&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(4606)
EPA816-R-00-010
June 2000
Public Notification
Handbook
Sample Public Notice
1) Description of
the violation or
situation
5) Whether
alternate water
supplies
should be
used
3) Potential
health effects
7) What is being
done to correct
the violation or
situation
9) Name, number.
and business *
address for more
information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tests Showed Presence of Coliform Bacteria
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an
emergency, as our customers, vou have a right to know what happened and what we did to
correct this situation.
The Jonesville Mobile Home Park routinely monitors for drinking water contaminants. In July. -
we took a total of 20 samples to test for the presence of coliform bacteria. Three (3) of our
samp5es tested positive The standard is that no more than one (1 j sample per month mav test
positive.
What should I do?
•You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 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 General guidelines on ways to lei sen the risk of infection bv microbes are available
from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline ai 1 (800) 426-4791
\Vhat does this mean?
This is not an emergency If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Coiiform
bacteria are generally not harmful themselves, f 'ohfornvi art' bacteria which art* naturally
present in (he environment ami are u.\etl us nn imlicator that other, poienitatlv-hartnful.
bacteria mm be present. (_ 'olifurrtv, wen1 found in more .\aj*tph'.\ (him allowed ami this was a
warning of potential problem*.
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with our treatment or distribution
system (pipes). Whenever we detect co it form bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to
see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or /•". co/i. are present. We did not
find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing, and further testing shows that this
problem has been resolved.
What happened? What was done?
We took additional samples for coliform bacteria which all came back negative As an added
^precaution, we chlorinated and flushed the pipes in the distribution system to make sure bacteria
were eliminated This .situation is now resolved
For more information, pi ease contact John Jones of ihe Jonesville Mobile Home Park at >55-
\2\2 or the manager's ufVice or wnle to l?AKi JonesviHc Rd . J ones, v 5 lie. ST 17.^45.
This nonce is being sent to vou bv the Jonesville Mobile Home Park
Slate Water Svstem ID" !2345 Sent: S 8 '
2) When the
violation or
situation
occurred
6) Actions
consumers
should take
4) The population
at risk
8) When the
system expects to
return to
compliance
10) Standard
distribution
language
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June, 2000
To Interested Parties:
We are pleased to publish this Public Notification Handbook. The Handbook will assist water
systems in implementing the revised public notification regulation published in the Federal Register on
May 4, 2000 (65 FR 25981), under the authority of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
amendments. We strongly encourage you to use the new regulation and the Handbook together.
The Public Notification Handbook is intended to make public water system owners' and operators'
jobs easier and public notices more effective. EPA and ASDWA developed the Handbook using a
Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the American Water Works Association (AWWA),
Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), National Association of Water Companies (NAWC),
National Rural Water Association (NRWA), and the League of Women Voters (LWV). We held several
well attended public meetings and workshops in 1998 and 1999 to review and test the effectiveness of
early drafts of the Handbook. This Handbook is the result of that collaboration.
We intend to update the Handbook periodically as EPA publishes new and revised drinking water
standards that have a public notification component. We also plan to provide additional notice templates
and use EPA's safewater website as a forum for show-casing good public notification practices. If you
have suggestions that may improve the usefulness and effectiveness of the Handbook, please let us
know. Up-to-date information and training materials on the public notification program can be requested
from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or by visiting EPA's website
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/pn.html).
For general questions on this Handbook, please contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.
Technical queries can be directed to Carl B. Reeverts at (202) 260-7273 (or via e-mail at
reeverts.carl@epa.gov).
Sincerely,
William Diamond, Director
Drinking Water Protection Division
EPA Office of Ground Water and
Drinking Water (OGWDW)
Vanessa Leiby, Executive Director
Association of State Drinking
Water Administrators (ASDWA)
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Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
This handbook provides guidance to the States, public water systems, and the general
public concerning how EPA interprets its revised 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. A copy of Subpart Q of the Federal Register notice
for the Final PN rule is in Appendix E.
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Contents
Acronyms v
1. Introduction 1
2. How to Use This Handbook 3
Appropriate Use of the Templates 4
3. Summary of Requirements 5
When and how do I need to notify my consumers? 5
Who must I inform when a violation or situation occurs? 6
Does every notice need to be sent to everyone in the distribution system? 6
What if I sell water to other systems? 6
What kinds of violations and situations require public notice? 7
What information do I need to include in each notice for a violation or situation? 9
What standard language do I have to include in my notices? 11
What information do I need to include for special notices for fluoride SMCL exceedances? .... 11
What do I need to include for special notices for unregulated contaminant monitoring? 12
What information do I need to include if I've been issued a variance or exemption? 12
Are there formatting requirements for public notices? 12
Will I have to provide notices in languages other than English? 12
What information must I provide my primacy agency? 13
4. Making Public Notification Work 15
How can I prepare for public notification before a violation or situation occurs? 15
How can I make a notice more easily readable? 17
How can I ensure that the media distributes an accurate notice? 17
What other steps should I take after issuing a notice? 19
How can I prevent overreaction to a public notice? ' 19
5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions 21
What is the deadline for issuing a Tier 1 notice? 22
Which methods of delivery must I use? 22
Suggestions for Effective Public Notification Delivery 23
Suggestions for Layout of the Notice 25
TIER 1 TEMPLATES 27
Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1 29
Spanish Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1A 31
Fecal Coliform or £. Co// Notice-Template 1-2 33
Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. Co// Notice-Template 1-2A 35
Waterbome Disease Outbreak Notice-Template 1-3 37
Notice for Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1-Template 1-4 39
Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice-Template 1-5 41
Tier 1 "Problem Corrected" Notice-Template 1-6 43
Public Notification Handbook i June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions 45
What is the deadline for issuing a Tier 2 notice? 45
When might a Tier 2 violation be elevated to Tier 1 ? 46
Which methods of delivery must I use? 47
Suggestions for Effective Public Notification Delivery 48
Suggestions for Layout of the Notice 49
TIER 2 TEMPLATES 51
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-1 53
Resolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-2 55
Chemical or Radiological MCLs Notice-Template 2-3 57
Fluoride MCL Notice-Template 2-4 59
SWTR Failure to Filter Notice-Template 2-5 61
SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice-Template 2-6 63
SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notices-Template 2-7 65
LCR Failure to Install Corrosion Control-Template 2-8 67
7. Tier 3 Notice Requirements and Suggestions 69
What is the deadline for issuing a Tier 3 notice? 69
Which methods of delivery must I use? 70
Suggestions for Effective Public Notification Delivery 71
May I combine notices for multiple Tier 3 violations or situations? :V 71
Suggestions for the Layout of the Notice 72
TIER 3 TEMPLATES 75
Monitoring Violations Annual Notice—Template 3-1 77
Fluoride SMCL Notice-Template 3-2 79
8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems 81
Summary of Public Notification Requirements 82
Suggestions for the Layout of the Notice 84
How should the notice be formatted to get people's attention? 84
How should I tailor the notices to my situation? 85
Suggestions for Effective Public Notice Delivery 85
How can I make posting effective? 85
What other methods are available for non-community systems to reach all consumers? 86
TEMPLATES FOR NON-COMMUNITY SYSTEMS 87
Nitrate Notice-Template NC-1 89
Instructions for Fecal Coliform or E. coll Notice—Template NC-2 91
Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice—Template NC-3 93
Monitoring Violation Notice-Template NC-4 95
Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice 99
Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification 105
Public Notification Handbook li June 2000
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Appendix C
Translated Phrases ". 117
Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules 119
Appendix E
The Public Notification Rule
(40 CFR Part 141, Subpart Q) 125
Public Notification Handbook iii June 2000
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IV
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Acronyms
CCR
CWS
DBF
EPA
HPC
IESWTR
IOC
LCR
MCL
MCLG
MRDL
MRDLG
NCWS
NPDWR
NTNCWS
NTU
OGWDW
OW
PN
PWS
SDWA
SMCL
SOC
SWTR
TCR
TT
TWS
VOC
Consumer Confidence Report
Community Water System
Disinfection Byproduct
Environmental Protection Agency
Heterotrophic Plate Count
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Inorganic Chemical
Lead and Copper Rule
Maximum Contaminant Level
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal
Non-Community Water System
National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
Non-Transient Non-Community Water System
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Office of Water
Public Notification
Public Water System
Safe Drinking Water Act
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level
Synthetic Organic Chemical
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Transient Non-Community Water System
Volatile Organic Chemical
Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
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vi
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1. Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to explain EPA's revised public
notification rule and provide specific examples of public notices. In
addition to increasing the effectiveness of public notices, this handbook
should make public water system owners' and operators' jobs easier and help
them comply with Federal and State requirements. State and Tribal primacy
agencies should find this handbook useful as well.
Public notification of drinking water violations and other situations provides a
means to protect public health, build trust with consumers through open and
honest sharing of information, and establish an ongoing, positive relationship
with the community. Public notice can also help consumers understand rate
increases and support increased funding for drinking water treatment and
protection.
