coliform or E. coli will also
  be reported either present  or absent in  a given sample.
  Circle "+" if fecal conforms orE. co/;are present, or
  circle "-" if fecal conforms orE.  coli are absent. Note: If
  a routine total coliform test sample  indicates the
  absence of conforms, neither "+" or "-" should be
  circled since a fecal coliform  or E. contest was not
  performed.                                   1;
Step #4
                                                                  Step #4A
Repeat Sampling

• If any one of the routine total coliform samples shows
  the presence of conforms, repeat samples are
  required. If you collect only one routine sample per
  month, then you must collect four repeat samples. If
  you collect two or three routine samples per month,
  then you must collect three repeat samples.

Enter date and location of repeat samples (if
applicable)

• Enter date when routine sampling occurred. Note that
  repeat sampling is required within 24 hours, or the
  next business day, after the system is notified of the
  presence of total conforms in any one of its samples.
  All repeat samples must be collected on the same
  day.

• Record specific location information  (e.g., street
  address) for each repeat sample location.

• The repeat sample locations chosen must include one
  sample from the same tap as the original routine
  sample testing "present," one sample within five
  service connections  upstream, one sample within five
  service connections downstream, and (if required) a
  fourth repeat sample taken anywhere in the
  distribution system. A description of these Repeat
  Sampling Sites should also be included  in your
  Sample Siting Plan (see Appendix A).

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Step #4B
Step #4C
 Step #5
Indicate repeat total coliform test results

• Enter date when laboratory results became known to
  the system.

• Lab analysis results for total conforms will be reported
  as either present or absent in a given sample. Circle
  "+" if conforms are present, or circle "-" if conforms are
  absent.

Indicate repeat fecal coliform or E. contest results

• Any repeat sample that shows the presence of
  conforms will also be tested for the presence of fecal
  conforms or E. coli by the laboratory.

• Lab analysis results for fecal conforms or E. coli will be
  reported as either present or absent in a  given sample.
  Circle "+" if fecal conforms orE. co/;are  present, or
  circle "-" if fecal conforms orE. coli are absent. Note: If
  a repeat total coliform test sample indicates the
  absence of conforms, then neither "+" or "-"
  should be circled since a fecal coliform or E. coli
  test was not performed.

Immediate follow-up actions

• Certain immediate follow-up actions need to be
  undertaken based on the sample results  (both routine
  and repeat).

  A. Notification.

     If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat)
     in a month are total coliform-positive, you must
     notify the State by the end of the next business
     day and notify the public within 30 days.
   If ANY sample (routine or repeat) tests positive
   for fecal conforms or E. coli, you must notify
   the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE
   RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is
   closed).

   If a routine total coliform-positive sample is
   followed  by a repeat sample that tests positive
   for fecal conforms or E. coli, or a routine
   sample that tests  positive for fecal conforms or
   E. coli is  followed by a repeat total coliform-
   positive sample, you must notify the State THE
   DAY YOU RECEIVE  THE RESULTS (or the next
   day if the State office is closed) and notify the
   public WITHIN 24  HOURS.

B. Problem  Identification.

   If the cause of the coliform contamination is not
   known, the repeat samples should be used  to help
   identify the source of the problem. The cause of the
   coliform contamination could be in the treatment
   process itself, or somewhere in the distribution
   system.

C. Corrective Measures Taken.

   Any corrective actions or measures taken by the
   small community drinking water system prior to or
   after repeat testing should be noted.

  •  Record  the follow-up actions taken in the  space
     provided on the monitoring worksheets.


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Interpreting the Sampling  Results
The sample monitoring result diagram below illustrates the possible results of total coliform sampling. As mentioned previously, a possible
result of total coliform testing is the violation of MCLs, either monthly or acute. The examples in the following section should be used with the
sample monitoring diagram as a guide to how to interpret the results.
       • Repeat Samples Not
         Required

       • Normal Monthly Sampling
         Procedure in Subsequent Month

• Repeat Samples Required

• Five Routine Samples









• Remaining Routine TC = "-"
• All Repeat TC & FC - "-"
(See Examnle #2'i
Dli ic
^

Plus

One
Routine
krc = •+• J
V /
Dli ic

W
Plus

or Repeat TC = "+"
• All Routine & Repeat
FC - "-"




