United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
&EPA Public Notification
Handbook for
Transient
Non-Community
Water Systems
(Original Public Notification Handbook Document:
EPA 816-R-00-010, June 2000)
(Document updated and prepared for Transient Non-Community
Water Systems: EPA 816-R-07-004, March 2007)
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This handbook provides guidance to States, public water systems, and the general public
concerning how EPA interprets its public notification regulations. This document does not,
however, substitute for the public notification regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it
cannot impose legally-binding requirements on EPA, States, or water suppliers and may not apply to
a particular situation. This document is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights
enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. EPA may decide to follow the guidance
provided in this document, or to act at variance with the guidance based on its analysis of the specific
facts present. This guidance may be revised without public notice to reflect changes in EPA's approach to
implementing public notice, or to clarify and update text.
You should read the regulations thoroughly to ensure that you are in compliance. The public notice (PN)
regulations are in the Code of Federal Regulations under Chapter 40, Part 141, Subpart Q, beginning
at section 141.201. The most recent version of the rule can be found at www.epa.gov/safewater/
publicnotification.
This document includes public notification requirements and information for all regulations up through
July 2006. It does not include public notification requirements and information for the Ground Water Rule
(GWR) published November 8, 2006.
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1. Introdyction 1
2. to Handbook[[[3
3. Symmary of Public Notification Requirements[[[5
What information is required in my notice? 5
What kinds of violations and situations require public notice? 6
When and how do I need to notify my consumers? 7
Deadlines for issuing public notice 7
Required methods of delivery 8
Will I need to translate my notice? 8
4. for of Notice[[[11
How should the notice be formatted to get people's attention? 11
How can I make a notice easier to read? 11
How should I tailor the notice to my situation? 12
5. Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery[[[13
How can I make posting effective? 13
What other methods are available to reach all consumers? 13
After providing the notice, what information must I provide my primacy agency? 14
TEMPLATES FOR TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS 15
Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice-Template NC-1 17
Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice-Template NC-1A 19
Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - Template NC-2 21
Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice-Template NC-3 23
Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice -Template NC-4 25
Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice -Template NC-4A 27
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template NC-5 29
Monitoring Violation Notice-Template NC-6 31
Problem Corrected Notice -Template NC-7 33
Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice- NC-8 35
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SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice- NC-13 45
LT2ESWTR Failure to Install Treatment Notice - NC-14a 47
LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment
Technique Violation Notice- NC-14b 49
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Treatment Notice - NC-14c 51
LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring
(Initial or Second Round) Notice- NC-14d 53
Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice - NC-15 55
Appendix A
¥iolations Pyblic ................................59
Appendix IS
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification ...........................................63
C
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The purpose of this handbook is to explain EPA's public notification rule and provide specific examples of
public notices. This handbook is geared to the specific needs of transient non-community water systems
that must issue a notice when faced with a violation or situation affecting their water supply. Transient non-
community water systems provide drinking water to a population that changes day to day. They include,
among others, campgrounds, hotels, rest areas, and restaurants with their own water supplies. The majority
of these systems are very small, serving 500 people or less.
The public notification requirements are designed to protect public health. One of the best ways that water
system operators can contribute to public health protection is to make sure that as many people as possible
that already have or that may consume water from a particular water system know about water quality issues
and how to protect themselves from potential risks.
While the risks associated with violations at transient non-community water systems (and the public
notification needs and delivery methods) are different than those for other water system types, all water
system operators share an obligation to protect the health of their consumers. Regardless of the system
type, all consumers have the same general concerns when facing health risks; what is unique is the generally
limited scope of the necessary message and the delivery options available for transient non-community water
systems.
Throughout this document you will find tips and suggestions to help you effectively meet the public
notification rule requirements. The suggestions contained in this document are based on the guiding
principles for good risk communication and public education.
This handbook complements EPA's Public Notification Handbook (EPA 816-R-07-003), which was written
for community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems. The Public Notification
Handbook provides more detail on risk communication and public education strategies, with a focus on
reaching large, diverse populations via a wide variety of communication methods, including radio and
television. Transient non-community water system operators may benefit from reading that version as well.
In addition to increasing the effectiveness of public notices, this handbook should make transient non-
community water system owners' and operators' jobs easier and help them comply with Federal and State
requirements. This handbook contains templates designed for posted notices for total coliform, fecal
coliformAE coli, and nitrate MCL violations, as well as for monitoring violations.
Note that the public notice requirements described in this handbook are based on Federal regulations.
Citations provided within the document, such as 141.201, refer to specific sections found in title 40 of
the Code of Federal Regulations. States or Tribes may have alternate public notice requirements or more
stringent drinking water standards. You should check with your primacy agency1 to make you meet
its specific requirements.
'The primacy agency is the agency with primary enforcement responsibility for the administration and enforcement of primary drinking water
regulations and related requirements applicable to public water systems within a State. A primacy agency can be a State, EPA, or an eligible
Indian tribe. A State or Tribal primary enforcement agency must adopt drinking water regulations no less stringent than the National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations and must adopt and implement adequate procedures for the enforcement of such regulations. Other primacy
requirements also apply.
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This handbook contains information to help you prepare and issue a public notice. Before you are faced
with a violation or situation requiring public notification, you should read this handbook. You should
also check with your local health department or other primacy agency to see if your state has additional
public notification requirements or if more stringent public notification requirements apply. Listed below
are the steps we recommend that you take to respond to a drinking water violation or other situation
requiring notice:
1. Determine what tier of public notification youur violation or situation requires.
See Table 1 in Chapter 3 for violations or situations requiring public notice listed by Tier.
2. Consult your primacy agency if required.
For violations and situations requiring Tier 1 notice, immediately consult with your primacy
agency when you learn of the violation or situation (I4l.202(b)). You must issue the notice within
24 hours of learning of the violation, even if you are unable to contact the primacy agency.
If you treat surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, and have a
single exceedance of turbidity limits or a two-day turbidity MCL violation, immediately consult
with your primacy agency when you learn of the violation. Your primacy agency will determine
whether the violation needs to be elevated to Tier 1 (I4l.203(b)).
3. Review the requirements for public notices. Read Chapter 3 on "Summary of Public Notification
Requirements," which describes content, mandatory language, formatting, and distribution requirements
that are applicable to all notices.
4. Determine the appropriate method(s) of delivery. For transient non-community water systems, this is
generally posting or hand delivery, plus another method. Table 2 in Chapter 3 summarizes requirements
for issuing a public notice. See Chapter 5 on "Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery" for
other ideas on appropriate delivery methods for different situations.
5. Develop a notice; you can use the templates that fit your situation or write your own. Templates for
violations or situations are provided. The reverse of each template includes violation-specific suggestions
for modifying each template. If there is no template for your violation or situation, write your own
notice using the list of 10 required elements provided in the "Required Elements of a Public Notice" box
in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 provides tips for formatting an effective notice.
6. Translate the notice if a large proportion of the people who receive your water do not speak English
(I4l.205(c)). Templates NC-1A and NC-4A are Spanish versions of the nitrate and fecal coliform/.E
coli violation templates.
7. Provide your notice to persons served as soon as practical and within the required time frame. Use
the method of delivery chosen in step 4 above.
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Send a copy of each type of notice issued (including repeat notices) to your primacy agency within
ten days after you distribute the notice, along with a statement certifying that all public notification
requirements have been met (I4l.31(d)).
Plan In Advance For Public Notification
Any advance work that you can do to prepare for a public notification effort will really pay off if you are
faced with a violation or situation,
> Create a list of emergency contacts, including staff at the primacy agency if consultation is required
before issuing a notice, people who can help copy or distribute a notice on short order, or people who
can translate your notice.
> Know in advance what languages are spoken by your customers. In many areas of the country
operators should plan on providing notices in English and Spanish, at a minimum. See the discussion
of translations in Chapter 3.
> Think about methods of delivery that would most effectively reach your consumers. Posting will reach
transient populations in many situations, but other methods may be needed. See Chapter 5 for ideas.
> If your water system is "prone" to certain types of violations (e.g., nitrate exceedances in agricultural
areas) be prepared to deal with these, especially during the growing season, when fertilizers are
applied.
> Prepare to have bottled water or an alternative water supply available if needed.
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You should read this handbook before a violation or other situation occurs to familiarize yourself
with public notification process and requirements. This chapter summarizes public notification
requirements for transient non-community water systems. See Appendix D for a copy of this regulation.
Also, check with your primacy agency to see if they have stricter requirements.
is in my
Your public notice must include specific information listed in the following text box in order to be
considered complete.
of a Public (141.205(d))
1. A description of the violation or situation;
2. When the violation or situation occurred;
3. Potential adverse health effects; using the health effects language in Appendix B or language for
monitoring violations;
4. Population(s) at risk;
5. Whether alternative water supplies should be used;
6, Actions consumers should take, including when they should seek medical help, if known;
7. What you are doing to correct the violation or situation;
8, When you expect to return to compliance;
9. Name, business address, and phone number for additional information; and
10. Standard language encouraging distribution to all persons served, where applicable.
To address the third element listed in the box above, a public notice must include the following
standard language (I4l.205(d)):
> Health effects language for maximum contaminant level (MCL) and maximum residual disinfectant
level (MRDL) violations, treatment technique violations, and violations of the conditions of a variance or
exemption. You must include the health effects language specified in Appendix B for such violations. You
must also describe potential health effects for other situations, even if there is no mandatory language.
> Standard language for monitoring and testing procedure violations. You must include the following
language for all monitoring and testing procedure violations:
"We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis.
Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health
standards. During [compliance period], we ['did not monitor or test' or 'did not complete all
monitoring or testing'] for [contaminant(s)], and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your
drinking water during that time."
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of
EPA has assigned each violation and situation requiring notice to one of three categories, or tiers, based on
the risk of adverse health effects. Table 1 summarizes the violations and situations requiring notice included
in each tier. For a list of violations and situations and their respective tiers applicable to transient non-
community water systems, refer to Appendix A.
Table 1: Violations or Situations Requiring Public
Tier 1 ¥lolations or Situations (141.202)
Violations of the MCL for total coiiforms when fecal coiiform or E. coli are present, or failure to test for
fecal coiiform/f. coli after any repeat sample tests positive for coiiform.