The handbook is designed to meet the needs of public water systems of all
sizes. Throughout the handbook there are suggestions and instructions
targeted to very small community systems (systems that serve 500 people or
less). These suggestions, along with other useful hints for creating effective
notices, are set aside in shaded boxes throughout the handbook. Some of
these instructions may also be applicable to small systems serving more than
500 people. In addition, Chapter 8 specifically addresses the requirements for
non-community systems.
The revised public notification rule makes several changes from the previous
rule; a side-by-side summary comparison is presented in Appendix D. The
changes include new deadlines (most significantly, a change from 72 to 24
hours for the most serious violations, from 14 to 30 days for other serious
violations, and from 3 months to 12 months for non-serious violations);
modified delivery requirements that give water systems flexibility in choosing a
delivery method that will reach their customers best; simplified mandatory
health effects language; new standard language for monitoring violations; and
a new certification requirement.
This handbook will be updated as EPA develops new regulations that could
affect water systems' public notification responsibilities. For example, new
templates may be developed to explain violations or situations under new rules.
The loose-leaf format will be useful for adding or replacing pages in the
handbook.
Public Notification Handbook 1 June 2000
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1. Introduction
The revised rule also provides additional flexibility to primacy agencies,
allowing them to set different requirements on both a case-by-case and a rule-
by-rule basis. Systems should keep this in mind when using the handbook.
Finally, as you read, you will notice references in parentheses throughout the
document. These are references to the appropriate federal regulatory
requirement found in the Federal Public Notification Rule (see Appendix E) and
are included to help you understand the particular requirement being
discussed.
Public Notification Handbook 2 June 2000
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2. How to Use This Handbook
This handbook contains information to help you prepare and issue a public
notice. Before you are faced with a violation or situation requiring
public notification, you should read this handbook. Listed below are
the steps to take to respond to a drinking water violation or other situation
requiring notice:
1. Determine what tier your violation or situation falls into. Use Table 2
on page 8 for a summary of major violations and situations requiring notice
and your deadline for providing public notice. You can also refer to
Appendix A for a listing by contaminant (141.201 (a)).
2. Consult your primacy agency if required.
For Tier 1 violations and situations, immediately consult with your
primacy agency when you learn of the violation or situation
(141.202(b)). You must issue the notice within 24 hours, even if you are
unable to contact the primacy agency.
For single exceedances of turbidity limits or for a two-day turbidity
MCL violation, immediately consult with your primacy agency when
you leam of the violation. Your primacy agency will determine whether
the violation needs to be elevated to Tier 1 (141.203(b)).
3. Review the requirements for public notices. Read the "Summary of
Requirements" chapter starting on page 5, which describes content,
mandatory language, formatting, and distribution requirements that are
applicable to all notices. Chapter 4 provides guidance on working with the
media and planning ahead.
4. Determine the appropriate method(s) of delivery. Chapters 5, 6, and 7
describe the method of delivery requirements for Tier 1, 2, and 3 notices,
respectively, as well as ideas for creating the most effective notice
possible. Required methods vary based on system type. If you operate a
non-community water system, go to Chapter 8, which begins on page
81, for assistance on delivery methods.
5. Develop a notice, modifying the templates to fit your situation. A
complete list of templates is provided in the table of contents. At the ends
of Chapters 5, 6, and 7 are templates for commonly occurring violations
Public Notification Handbook 3 June 2000
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2. How to Use This Handbook
and situations, along with violation-specific instructions for modifying each
template. Chapter 8 contains templates tailored to non-community
systems. The instructions for each template are on the front of the page;
the corresponding template is on the back. If there is no template for
your violation or situation, write your own notice using the list of required
elements on page 9 or other applicable requirements provided in Chapter
3, and follow the suggestions on layout in Chapters 5 through 7. Some
situations and all violations, including monitoring violations, have required
language regarding health effects (141.205(d)). This language is
discussed on page 11 and is found in Appendix B and in the templates.
6. Translate the notice if a large proportion of the population you serve does
not speak English (141.205(c)). See page 12 for more on how to
determine if translations are necessary and how to get help translating
notices.
7. Provide your notice to persons served as soon as practical but within
the allowed time frame. Use the method of delivery chosen in step 4
above.
8. Send a copy of each type of notice issued (including repeat notices)
to your primacy agency within ten days after you distribute the notice,
along with a statement certifying that all public notification requirements
have been met (141.31 (d)). See the sample certification statement on
page 14.
Appropriate Use
of the Tern plates
The templates in this handbook are designed to help operators create public
notices for a variety of violations. However, it is important to note that the
templates included here are not inclusive and may not be appropriate for
all violations and situations. Depending on the severity of your violation or
situation, it may be necessary to modify the instructions you give to consumers
or to change the timing of the notice. For instance, if trichloroethylene levels
are ten times the standard (rather than a slight exceedance), you should not
tell your customers that they can continue to drink the water. In these cases,
you should issue a notice immediately, rather than wait up to 30 days. It is
important to consult your local health department or primacy agency in such
situations. In some cases, your primacy agency may instruct you to make
these changes.
Note that the public notice requirements described in this handbook are based
on Federal regulations. States or Tribes may have alternate public notice
requirements or more stringent drinking water standards. You should check
with your primacy agency to make sure you meet its specific
requirements.
Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
This chapter summarizes the PN rule requirements. Except where noted, all requirements in
this chapter can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q,
beginning at Section 141.201. See Appendix E.
When and how do I
need to notify my
consumers?
EPA has assigned each violation and situation requiring notice to one of three
categories, or tiers, based on the risk of adverse health effects (see Appendix
A). After you team of a violation or situation, public notice must be provided
following the requirements summarized in Table 1 below. Delivery
requirements for community water systems (CWSs) and non-community water
systems (NCWSs) differ, as indicated below.
Table 1
Requirements for Issuing Public Notice
Tier
Deadline for
Notice
Delivery Methods to Use*
Goto.
24 hours*
1) Broadcast media (radio or television) or hand
delivery or posting
2) Another method as needed to reach others
Chapter 5
30 days
CWS: 1) Mail or hand delivery
2) Another method as needed to reach others
Chapter 6
NCWS: 1) Posting, hand delivery, or mail
2) Another method as needed to reach others
Chapter 8
3
1 year****
CWS: 1) Mail or hand delivery
2) Another method as needed to reach others
Chapter 7
NCWS: 1) Posting, hand delivery, or mail
2) Another method as needed to reach others
Chapter 8
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.
Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
Who must I inform
when a violation or
situation occurs?
Does every notice
need to be sent to
everyone in the
distribution
system?
What if I sell water
to other systems?
If you are faced with a violation or situation requiring public notification, you
must provide the notice to persons served by your system. This means you
must take all steps reasonably calculated to inform people if they would not be
reached by the most commonly used methods of notification. This does not
mean that every person in the area served by the system must be notified (this
may be impossible), but you must identify different types of consumers and
make an effort to reach each. Additionally, every new billing customer or unit
must be notified of any ongoing violations or situations for which notice has
previously been issued (at non-community systems notices must be posted for
as long as a violation or situation lasts).
For example, if a community water system mails a notice to its billing
customers only, people who do not receive water bills, such as tenants whose
utilities are included in their rent or people who work in the area served by the
system but live elsewhere, would not receive a notice. Publishing a notice in
the newspaper and providing copies of the notice to landlords to distribute to
their tenants would help reach those people. At a non-community system,
hand delivery of notices would reach only those consumers who are present
when the notices are distributed. Posting would reach visitors or newcomers.
The requirement to include standard language to encourage distribution of the
notice (where applicable) described on page 11 is intended to increase public
awareness of the situation. Use of this language does not relieve you of your
obligation to notify persons served, however.
In general, notices must be provided to persons served throughout the
distribution system. In some very limited cases, however, if you can show that
a violation affects a portion of the distribution system that is physically or
hydraulically isolated from the rest of the distribution system, your primacy
agency may allow you to notify only those in the portion of the system that is
out of compliance. You must receive written permission from your primacy
agency to limit distribution of a notice.
The obligation to notify persons served includes notifying owners or operators
of other systems that buy or otherwise obtain water from you. The owners or
operators of such systems are responsible for notifying their customers within
the appropriate deadline, with the "clock" starting when the purchasing systems
learn of the violation or situation from you. Sometimes, however, it may be
easier and less confusing for consumers if one system notifies all the
customers in consecutive systems (e.g., if the notice is broadcast over
television or radio). You should send copies of your notice to purchasing
systems prior to notifying the media if time permits. You should incorporate
procedures and chains of communication for such situations into your
emergency management or communications plan. In addition, any memoranda
of understanding you sign with other water systems should spell out each
system's public notification responsibilities.
Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
What kinds of In general, public notice is required for any of the following violations:
violations and
situations require * Exceedances of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or maximum
public notice? residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs);
• Violation of treatment techniques;
Monitoring and testing procedure violations; and
• Failure to comply with the schedule of a variance or exemption.