         Required in Subsequent
         Month
                           1 No Further Action
                            Required
                           1 Increased
                            Number of
                            Samples in
                            Following Month
                                                                   Any
                                                                Routine
                                                              FC = "+" AND
                                (See Example #3)
    1 Any Repeat
     TC = "+"
  (See Example #4)
                     (See Example #5)
                 Key
      TC = Total Coliform Results
      FC = Fecal/E. coli Coliform Results
      "+" = Present
      "-" = Absent
         Acute MCL Violation

1 Immediately Notify State
1 Immediately Notify Public
1 Consider Issuing a Boil Water Advisory
1 Identify & Isolate Problem
1 Remedy Problem - Additional Samples to Verify
1 Increased Number of Samples in Following Month
 Monthly MCL Violation

• Immediately Notify State
• Notify Public within 30 Days
• Identify & Isolate Problem
• Remedy Problem - Additional
 Samples to Verify
• Increased Number of
 Samples in Following Month


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                        Sample Routine Test Results

This is a typical report that a water system would receive. The results from this report would
be used to complete a monthly monitoring worksheet.


   BL, 1 ^ \
     -w-^o^n-D
                                       CONFLUENCE WATER TtSTlMG UBOfl*TOHY
                                                 BQSl TSMItS
                                       COLIFOflW BACTERIA ANALf 515 REPORT
                                             CONTAMINANT ID»)l|»
                            -XPubli

                            Q Pdw
                  ^ Public DrinUnj W«lw Syil«m

                     Print* Oniksng WlUr

                                     ^u «*!•••» 4       1     •     ..
                                                                        1 * I) in
  35 10
             a
             u
in paj im^ Io4
                                              ff.
                                                         TBT*l
                                                            ••!
                                               A
                                                                  RESULTS
                                                                 COLtfOWl
                                                                         UOCAOU
                                                                           CC.I
   33/3

u

                                 ,-
                                   :  _
                                             ^~
                                                      fl
                                                                         I
                                          21

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Example #1  Explanation
This system serves between 25 and 1,000 persons and thus collects one
routine sample per month.
The example is for the month of August 2001. The total coliform
laboratory result shows that conforms are absent. No further action is
required. Normal routine testing will continue in the following month.


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Examples of Total Coliform Test Results
Example #1: Population served by small community drinking water system = 25 to 1,000 persons. One routine sample per month.
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
MonthandYear AUQUSt 2001

Date
Sample
Collected
8/6/01




Routine Sample Location
1.
123 Main Street
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known
8/9/01




Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /G
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) In a month Is total collform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or E. coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed).
(c) If a routine total collform-posltlve sample Is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal collform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli Is followed by a repeat total collform-posltlve sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken


-------
 Example  #2 Explanation

This system serves between 1,001 and 2,500 persons and thus collects
two routine samples per month.

The example is for the month of September 2001. One routine total
coliform sample indicated the presence of conforms, so repeat sampling
was done. The three repeat samples indicated no further total coliform,
fecal coliform, or £. co/;-positive result.

The number of routine samples is increased to FIVE for the month of
October. If all five October routine total coliform samples show that total
conforms are absent, then the system can resume its normal two routine
samples per month schedule in November.


-------
Examples of Total Coliform Test Results
Example #2: Population served by small community drinking water system = 1,001 to 2,500. Two routine samples per month.
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year September 2001

Date
Sample
Collected
9/10/01
9/10/01



Routine Sample Location
1.
456 North Street
2.
789 South Street
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known
9/12/01
9/12/01



Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
e,
©/-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /e
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
9/13/01
9/13/01
9/13/01













Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
11 456 North Street
1.2 452 North Street
13 460 North Street
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
9/17/01
9/17/01
9/17/01













Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+G
+O
+O
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
Fecal
Coliform or
£. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) In a month Is total collform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or E. coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed).
(c) If a routine total collform-posltlve sample Is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal collform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli Is followed by a repeat total collform-posltlve sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken


-------
Example #3 Explanation
This system serves between 2,501 and 3,300 persons and thus collects
three routine samples per month.

The example is for the month of October 2001. One of the three routine
total coliform samples showed the presence of conforms, but the
corresponding fecal result showed the absence of fecal conforms. Since
one routine total coliform sample indicated the presence of conforms,
repeat sampling was done.
The number of routine samples is increased to FIVE for the month of
November. If all five November routine total coliform samples show that
total conforms are absent, then the system can resume its normal three
routine samples per month schedule in December.
Three repeat samples were collected as follow-up to the routine sample.
Two of the three repeat samples showed the presence of total conforms,
but fecal conforms were absent from these samples. This constitutes a
monthly MCL violation since more than one sample (routine and/or
repeat) showed that total conforms are present. The system must
immediately notify the State and also notify the public within 30 days.