Nitrate, nitrite, or total nitrate and nitrite MCL violation or failure to take a confirmation sample within 24
hours of the first exceedance.
Exceedance of the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/i (but not more than 20 mg/i) when permitted by the
primacy agency (see the "Special Notice for Nitrate MCL Exceedances Non-Community Water Systems
Only" box in this Chapter).
Chlorine dioxide MRDL violation when one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system exceed
the MRDL on the day after exceeding the MRDL at the entrance of the distribution system, or when
required samples are not taken in the distribution system.
Violation of turbidity MCL based on an average of two consecutive days for systems avoiding filtration, if
elevated by primacy agency, or if a consultation does not occur.
Treatment technique violation involving single exceedance of the maximum turbidity limit, if elevated by
primacy agency, or if a consultation does not occur.
Waterborne disease outbreak or other waterborne emergency.
Other violations or situations as determined by the primacy agency.
Tier 2 Violations or Situations (141.203)
All MCL, MRDL, and treatment technique violations not included in Tier 1.
Monitoring violations as determined by the primacy agency.
Violations of the conditions of a variance or exemption.
Tier 3 Violations or Situations (141.203)
Monitoring violations, except those in Tier 1 or 2.
Failure to comply with testing procedures.
Operation under a variance or exemption.
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When how do I to notify my consumers?
After you learn of a violation or situation, public notice must be provided. The deadlines for issuing public
notice, repeat notices and the delivery methods vary by tier and are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: Requirements for issuing a Public Notice
Violation
Tier
Deadline for
initial notice
Repeated
Notices *
Delivery Methods to Use
**
24 hours***
As dictated
by the
primacy
agency
1. Posting, hand delivery, radio, and/or television
2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
30 days
Every 3
months
1. Posting, hand delivery, or mail
2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
1 year*
Annually
1. Posting, hand delivery, or mail
2. Plus any other method calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
Repeated notices are required if the violation or situation persists, unless otherwise directed by the primacy
agency. Posted notices must remain posted and may need periodic updating.
Primacy agencies may approve other methods.
For Tier 1, systems must also initiate consultation with the primacy agency within 24 hours.
Systems with turbidity MCL violations based on the average of samples over two days or with turbidity single
exceedance treatment technique violations must consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours after learning
of the violation.
EPA recommends consolidating all Tier 3 violations and situations occurring within a given year into an annual
notice.
Deadlines for issuing public notice
As shown in Table 2, the deadline for issuing a public notice varies by Tier.
>• For Tier 1 public notices, you must provide the notice as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours
after you learn of the violation or situation. In addition, you must contact the primacy agency within 24
hours to determine additional public notice requirements such as the length of time to the notice must be
posted and if repeat notices are needed.
>• For Tier 2 public notices, you must provide the notice as soon as practical but no later than 30 days after
you learn of the violation or situation. If you post the notice, you must keep it posted for as long as the
violation or situation persists, but in no case for less than seven days (even if you resolve the violation or
situation before seven days). You must repeat the notice every three months as long as the violation or
situation persists.
>• For Tier 3 public notices, you must provide the notice no later than one year after you learn of the
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violation or situation. If you post the notice, you must keep it posted for as long as the violation or
situation persists, but in no case for less than seven days (even if you resolve the violation or situation
before seven days). You must repeat the notice annually for as long as the violation or situation persists.
of
As shown in Table 2, the delivery methods vary by tier as follows:
* For violations and situations requiring Tier 1 notification, you must use one of the following methods to
distribute required notices: posting, hand delivery, newspapers, or radio and/or television. You may need
to use another method such as publication in a community newspaper or posting at a community center
to reach other persons served (I4l.202(c)).
>• For violations and situations requiring Tier 2 or 3 notification, you must use posting, hand delivery, or
mail, plus another method such as publication in a newspaper or posting at a community center to reach
others if they would not normally be reached by the first method.
Posting will probably be the most effective delivery method for the vast majority of transient non-
community water systems. Your primacy agency may allow you to use a different method of delivery for any
tier. See Chapter 5 on "Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery" for additional ideas on how various
types of businesses can meet the notice delivery requirement.
You must also post every notice for as long as the violation or situation exists to let visitors or new employees
know of the situation. If the violation or situation has already been resolved, Tier 2 and 3 notices must still
be posted for at least seven days (I4l.203(b); I4l.204(b)). If you can reach all persons served with the first
method you choose, you may not need to use additional methods. At a gas station, for instance, posting in
the bathrooms and front door may be sufficient to reach all persons served.
Special Notice for Nitrate IViCL
Non-Commynitf Only
Some non-community water systems may have been granted permission by the primacy agency to
exceed the nitrate MCL (10 mg/L) up to a level of 20 mg/l. These systems must provide continuous posting
in a conspicuous location of the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects of
exposure (141.209), You must include the required content elements summarized in this handbook. Your
primacy agency may only grant permission to exceed the MCL if you can demonstrate that the water will
not be available to children under 6 months of age (141.11(d)). See the sample template for this situation
in this handbook.
I to my
You may also be required to translate part of your notice if a large proportion of the population served
does not speak English (I4l.205(c)). If translations are needed, your notice must, at a minimum, contain
information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice, or it must provide a
phone number or address where a translated notice or information or assistance in the appropriate language
is available. Your primacy agency may have established criteria for what constitutes a large proportion of the
people you serve; check with the agency to be sure.
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While the transient nature of your consumer base may make it difficult to find exact statistics about the
English proficiency of the people you serve, as a business owner, you should have a general "feel" for
the languages spoken by your consumers. If you are unsure about this, ask staff who work directly with
customers about what languages they hear spoken by visitors.
To facilitate translations, especially for violations or situations requiring Tier 1 notification, establish contacts
with institutions and people who can translate notices into other languages for you in advance. Community
centers and universities can help provide translations. If your system is in an area where a language other
than English is predominant (for example in the Southwest, where Spanish is commonly spoken), there is a
good chance that some of your employees may also speak that language. These employees can be valuable
assets if you need to translate a notice or respond to questions. Spanish-language templates for nitrate and
fecal coliform violations are provided in this Handbook (see templates NC-1A and NC-4A). Appendix C
provides translations of several useful phrases that convey the importance of the message and the need to
have it translated.
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In addition to being concise and readable, notices for transient non-community water systems should
be appropriate to the consumers' situation. For example, visitors at a rest stop just need to be aware they
shouldn't drink the water, rather than being told to boil it. See Templates NC-1 through NC-15 at the end
of this handbook for examples of postings.
Formatting Hints
Limit the notice to one page.
Display important elements in bold and/or large type and/or all upper case letters,
List each of the most important elements on a separate line and center the text, leaving a blank line
between each element.
Other required elements, such as health effects and your corrective actions, can be provided in paragraph
format, with a title for each paragraph if space permits.
be to
A person walking by a posted notice is unlikely to read the entire notice. Therefore, you should format the
notice so that consumers will see and read the most important information first. Posters should include
a title designed to catch people's attention, and highlight the population at risk (if applicable), actions
consumers should take, a very short description of the violation or situation, and where to obtain alternative
sources of water if alternative water supplies should be used.
I a to
Assume that consumers will only read the top half of the notice (or what can be read in ten seconds). The
most important information, especially instructions to protect consumers' health, should be placed on the
top half of the notice in large print. Bullets and bold text are also effective. Smaller type is appropriate
for the less critical elements, e.g., what the system is doing, an explanation of the cause of the violation or
situation, etc. You must still include all the required elements in the notice.
Remember that some of your consumers may have limited reading abilities. It is important that notices do
not contain overly technical or confusing language. Whoever on your staff is responsible for responding to
questions about the notice should keep in mind that it may be necessary to read or explain the entire notice.
If many of the visitors to your system are young children, remember that they do not read at an adult level,
and their parents may not see a posted notice (for example, at a rest stop, children may use the bathrooms
while their parents wait outside).
If your system serves a large proportion of non-English speaking people, include the appropriate translated
phrases provided in Appendix C. Appendix C also includes simple pictures that convey the concept of "do
not drink the water," that would be understood by someone who cannot read. These pictures would also
grab the attention of passers-by.
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I to my
If you are providing bottled or other sources of water, list the location from which you are distributing or
selling it. If you use water for cooking or ice making (e.g., at a restaurant), be sure to let customers know
that you are using bottled water for this purpose. Confirm ahead of time and periodically reconfirm that
available bottled water supplies meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or state safety standards by
asking bottlers for their most recent testing results.
O O
If your system supplies water to people for cooking (such as a campground), your notice should provide
instructions on how to use the water to cook. For example, in the case of a nitrate violation, instruct
consumers that boiling the water will not make the water safe for infants as boiling will only makes nitrates
more concentrated. The water should not be provided to infants. For fecal coliform or E. coli violations,
instruct them to use boiled water for brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.
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Most transient non-community water systems can probably use some combination of posting and hand
delivery. For instance, a campground should post notices in bathrooms or at pumps and hand out flyers to
campers as they register. A resort or hotel should hand deliver notices to guests' rooms or cottages as well as
post them in common areas.
Systems that have multiple monitoring violations throughout the year, may wish to consolidate notices into
one annual notice. You must provide notice within 12 months of the first violation. This may save you
money by reducing the amount of time you spend on posting, copying, and delivering. However, an annual
notice at a transient system would not have much relevance to someone who passed through the area served
by the system one day out of the year. You may find it easier and more effective to issue notices as violations
or situations occur, rather than trying to pull together records and compile them at the end of the year.
Your primacy agency may also have more stringent requirements.
I
Post notices at all water fountains, kitchen and bathroom sinks, ice machines, soda machines, coffee makers,
on bulletin boards, outside administrative offices, and at any other appropriate central locations. Posted
notices must remain posted for as long as the violation or situation persists (I4l.206(b)). Violations are not
resolved until the primacy agency determines they are resolved. In no case can the notice be posted less than
seven days even if the violation or situation has been resolved (I4l.203(b); I4l.204(b)). This is especially
important for transient systems, where consumers are continuously entering and leaving the area served.