Other situations (not violations) which require notice include:
• Operation under a variance or exemption;
• Occurrence of a waterborne disease outbreak or other waterbome
emergency;
Exceedance of the secondary maximum contaminant level for fluoride;
• Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring results; and
• Exceedance of the nitrate MCL in non-community systems that have
been granted permission by the primacy agency to continue to exceed
the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/l (although they must not exceed 20 mg/l).
See Chapter 8.
Primacy agencies may also require notice for other violations and situations.
Table 2 on the next page shows the organization of violations and situations
into tiers, based on the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects. For
a complete list of contaminants and their appropriate tiers, refer to Appendix A.
Public Notification Handbook 7 June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
Table 2
Violations and Situations Requiring Public Notice
Tier 1 Violations and Other Situations Requiring Notice Within 24 Hours*
1. Violation of the MCL for total coliform, when fecal coliform or E. coli are present in the water distribution system, or
failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for coliform;
2. Violation of the MCL for nitrate, nitrite, or total nitrate and nitrite; or when a confirmation sample is not taken
within 24 hours of the system's receipt of the first sample showing exceedance of the nitrate or nitrite MCL;
3. Exceedance of the nitrate MCL (10 mg/l) by non-community water systems, where permitted \o exceed the MCL
(up to 20 mg/l) by the primacy agency;
4. Violations of the MRDL for chlorine dioxide when one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system 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;
5. Violation of the turbidity MCL of 5 NTU, where the primacy agency determines after consultation that a Tier 1
notice is required or where consultation does not occur in 24 hours after the system learns of violation;
6. Violation of the treatment technique requirement resulting from a single exceedance of the maximum allowable
turbidity limit, where the primacy agency determines after consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required or where
consultation does not take place in 24 hours after the system learns of violation;
7. Occurrence of a waterbome disease outbreak, as defined in 40 CFR 141.2, or other waterborne emergency, and
8. Other violations or situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects'on human health as a result
of short term exposure, as determined by the primacy agency either in its regulations or on a case-by-case basis.
* If your system has any of these violations or situations, in addition to issuing public notice, you must initiate
consultation with your primacy agency as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you leam of the violation
or situation. See Chapter 5 for more details.
Tier 2 Violations Requiring Notice Within 30 Days**
1. All violations of the MCL, MRDL, and treatment technique requirements except where Tier 1 notice is required;
2. Violations of the monitoring requirements where the primacy agency determines that a Tier 2 public notice is
required, taking into account potential health impacts and persistence of the violation; and
3. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any variance or exemption in place.
** If you exceed the maximum allowable turbidity level, as identified in Appendix A, you must consult with your
primacy agency as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours after learning of the violation. See Chapter 6 for
more details.
Tier 3 Violations and Other Situations Requiring Notice Within 1 Year
1. Monitoring violations, except where Tier 1 notice is required or the primacy agency determines that the violation
requires a Tier 2 notice;
2. Failure to comply with an established testing procedure, except where Tier 1 notice is required or the primacy
agency determines that the violation requires a Tier 2 notice;
3. Operation under variance granted under §1415 or exemption granted under §1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act;
4. Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring results; and
5. Exceedance of the secondary maximum contaminant level for fluoride.
Public Notification Handbook 8 June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
What information
do I need to include
in each notice for a
violation or
situation?
Your public notice must include specific information in order to be considered
complete. For each violation and situation requiring notice (except for fluoride
SMCL exceedances, availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data,
and operation under a variance or exemption), you must provide a clear and
readily understandable explanation of the following:
1. The violation or situation, including the contaminant(s) of concern, and
(as applicable) the contaminant level(s);
2. When the violation or situation occurred;
3. Any potential adverse health effects from drinking the water, using
mandatory language described on page 11;
4. The population at risk, including subpopulations particularly vulnerable
if exposed to the contaminant in their drinking water;
5. Whether alternative water supplies should be used;
6. What 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 or resolve the situation;
9. Your name, business address, and phone number or those of a
designee of the public water system as a source of additional
information concerning the notice; and
10. A statement encouraging notice recipients to distribute the notice to
others, where applicable, using the standard language given on
page 11.
Some required elements may not be applicable to every violation or situation.
However, you must still address these elements in your notice. For example, if
it is unnecessary for consumers to boil their water or drink bottled water, you
should tell them they do not need to do so. This is especially important for Tier
2 notices, where a violation may have been resolved by the time the notice is
issued or may not be an immediate health risk. You should consult with your
primacy agency or a local health department for the appropriate information for
some elements of the notice, such as the actions consumers should take. The
local health department also can help you identify other system-specific
information, such as the population at risk (e.g., children, dialysis patients).
If you do not know when your system will return to compliance, give your
consumers an idea of how long it will take-for example, a few days for an E.
co// violation or months for failure to install corrosion control. Some situations,
such as waterborne emergencies, may not have mandatory health effects
language, but you must still describe potential health effects. You may be able
to adapt the language from a treatment technique or MCL violation. Figure 1
contains an example showing how all the content elements fit into a notice for a
violation.
Public Notification Handbook
June 2000
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3. Summary of Requirements
Figure 1
The Required Elements of a Public Notice
1) Description
of the
violation or
situation -—
5) Whether
alternate
water
supplies
should
be used
3) Potential
health
effects
7) What is
being done
to correct
the
violation or
situation -"
9) Name,
number,
and s
business '
address for
more
information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tests Showed Presence of Coliform Bacteria
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this
incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know
what happened and what we did to correct this situation.
The Jonesville Mobile Home Park routinely monitors for drinking water
contaminants. In July, we took a total of 20 samples to test for the presence"
of coliform bacteria. Three (3) of our samples tested positive. The standard
is that no more than one (1) sample per month may test positive.
What should I do?
./You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.
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. General guidelines on ways
to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA's Safe •
Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified
immediately. Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and
are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be
present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a
•warning of potential problems.
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with our
treatment or distribution system (pipes). Whenever we detect coliform
bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of
greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present We did not
find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing, and further testing
shows that this problem has been resolved.
What happened? What was done?
'We took additional samples for coliform bacteria which all came back
negative. As an added precaution, we chlorinated and flushed the pipes in
the distribution system to make sure bacteria were eliminated. This situation
is now resolved.
For more information, please contact John Jones of the Jonesville Mobile
Home Park at 555-1212 or the manager's office or write to 1200 Jonesville
Rd., Jonesville, ST 12345.
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 the Jonesville Mobile Home Park
State Water System ff» 12345. Sent: 8/8/99.
2) When the
violation or
situation
occurred
6) Actions
consumers
should take
4) The
population
at risk
8) When the
system
expects to
return to
compliance
10) Standard
distribution
language
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3. Summary of Requirements
What standard
language do I have
to include in my
notices?
What information
do I need to include
for special notices
for fluoride SMCL
exceedances?
• Language to encourage distribution of the notice to all persons served. You
must include the following language in all notices, where applicable (e.g., in
a notice mailed to customers). This language would probably not be
necessary on a posted notice, however, since posting makes the notice
available to everyone who passes by. It would also not be needed for a
notice provided by broadcast and print media. Use of this language does
not relieve you of your obligation to notify persons served:
"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."
• Hea/frt effects language for MCL and 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.
• Language for monitoring violations (including 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."
Community water systems that exceed the secondary maximum contaminant
level of 2 mg/l for fluoride but do not exceed the MCL of 4 mg/l must include the
special fluoride language shown in Template 3-2 and fill in the blanks as
appropriate. You do not need to include the ten elements listed above, as these
are addressed in the language. You must provide notice as soon as practical
but no later than 12 months after you learn of the exceedance and repeat the
notice annually as long as the exceedance persists. See Chapter 7 for more
information. Primacy agencies may require earlier initial or more frequent
repeat notification on a case-by-case basis.
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3. Summary of Requirements
What do I need to
include for special
notices for
unregulated
contaminant
monitoring?
What information
do I need to include
if I've been issued
a variance or
exemption?
Are there
formatting
requirements for
public notices?
Will I have to
provide notices in
languages other
than English?
If you monitor for unregulated contaminants, you must issue a public notice
stating that the results of the monitoring are available and give a phone number
to call for those results. You do not need to include the ten elements listed
above, but you must follow the Tier 3 schedule. You may include this
information in an annual notice for Tier 3 situations and violations.
Notices for operating under a variance or exemption have different content
requirements than notices for the violations and situations described above. If
you are operating under a variance or exemption, you must notify your
consumers within one year of obtaining it and repeat the notice annually for as
long as the variance or exemption exists. You must include the following in
your notice:
-------
3. Summary of Requirements
community representatives. As a guideline in making your determination,
some states have used a threshold often percent of the population or 1,000
people, whichever is less, for providing multilingual information in Consumer
Confidence Reports (CCRs). To find information on the languages spoken in
your area, see the U.S. Census Bureau's website, http://factfinder.census.gov
to find information about your community. The census database includes
answers to questions about what languages besides English are spoken at
home and the level of English proficiency. You should also be able to find out
the number of people who speak each language.