-------
Examples of Total Coliform Test Results
Example #3: Population served by small community drinking water system = 2,501 to 3,300. Three routine samples per month.
Total Collform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year UCtODGT ZUU 1

Date
Sample
Collected
10/9/01
10/9/01
10/9/01


Routine Sample Location
1.
135 East Street
2.
79 West Street
3.
234 Main Street
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known
10/11/01
10/11/01
10/11/01


Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
*-
*e
+©
*/.
*/-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /e
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
10/11/01
10/11/01
10/11/01













Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additiona sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
11 135 East Street
1.2
1.3
29 East Street
43 East Street
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
G>-
0'-
+O
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coH
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ O
+ O
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) In a month Is total collform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or E. coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed).
(c) If a routine total collform-posltlve sample Is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal collform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli Is followed by a repeat total collform-posltlve sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notificaton B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken


-------
Example #4 Explanation
This system serves between 25 and 1,000 persons and thus collects one
routine sample per month.

The example is for the month of November 2001. The routine total
coliform laboratory result showed that both total conforms and fecal
conforms are present. Upon receiving these results on November?, 2001,
the system immediately notified the State that it had detected the
presence of fecal conforms in the routine sample. Repeat sampling was
done.
The number of routine samples is increased to FIVE for the month of
December. If all five December routine total coliform samples show that
total conforms are absent, then the system can resume its normal one
sample per month schedule in January 2002.
Four repeat samples were collected as follow-up to the routine sample.
Two of the four repeat samples showed that total conforms were present.
Fecal conforms were absent from the repeat samples. This constitutes an
acute MCL violation since there are fecal conforms present in a routine
sample and total conforms are present in a repeat sample. The system
must immediately (within 24 hours of knowing laboratory results) notify
the State and the public.


-------
Examples of Total Coliform Test Results
Example #4: Population served by small community drinking water system = 25 to 1,000. One routine sample per month.
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year NOVGmber 2001

Date
Sample
Collected
11/5/01




Routine Sample Location
1.
600 North Street
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known
11/7/01




Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
©/-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
©/-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
11/8/01
11/8/01
11/8/01
11/8/01












Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
11 600 North Street
1.2 610 North Street
13 594 North Street
i4(d> 604 North Street
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
11/9/01
11/9/01
11/9/01
11/9/01












Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
Q-
&-
+n
+O
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
Fecal
Coliform or
£. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+o
+o
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) In a month Is total collform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or E. coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed).
(c) If a routine total collform-posltlve sample Is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal collform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli Is followed by a repeat total collform-posltlve sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken


-------
Example #5  Explanation

This system serves between 1,001 and 2,500 persons and thus collects
two routine samples per month.

The example is for the month of December 2001. One of the routine
samples showed that total conforms are present. Fecal conforms were
absent from the routine samples. Repeat sampling was done.

Three repeat samples were collected as follow-up to the routine sample.
Two of the three repeat samples showed the presence of total conforms,
with one sample also showing that fecal conforms are present. This
constitutes an acute MCL violation since fecal conforms are present in  a
repeat sample. The system must immediately (within 24 hours of knowing
laboratory resuls) notify the State and the public.

The number of routine samples is increased to FIVE for the month of
January 2002. Should all January routine total conform samples show that
total conforms are absent, then the system can resume its normal two
samples per month schedule in February.


-------
Examples of Total Coliform Test Results
Example #5: Population served by small community drinking water system = 1,001 to 2,500. Two routine samples per month.
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year December 2001

Date
Sample
Collected
12/3/01
12/3/01



Routine Sample Location
1.
402 East Street
2.
500 West Street
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known
12/5/01
12/5/01



Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
©/-
+ /e
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ a
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
12/6/01
12/6/01
12/6/01













Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
ri 402
1.2 410
13 396
East Street
Eas
Lasl


ree
reel


1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
12/7/01
12/7/01
12/7/01













Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
D-
G»-
+n
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
Fecal
Coliform or
£. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
&~
+n
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
+/-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) In a month Is total collform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal conforms or E. coli you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed).
(c) If a routine total collform-posltlve sample Is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal collform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal conforms
or E. coli Is followed by a repeat total collform-posltlve sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day If the State office Is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken


-------
12-Month  Supply of "Monthly  Monitoring Worksheets"

Systems can use the monitoring worksheets on the following pages to track the results of laboratory analyses of their coliform samples.
These forms can be a useful management tool, helping operators ensure they remain in compliance with TCR monitoring requirements and
identifying potential problem areas that require special attention.