Be sure that the notice is durable. It should not blow away if posted outdoors. Consider laminating
notices that will be placed over sinks or outside, especially if they are likely to remain there for an extended
time. You can make door hangers for hand delivery that will not easily blow away. Knot a rubber band
through a hole punched in the notice and put the rubber band around door knobs. This method will be
useful at a hotel or a campground with cabins.
are to all
You may also want to use some of these ideas in addition to one of the required methods listed above:
* Spoken word — If you are hand delivering notices and time permits, take the time to explain the
situation as you deliver the notice, or have a meeting to explain the situation to your employees, students,
etc. For notifications at a hotel or campground; speak to guests as they register.
* Sound trucks — Sound trucks (or police cars with speakers) might be useful as a supplement to hand
delivery for violations or situations that have potential for serious adverse health effects as a result of short
term exposure. They are most appropriate for distribution at a time of day when most people are expected
to be in a concentrated area such as a beach or campground.
> Answering machines — Consider including public notice information on the greeting of your answering
machine or voicemail. The greeting can be updated as you make progress in resolving the violation
or situation. It also enables you to at least partially answer your customers' questions and address the
violation at the same time.
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>• Community organizations — You might distribute multiple copies to nearby social service agencies or
clinics. This way doctors or case workers will be informed if their patients or clients ask them about the
implications of the violation or situation.
*• Automatic dialers — Some phone systems can be programmed to send voicemail to every extension. This
might be useful to notify guests at a hotel or resort.
*• In-house/ Cable TV — Some hotels have in-house cable television systems in which you can put
information about the violation on the "hotel information" station. For potentially serious adverse health
effects as a result of short term exposure, ask a local TV station or cable company to put "scrollers" across
the screen similar to National Weather Service announcements for tornado watches.
After prowldlrig the notice, what Information most I prowlde my primacy agency?
After you provide the notice to your consumers, you must, within ten days, send your primacy agency a
copy of each type of notice you distribute (e.g., newspaper article, press release to TV/radio, mail notices)
and a certification that you have met all the public notification requirements (I4l.31(d)). You must send
certifications for both initial and any repeat notices. When you certify, you are also stating that you will
meet future requirements for notifying new billing units of the violation or situation.
A sample certification "box" with appropriate language is provided below. The box is not mandatory (only
a statement is); however, it is a useful tool for tracking and noting required activities. Contact your primacy
agency; they may have a certification form they require be submitted to them. If your primacy agency
does not have a required certification form for you to use, you may wish to copy this certification onto the
bottom or reverse of the copy of the notice you send to the primacy agency.
PWS Name: fsvstem namel
PWS ID #: rPWS numberl
For Violation: [describe violation or situation]
Occurring on: [insert date]
The public water system indicated above hereby affirms that public notice has been provided to consumers
in accordance with the delivery, content, and format requirements and deadlines in [regulatory citation].
D Consultation with primacy agency (if required) on [insert date]
D Notice distributed by [insert method] on [insert date]
D Notice distributed by [insert method] on [insert date]
D Content - required elements.
Signature of owner or operator Date
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FOR
The pages that follow contain templates recommended for use by transient non-community water systems.
They are generally designed for posting, and their instructions to consumers are tailored to systems where
consumers will not be able to boil or otherwise treat their water. Along with each template are suggestions,
including the required method of delivery and suggestions for completing individual sections of the notice.
These suggestions are designed to supplement the handbook, so you may see much of the information
repeated here.
Mandatory language on health effects, which must be included as written with blanks filled in, is
presented in italics (I4l.205(d)).
You must also include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable. This language will
encourage word-of-mouth communication of the problem. Use of this language does not relieve you of your
obligation to take steps reasonably calculated to notify persons served (I4l.205(d)):
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may
not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Templates
Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice -Template NC-1
Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice -Template NC-1 A
Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - Template NC-2
Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice - Template NC-3
Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4
Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4A
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice - Template NC-5
Monitoring Violation Notice -Template NC-6
Problem Corrected Notice -Template NC-7
Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice - NC-8
IESWTR or LTl CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice
-NC-9
Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice - NC-10
SWTR Failure to Filter Notice - NC-11
SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice - NC-12
SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice - NC-13
LT2ESWTR Failure to Install Treatment Notice - NC-l4a
LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment Technique Violation Notice - NC-l4b
LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System Failure to Install Treatment Notice - NC-l4c
LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or Second Round) Notice - NC-l4d
Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Treatment Technique Violation Notice - NC-15
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 15 March 2007
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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 16 March 2007
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Instructions for Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the nitrate maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/l requires Tier 1 notification, you must
provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within no more than 24 hours of learning
of the violation (141.202(b)). During this time period, you must also contact your primacy agency. This
template can also be used for nitrite and total nitrate and nitrite violations. You must use one or more of
the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have
received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the
notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the
health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember
that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety standards.
Repeat Notices
If this is a repeat notice, you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following:
As you may recall, on [date], you were also notified of high nitrate levels that occurred during the
quarter of the year. Since that time the water system has been monitoring the nitrate concentration
every three months. Seasonal fluctuations in nitrate concentrations have been observed, due to nitrates
contained in fertilizer. It appears the high nitrates occur during the later summer and fall. Note that
previous tests prior to [year] show that we were meeting drinking water standards for nitrate.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below is some sample language
describing steps commonly taken by water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. You can use the
following language, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We are investigating water treatment and other options. These may include drilling a new well or
mixing the water with low-nitrate water from another source.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have
met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have
regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
17
March 2007
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Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1
DRINKING WATER WARNING
FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD
OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA OR JUICE
High nitrate levels were detected on [date]
Bottled water should be used for infants. [We are providing bottled
water for infants and their families at ].
Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water
A routine sample on [date] showed a nitrate concentration in the drinking water of [level
and units]. This is above the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level, of
[state/federal MCL].
Possible Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the
maximum contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is
indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a concern for infants because they can't process
nitrates in the same way adults can.
Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If
symptoms occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you
are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.]
We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. We will inform you when this
problem has been corrected. For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system]
at [phone number] or [location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 18 March 2007
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Instructions for Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1A
Template on Reverse
The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template NC-1 for a nitrate
violation. All the instructions for Template NC-1 apply. If you modify the English
template, you should modify this template accordingly. Schools or universities may be
able to provide low cost translations. See the discussion on translations in Chapter 3 for
suggestions on preparing multilingual notices.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
19
March 2007
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Spanish Nitrate MCL Exceedance Notice - Template NC-1A
AVISO SOBRE SU AGUA POTABLE
PARA LOS PADRES DE BEBES DE SEIS MESES DE EDAD Y
MENORES
NO DE A BEBER EL AGUA A BEBES MENORES DE SEIS MESES
DE EDAD, Nl LA USE PARA LA PREPARACION DE SU JUGO O
LECHE EN POLVO
Altos niveles de nitrates fueron detectados en [date]
Debera usarse agua embotellada para los bebes. [Tenemos agua
embotellada disponible para bebes y sus familias, en ].
Adultos y bebes mayores de seis (6) meses de edad pueden tomar el agua
del grifo
Una muestra rutinaria en [date] mostro que el agua de bebertiene una concentration de nitrato de [level
and units]. Este nivel esta por encima de la norma, o nivel maximo de contamination (NMC) de
[state/federal MCL in Spanish].
Posibles Efectos a la Salud
Bebes menores de seis (6) meses que ingieran agua con nitratos en exceso del nivel maximo de
contaminacion (NMC) se pueden enfermar de gravedad y, de no ser tratados, pueden morir. Los
sintomas incluyen dificultad en respirary sindrome de bebe azul. El sindrome de bebe azul se refiere al
color azulado que toma la piel del bebe. Los nitratos son daninos para los bebes porque ellos no pueden
procesarlos en la misma manera que los adultos pueden hacerlo.
Los sintomas en los bebes pueden desarrollarse con rapidez, con el deterioro de su salud en los dias
subsiguientes. Si los sintomas ocurren en bebes menores de seis (6) meses de edad, busque atencion
medica inmediatamente. Si usted esta embarazada o tiene algun problema de salud en particular, puede
optar por hacer una consulta con su medico.
Lo Que Estamos Haciendo Al Respecto
[Describe corrective action in Spanish.]
Anticipamos que resolveremos el problema el [date of expected resolution in Spanish day-month-year].
Nosotros le informaremos cuando este problema haya sido corregido. Para mayor information, por favor
pongase en contacto con [name of contact] de [system] al [phone number] o [location/address].
Por favor comparta esta information con todo aquel que puede que tome de esta agua, sea colocando
este aviso en lugares visibles, o remitiendolo por correo, o entregandolo manualmente. Es de particular
interes distribuir este aviso ampliamente si usted lo recibe representando un negocio, un hospital, hogar
de infantes u hogar de ancianos o comunidad residencial.
Este aviso ha sido enviado a usted por [system]. Numero de Identification: .
Fecha de distribution:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
20
March 2007
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Instructions for Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - Template NC-2
Template on Reverse
Since failure to take a confirmation sample for nitrate within 24 hours after learning that an initial sample
exceeded the MCL is a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as
practical but within 24 hours after you learn of the violation (141.202(b)). During this time period you must
also contact your primacy agency. You should also coordinate with your local health department. This
template is also applicable to nitrite and total nitrate and nitrite violations. You must use one or more of
the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have
received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the
notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the
health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember
that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety standards.
Repeat Notices
If this is a repeat notice, you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following:
You were initially notified of our system's failure to take a confirmation sample following high nitrate level
on [give date]. Since that time we have taken a confirmation sample on [give date] that also resulted in a
high nitrate level. We are currently monitoring the nitrate concentration every three months. Seasonal
fluctuations in nitrate concentrations have been observed, due to nitrates contained in fertilizer. It appears
that high nitrates occur during the later summer and fall. Note that prior to [year] we were meeting
drinking water standards for nitrate.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below is some sample language
describing steps commonly taken by water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. You can use the
following language, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We are in the process of collecting a confirmation sample to determine if we have high nitrate levels.
If the sample shows we are meeting our drinking water standards, you will not receive another notice.