You should be more proactive in deciding whether to translate PNs than you
would for CCRs. Keep in mind that public notices are about violations of
drinking water standards or other situations that pose a health risk, whereas
CCRs are educational. You may wish to provide notices in multiple languages
if non-English speaking populations are in your service area, whether or not
you have a large proportion of such people. Although you are not required to
provide full translations of notices, this is strongly recommended for Tier 1
notices and for other violations that pose a serious health risk. Primacy
agencies may be able to provide you with some assistance in finding
translators, but it is your responsibility to get the notice translated. Schools and
universities often have students who can translate notices. Make contacts
ahead of time with universities, high school teachers, community centers, and
other services for low-cost translations. It is also important to work with
community or ethnic organizations to make sure the notice gets to non-English
speaking consumers.
Spanish templates for nitrate and fecal coliform notices are included with the
templates for Tier 1 violations and situations at the end of Chapter 5. These
templates are exact translations of the English Tier 1 templates, so if the
English templates have to be modified, the Spanish ones must also change. In
addition, translations in several languages of important phrases, such as "do
not drink the water," "boil your water before using," and others, are included in
Appendix C.
What information
must I provide my
primacy agency?
After you provide the notice to your consumers, you must, within ten days,
send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice you distribute (e.g.,
newspaper article, press release to TV/radio, mail notices) and a certification
that you have met all the public notification requirements (141.31 (d)). You
must send certifications for both initial and any repeat notices. When you
certify, you are also stating that you will meet future requirements for
notifying new billing units of the violation or situation.
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3. Summary of Requirements
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. 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 name]
PWS ID #: fPWS number!
For Violation: [describe violation or situation]
Occurring on [insert date] .
The public water system indicated above hereby affirms that public notice
has been provided to consumers in accordance with the delivery, content,
and format requirements and deadlines in [regulatory citation].
D Consultation with primacy agency (if required) on [insert date! .
D Notice distributed by [insert methodl on [insert datel .
D Notice distributed by [insert methodl on [insert datel .
D Content - required elements.
Signature of owner or operator
Date
Public Notification Handbook
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4.
Making
Work
ic Notification
How can I prepare
for public
notification before
a violation or
situation occurs?
Integrate planning for Tier 1 public notification into your community and
water system emergency management plans. When a serious violation,
waterborne disease outbreak, or other emergency occurs, you will already
have an established decision process and chain of command and have
other departments available to assist you. This should include working
with your local health department or sanitarian. Consumers may call the
health department for information; if you coordinate with the department,
you will be able to give out consistent information. Also, work with your
community's emergency managers to establish ties with the state office
that works with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)/National Weather Service (NWS) to access the Emergency Alert
System (EAS). Through memoranda of agreement between states and the
NWS, communities can broadcast alerts of non-weather emergencies,
including drinking water violations and situations, via NOAA Weather Radio
and NOAA Weather Wire Service.
Find out who you should contact at the primacy agency for cases where
consultation is required. Determine whether there are alternative
procedures for notifying the agency when violations or situations occur on
weekends or holidays.
As part of planning for Tier 1 notification, work with the media ahead of
time. Explain to them what constitutes an emergency and what your needs
would be during a crisis.
Establish contacts with institutions and people who can translate notices
into other languages for you and who can help you target non-English
speaking populations for distribution of translated notices. Community
centers and universities can help provide translations. Word-of-mouth is
often the best way to get the notice to non-English speaking consumers,
especially if there are no television or radio stations or newspapers in those
languages. Work with churches, community leaders, and activist groups.
Post notices in ethnic grocery stores, laundromats, and other locations
where people gather. See page 12 for more on multilingual notices.
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15
June 2000
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4. Making Public Notification Work
• Remember that some of your consumers may have a low reading ability.
For this reason, 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 to a caller. You should
also figure out how to target visually and hearing impaired populations and
meet their needs. Again, community centers or word-of-mouth may be
useful.
• Obtain fact sheets on contaminants from EPA's Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791 or the Agency's website at
http://www.epa.aov/safewater/dwhealth.html. This way, if your consumers
call to ask for information, you will be able to help them. The fact sheets
are updated periodically, so make sure you have the most recent version.
The Hotline also can provide phone numbers for state laboratory
certification offices, where you can get a list of labs certified to analyze tap
water.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a good
source of information on drinking water contaminants that can cause
disease, including Cryptosporidium mttp://www.cdG.gov. 1 (800) 311-
3435). For instance, guidelines on notification for cryptosporidiosis are
available in Cryptosporidium and Water A Public Health Handbook. This
handbook discusses the decision-making process for issuing boil water
advisories, provides information on preparing news releases, and contains
educational fact sheets on preventing disease. Much of the information in
the handbook is also applicable to other types of disease outbreaks and
emergencies. The handbook, along with fact sheets and other publications
on Cryptosporidium are available at:
http://www.cdc.aov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/crvptosporidiosis/default.htm.
Information on other diseases is available at:
http://www.cdc.qQv/health/diseases.htm.
• If you are going to provide bottled water, especially for a Tier 1 violation or
situation, you should confirm ahead of time and periodically reconfirm that
available bottled water supplies meet the Food and Drug Administration or
state safety standards by asking bottlers for their most recent testing
results.
• Implement ongoing public education programs about contaminants at risk
of violation; that is, contaminants whose levels are below the MCL but have
the potential in the future to exceed it (or have previously exceeded it).
This would apply to naturally occurring contaminants, such as radium,
fluoride, or arsenic, and for recurring pollution problems (e.g., nitrate,
pesticides). With an education program in place, consumers will be better
informed if a violation occurs.
Public Notification Handbook 16 June 2000
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4. Making Public Notification Work
How can I make a
.notice more easily
readable?
Assume that consumers 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. 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.
Try to limit the wordiness of the notice. A question and answer format is
easy to read and guides readers to the information that is likely to concern
them. Bullets and bold text are also effective.
Highlight the name of your system, especially where people in your area
are served by more than one water system. You may also want to prepare
a map showing the area you serve, especially if it extends beyond city
limits. You may want to print the notices on your system's letterhead which,
coupled with the title of the notice, will make people immediately recognize
that the notice is important.
Case Study
City of Lacey, Washington
To alert residents of an E coli violation, the City of Lacey and the Washington State Department of
Health issued a joint press release: (The City also hand-delivered notices in the affected
neighborhood.) Co-issuing the notice gave the press release greater credibility and showed that the
City and State were giving out consistent information. At the same time, the City ^contacted Seattle and
Tacoma television and radio stations and newspapers. The local newspaper also interviewed system
personnel daily. While Lacey received positive feedback on its efforts within the affected neighborhood,
it also leaned an important lesson about working with the media. Many unaffected consumers were
unnecessarily alarmed because lengthy television interviews were edited to short sound bites, some of
which did not mention that only 450 homes in the system's 40,000-person distribution area were
affected. Lacey addressed the misperception through the focal newspaper and a special consumer
hotline. This taught the City the importance of prioritizing information for the,press.
How can I ensure
that the media
distributes an
accurate notice?
If you write a press release or get a reporter to write a story for the
newspaper, TV, or radio, explain to the newspaper or station what
information you are trying to communicate and why (i.e., the ten elements
required on each public notice). The most important information, including
a description of the violation or situation, the population at risk, the
instructions to consumers, and potential health effects, should be near the
beginning. Be sure to include a contact name and telephone number so the
media can call you for more information.
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17
June 2000
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4. Making Public Notification Work
General Tips on Working with the Media
Be truthful and up-front about local water quality issues.
Answer questions as well as you can, but don't be afraid
to say that you need to check on something if there is a
question you can't answer (once you find the information,
quickly report back on what you've found).
Keep in mind that reporters are not familiar with state or
federal requirements for safe drinking water - avoid
technical jargon!
Provide additional sources of information (for instance,
referrals to state 'contacts or EPA fact sheets).
Be sensitive to the fact that reporters may be working on
tight deadlines.
Provide a list of the elements that must be addressed.
Don't be upset if a newspaper article isn't exactly as you
would want it, but politely'tell a reporter if a significant
piece of information3s.wrong or missing.
Don't be defensive when answering questions.
When you send the notice to radio and TV stations and newspapers,
write "PRESS RELEASE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY" at the top of the notice to
emphasize its importance.
If the media will not run a story on your violation or situation, ask an official
from your emergency management department to participate by reading
the notice on the air or agreeing to an interview. The media may be more
likely to air a public notice connected to such officials.
If a newspaper will not publish a story or press release, you may need to
buy space to print the notice in its entirety. You should buy an
advertisement as close to the front of the paper as possible and make it
large enough that people will easily see it. Legal notices are not
recommended because they rarely meet the formatting requirements for
public notices and are not widely read.