Systems are reminded that the analytical results reported by their laboratories also must be kept on file. Some State agencies may have their
own monitoring forms, which small community drinking water systems are required to complete. The forms that follow should not replace
monitoring forms required by the State agency.

Additional blank worksheets may be obtained by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 and requesting publication
EPA816-R-01-017B.


-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Total Coliform Rule — Monthly Monitoring Worksheet
Month and Year

Date
Sample
Collected





Routine Sample Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Date
Results
Known





Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-

Repeat Samples
Date
Sample
Collected
















Location
• One must be at same site as routine.
• One must be within 5 taps upstream.
• One must be within 5 taps downstream.
• One additional sample anywhere within the distribution
system (if a fourth repeat sample is required).
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4(d)
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
Date
Results
Known
















Total
Coliform
Result (a,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
Fecal
Coliform or
E. coli
Result (b,c)
(Circle "+" if
present, "-"
if absent)
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
+ /-
(a) If more than one sample (routine and/or repeat) in a month is total coliform positive, you must notify the State by the end of the next business day and notify the public within
30 days.
(b) If ANY sample tests positive for fecal coliforms or E. coliyou must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed).
(c) If a routine total coliform-positive sample is followed by a repeat sample that tests positive for fecal coliform or E. coli, or a routine sample that tests positive for fecal coliforms
or E. coli is followed by a repeat total coliform-positive sample, you must notify the State THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS (or the next day if the State office is closed),
and notify the public WITHIN 24 HOURS.
(d) Note: Fourth repeat sample for systems taking one routine sample per month.
Immediate Follow-up Actions.
A. Notification B. Problem Identification C. Corrective Measures Taken

-------
Appendix A
Developing a Sample Siting  Plan1
1Text adapted from John Potts, "Coliform Sampling Plans Reduce Errors," Oregon.PIPELINE, spring 1994.
                                      A-1

-------
Introduction
The TCR requires each small community drinking water system to
sample for conforms according to a written plan, which must be made
available to the Primacy Agency, typically the State drinking water agency.
Having a written sample collection protocol helps ensure that all sampling
is done correctly, even when assignments of water system personnel
change.

The plan specifies where in the distribution system routine samples will be
drawn in order to ensure that they are "representative" of the water
supplied to every customer. Representative samples that accurately reflect
the quality of the finished water are crucial because, if conforms are in the
water supply, they may not be found uniformly throughout the distribution
system. The sampling plan also designates repeat sampling sites to be
used if a sample drawn from a routine sampling point tests positive for
conforms. Remember, the purpose of sampling is not to draw "clean"
samples, but to identify any coliform contamination so it can be dealt with
promptly. Because of this, it is important to identify dead ends and  trouble
spots in the distribution system for sampling locations.
Developing a  Sampling Plan
The details of a sampling plan depend on the characteristics of the
system for which it is developed and on the requirements of the Primacy
Agency. (Contact your Primacy Agency for its complete requirements. A
list of Primacy Agencies can be found at the end of this section.) Factors
to consider when preparing a site sampling plan include:
    • The location and type of water sources, treatment facilities,
      storage tanks, pressure stations, and service connections.
    • The location of dead-end pipes, main and branch lines, loops, and
      other aspects of the piping system's configuration.
    • Cross connection hazards and  shared connections.
    • Areas of low water pressure and slow water movement.
    • Varying population densities.
    • Hydrants (for flushing schedule).
                                                             A-2

-------
A  Basic  Site  Sampling  Plan

A basic site sampling plan may have three components: a map of the
distribution system; a narrative description of the plan; and a
maintenance program.