However, if the sample shows that we do have high nitrate levels in our water, another notification will
be issued within 24 hours after we receive the results.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have
met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have
regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
21
March 2007
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Nitrate Failure to Take a Confirmation Sample Notice - Template NC-2
DRINKING WATER WARNING
FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD
OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA OR JUICE
[System] did not take a confirmation sample to determine if the water
has high levels of nitrate -
Bottled water should be used for infants. [We are providing bottled
water for infants and their families at ].
Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water
We are required to monitor your drinking water for nitrate on a regular basis. Results of regular
monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. Water
sample results received on [give date] showed nitrate levels above the nitrate standard, or
maximum contaminant level (MCL), of [MCL]. We were required to take a confirmation sample
within 24-hours. We did not complete the required confirmation sample monitoring and
therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time. Nitrate in drinking
water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
Possible Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the
maximum contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is
indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a concern for infants because they can't process
nitrates in the same way adults can.
Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If
symptoms occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you
are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.]
We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. We will inform you when this
problem has been corrected. For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system]
at [phone number] or [location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
22
March 2007
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Instructions for Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice
Template NC-3
Template on Reverse
Non-community water systems that have received approval by their primacy agency to exceed
the nitrate maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/l but no more than 20 mg/l are required to
provide Tier 1 notification. You do not incur a violation but are still required to provide public
notice to persons served as soon as practical but within no more than 24 hours of learning of
the situation (141 .202(b)). You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the
notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who
may not have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users
have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the
notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is
mandatory (141. 205(d)).
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained.
Remember that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water,
make sure it meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or state bottled water safety
standards.
Continuous Notices
As long as nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/L, continuous posting of this notice is required
(141.209(b)).
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that
you have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
23
March 2007
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Non-community PWSs Allowed Up to 20 mg/L Nitrate Notice - Template NC-3
DRINKING WATER WARNING
FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD
OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA OR JUICE
High nitrate levels were detected on [date]
Adults and children older than 6 months can drink the water
Water sample results show nitrate levels of [level and units]. This is above the nitrate standard
or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/l. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health
concern for infants less than six months old.
We have been given permission by [primacy agency] to provide water in excess of the standard
as long as:
Nitrate levels do not exceed 20 mg/l.
The water is not made available to children under 6 months of age.
We continuously post this notice meeting all public notice requirements.
Local and state health officers are notified annually.
No adverse health effects result.
Possible Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the
maximum contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is
indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a concern for infants because they can't process
nitrates in the same way adults can.
Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If
symptoms occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you
are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
24
March 2007
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Instructions for Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4
Template on Reverse
This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the
suggestions below on how you can modify this template for other situations. Since exceeding the
fecal coliform or E. coli maximum contaminant level requires a Tier 1 notification, you must provide
public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you learn of the
violation (141.202(b)). During this time period you must also contact your primacy agency. You must
use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not
have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access
to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must
leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Instructions to Consumers
You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For
instance, at a campground, you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for
food preparation.
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained.
Remember that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make
sure it meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and
other contaminants.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly
taken by water systems with fecal coliform violations. You can use one or more of the following
actions, if appropriate:
We are chlorinating and flushing the water system.
We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to identify the source of contamination.
We are repairing the wellhead seal.
We are repairing, cleaning, and disinfecting the storage tank.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you
have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you
have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 25 March 2007
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Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4
WARNING
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
Fecal coliform [or E. coli] bacteria were found in the water supply
on [date]
Bottled water is available from
Possible Health Effects
Fecal conforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be
contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause
diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special
health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune
systems.
People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water in general from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.]
We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria and you may
drink the water. We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. For
more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
26
March 2007
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Instructions for Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4A
Template on Reverse
The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template NC-4 for a Fecal Coliform
or E. coli violation. All the instructions for Template NC-4 apply. If you modify the
English template, you should modify this template accordingly. Schools or universities
may be able to provide low cost translations. See the discussion on translations in
Chapter 3 for suggestions on multilingual notices.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
27
March 2007
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Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice - Template NC-4A
AVISO
NO BEBA EL AGUA
Bacterias coliformes fecales [o E. coli] fueron encontradas en su
servicio de agua el dia de [date]
Agua embotellada esta disponible en
J
Posibles Efectos a la Salud
Coliformes fecales y E. coll son bacterlas cuya presencla Indlca que el agua esta
contaminada con desechos humanos o de animales. Microbios en estos desechos
pueden causar diarrhea, colicos, nausea, dolores de cabeza u otros sintomas.
Presentan ademas un riesgo especial para la salud de bebes, ninos y ninas de corta
edad y personas con sistemas immunologicos en alto riesgo.
Personas en situaciones de alto riesgo deben consultar con sus proveedores de
servicios medicos sobre agua apta para beber. .
Lo Que Estamos Haciendo Al Respecto
[Describe corrective action in Spanish.]
Nosotros le informaremos cuando muestras adicionales indiquen que no existen
bacterias coniformes presentes y que es permitido nuevamente beber de esta agua.
Anticipamos que resolveremos el problema el [date of expected resolution in Spanish
day-month-year]. Para mayor informacion, por favor pongase en contacto con [name of
contact] de [system] al [phone number] o [location/address].
Por favor comparta esta informacion con todo aquel que puede que tome de esta
agua, sea colocando este aviso en lug ares visibles, o remitiendolo porcorreo, o
entregandolo manualmente. . Es importante distribuireste aviso ampliamente en caso
que Ud. lo reclba en representaclon de un edlflclo de apartamentos, negoclo, hospital,
hogar de infantes, hogar de ancianos o comunidad residencial.
Este aviso ha sido enviado a usted por [system]. Numero de Identificacion: .
Fecha de distribucion:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
28
March 2007
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Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice - Template NC-5
Template on Reverse
This template is intended for systems where consumers will not need to boil their water or where
they will not have the facilities to do so. Since exceeding the total coliform bacteria maximum
contaminant level requires a Tier 2 notification, you must provide public notice to persons served as
soon as practical and within 30 days after you learn of the violation (141.203(b)). Persistent total
coliform problems can pose a serious health risk, and your primacy agency may elevate such
situations to Tier 1. Check with your primacy agency to make sure you meet all its requirements.
You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists.
Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not
have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access
to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must
leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Description of the Violation
The template on the reverse is intended for use by systems taking fewer than 40 coliform bacteria
samples a month. You can use the following language if you are required to take 40 or more
samples per month:
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. During [month],
percent of our samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria. The standard is that no
more than 5 percent of samples may do so.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. If you know what is causing the coliform
problem, explain this in the notice. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems
with total coliform violations. You can use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or
develop your own:
We are chlorinating and flushing the water system.
We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to identify the source of contamination.
We are repairing the wellhead seal.
We are repairing, cleaning, and disinfecting the storage tank.
We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you
have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you
have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
29
March 2007
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Unresolved Total Coliform Notice - Template NC-5
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Tests show presence of coliform bacteria in water
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. We took [number]
samples during [month]. [Number] of those samples showed the presence of total
coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than one sample per month may do so.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. Total coliform bacteria themselves are generally not harmful.
Conforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as
an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Conforms were
found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system's treatment
or distribution systems.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.]
We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria. We anticipate
resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. For more information, please
contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or [location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 30 March 2007
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Instructions for Monitoring Violation Notice - Template NC-6
Template on Reverse
Since most monitoring violations are included in Tier 3, you must provide public notice to persons
served within one year after you learn of the violation (141.204(b)). Multiple monitoring violations can
be serious, and your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements. Check with your
primacy agency to make sure you meet its requirements.
Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (141.204(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
In addition, you must use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.204(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not
have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access
to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted.
You must post the notice until the violation is resolved. If the violation has been resolved, you must
post the notice for at least seven days (141.204(b)). If you mail, post, or hand deliver, you should
print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for an annual notice combining notification for several
violations, as well as for notices for individual violations. This example presents violations in a table;
however, you may write out an explanation for each violation if you wish.
You may need to modify the notice if you had any monitoring violations for which monitoring later
showed a maximum contaminant level or other violation. In such cases, you should refer to the
public notice you issued at that time.
Include in your notice the standard language for monitoring and testing procedure violations in italics
with blanks filled in (141.205(d)(2)). If you modify the notice, you may not alterthis mandatory
language.
Corrective Actions
In your notice describe corrective actions you took or are taking. Listed below are some steps
commonly taken by water systems with monitoring violations. Choose the appropriate language, or
develop your own:
We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above.
The samples showed we are meeting drinking water standards.
We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above.
The sample for [contaminant] exceeded the limit. [Describe corrective action; use information
from public notice prepared for violating the limit.]
We plan to take the required samples soon, as described in the last column of the table above.
After Issuing the Notice
Be sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have
met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
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Monitoring Violation Notice - Template NC-6
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Monitoring requirements not met for [system]
We violated a drinking water standard. Even though this is not an emergency, as our
customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct
this situation.
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular
basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water
meets health standards. During [compliance period] we ['did not monitor' or 'did not
complete all monitoring'] for [contaminant(s)] and therefore cannot be sure of the quality
of our drinking water during that time.
What This Means
There is nothing you need to do at this time. The table below lists the contaminant(s)
we did not properly test for, how often we are supposed to sample for [it/them] and how
many samples we are supposed to take, how many samples we took, when samples
should have been taken, and the date on which follow-up samples were (or will be)
taken.
Contaminant
Coliform
(example)
Required
sampling
frequency
Twice per month
Number of
samples
taken
1
When samples
should have
been taken
July 1, July 15,
August 1
When samples
were taken
July 1, August 1
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.] For more information, please contact [name of contact] of
[system] at [phone number] or [location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
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Instructions for Problem Corrected Notice - Template NC-7
Template on Reverse
It is a good idea to issue a notice when a serious violation or situation has been
resolved. Although EPA regulations do not require such notices, your primacy agency
may require you to issue one. You should coordinate with your local health department
as well. You should use the same delivery methods you used for the original notice.
The notice on the reverse is very general and can be used for any violation or situation.
To help restore consumers' confidence in the water system, you should modify the
notice to fit your situation. Although the public should have seen your initial notice, there
may be additional information you learned after the notice was issued. Therefore, you
should describe the violation or situation again and discuss how the problem was
solved.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
33
March 2007
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Problem Corrected Notice - Temolate NC-7
DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED
Customers of [system] were notified on [date] of a problem with our
drinking water and were advised to [describe recommended action]. We
are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no
longer necessary to [describe recommended action]. We apologize for any
inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
[Add further details here when appropriate.]