Develop an ongoing relationship with the media. Hold an annual media
day where you can explain how your system operates, including any
improvements you may be implementing. In addition, look into whether
local news outlets hold community outreach days-this is another way to
form a relationship with the media. The more informed the members of the
media are about the water system in general, the more accurate and
positive they will be when writing about a violation or situation. They will
also be more likely to give your story the space it
needs. Designate one person on your staff to
serve as a liaison to the media.
• When you send a press release to local
television and radio stations, try to get them
to commit to airing the story. Watch or
listen to the news to be sure the public
notice is aired. It is possible that, despite
your best attempts, the story will be
incomplete or the TV/radio station will not air
the notice. If this happens, distribute a
written follow-up notice as soon as possible,
even if the deadline has passed. Include any
additional information that has become
available since the initial notice was
prepared. Although a partial notice telling
consumers what to do is better than no
notice, your obligation under the PN rule is
not satisfied until a complete notice is
distributed.
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June 2000
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4. Making Public Notification Work
What other steps
should I take after
issuing a notice?
How can I prevent
overreaction to a
public notice?
Your primacy agency may require you to do follow-up or "problem corrected"
notices for violations or situations, particularly for Tier 1. If it does not, you
should consider issuing such a notice anyway. Sometimes, information on the
source of the contamination is not available at the time of an initial notice.
Providing a notice with updated information demonstrates that you are working
on the problem. Consumers will expect to receive official word that the problem
is solved or being addressed. Template 1-6 at the end of Chapter 5 is an
example of a notice for a corrected violation.
You should notify local health professionals of the violation or situation. People
may call their doctors with questions about how the violation or situation may
affect their health, and the doctors should have the information they need to
respond appropriately. In addition, health professionals, including dentists, use
tap water during their procedures and need to make plans to use
uncontaminated water.
Public education can minimize overreaction to a water problem and can help
focus community attention on the source of a problem. Public education about
contaminants, what a public notice means, and specific types of water
problems is an excellent public relations tool. It helps create a partnership
between you and your customers and reduces the prevalence of the "us versus
them" mentality.
Public notification for recurring problems such as nitrate is more effective if
supplemented by a public education program. There are a number of ways to
create awareness of a contaminant problem and of what it means for public
health. These include public meetings at community centers, newspaper or
local TV and radio coverage, working with local libraries to establish a
reference section on the problem, or newsletters or factsheets mailed with
monthly bills or otherwise distributed broadly throughout the community.
Information that is helpful to the public includes:
• Descriptions of the contaminant(s);
• Information on how contaminants get into the water;
• What you are doing to prevent or correct the problem;
• Why the problem recurs, and what the public can do to prevent a
recurrence;
• If and why protection measures have a limited effectiveness; and
• The impact on the consumer.
While ongoing problems warrant implementing an early and ongoing public
education campaign, public response to a notice can point you to other areas
in which public education would be useful. For example, if you receive a high
number of calls about a notice, there is probably a need for greater public
understanding of the problem.
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19
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20
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5.
Tier 1 Notice Requirements
and Suggestions
T
Public Notification of Waterborne Emergencies
When a construction crew accidentally ruptured a sewer
line one mile from its wellfield, the Town of Walkersville,
MD immediately issued a precautionary boil water
advisory for infants.lthe'elderty, and people with
.severely >cdmprornised immune systems. While no
drinking water contamination was evident, the Town was
concerned that its treatment plant might not be capable
of removing or inactivating Ciyptosporidium that might
be present in the sewage. To inpttfyiconsumers,
volunteer fire department staff knocked on doors at
3,000 homes and businesses, and Walkersville notified
the cable company and other local media. Walkersville
also provided .water in tanker trucks to a local nursing
home and spoke to medical professionals in the area.
Three days later, when tests of untreated well water
showed increasing bacteria concentrations (but before
any contamination was detected in the finished water)
the boil water advisory was extended to all residents,
including those using private wells. The volunteer fire
department again assisted with notification. Tanker
trucks were set up in four locations. The advisory was
rescinded when Walkersville temporarily connected to
the nearby Frederick, MD water supply. Even though
bacteria levels reached 30,000 organisms/100 ml in well
water and Cryptosporidium was confirmed in the
sewage, no residents became ill due to the incident, in
large part due to the early public notification and quick
response by the Town.
ier 1 notices must be issued for the following violations and must meet
the content, format, and multilingual requirements described in Chapter
3, "Summary of Requirements" (141.202(a)):
Total coliform MCL violations where fecal coliform or £. co/i are
present, or failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli when any repeat
sample tests positive for coliform;
Nitrate, nitrite, or total nitrate and nitrite
MCL violations, or failure to take a
confirmation sample for nitrate or nitrite
within 24 hours after'learning that an initial
sample exceeded the MCL;
• Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by non-
community water systems that have been
granted permission by the primacy agency
to continue to exceed the MCL of 10 mg/l,
although they must not exceed 20 mg/l (See
Chapter 8);
• Chlorine dioxide MRDL violations when
- one or more of the samples taken in the
distribution system 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;
• Turbidity MCL violations of 5 NTU or more,
if elevated to Tier 1 by the primacy agency,
or if consultation does not occur within 24
hours of the violation (see Chapter 6);
• Treatment technique violations resulting
from a single exceedance of turbidity limits,
if elevated to Tier 1 by the primacy agency,
or if consultation does not occur within 24
hours of the violation (see Chapter 6);
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June 2000
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5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
• The occurrence of a waterbome disease outbreak or other
waterborne emergency such as a treatment failure, chemical spill or
overfeed, sewage spill, or natural disaster; or
• Other violations or situations which could cause serious health
effects, as determined by your primacy agency.
What is the As soon as practical but within 24 hours of learning of a violation or situation,
deadline for issuing you must:
a Tier 1 notice?
• Issue a public notice.
Initiate consultation with your primacy agency (141.202(b)).
The consultation with the primacy
Required Elements of a
Public Notice (141.205(a))
1. "A description of the violation ortsituation;
2., When*the violation or situation occurred;,
,3. Potential adverse health effects, using^Iahguage in
AppendbdB or language for; monitoring violations; -
4. Population(s) at risk;: v
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.
statement to your primacy agency
any repeat notice (141.31 (d)). You
ongoing violations for which you've
agency is independent of the public notice
itself. You must issue the notice within
24 hours, even if you are unable to
contact anyone at the primacy agency.
Most primacy agencies have 24-hour
emergency hotlines, so consultation
should be possible at any time. As a
result of the consultation, your primacy
agency may set'additional public notice
requirements (141.202(b)). It may ask
you to issue repeat notices for
continuing violations or situations,
"problem corrected" notices, or, if your
initial notice does not meet the
requirements, another initial notice. The
agency may also require you to provide
notice to specific groups, such as health
care providers.
Remember to send a copy of each
type of notice and a certification
within ten days after providing the initial and
must also notify new billing customers of
previously provided notice (141.206).
Which methods of
delivery must I
use?
You must use one or more of the following: broadcast media (radio and
television), posting in conspicuous locations, hand delivery, or a method
approved by the primacy agency in advance or during consultation. The
method(s) you choose must be reasonably calculated to reach all persons
served, including residents, employees, and travelers. Therefore, you may
need to use other methods in addition to those previously mentioned. For
instance, in a large system, you should provide the notice to local radio and
television stations; then, to reach people who don't watch or listen to the news,
you should also put the notice in the newspaper. You must use at least one of
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22
June 2000
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5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
the required methods and whatever other methods are necessary to help you
reach all consumers (141.202(c)).
Be sure that people understand the importance of notifying others who may
travel through the distribution area of the violation or situation. For instance,
people who patronize restaurants or work in office buildings in the distribution
area but live elsewhere may not be aware of the violation or situation. Owners
of these establishments should be encouraged to tell their customers about the
violation or situation.
Suggestions for
Effective Public
Notification
Delivery
When choosing a method for public notification, you should consider
several issues, including the population served, population density (i.e., is
the area rural, urban, or suburban), available assistance, and proximity to
and relationship with radio and television stations and newspapers.
Non-community systems should refer to Chapter 8 of this handbook,
"Special Needs of Non-Community Systems."
Large systems should use a combination of broadcast media and
newspaper, if available. You should also supplement media notices by
posting in public buildings and delivering multiple copies of notices to
clinics or community centers.
When you write a notice for radio or television, assume that it will only
receive a few seconds of air time. Make sure the most important
information, including a phone number to call for more information, will be
included. See Chapter 4, "Making Public Notification Work," for tips on
working with the media.
For TV notices, ask the station or
cable company to put "scrollers"
across the screen similar to National
Weather Service announcements for
tornado watches. This is a good way
to put the notice on TV and reach
people who don't watch the news, as
well as target a subsection of the TV
audience. You can also work with
the appropriate state office to
broadcast alerts on NOAA Weather
Radio and NOAA Weather Wire
Service.