Distribution system map: This map provides the layout of the
distribution system and shows:
    •  All water sources and their entry points into the distribution
       system.
    •  The area served by each water source (if the water from the
       various sources is not combined prior to distribution).
    •  Treatment facilities, such as filtration and disinfection.
    •  Storage tanks and reservoirs.
    •  Pressure reducing stations.
    •  Booster pump stations.
    •  Pressure zones.
    •  Routine sampling sites.
    •  Repeat sampling sites.
    •  Interconnections and critical valves.
    •  Pipe material and size.
   •  Hydrant locations.
   •  Location of blowoffs/flushing points.
   •  Dead-end mains and/or known trouble areas.

Plan narrative: The description of the site sampling plan includes:
   •  Water system name and contact person(s).
   •  Water system seven-digit identification number.
   •  Water source name(s).
   •  Storage/reservoir volume.
   •  Treatment plant description (process used, source[s] treated,
       location, etc.).
   •  Total population served.
   •  Number of service connections.
   •  Number and area of pressure zones, with population and service
       connections in each zone.
   •  Description of sampling rotation within a community, area, etc.
       This is especially important if the site plan incorporates large
       areas such as rural water systems.
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Maintenance program: This section of the site sampling plan identifies:
    •  The minimum number of routine samples required per monitoring
       period.
    •  The number of routine sample sites needed to represent all
       distribution areas and all areas of concern.
    •  The location of all routine sampling sites needed to cover all areas
       in the distribution system. (The address of each site should be
       listed  here, and the sites should be identified on the distribution
       system map.)
    •  Sample collection schedule (for systems that collect more than
       one sample per month). Samples should be collected at regular
       intervals,  not all on the same day.
    •  Monthly rotation cycle (if applicable). It is desirable to rotate
       through each sample site three or four times a year.
       The schedule for flushing the distribution system's lines. This
       procedure is vital in reducing the possibility of coliform and biofilm
       buildup. Systems that have dead-end lines should flush regularly.
       The name and telephone number of the person who prepared the
       site sampling plan.
       The date the site sampling plan was prepared (and revision date if
       applicable).
Sampling  Sites
Sampling sites specified in the sampling plan should be selected carefully
throughout the distribution system to represent the varying conditions that
occur there. (See Figure 1 on the next page for examples.) It is especially
important to identify and include in the sampling plan areas that may
       A description of the five routine sampling sites that will be used for   adversely affect the microbiological quality of the water. These include
       routine sampling the following month after the presence of
       conforms has been confirmed.
       A brief description of the sample collection techniques used. This
       will help avoid false positives due to improper collection
       techniques.
cross connections, varying population densities, low-pressure zones, sites
of deteriorating water mains, shared connections, and areas of low-
velocity water movement.

Customers' faucets and specially installed sampling taps are the two most
common types of sampling sites. Customer faucets may not always be
                                                                 A-4

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conveniently accessible. Also, samples from a customer's faucet may not

accurately reflect distribution system conditions, for reasons that have to

do with the customer's plumbing, which are not under the water supplier's

control. If customers' faucets are to be used, each faucet should be
examined carefully to ensure its suitability. Some examples of

undesirable conditions are:

    •  Swivel-type faucets that have a single valve for hot and cold

       water.
             Figure 1
             Examples of Sampling Locations Based on System Characteristics
                                 i
               Providing samples that are representative of all the conditions in
               a system that has a number of branch lines with dead-ends, such
               as this one, might require four sampling locations: A gives  a
               sample representative of conditions along the distribution system's
               main line. B provides a sample that represents conditions along
               one of the branch lines. Samples taken at C show conditions near
               the dead-end  of the main line, while samples from D are
               representative of conditions near the dead-end of a branch line.
               (Adapted from A Guide to Bacteriological Sampling of Public Water
               Supplies, Virginia Department of Health, January 7, 1998.)
                                                                                               Well
Looped distribution systems such as this one allow water to flow
freely in all directions. In this system, only two sampling locations
are necessary to provide samples representative of the main loop
(A) and the branch loop (B) conditions. (Adapted from A Guide to
Bacteriological Sampling of Public Water Supplies,  Virginia
Department of Health, January 7, 1998.)
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    •  Faucets that have leaky packing material around the stem.
    •  Faucets that supply areas, such as janitorial or commercial sinks,
       where bacterial contamination is likely.
    •  Faucets close to or below ground level.
    •  Faucets that point upward.
    •  Faucets that have threads on the inside of their spouts.
    •  Faucets that have aerators. (If such faucets are to be used, the
       aerators must be removed before a sample is collected.)
To avoid the problems inherent with customer faucets, many water
suppliers collect water samples for coliform analysis from special taps
connected directly to distribution pipes. These special taps can be simply
a faucet at the end of a riser pipe connected to the distribution line, or a
more sophisticated manufactured sampling station installed at the water
meter or into the distribution  main.
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Safe  Drinking Water Act  Primacy  Agencies
Alabama       Department of Environmental Management
                Water Supply Branch