As always, you may contact [contact name] at [phone number] or [mailing
address] with any comments or questions.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this
water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly
(for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
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March 2007
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Instructions for Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice - Template NC-8
Template on Reverse
This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the suggestions
below on how you can modify this template for other situations. Since a waterborne disease outbreak is a Tier
1 situation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you
learn of the situation (141.202(b)). You must contact your primacy agency during this time. You should
coordinate with your local health department as well. You must also issue a public notice if you are
experiencing a waterborne emergency other than a waterborne disease outbreak, such as one caused by
flooding or treatment failure. In such cases, you may be able to modify this template to apply to your situation.
Check with your primacy agency for more direction. More information on waterborne disease outbreaks and
emergencies is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(http://www.cdc.gov/health/diseases.htm, 1 (800) 311-3435). For a waterborne disease outbreak or other
emergency, you must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers
(141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have
received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this
language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects
language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Instructions to Consumers
You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a
campground, you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation.
Instructions should also depend on whether your system has elevated nitrate levels; boiling water concentrates
nitrates and makes levels higher. If known, list any organisms detected, the number of affected people, any
water treatment problems contributing to the waterborne disease outbreak, and any sources of contamination,
such as flooding. Also, no mandatory health effects language exists for waterborne disease outbreaks. You
may wish to use the sentence below, if appropriate, or contact your primacy agency or health department.
These symptoms are common to many diseases caused by microscopic organisms:
Symptoms may include nausea, cramps, diarrhea, jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue.
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that bottled
water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe the corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by
water systems with waterborne disease outbreaks. You can use one or more of the following actions, if
appropriate, or develop your own:
We are repairing our filtration system.
We are increasing sampling for disease-causing organisms.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all
the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular
customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
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March 2007
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Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice - Template NC-8
WARNING
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
Disease-causing organisms have entered [system's] water
supply.
Bottled water is available from
These organisms are causing illness in people served by [system]. We learned of a
waterborne disease outbreak from [agency] on [give date].
Possible Health Effects
• [Describe symptoms of the waterborne disease.] Symptoms may include nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue.
People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water in general from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe the outbreak, corrective action, and when the outbreak might end.] We will
inform you when this problem is corrected and you may drink the water. We anticipate
resolving the problem within [estimated time frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water,
especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people
in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting
this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
36
March 2007
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Instructions for IESWTR or LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity
Single Exceedance as Tier 1 Notice - Template NC-9
Template on Reverse
This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. If your primacy agency has
designated this turbidity single exceedance as a Tier 1 violation (141.202(a)), you must provide public notice to
persons served within 24 hours after it has been designated Tier 1 (141.202(b)). Turbidity violations are Tier 2 by
default, but may frequently be elevated to Tier 1 by your primacy agency. In addition, violations are automatically
elevated if you are unable to consult with your primacy agency within 24 hours. In such cases, you must issue a
notice within the next 24 hours. You may elevate the violation to Tier 1 yourself as well. You should also coordinate
with your local health department. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to
consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received
the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not
applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics
unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Instructions to Consumers
You may need to modify the instructions in the public notice based on your system type. For instance, at a
campground, you might tell consumers to boil the water before drinking or using for food preparation.
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained. Remember that bottled
water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make sure it meets U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and other contaminants.
Population Served
Make sure it is clear who is served by your water system—you may need to list the areas you serve.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with a single turbidity exceedance. You can use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or
develop your own:
We are adding chemicals that reduce turbidity.
We are sampling both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria.
We are monitoring chlorine levels and will adjust them as needed to compensate for filtration problems.
We are inspecting and repairing the filters.
Source of the Problem
If you know why the turbidity is high, explain it in your notice. For instance, unusual conditions such as heavy rains
and flooding can overburden the water plant and treated water may therefore not meet the standards. In addition,
run-off from parts of the watershed could contain increased concentrations of sediment and animal waste.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the
public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular
customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
37
March 2007
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IESWTR or LT1 CFE Maximum Turbidity Exceedance, or Turbidity Single Exceedance
as Tier 1 Notice - Template NC-9
WARNING
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
[System] has high turbidity levels
Bottled water is available from
We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are
effectively filtering the water supply. A water sample taken [give date] showed turbidity
levels of [number] turbidity units. This is above the standard of [standard] turbidity units.
Because of these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water
may contain disease-causing organisms.
Possible Health Effects
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and
provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease
causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which
can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you
experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical
advice.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe reason for the high turbidity, corrective action, and when the system expects
to return to compliance.] We will inform you when turbidity returns to appropriate levels
and you may drink the water.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
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March 2007
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Instructions for Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice - Template NC-10
Template on Reverse
Since it is a Tier 1 violation when one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system
exceeds the chlorine dioxide MRDL on the day after a chlorine dioxide measurement taken at the
entrance to the distribution system exceeds the MRDL, or when required samples are not taken in
the distribution system, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but
within 24 hours after you learn of the violation (141.202(b)). You must also contact your primacy
agency within 24 hours of learning of the violation or situation. You should also coordinate with your
local health department. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to
consumers (141.202(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Radio
Television
You may need to use additional methods if needed to reach all persons served.
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not
have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access
to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must
leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are selling or providing bottled water, your notice should say where it can be obtained.
Remember that bottled water can also be contaminated. If you are providing bottled water, make
sure it meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state bottled water standards for bacteria and
other contaminants.
Population at Risk
The language on the reverse lists "y°un9 children" as one of the groups at increased risk. Because
the potential health effects of chlorine dioxide are based on tests on laboratory animals, there is no
way to determine at exactly what age the water is safe to drink. If your consumers have questions,
encourage them to err on the side of caution.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly
taken by water systems with chlorine dioxide violations. You can use one or more of the following
actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We are resetting the generator to generate the correct amount of chlorine dioxide.
We are repairing the generator.
We have already fixed the problem but it will take additional time for the extra chlorine dioxide to
be flushed from the distribution system (pipes).
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you
have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you
have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
39
March 2007
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Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice - Template NC-10
DRINKING WATER WARNING
PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN
SHOULD NOT DRINK THE WATER
Bottled water is available from
Sampling results received [give date] showed chlorine dioxide levels of [level and units]. This is
above the standard, or maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) of 0.8 milligrams per liter.
Chlorine dioxide is used for disinfection, but too much of it over a short period of time may harm
the development of children, infants, and fetuses.
Possible Health Effects
Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of
the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of
pregnant mothers who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some
people may experience anemia.
The chlorine dioxide violations reported today include exceedances of the EPA standard
within the distribution system which delivers water to consumers. Violations of the chlorine
dioxide standard within the distribution system may harm human health based on short-term
exposures. Certain groups, including fetuses, infants, and young children, may be especially
susceptible to nervous system effects from excessive chlorine dioxide exposure. There are
no obvious symptoms, but chlorine dioxide can affect development of the nervous system.
Water, juice, and formula for young children and for pregnant women should not be
prepared with tap water. Adults who are not pregnant and older children can drink the tap
water because their nervous systems are already developed. However, if you have specific
health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Steps We Are Taking
We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. We will inform you when this
problem has been corrected.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
40
March 2007
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Instructions for SWTR Failure to Filter Notice - Template NC-11
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must provide public
notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation
(141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists.
Your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it
may require you to provide water from an alternate source. Check with your agency to make sure you
meet all requirements.
Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by
the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have
received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the
notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the
health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken
by water systems with surface water treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the
following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
Our treatment plant needs upgrades to meet the requirements.
We are installing filtration. We expect that the filtration system will be operational by [month, year].
We are monitoring for turbidity (cloudiness), disinfectant levels, and the presence of bacteria.
Repeat Notices
For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind consumers of
when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing filtration, describe it.
Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation, let consumers know.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have
met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have
regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
41
March 2007
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SWTR Failure to Filter Notice - Template NC-11
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
[System] Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements
On [give date], the [primacy agency] ordered us to filter the water in addition to
disinfecting. We are required to install this filtration because we do not have an
adequate watershed control program in place. However, we have not yet installed a
filtration system.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. We do not know of any cases of contamination. However,
until improvements are made, there is an increased chance that disease-causing
organisms could contaminate the water supply.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not
caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms
and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
Filtration is the best method for removing these organisms. [Describe corrective action.]
We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame]. Until filtration is
installed, you will receive a notice similar to this every three months. For more
information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 42 March 2007
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Instructions for SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice - Template NC-12
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment filtration treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must
provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation
(141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your
primacy agency may have more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require
you to provide water from an alternate source. Check with your agency to make sure you meet all
requirements. This template may also be adapted for use with turbidity MCL violations.
For Exceedances of Single Turbidity Limits
You must consult with your primacy agency as
soon as practical but within 24 hours of learning
of the violation. During the consultation, the agency
may choose to elevate your turbidity exceedance to
Tier 1. If consultation does not occur, the violation is
automatically elevated to Tier 1 (use Template NC-
9). For a Tier 2 notice, describe your violation as
follows in the second paragraph of the notice:
"Normal turbidity levels at our plant are [number]
turbidity units. A water sample taken [date] showed
levels of [number] turbidity units. This was above the
standard of [standard] units. Because of these high
levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that
the water may contain disease-causing organisms."
For Exceedances of Monthly Turbidity Limits
Use the following language to describe your
violation and insert into the second paragraph of
the template:
"Water samples for [month] showed that
[percentage] percent of turbidity measurements
were over [standard] turbidity units - the
standard is that no more than 5 percent of
samples may exceed [standard] turbidity units
per month. The turbidity levels are relatively low.
However, their persistence is a concern. Normal
turbidity levels at our plant are [standard] units."
Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the
first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have
received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this
language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects
language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by
water systems with filtration treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following actions, if
appropriate, or develop your own:
We added chemicals that reduce turbidity.
We sampled both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria.
We monitored chlorine levels and adjusted them as needed to compensate for the filtration problems.
We inspected and cleaned the filters.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all
the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular
customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
43
March 2007
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SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice - Template NC-12
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
[System] Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are
effectively filtering the water supply. [Insert appropriate description of the violation from
instructions.]