Automatic phone dialers may be
effective in large systems as a
supplement to broadcast media.
Tips for Very Small
Community Systems
Here are some suggestions for these systems to use
to reach the people they serve:
• Hand delivery combined with posting at grocery
stores, banks, etc., may be appropriate for you,
especially if radio and/or TV are impractical.
• In rural areas within range of a radio or 'TV station in a
larger town, ask the station to air the notice. You may
still need to use additional methods of notification.
• Hold community meetings, especially where
consumers have low reading ability or don't speak
English (where the operator or a community member
can translate).
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5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Some cities and counties have a computer-based rapid-call system which
can be integrated with geographic information systems to target a specific
service area. Dialers should not be relied on too heavily; consumers may
hang up on recorded messages, children may answer the phone and not
transmit the message to their parents, or residents of some homes may not
speak English.
Prepare written notices on your water system's letterhead. This gives
the notice additional credibility and makes it easily recognizable as official
word from the water system.
It is strongly recommended that you fully translate Tier 1 notices into
other languages or provide a phone number for assistance in other
languages if there are non-English speaking populations in your service
area. See pages 12 and 15 for more information on translating and getting
the notice to these groups. At a minimum, you must include some
information in the appropriate language if there is a large proportion of
such people (141.205(c)). You may also target the blind and deaf
communities and people with low reading abilities.
.Selecting a Delivery Method
Here are some questions to consider when determining^how to deliver your notice:
My system is-in^a suburbansarea. How can I *write4he notice so'that itwilhnot alarm?the>est of the
metropolitan area when delivered through the media? Can I be sure the radio or TV station will give
the npticeithe air time It needs? ;
,.,.'„'- ' • '".._-. ' I*'>'-'./'-,
Will the local newspaper write an accurate article about the violation or situation? Will it prominently
publish the information in a press release? Will I need to buy an ad or notice?
Do I have the time and resources to deliver the notice door-to-door?
• Send a broadcast fax. Program your fax machine with the fax numbers of
all radio and television stations in the area so that the push of a button
sends the notice to all of them.
• 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 consumers' door knobs.
• If you post a notice, 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.
Public Notification Handbook 24 June 2000
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5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Case Study
City of Lacey, Washington
Throughout the course of an E. coli violation, the City of Lacey water system maintained close contact
with the lab, seeking its insight on tests, protocols, and ramifications. This enabled the system to make
timely decisions or at least prepare for likely outcomes. The system could then anticipate and initiate
the next outreach or public awareness piece. As soon as it became evident that repeat samples for E.
coli would be positive, the water system mobilized city employees to conduct an early evening door-to-
door notification to about 450 homes in the affected area. Employees rang doorbells to talk to residents
and provided door hangers that included a boil water order, health effects language on E. coli, and
information on a community meeting to be held the next day. City employees also staffed a hotline for
consumers. Lacey set up a temporary bulletin board in the affected neighborhood to post updates. The
electronic and print media also ran stories on the situation. When the boil water order was lifted, the
system held another meeting and again hand-delivered door hangers, which included customer
evaluation forms. Ninety percent of the respondents gave Lacey a rating of satisfactory or higher for its
handling of the event, citing the City's proactive outreach effort as the reason for the solid rating.
Suggestions for Tier 1 notices should convey the urgency of the situation and make it clear to
Layout Of the consumers what actions they must take. Templates 1-1 through 1-5 at the end
... .. of this chapter offer sample language and instructions for preparing Tier 1
public notices. Template 1-1A contains Spanish language for a nitrate notice;
Template 1-2A contains Spanish language for a fecal coliform or E. coli notice.
1. Title - Public notices for Tier 1 violations and situations, especially
those used for posting, hand delivery, or in a newspaper, should have
an attention-getting title. For example, "WARNING" is better than
"Public Notice." This should be followed by the targeted audience or
the population at risk, such as "People served by Water System"
for notices for fecal coliform violations or disease outbreaks, or "Infants
under 6 months" for notices for nitrate violations. If the area you serve
does not follow municipal boundaries or if only a portion of the
distribution system is affected, define the area at the top of your notice
or include a map. Titles should be in large and/or bold type and
centered across the top of the page.
2. Consumer Actions - The instructions to consumers should be next in
your notice. This should be a short phrase in large type, such as "Boil
Your Water" or "Do Not Drink the Water."
3. Description of the Violation or Situation - A short description in large
type of the violation or situation should follow instructions to
consumers. As soon as consumers read "Boil Your Water" for a fecal
coliform notice, they will want to know why they should do so.
However, since this is a headline, it should be kept short and concise.
As another example, for nitrate violations, you could say, "High nitrate
levels have been detected." Then the level detected should be listed in
Public Notification Handbook 25 June 2000
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5. Tier 1 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
normal type, followed by the maximum contaminant level (MCL), or
action level, if applicable. A more detailed explanation of the violation
or situation should be given in the body of the notice.
4. Other Consumer Actions — For nitrate violations, the notice should
instruct consumers not to boil water, since that may be their first
reaction, and explain why. For microbiological violations or waterbome
disease outbreaks or other emergencies, provide detailed instructions
on using boiled water for brushing teeth, cooking, making ice, etc. If
you instruct consumers to use bottled water, you should make sure
that any water you provide meets standards. Be sure to provide
instructions for those who are not at high risk as well. For example,
nitrates at levels below 20 mg/l are not generally considered
hazardous to adults. Fecal coliform might only be present in part of the
distribution system, and unaffected consumers (i.e., people outside of
a narrow area impacted who do not need to boil their water) should be
told they do not need to take action but have a right to be informed of
the problem.
5. Other Elements — The following order is suggested for the remaining
elements: whether (and where) consumers should seek alternative
drinking water sources; potential health effects (using the language in
Appendix B); the date the violation or situation occurred; corrective
action you are taking; when you expect to return to compliance or
resolve the situation; and the name, address, and phone number of a
person to contact for more information. If you are coordinating with the
local health department, you may wish to also list its phone number.
Do not alter the health effects language in any way.
6. Optional Elements — If you know the source of the contamination,
include it in the notice. This information helps the consumer
understand why there is a violation or other situation and what is
necessary to resolve it. It also reinforces the fact that drinking water is
a vulnerable resource that must be protected.
7. Public Water System ID Number/Date of Distribution— You should
include your PWS ID number at the bottom of the notice. This will help
your primacy agency track compliance and prevent tracking errors
between systems with similar names. Also include the date you
distributed the notice.
Public Notification Handbook 26 June 2000
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TIER 1 TEMPLATES
The pages that follow contain templates for Tier 1 violations and waterbome disease
outbreaks, as listed below. Along with each template are instructions, including the
required method of delivery and instructions for completing individual sections of the
notice. These instructions are designed to supplement Chapter 5, so you may see
much of the information repeated here.
Mandatory language on health effects, which must be included exactly as written,
is presented in italics (141.205(d)).
You must also include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable
(141.205(d)). Use of this language does not relieve you of your obligation to take steps
reasonably calculated to notify all persons served:
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 Notice—Template 1-1
Spanish Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1A
Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice—Template 1-2
Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice -Template 1-2A
Waterbome Disease Outbreak Notice-Template 1-3
Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1-Template 1-4
Chlorine Dioxide MRDL Notice-Template 1-5
Tier 1 "Problem Corrected" Notice-Template 1-6
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28
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Instructions for Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the nitrate maximum contaminant level is a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice to persons
served as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you leam 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)):
• Radio
• Television
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may need to use additional methods (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or apartment
buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a newspaper notice. However, you may wish to modify it
before using it for a radio or TV notice. If you do, you must still include all required elements and leave the health effects
language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). See Chapter 8 for a notice designed for
posting. If you post or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available.
Alternative Sources of Water
If you are providing alternative sources of water for infants, 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 the standard for
nitrates by contacting the bottler and asking for the most recent test results.
Repeat Notices
If this is a repeat notice (as required by your primacy agency), or if your system's nitrate levels fluctuate around the MCL,
you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following:
You were initially notified of high nitrate levels on [date]. Since that time we have been 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. The bullet below describes one action commonly taken by
water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. Use this language, if appropriate, or develop your own:
• We are investigating water treatment and other options. These may include drilling a new well, mixing the water
with low-nitrate water from another source, or buying water from another water system.
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
notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)). You should also issue a follow-up notice in
addition to meeting any repeat notice requirements your primacy agency sets.
You should notify health professionals in the area of the violation. People may call their doctors with questions, and the
doctors should have the information they need to respond appropriately. They also need to make sure the water is not
provided to infants in their care.
U.S. EPA Headquarters Library
Mail code 3201
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20460
Public Notification Handbook
29
June 2000
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Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1
DRINKING WATER WARNING
[System] water has high levels of nitrate -
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD OR
USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA
Water sample results received [date] showed nitrate levels of [level and units]. This is above the nitrate
standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of [state/federal MCL]. Nitrate in drinking water is a
serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
What should I do?
• DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. 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. Blue baby
syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health
deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
• Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap
water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
• DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the
nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain
behind when the water evaporates.
• Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants
because they can't process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or
have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What happened? What is being done?
Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic
systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. We'll let you
know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.
[Describe corrective action, seasonal fluctuations, and when system expects to return to compliance.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 30 June 2000
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Instructions for Spanish Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1A
Template on Reverse
The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template 1-1 for nitrate. All the instructions of Template 1-1
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 page 12 for suggestions on multilingual notices.
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Spanish Nitrate Notice-Template 1-1A
AVISO SOBRE SU AGUA POTABLE
Agua del sistema [system name] tiene altos niveles de nitrates -
NO DAR DE BEBER ESTA AGUA A BEBES MENORES DE 6 MESES
DE EDAD Nl USARLA PARA HACER LECHE DE FORMULA
Resultados de mustras de agua recibidos en [date of violation in Spanish (day-month-year)] muestran
concentraciones de nitrates en el agua de [level and units in Spanish]. Este nivel estd por encima de la norma, o
nivel maximo de contaminaci6n (NMC) de [state/federal MCL in Spanish]. Nitrates en agua potable puede generar
serios problemas de salud para bebes menores de 6 meses de edad.
iQue debo hacer?
• NO LE DE ESTA AGUA A BEBES. Bebes menores de seis (6) meses quo ingieran agua con nitrates en
exceso del nivel maximo de contaminaci6n (NMC) se pueden enfermar seriamente y, de no ser
tratados, pueden morir. Los sintomas incluyen dificultad en respirar y sindrome de bebe azul. El
sfndrome de beb& azul se refiere al color azulado que toma la piel del bebe. Los sintomas en los bebes
pueden desarrollarse con rapidez, con el deterioro de su salud en los dfas subsiguientes. Si los sfntomas
ocurren en infantes menores de seis (6) meses de edad, busque atenci6n rnedica inmediatamente.
• Agua, jugo o leche en polvo para bebes menores de seis (6) meses de edad no debe prepararse con agua del
grifo. Debe emplear agua embotellada u otra agua baja en nitrates hasta prdximo aviso.
• No hierva el agua. Hervir, congelar, filtrar o dejar el agua en reposo no reduce el nivel de nitrates. De
hecho, al hervir el agua puede aumentar aiin mas la concentracidn de nitrates, debido a que los nitrates
permanecen cuando parte del agua se evapora.
• Adultos e infantes mayores de seis (6) meses de edad pueden tomar el agua del grifo. (Los nitrates son
peligrosos para los bebes debido a que ellos no pueden procesar los nitrates de la misma manera que los
adultos). Sin embargo, si usted esta embarazada o tiene algun problema de salud en particular, puede optar
por hacer una consulta con su medico.
iQu6 pas6? iQue se esta haciendo al respecto?
Nitrates en el agua pueden provenir de fuentes naturales, industriales or de la agriculture (incluyendo descargas
de tanques septicos y lluvias). Las concentraciones de nitrates en el agua potable varfan a to largo del afto.
Nosotros les avisaremos cuando los niveles de nitrates esten nuevamente debajo del limite.
[Describe corrective action, seasonal fluctuations, and when the system expects to return to compliance in
Spanish.] Para mayor informacibn, favor contactar a [name of contact] al telefono [phone number] o escribiendo a
[mailing address].
Por favor comparta esta informacidn con otros que pueden tomar de esta agua, 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 u hogar de infantes u hogar
de ancianos o comunidad residencial.
Este aviso ha sido enviado a usted por [system]. Numero de Identificacibn :
. Fecha de distribution:
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Instructions for Fecal Coliform or E. Coli Notice-Template 1-2
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the fecal coliform or E. coli maximum contaminant level 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, you must also contact your primacy agency. You should also coordinate with your
local health department. You may also have to modify the template if you also have high nitrate levels or other
coliform MCL violations. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers
(141.202(c)):
• Radio
• Television
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may need to use additional methods (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or
apartment buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons
served.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a newspaper notice. However, you may wish to
modify it before using it for a radio or TV notice. If you do, you must still include all required elements and leave
the health effects language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). See Chapter 8 for a
notice designed for posting. If you post or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if you have it.
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 fecal coliform or E. coli violations. Use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop
your own:
• We are chlorinating and flushing the water system.
• We are switching to an alternate drinking water source.
• We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to determine the source of the contamination.
• We are repairing the wellhead seal.
• We are repairing the storage tank.
• We are restricting water intake from the river/lake/reservoir to prevent additional bacteria from entering the
water system and restricting water use to emergencies.
After Issuing the Notice
Send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notice requirements to your
primacy agency within ten days from the time you issue the notice (141.31 (d)).
It is recommended that you notify health professionals in the area of the violation. People may call their doctors
with questions about how the violation may affect their health, and the doctors should have the information they
need to respond appropriately. In addition, health professionals, including dentists, use tap water during their
procedures and need to know of contamination so they can use bottled water.
It is a good idea to issue a "problem corrected" notice when the violation is resolved. See Template 1-6.
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Fecal Coliform or E. Coli Notice-Template 1-2
DRINKING WATER WARNING
[System] water is contaminated with [fecal coliform/E. coli]
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
Fecal coliform [or E. coli] bacteria were found in the water supply on [date]. These bacteria can make
you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.
What should I do?
• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for
one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be
used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further
notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
• Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be
contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps,
nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young
children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
• 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. People at increased risk
should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
What happened? What is being done?
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for
example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or
a failure in the water treatment process.
[Describe corrective action.] We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to
boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
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:
Public Notification Handbook 34 June 2000
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Instructions for Spanish Fecal Coliform or £. Co// Notice-Template 1-2A
Template on Reverse
The template on reverse is a Spanish translation of Template 1-2 for fecal coliform or E. coli. All the instructions of
Template 1-2 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 page 12 for suggestions on multilingual notices.
Public Notification Handbook
35
June 2000
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Spanish Fecal Coliform or E. Coli Notice - Template 1-2A
AVISO SOBRE SU AGUA POTABLE
El Agua del Sistema [system name] esta contaminado con [bacterias coliformes
fecales/E. coli]
HIERVAN EL AGUA ANTES DE USARLA
Bacterias coliformes fecales (o E. coli) fueron encontradas en su servicio de agua el dia [date of
violation in Spanish (day-month-year)]. Estas bacterias pueden enfermarle, y son especialmente
peligrosas para personas con las defensas bajas o sistemas imunologicos debiles.
£Que debo hacer?
• NO BEBA EL AGUA SIN ANTES HERVIRLA Hierva toda el agua, dejela hervir por un minuto, y
dejela reposar antes de usarla, o utilize agua embotellada. Agua hervida o embotellada debe ser
usada para beber, hacer hielo, lavarse los dientes, lavar los platos y para preparar la comida hasta
proximo aviso. Hierviendo morta a bacteria y otros organismos en el agua.
• Coliformes fecales o E. coli son bacterias cuya presencia indica que el agua esta contaminada con
desechos humanos o de animates. Microbios de esos desechos pueden causar diarrhea, colicos,
nausea, do/ores de cabeza u otros sintomas. Pueden representar un petigro para /a salud de
bebes, ninos y ninas de corta edad y personas con sistemas immunologicos en alto riesgo.
• Los sintomas descritos arriba no ocurren solamente debido a los microbios. Tambien pueden ser
causados por otros motivos. Si usted siente estos sintomas y estos persisten, usted puede optar
por hacer una consulta con su medico. Personas en situaciones de alto riesgo deben consultar
con sus proveedores de servicios medicos.
iQue paso? £,Que se esta haciendo al respecto?
Contaminacion bacteriana puede ocurrir cuando exceso de aguas rebasan sus cauces y entran a las
fuentes de agua potable (por ejemplo, luego de una lluvia fuerte). Tambien pueden ocurrir cuando se
rompe un sistema de recoleccion de aguas negras, o cuando hay una falla en el tratamiento de agua.
[Describe corrective action in Spanish] Le informaremos cuando las pruebas demuestren que no hay
bacterias y que usted ya no necesita hervir su agua. Anticipamos que resolveremos el problema el
[date of expected resolution in Spanish day-month-year].
Para mayor informacibn, por favor pongase en contacto con [contact name] al [phone number] o
escribiendo a [mailing address].
Por favor comparta esta informaci6n con otros que pueden tomar de esta agua, 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 u 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:
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Instructions for Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice-Template 1-3
Template on Reverse
Since a waterbome 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 waterbome 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 waterbome disease outbreak or other emergency, you must use one or more of the following
methods to deliver the notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
• Radio
• Television
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may need to use additional methods (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or apartment
buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served. If you post or
hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available. The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a
newspaper notice. However, you may wish to modify it before using it for a radio, TV notice, or posting.