Alaska         Division of Environmental Health
                Drinking Water and Wastewater
              Program

Arizona        Department of Environmental Quality
                Water Quality Division

Arkansas       Department of Health
                Division of Engineering

California       Department of Health Services
                Division of Drinking Water and
              Environmental Management

Colorado       Department of Public Health and
              Environment
                Drinking Water Program

Connecticut     Department of Public Health
                Water Supplies Section

Delaware       Health and Social Services
                Division of Public Health

District of Columbia    U.S. EPA Region 3

Florida         Department of Environmental Protection
                Drinking Water Section

Georgia        Department of Natural Resources
                Environmental Protection Division

Hawaii         Department of Health
                Environmental Management Division

Idaho          Department of Health and Welfare
                Division of Environmental Quality
Illinois         Environmental Protection Agency
                Division of Public Water Supplies

Indiana         Department of Environmental Management
                Office of Water Management

Iowa           Department of Natural Resources
                Water Supply Section

Kansas        Department of Health and Environment
                Bureau of Water

Kentucky       Department for Environmental Protection
                Division of Water

Louisiana       Department of Health and Hospitals
                Division of Environmental & Health
                Services

Maine          Department of Human Services
                Division of Health Engineering

Maryland       Department of the Environment
                Public Drinking Water Program

Massachusetts  Department of Environmental Protection
                Drinking Water Program

Michigan       Department of Environmental Quality
                Drinking Water & Radiological
                Protection Division

Minnesota       Department of Health
                Drinking Water Protection Section

Mississippi      Department of Health
                Division of Water Supply

Missouri       Department of Natural Resources
                Division of Environmental Quality


                     A-7
Montana        Department of Environmental Quality
                Public Water Supply Section

Nebraska      Department of HHS Regulation & Licensure

Nevada        Department of Human Resources
                Bureau of Health Protection Services

New Hampshire  Department of Environmental Services
                Water Supply Engineering Bureau

New Jersey     Department of Environmental Protection
                Environmental Regulation

New Mexico     Environment Department
                Drinking Water Bureau

New York       Department of Health
                Bureau of Public Water Supply
              Protection

North Carolina   Department of Environment and Natural
              Resources
                Public Water Supply Section

North Dakota    Department of Health

Ohio           State Environmental Protection Agency
                Division of Drinking & Ground Water

Oklahoma      Department of Environmental Quality
                Water Quality Division

Oregon        Department of Human Resources
                Drinking Water Program

Pennsylvania   Department of Environmental Protection
                Bureau of Water Supply Management

Rhode Island    Department of Health
                Office of Drinking Water Quality

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South Carolina  Department of Health & Environmental
              Control
                 Bureau of Water

South Dakota   Department of Environment & Natural
              Resources
                 Division of Environmental Regulation

Tennessee     Department of Environment & Conservation
                 Division of Water Supply
Texas         Natural Resource Conservation Commission
                Water Utilities Division

Utah          Department of Environmental Quality
                Division of Drinking Water

Vermont       Department of Environmental Conservation
                Water Supply Division

Virginia        Department of Health
                Division of Water Supply Engineering
                                                                            A-8
Washington     Department of Health
                 Drinking Water Division

West Virginia   Bureau for Public Health
                 Office of Environmental Health
              Services

Wisconsin      Department of Natural Resources
                 Bureau of Water Supply

Wyoming       U.S. EPA Region 8
                 Wyoming Drinking Water Program
                                                                                                         Note: States in boldface type have prepared
                                                                                                         guidance on Sampling Siting  Plans for
                                                                                                         systems to use in complying with the
                                                                                                         monitoring requirements of the TCR.
                                                                                                         f you have any questions on who your
                                                                                                         Primacy Agency is, call the U.S.  EPA Hotline
                                                                                                         at 1-800-426-4791.