What This Means
This is not an emergency. We do not know of any cases of contamination, and none of
our testing has shown disease-causing organisms in the drinking water.
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and
provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease
causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can
cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These
symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of
these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
A problem occurred with the treatment system at the water plant. [Describe the reason
for high turbidity, corrective actions, and when the system returned or expects to return
to compliance.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system].
Date distributed:
State Water System ID#:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
44
March 2007
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Instructions for SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice - Template NC-13
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment disinfection treatment technique violations require Tier 2 notification, you must provide
public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation (141.203(b)).
Some disinfection problems may be serious. Your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements for
treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source. Check with your
agency to make sure you meet all requirements.
Non-community water systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first
method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received
the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not
applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics
unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Description of the Violation
Choose from the following descriptions of violations, and modify to fit your situation.
Not Enough Disinfection During Treatment - In order to ensure proper disinfection, water in the treatment plant must
be in contact with enough chlorine or a similar disinfectant for a minimum amount of time. On [give date], this did not
occur.
Although chlorine quickly kills most bacteria, it is less effective against organisms such as viruses and parasites. For
this reason, water needs to mix with chlorine for a longer time period to kill such organisms. The amount of time
necessary, or the "contact time," depends on the amount of disinfectant in the water and the temperature of the
water.
Disinfectant Residual - We routinely monitor for disinfectant residual in the distribution system. This measurement
tells us whether we are effectively disinfecting the water supply. Disinfectant residual is the amount of chlorine or
related disinfectant present in the pipes of the distribution system. If the amount of disinfectant is too low, organisms
could grow in the pipes.
Monthly exceedance - During the months of , disinfectant residual was undetectable in more than 5%
of samples. The standard is that disinfectant may be undetectable in no more than 5% of samples each month
for two months in a row.
Single exceedance - On [give date], disinfectant levels dropped below 0.2 milligrams per liter for hours. The
standard is that levels may not drop below 0.2 for more than four hours.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with disinfection treatment technique violations. You can use one or more of the following actions, if
appropriate, or develop your own:
We are sampling/we sampled both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria.
We are sampling/we sampled disinfectant levels and will adjust/adjusted the amount of disinfectant added as
necessary to maintain adequate levels.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the
public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular
customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
45
March 2007
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SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notice - Template NC-13
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
[System] Does/Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
[Describe the violation - use descriptions from instructions on reverse.]
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Tests taken during this same time period did not indicate the presence of bacteria in the
water.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not
caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms
and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe why the violation occurred and corrective action.]
[Disinfectant residual levels/contact times] so far this month have met all requirements.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water,
especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people
in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting
this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 46 March 2007
-------
Instructions for LT2ESWTR
Failure to Install Treatment Notice- Template NC-14a
Template on Reverse
A system's failure to provide the level of treatment appropriate for its LT2ESWTR bin
classification by the required treatment date is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier
2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within
30 days after you learn of the violation (141 .203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three
months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency may have more stringent
requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require you to provide water from
an alternate source. Check with your agency to make sure you meet all requirements.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who
may not have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users
have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the
notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is
mandatory (141. 205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps
commonly taken by water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations. You can
use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We will install treatment by [provide date] that will satisfy this requirement.
We are currently working with state health department officials and our engineers to finalize
plans for additional water treatment that will satisfy this requirement once it is installed.
Repeat Notices
For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind
consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing
treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of
treatment, let consumers know.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that
you have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if
you have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 47 March 2007
-------
LT2ESWTR
Failure to Install Treatment Notice - Template NC-14a
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
[Name of System] Failed to Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment Within
Required Timeframe
Our water system [give system name] was required to provide additional treatment for
Cryptosporidium by [provide date]. Cryptosporidium is a disease-causing
microorganism that has been found in our raw water source.
We failed to provide the required treatment by the required date. Although this situation
is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and
what we are doing to correct this situation.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not
caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms
and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.] We expect to have the additional treatment installed by
[give date].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 48 March 2007
-------
Instructions for LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment
Technique Violation Notice - Template NC-14b
Template on Reverse
A system's failure to cover an uncovered finished water reservoir, provide treatment of the reservoir's discharge, or
be in compliance with a state-approved schedule to cover the reservoir(s) or treat the reservoir(s) discharge by April
1, 2009 is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public notice to persons
served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat
notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency may have more stringent
requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source.
Check with your agency to make sure you meet all requirements.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first
method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who may not have received
the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users have access to the notice, this language is not
applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics
unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with this type of LT2ESWTR treatment technique violation. You can use one or more of the following actions,
if appropriate, or develop your own:
We are developing plans to cover our uncovered finished water storage reservoir. We expect to have the
reservoir covered by [give date]. Until our finished water reservoir is covered, you will receive a notice similar to
this every 3 months.
We are developing plans to treat the water when it leaves our uncovered finished water storage reservoir. We
expect to have the treatment in place by [give date]. Until the water leaving our finished water reservoir is
treated, you will receive a notice similar to this every 3 months.
We are currently working with state health department officials to revise our schedule for covering our uncovered
finished water storage reservoir. We expect to have the state-approved schedule in place by [give date] and the
reservoir covered by [give date]. Until our schedule receives state approval, you will receive a notice similar to
this every 3 months.
We are currently working with state health department officials to revise our schedule for treating the discharge
from our uncovered finished water storage reservoir. We expect to have the state-approved schedule in place by
[give date] and treatment in place by [give date]. Until the schedule receives state approval, you will receive a
notice similar to this every 3 months.
Repeat Notices
For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind consumers of when you
sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in covering your reservoirs or providing treatment, describe
it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying coverage, let consumers know.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the
public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)).
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if you have regular
customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
49
March 2007
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LT2ESWTR Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Treatment Technique Violation
Notice - Template NC-14b
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Uncovered Finished Water Reservoir Violation at [System]
Water systems with uncovered finished water reservoirs are required to cover these reservoirs,
treat the discharge from these reservoirs, or be in compliance with a state-approved schedule to
cover the reservoir(s) or provide treatment by April 1, 2009. We have failed to meet this
requirement.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not
caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms
and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time
frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
50
March 2007
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Instructions for LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System
Failure to Install Treatment Notice - Template NC-14c
Template on Reverse
An unfiltered system's failure to install a second disinfectant to treat for Cryptosporidium by the
required date is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 notification. You must
provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of
the violation (141.203(bj). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the
violation persists. Your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements for treatment
technique violations; e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source. Check
with your agency to make sure you meet all requirements.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who
may not have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users
have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the
notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is
mandatory (141. 205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps
commonly taken by unfiltered water systems with LT2ESWTR treatment technique violations.
You can use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We will install treatment by [provide date] to satisfy this requirement.
We are currently working with state health department officials and our engineers to finalize
plans for water treatment that will satisfy this requirement once it is installed.
Repeat Notices
For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind
consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing
treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of
treatment, let consumers know.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that
you have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if
you have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
51
March 2007
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LT2ESWTR Unfiltered System
Failure to Install Treatment Notice - Template NC-14c
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
[Name of System] Failed to Provide the Appropriate Level of Treatment
Within Required Timeframe.
Our unfiltered water system [give system name] was required to use a minimum of two
disinfectants to meet our treatment requirement by [give date]. We failed to have the new
ultraviolet light (U.V.) disinfection system installed by the required date.
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include
bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea,
and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in
drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek
medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at
increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care
providers.
Steps We Are Taking
We expect to have the U.V. disinfection system installed by [give date]. We continue to disinfect
the water with chlorine as we have in the past.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
52
March 2007
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Instructions for LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or
Second Round) Notice -Template NC-14d
Template on Reverse
A system's failure to conduct an initial or second round of Cryptosporidium monitoring by the
required date is a monitoring violation that requires Tier 2 notification. You must provide public
notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation
(141 .203(b)). You must issue a repeat notice every three months for as long as the violation
persists. Your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements for this monitoring
violation; e.g., it may require you to provide water from an alternate source. Check with your
agency to make sure you meet all requirements.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who
may not have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users
have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the
notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is
mandatory (141. 205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps
commonly taken by water systems with LT2ESWTR monitoring violations. You can use one or
more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
We will begin collecting the required source water monitoring samples on [give date].
We have since taken the required samples for initial monitoring and will begin collecting our
second round of sampling on [give date].
Repeat Notices
For repeat notices, you should state how long the violation has been ongoing and remind
consumers of when you sent out the previous notice. If you are making progress in installing
treatment, describe it. Alternatively, if funding or other issues are delaying installation of
treatment, let consumers know.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that
you have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if
you have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
53
March 2007
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LT2ESWTR Failure to Conduct Source Water Monitoring (Initial or Second Round)
Notice -Template NC-14d
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements Not Met for [Name of System]
We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium. Results of the
monitoring are to be used to determine whether [name of treatment plant] is sufficient to
adequately treat the water for Cryptosporidium. We are required to complete this monitoring and
make this determination by [give date]. We did not monitor or test on schedule and, therefore,
we may not be able to determine by the required date what treatment modifications, if any, must
be made. Missing this deadline may, in turn, jeopardize our ability to have the required
treatment modifications, if any, completed by the deadline required, [give date].
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include
bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea,
and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in
drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek
medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at
increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care
providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:
Date distributed:
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
54
March 2007
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Instructions for Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
Treatment Technique Violation Notice - Template NC-15
Template on Reverse
Since failure to recycle spent filter backwash, thickener supernatant, and liquids from
dewatering processes before all processes of the direct filtration treatment train, failure to obtain
state approval for the use of an alternative recycle location, or failure to pursue capital
improvements is a Tier 2 violation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as
practical but within 30 days after you learn of the violation (141.203(b)). You must issue a repeat
notice every three months for as long as the violation persists. Your primacy agency may have
more stringent requirements for treatment technique violations; e.g., it may require you to
provide water from an alternate source. Check with your agency to make sure you meet all
requirements.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand or direct delivery
Mail
You must also use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be
reached by the first method (141.203(c)).
This template includes mandatory language encouraging further distribution to persons who
may not have received the notice. However, if you post the notice such that all possible users
have access to the notice, this language is not applicable and can be omitted. If you modify the
notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is
mandatory (141. 205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Do not use overly technical
terminology when describing treatment methods. You can use one or more of the following
actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
• As of [give date], we will no longer recycle our filter backwash and will not be in violation of
this standard.
• As of [give date], the filter backwash will be piped to the beginning of our water treatment
process and we will no longer be in violation of this standard.
• As of [give date], the filter backwash and all other current recycle flows will be discharged to
waste as approved by the primacy agency.
Repeat Notices
If this is an ongoing violation, you should give the history behind the violation, if known.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that
you have met all the public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice
It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved, especially if
you have regular customers. See Template NC-7 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
55
March 2007
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Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
Treatment Technique Violation Notice - Template NC-15
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
The Filter Backwash Recycling Rule requires water systems that recycle liquids used for
water treatment to recycle these liquids through the system's existing filtration system or
to an alternate location approved by the state. Our system did not return its water
treatment recycle flows to the required location or a state-approved location by the
required date of [give date].
What This Means
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea,
cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not
caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms
and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be
at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers.
Steps We Are Taking
[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time
frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] of [system] at [phone number] or
[location/address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in
apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this
notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: .
Date distributed: ]
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
56
March 2007
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Appendices
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
57
March 2007
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TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 58 March 2007
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Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
Citation
Monitoring & Testing
Procedure Violations
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
Citation
I. Violations of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR):3
A. Microbiological Contaminants
1. Total coliform
2. Fecal coliform/E. coli
3. Turbidity MCL
4. Turbidity MCL (average of
2 days' samples >5 NTU)
5. Turbidity (for TT violations
resulting from a single
exceedance of maximum
allowable turbidity level)
6. Surface Water Treatment
Rule violations, other than
violations resulting from
single exceedance of max.
allowable turbidity level (TT)
7. Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule
violations, other than
violations resulting from
single exceedance of max.
turbidity level (TT)
8. Filter Backwash Recycling
Rule violations
9. Long Term 1 Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment
Rule violations
10. LT2ESWTR violations
2
1
2
25, 1
26, 1
2
27
2
2
2
141.63(a)
141.63(b)
141.13(3)
141.13(b)
141.71(a)(2),
141.71(c)(2)(i),
141.73(a)(2),
141.73(b)(2),
141.73(c)(2),
141.73(d),
141.173(a)(2),
141.173(b),
141. 551 (b)
141.70-141.73
141.170-
141.173,
141.500-
141.553
141.76(c)
141.500-
141.553
141.710-
141.720
3
14,3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
222, 3
141.21(a)-(e)
141.21(e)
141.22
141.22
141.74(a)(1),
141.74(b)(2),
141.74(c)(1),
141.174,
141.560(a)-(c),
141.561
141.74
141.172,
141.174,
141.530-
141.544,
141.560-
141.564
141.76(b), (d)
141.530-
141.544,
141.560-
141.564
141.701-
141 .705 and
141 JOS-
HI .709
B. Inorganic Chemicals (lOCs)
11. Nitrate
12. Nitrite
1
1
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
1,312
1,312
141 .23(a), (d)
141.23(f)(2)
141 .23(a), (e)
141.23(f)(2)
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
59
March 2007
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Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(Excerpts from Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
13. Total Nitrate and Nitrite
MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
1
Citation
141.62(b)
Monitoring & Testing
Procedure Violations
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
3
Citation
141.23(3)
G. Disinfection Byproducts (DBFs), Byproduct Precursors, Disinfectant Residuals.
Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with
organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection
byproducts (DBPs).13
4. Chlorite
7. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL),
where any 2 consecutive
daily samples at entrance to
distribution system only are
above MRDL
8. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL),
where sample(s) in
distribution system the next
day are also above MRDL
2
2
116
141 .64(a)
141 .65(a),
141.133(c)(3)
141 .65(3),
141.133(c)(3)
3
215, 3
1
141.132(3)-(b)
141.132(3), (c)
141.133(c)(2)
141.132(3), (c)
141.133(0(2)
III. Public Notification for Variances and Exemptions:
A. Operation under a
variance or exemption
B. Violation of conditions of a
variance or exemption
3
2
1415, 141618
1415, 1416,
142. 30719
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
IV. Other Situations Requiring Public Notification:
B. Exceedance of nitrate
MCL for non-community
systems, as allowed by
primacy agency
D. Waterborne disease
outbreak
E. Other waterborne
emergency20
F. Other situations as
determined by primacy
agency
1
1
1
1,2,321
141.11(d)
141.2,
141.71(c)(2)(ii)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
60
March 2007
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Appendix A Endnotes
1. Primacy agencies may, at their option, also require a more stringent public notice tier (e.g.,
Tier 1 instead of Tier 2 or Tier 2 instead of Tier 3) for specific violations and situations listed in
this Appendix, as authorized under §141.202(a) and §141.203(a).
2. MCL—Maximum contaminant level, MRDL—Maximum residual disinfectant level, TT—
Treatment technique.
3. The term Violations of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) is used here to
include violations of MCL, MRDL, treatment technique, monitoring, and testing procedure
requirements.
4. Failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli is a Tier 1 violation if testing is not done after any
repeat sample tests positive for coliform. All other total coliform monitoring and testing
procedure violations are Tier 3.
5. Systems that violate the turbidity MCL of 5 NTU based on an average of measurements over
two consecutive days must consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of the
violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to elevate
the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency in the 24-
hour period, the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1.
6. Systems with treatment technique violations involving a single exceedance of a maximum
turbidity limit under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR), or the Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
(LT1ESWTR) are required to consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of
the violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to
elevate the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency in
the 24-hour period, the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1.
7. Most of the requirements of the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (63 FR
69477) (§§141.170-141.171, 141.173-141.174) become effective January 1, 2002 for Subpart
H systems (surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct influence of
surface water) serving at least 10,000 persons. However, §141.172 has some requirements that
become effective as early as April 16, 1999. The Surface Water Treatment Rule remains in
effect for systems serving at least 10,000 persons even after 2002; the Interim Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment Rule adds additional requirements and does not in many cases
supersede the SWTR.
12. Failure to take a confirmation sample within 24 hours for nitrate or nitrite after an initial
sample exceeds the MCL is a Tier 1 violation. Other monitoring violations for nitrate are Tier 3.
13. Subpart H transient non-community systems serving fewer than 10,000 persons and using
only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water and using chlorine dioxide as a
disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2004.
14. §§141.64(b)(1) 141.132(a)-(b) apply until §§141.620-141.630 take effect under the
schedule in §141.620(c).
15. Failure to monitor for chlorine dioxide at the entrance to the distribution system the day after
exceeding the MRDL at the entrance to the distribution system is a Tier 2 violation.
16. If any daily sample taken at the entrance to the distribution system exceeds the MRDL for
chlorine dioxide and one or more samples taken in the distribution system the next day exceed
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 61 March 2007
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the MRDL, Tier 1 notification is required. Failure to take the required samples in the distribution
system after the MRDL is exceeded at the entry point also triggers Tier 1 notification.
18. This citation refers to §§1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. §§1415 and 1416
require that "a schedule prescribed. . . for a public water system granted a variance [or
exemption] shall require compliance by the system. . ."
19. In addition to §§1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 142.307 specifies
the items and schedule milestones that must be included in a variance for small systems.
20. Other waterborne emergencies require a Tier 1 public notice under §141.202(a) for
situations that do not meet the definition of a waterborne disease outbreak given in 40 CFR
141.2 but that still have the potential to have serious adverse effects on health as a result of
short-term exposure. These could include outbreaks not related to treatment deficiencies, as
well as situations that have the potential to cause outbreaks, such as failures or significant
interruption in water treatment processes, natural disasters that disrupt the water supply or
distribution system, chemical spills, or unexpected loading of possible pathogens into the source
water.
21. Primacy agencies may place other situations in any tier they believe appropriate, based on
threat to public health.
22. Failure to collect three or more samples for Cryptosporidium analysis is a Tier 2 violation
requiring special notice as specified in §141.211. All other monitoring and testing procedure
violations are Tier 3.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 62 March 2007
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR):
A. Microbiological Contaminants
1a. Total coNform
Zero
See
footnote3
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in
the environment and are used as an indicator that
other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be
present. Coliforms were found in more samples
than allowed and this was a warning of potential
problems.
1b. Fecal coliform/E.
coll
Zero
Zero
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose
presence indicates that the water may be
contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term
effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea,
headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a
special health risk for infants, young children,
some of the elderly and people with severely
compromised immune systems.
2a. Turbidity (MCL)'
None
1 NTUb/
5NTU
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity
can interfere with disinfection and provide a
medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may
indicate the presence of disease-causing
organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms
such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated
headaches.
2b. Turbidity (SWTR
TT)6
None
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity
can interfere with disinfection and provide a
medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may
indicate the presence of disease-causing
organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms
such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated
headaches.
2c. Turbidity (IESWTR
and LT1ESWTR TT)8
None
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity
can interfere with disinfection and provide a
medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may
indicate the presence of disease-causing
organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms
such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated
headaches.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
63
March 2007
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
B. Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment
Rule (IESWTR), Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR),
and the Filter Backwash Recycling Rule (FBRR) violations
3. Giardia lamblia
(SWTR/IESWTR/
LT1ESWTR)
4. Viruses
(SWTR/IESWTR/
LT1ESWTR)
5. Heterotrophic plate
count (HPC) bacteria9
(SWTR/IESWTR/
LT1ESWTR)
6. Legionella
(SWTR/IESWTR/
LT1ESWTR)
7. Cryptosporidium
(IESWTR/FBRR/
LT1ESWTR)
Zero
TT1
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-
causing organisms. These organisms include
bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause
symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and
associated headaches.
C. Inorganic Chemicals (IQCs)
18. Nitrate
10
10
Infants below the age of six months who drink
water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL
could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may
die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and
blue-baby syndrome.
19. Nitrite
Infants below the age of six months who drink
water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL
could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may
die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and
blue-baby syndrome.