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Appendix B


Sample Collection Techniques
Adapted From EPA's "Pocket Sampling Guide for Operators of Small Water Systems"
(EPA814-B-92-001)
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For More Information
Copies of the "Pocket Sampling Guide for
Operators of Small Water Systems" (EPA
814-B-92-001) on which this appendix is
based are available from the Environmental
Resource Information Center (ERIC).  The
cost is $8.56 plus $4.00 shipping and
handling. ERIC's telephone number is 1-800-
276-0462. The ERIC document number for
the sampling guide is G-654.
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Sample  Containers

Many different sizes and types of sampling containers may be
used for collecting coliform samples. Bottles should be obtained
from labs only, and most labs supply a 125-mL sterilized, plastic
bottle, but you may ask for larger volume plastic or glass bottles
so long as they have been sterilized. Some labs will wrap the
bottle in paper to protect it from contamination. Glass-stoppered
bottles sometimes have foil covering the top for protection. A few
labs may even furnish a single-service, sterilized, polyethylene
bag or bottle containing sodium thiosulfate. The sodium
thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) is a dechlorinating agent which also stops
the disinfection action of chlorine during the sample's transit to the
laboratory, thus providing a more representative picture of the
samples microbial content when the sample was taken.
Remember, you are sampling the water to determine what the water is like coming out of the consumer's tap at the time you
took the sample, and not what it is like during transit to the laboratory. Do not rinse contents from the container!
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Sample  Procedure
The lab that supplies the sampling containers normally provides instructions with the kit for the type of monitoring you are doing. Refer to those
instructions when provided.

The following instructions and photos illustrate the general sampling procedures for collecting coliform analysis monitoring samples.
   1.  Assemble all of the sampling supplies before you begin. A dechlorinating agent is needed and may need to be furnished (if not already
       supplied with the containers) when sampling chlorinated waters (such as those found in the distribution system). The containers are sterilized, so
       handle them carefully. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling supplies.
   2.  Go to the sampling location(s) specified in the sampling plan. Representative sampling
       locations are located in the distribution system and are accessible during normal business
       hours. Examples may include hospitals, city buildings, pump stations, and restaurants. The
       tap should be clean, free of attachments (hoses, etc.), and in good repair (no leaks). If
       possible, avoid drinking fountains and faucets that have swivel necks.
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3.  If possible, remove any aerators,
   strainers, or hoses that are present,
   because they may harbor bacteria. (You
   may not be able to remove the aerator
   or find a non-swivel faucet.)
4.  Open the cold water tap for about 2
   to 3 minutes before collecting the
   sample. (You may want to time this
   step-3 minutes is a long time.) This
   clears the service line.
5.  Fill out label, tag, and lab form in
   waterproof ink. Make sure the label is
   dry before writing on the label.
6.  Adjust the flow to about the width of
   a pencil. Check for steady flow. Do not
   change the water flow once you have
   started sampling. It could dislodge
   microbial growth.
The following steps describe
collection procedures using both
the bottle and the bag.
    7.  Remove the bottle cap (stopper, etc.),
       or open the plastic bag. Be careful not
       to touch the inside with your fingers.
       Then position the bottle or bag under the
       water flow. Hold the bottle in one hand
       and the cap in the other.
                                        Do not lay the cap down or put it in a pocket!
                                        Also, take care not to contaminate the sterile
                                        bottle (or bag) or cap with your fingers or permit
                                        the faucet to touch the inside of the bottle or
                                        bag.
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DO NOT RINSE OUT THE BOTTLE OR BAG
BEFORE COLLECTING THE SAMPLE!

    8.  Fill the bottle to the shoulder or to
       about 1/4 inch  from the top. If using a
       plastic bag sampling container,  fill it to
       the marked fill line.
9.  Place the cap on the bottle and screw
   it down tightly. If using a plastic bag,
   pull the wire tabs and whirl the bag three
   times for a tight seal. Samples should be
   iced immediately, if possible.
                                                10. Turn the tap off. Replace the aerator,
                                                   strainer, or hose.
11. Check that the information on the
   label is correct.
                                             12. Complete any additional lab forms
                                                that came with the sample bottle,
                                                including the chain-of-custody form (if
                                                required), with the necessary
                                                information.
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13. The samples must reach the
   laboratory within 30 hours of
   collection. It is recommended that all
   samples be refrigerated or iced using
   "blue" ice (cooled to about 4° to 10° C).
   All samples received in the laboratory
   must be analyzed on the day of receipt.
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