20. Total Nitrate and
Nitrite
10
10
Infants below the age of six months who drink
water containing nitrate and nitrite in excess of the
MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated,
may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath
and blue baby syndrome.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
64
March 2007
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
H. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disinfectant Residuals:
Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine
with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called
disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
18
83. Chlorite
0.08
1.0
Some infants and young children who drink
water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL
could experience nervous system effects.
Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant
women who drink water containing chlorite in
excess of the MCL. Some people may
experience anemia.
86a. Chlorine dioxide,
where any 2
consecutive daily
samples taken at the
entrance to the
distribution system are
above the MRDL
0.8
(MRDLG)
0.8
(MRDL)
Some infants and young children who drink
water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of
the MRDL could experience nervous system
effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of
pregnant women who drink water containing
chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some
people may experience anemia.
Add for public notification only: The chlorine
dioxide violations reported today are the result of
exceedances at the treatment facility only, not
within the distribution system which delivers
water to consumers. Continued compliance with
chlorine dioxide levels within the distribution
system minimizes the potential risk of these
violations to consumers.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
65
March 2007
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(Excerpts from Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q dated July 1, 2006 that are
Applicable to Transient Non-Community Water Systems)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
86b. Chlorine dioxide,
where one or more
distribution system
samples are above
the MRDL
0.8
(MRDLG)
0.8
(MRDL)
Some infants and young children who drink
water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of
the MRDL could experience nervous system
effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of
pregnant women who drink water containing
chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some
people may experience anemia.
Add for public notification only: The chlorine
dioxide violations reported today include
exceedances of the EPA standard within the
distribution system which delivers water to
consumers. Violations of the chlorine dioxide
standard within the distribution system may harm
human health based on short-term exposures.
Certain groups, including fetuses, infants, and
young children, may be especially susceptible to
nervous system effects from excessive chlorine
dioxide exposure.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook
66
March 2007
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Appendix B Endnotes
1. MCLG - Maximum contaminant level goal
2. MCL - Maximum contaminant level
3. For water systems analyzing at least 40 samples per month, no more than 5.0 percent of the
monthly samples may be positive for total coliforms. For systems analyzing fewer than 40
samples per month, no more than one sample per month may be positive for total coliforms.
4. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems,
including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water
Treatment Rule. The MCL for the monthly turbidity average is 1 NTU; the MCL for the 2-day
average is 5 NTU for systems that are required to filter but have not yet installed filtration (40
CFR 141.13).
5. NTU - Nephelometric turbidity unit
6. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems,
including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2001 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water
Treatment Rule. Systems subject to the Surface Water Treatment Rule (both filtered and
unfiltered) may not exceed 5 NTU. In addition, in filtered systems, 95 percent of samples each
month must not exceed 0.5 NTU in systems using conventional or direct filtration and must not
exceed 1 NTU in systems using slow sand or diatomaceous earth filtration or other filtration
technologies approved by the primacy agency.
7. TT - Treatment technique
8. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems,
including 40 CFR 141.13, the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the 1998 Interim
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR). For systems subject to the IESWTR (systems
serving at least 10,000 people, using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of
surface water), that use conventional filtration or direct filtration, after January 1, 2002, the
turbidity level of a system's combined filter effluent may not exceed 0.3 NTU in at least 95
percent of monthly measurements, and the turbidity level of a system's combined filter effluent
must not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Systems subject to the IESWTR using technologies other
than conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration must meet turbidity limits
set by the primacy agency. For systems subject to the LT1 ESWTR (systems serving fewer than
10,000 people, using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water)
that use conventional filtration or direct filtration, after January 1, 2005, the turbidity level of a
system's combined filter effluent may not exceed 0.3 NTU in at least 95 percent of monthly
measurements, and the turbidity level of a system's combined filter effluent must not exceed 1
NTU at any time. Systems subject to the LT1 ESWTR using technologies other than
conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration must meet turbidity limits set by
the primacy agency.
9. The bacteria detected by heterotrophic plate count (HPC) are not necessarily harmful. HPC is
simply an alternative method of determining disinfectant residual levels. The number of such
bacteria is an indicator of whether there is enough disinfectant in the distribution system.
10. SWTR, IESWTR, and LT1 ESWTR treatment technique violations that involve turbidity
exceedances may use the health effects language for turbidity instead.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 67 March 2007
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18. Subpart H transient non-community systems serving >10,000 that use chlorine dioxide as a
disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2002.
All other transient non-community systems that use chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant
must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2004.
22. MRDLG - Maximum residual disinfectant level goal.
23. MRDL - Maximum residual disinfectant level.
TNCWS Public Notification Handbook 68 March 2007
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Appendix C
Translated Phrases
From: Washington Department of Health (DOH PUB. # 331-246, February 2004)
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/public notification.htm
English
This report contains important information about
your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you,
or speak with someone who understands it.
Boil your water before
using.
Don't drink the water.
Children under 12 months old should not drink the
water.
Don't use the water to make formula.
inn
hi2
firs
Amharic
9°°\-tt
Arabic
(j-~^ •• (
" 12 t> c
i—uk.) Xajjil! jji rii'1 »U!l II* -'•^'.••••' V .^
Cambodian
(Khmer)
OIBlflfiBJtjSWS
Hfi89nj8is i tsiindstuntnfiBranfradstnnn-fln
c* U ij ctUU^/ c*
Chinese
Simplified
rln
lilt
12
Chinese
Traditional
12
ifA
ol
Farsi
ol£>U?l J*U>
j' . JU>Luc
b b
Oilfllwl jl
U-i
French
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes a
propos de votre eau potable. Demander a quelqu'un
de traduire ces informations pour vous ou discuter
avec une personne qui comprend ces informations.
Faire bouillir 1'eau avant
de 1'utiliser.
Ne pas boire 1'eau.
Les enfants des moins de 12 mois ne doivent pas
boire 1'eau. Ne pas utiliser 1'eau dans une
preparation lactee pour nourrisson.
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Appendix C
Translated Phrases
English
This report contains important information about
your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you,
or speak with someone who understands it.
Boil your water before
using.
Don't drink the water.
Children under 12 months old should not drink the
water.
Don't use the water to make formula.
Greek
r|
e<; JiA,r|popdaei, V| |j,i^eicr:e |u,e KOOTOIOV
TCOU TT|V
Bpd^eie TO vepo
Tipiv TO
Mr|v TilveTE TO vepo.
Ta 7iai8id KOTCO TCOV 12 JJTIVCQV 8ev 9a
TipeTiEi va Tiivow TO vepo. Mr\
%pT|oi^O7ioir|aeTe TO vepo yia va
nn nK n>rnn> \y>
.12 i»
ov
Hindi
12
3JFHT
Cov mivnyuas kws tsi tau muaj 12 xyoo tsi txhob
haus cov dlej nuav. Txhob muab cov dlej nuav
moog tov mig.
Hmong
Dlaim ntawv tshaabxu nuav muaj lug tseemceeb
heev nyob rua huv kws has txug cov dlej mej haus.
Kuas ib tug paab txhais rua koj, los nrug ib tug kws
paub lug thaam.
Uantej kws yuav siv mej
cov dlej nuav yuav tau
muab nwg rhaub kuas
npau.
Tsi txhob haus cov dlej
nuav.
Japanese
V ft - h K
Korean
D)-AJ A|A_
Laotian
s
a nil 1/1.
12
Oromo
Gabaasii kun odeeffanno barbachisa wa'ee bisaan
dhugaatii qaba. Akkaa isinii turjumaa'uu gaafadhaa
yokaan nama afaan keessan dubbatuu dubbisaa.
Bisaan oso hindhuggneen
duraa akka danffisttan.
Bisaan kan hindhuginaa.
Daa'imman baatii(ji'aa) 12 hingahiin bisaan kan
dhuguun isaan irra hinjiru. Bisaan kana
foormmulaa(Nyaata Ijoolee) qopheessuf itii
hinfayyadamina.
-------
Appendix C
Translated Phrases
English
This report contains important information about
your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you,
or speak with someone who understands it.
Boil your water before
using.
Don't drink the water.
Children under 12 months old should not drink the
water.
Don't use the water to make formula.
Polish
Nast^puja^cy raport zawiera wazna^ informacje^ na
temat wody pitnej. Prosze^ poprosic kogos o
przetlumaczenie lub porozmawiac z kirns kto
Nalezy przegotowac
wod§ przed spozyciem
Prosz^ nie pic wody.
Dzieci w wieku ponizej 12 miesi^cy nie powinny pic
tej wody. Prosz§ nie uzywac tej wody do
przygotowywania formuly.
Punjabi
7F tfttl
y
-------
Appendix C
Translated Phrases
English
This report contains important information about
your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you,
or speak with someone who understands it.
Boil your water before
using.
Don't drink the water.
Children under 12 months old should not drink the
water.
Don't use the water to make formula.
Thai
a whltfma ari auU
. j r j-
atnmmiu
Tigrigna
Ml
ftrt?"
-Wan tftt£?> <*\£,
12
rt-fl
:: nn.
h-OH,
m
Ukrainian
LI,e noB^OMjieHHH MicTHTt Baaorasy
in(J)opMau,iio npo Bony, HKy BH n'exe.
HonpociTt Koro-He6y,n;t nepeioiacTH BEM up
noBiflOMjienira a6o noroBopiTb 3 JHO^HHOIO,
axa posyMie floro
Knn'aTiTB
He
Bony.
y Biu,i AO 12 Micau;i B ne noBraffli IIHTH
. He KOpHCTyftxecH sofloro AJIH
ajjairroBaHo'i ^HTaMoi" cyMimi
("(popMyjffl").
Vietnamese
Tai lieu nay co tin ttic quan trong ve nu'dc
uong cua quy vi. Hay nhd ngirdi dich cho
quy vi, hoac hoi ngifdi nao hieu tai lieu
nay.
Dun soi nu'dc
khi dung.
Bvfrig uong nu'dc
nay.
Trc cm dtfcJi 12 thang khong ncn uong
nu'dc nay. Du"ng dung nu'dc nay de7 pha sffa
formula.
The water glass and faucet may be useful in a posted notice
that would be seen by many non-English speaking people
to illustrate that they should not drink the water.
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