Describing the Outbreak
If known, list any organisms detected, the number of affected people, any water treatment problems contributing to the
waterbome disease outbreak, and any sources of contamination, such as flooding.
Potential Health Effects
No mandatory health effects language exists for waterbome 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.
Population at Risk
Some people who contract waterbome diseases can be affected more severely than others, as described on the
reverse page. The specific language on the reverse is not mandatory, but you must provide information on the
population at risk. In addition, 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 the corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with waterbome disease outbreaks. 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.
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice and a statement certifying that you've met all public notification
requirements to your primacy agency within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)). It is a good idea to issue a
"problem corrected" notice when the waterbome disease outbreak is under control. See Template 1-6.
It is recommended that you notify health professionals in the area of the outbreak. People may call their doctors with
questions about how the situation may affect their health, and the doctors should have the information they need to
respond appropriately. In addition, health professionals, including dentists, use tap water during their procedures and
need to know of contamination so they can use bottled water.
Public Notification Handbook
37
June 2000
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Waterborne Disease Outbreak Notice-Template 1-3
DRINKING WATER WARNING
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
Disease-causing organisms have entered [system's] water supply.
These organisms are causing illness in people served by [system]. We learned of a waterborne
disease outbreak from [agency] on [date].
What should I do?
• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for
one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be
used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further
notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
• [Describe symptoms of the waterborne disease.] If you experience one or more of these symptoms
and they persist, contact 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.
What happened? What is being done?
[Describe the outbreak, corrective action, and when the outbreak might end.]
We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
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:
Public Notification Handbook 38 June 2000
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Instructions for Notice for Turbidity Single Exceedance as Tier 1-Template 1-4
Template on Reverse
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. One or both agencies should tell you whether to instruct consumers
to boil water. You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers (141.202(c)):
• Radio
• Television
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may need to use additional methods (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or apartment
buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served. If you post or
hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if you have it.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a newspaper notice. However, you may wish to modify it
before using it for a radio or TV notice or posting. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in
italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
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 turbidity single exceedance. 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 cleaning 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
Send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met public notice requirements to your primacy
agency within ten days after you issue the notice (141.31 (d)). It is a good idea to issue a "problem corrected" notice
when the violation is resolved. See Template 1-6.
It recommended that you notify health professionals in the area of the violation. People may call their doctors with
questions about how the violation may affect their health, and the doctors should have the information they need to
respond appropriately. In addition, health professionals, including dentists, use tap water during their procedures and
need to know of potential microbiological contamination so they can use bottled water.
Public Notification Handbook
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Turbidity Single Exceedance Elevated to Tier 1-Template 1-4
DRINKING WATER WARNING
[system] has high turbidity levels
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are effectively
filtering the water supply. A water sample taken [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.
What should I do?
• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for
one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be
used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further
notice.
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.
What happened? What is being done?
[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 when you no longer need to boil
your water.
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
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:
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Instructions for Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice-Template 1-5
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the chlorine dioxide MRDL when one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system 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 is a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within
24 hours after you leam of the violation (141.202(b)). (Exceeding the chlorine dioxide MRDL at the entry point to the
distribution system only is a Tier 2 violation; modify this template or Template 2-3 to create a Tier 2 notice.) 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)):
• Radio
• Television
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may need to use additional methods (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or apartment
buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served. If you post or
hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if you have it.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a newspaper notice. However, you may wish to modify it
before using it for a radio or TV notice. If you do, you must still include all required elements and 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 or be high in chlorine dioxide if the bottler uses municipal water. Make sure the bottled
water meets the standard by contacting the bottler and asking for the most recent test results.
Population at Risk
The language on the reverse lists "young children" as one of the groups at increased risk. Because the potential health
effects of chlorine dioxide are based on tests on laboratory animals, there is no way to determine at exactly what age
the water is safe to drink. If your consumers have questions, encourage them to err on the side of caution.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with chlorine dioxide violations. 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
notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31(d)). You should also issue a follow-up notice in
addition to meeting any repeat notice requirements your primacy agency sets.
It is a good idea to issue a "problem corrected' notice when the violation is resolved. See Template 1-6.
It recommended that you notify health professionals in the area of the violation. People may call their doctors with
questions about how the violation may affect their health, and the doctors should have the information they need to
respond appropriately.
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Chlorine Dioxide MRDL (Tier 1) Notice-Template 1-5
DRINKING WATER WARNING
PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN
SHOULD NOT DRINK THE WATER
Sampling results received [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.
What should I do?
• DO NOT USE THIS WATER IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR GIVE IT TO YOUNG CHILDREN.
Bottled water should be used until further notice. 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.
What happened? What is being done?
Chlorine dioxide is used in small amounts every day to kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in
your drinking water. A problem occurred with our chlorine dioxide generator, and too much chlorine
dioxide was released. [Describe corrective action and when you expect to return to compliance.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:_
Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Instructions for Tier 1 "Problem Corrected" Notice-Template 1-6
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. Below are some recommended methods for a "problem
corrected" notice. You should use the same delivery methods you used for the original notice.
• Radio
• Television
• Newspaper
• Hand or direct delivery
• Posting in conspicuous locations
You may wish to use additional methods (e.g., delivery of multiple copies to hospitals, clinics, or apartment
buildings) if necessary to reach all persons served. If you post or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if
available.
The notice on the reverse is very general and can be used for any violation or situation. However, 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.
Public Notification Handbook
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June 2000
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Tier 1 "Problem Corrected" Notice-Template 1-6
DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED
Customers of [system] were notified on [date] of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to
[describe recommended action]. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and
that it is no longer necessary to [describe recommended action]. We apologize for any inconvenience
and thank you for your patience.
[Add further details here when appropriate.]
As always, you may contact [contact name] at [phone number] or [mailing address] with any comments
or questions.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:
Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook
44
June 2000
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6.
Tier 2 Notice Requirements
and Suggestions
T
ier 2 notices must meet the content, format, and multilingual
requirements described in detail in Chapter 3 and are required for the
following violations (141.203(a)):
Maximum contaminant level (MCL), maximum residual disinfectant
level (MRDL), and treatment technique requirement violations,
except where Tier 1 notification is required by regulation or by the
primacy agency;
Monitoring or testing procedure violations (if required by the
primacy agency); and
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a variance or
exemption.
Tier 2 violations are considered less urgent than Tier 1 violations or situations
because there is little immediate risk to consumers, or because the system
may have already returned to compliance by the time the notice is issued.
Primacy agencies may have more stringent requirements.
What is the
deadline for
%• W0 WVff f ^ f \Ji
issuing a Tier 2
notice?
Tier 2 notices
must be issued
as soon as
practical but
within 30 days
after a violation
is discovered
(141.203(b)).
For any
unresolved
violation,
following an
initial TiPf 2
II HUGH 1 Iwl ^
notice, you must
repeat the
notice every
three months
for as long as
n
I
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
the violation
9ra
Mi - Required Elements of a
» Public Notice (141.205(3))
A description of the violation;
When the violation occurred;
Potential adverse health effects, using language in
Appendix B or language for monitoring violations;
Population(s) at risk;
Whether alternative water supplies should be used;
Actions consumers should take, including when they
should seek medical help, if known;
What you are doing to correct the violation;
When you expect to return to compliance;
Name, business address, and phone number for
additional information; and
Standard language encouraging distribution to all
persons served, where applicable.
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June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
When might a Tier
2 violation be
elevated to Tier 1?
persists. You are not in compliance again until your primacy agency
determines you are. Posted notices must remain posted for as long as the
violation persists. If the violation is already resolved when you post the notice,
you must post the notice for at least one week (141.203(5)). You must also
notify new billing customers or units of any ongoing violations for which you
have previously provided notice prior to or at the time their service begins
(141.206).
Remember to send a copy of the notice and a certification statement to
your primacy agency within ten days after providing the initial and any repeat
notice to the public (141.31(d)).
Every violation is unique, and primacy agencies will consider several factors in
deciding whether a violation should be elevated. For example, cases where a
turbidity exceedance is significantly higher than the limit or exceeds the limit
over the course of multiple
measurements are more
likely to be elevated to
Tierl.
24-Hour Consultation for Turbidity
Systems with certain violations {involving
exceedance of turbidity limits must consult
with their primacy agencies as soon as practical
but no later than 24 hours after learning of the
violation (141.203(b)). This requirement applies
to: (1) treatment technique violations resulting
from single exceedances of turbidity limits (5
NTU) under the Surface Water Treatment Rule
(SWTR),,(2) treatment technique violations
resulting from single exceedances of turbidity
limits (1 NTU) under the Interim Enhanced
SWTR, and (3);turbidity MCL violations
determined by the average of turbidity
measurements ,over two consecutive days (5
NTU). It dqes'nof apply,to violations-of monthly
turbidity requirements. As a result of this
consultation-primacy agencies may decide to
elevate such violations to Tier 1. If consultation
does not occur, the violation automatically is
elevated to Tier 1. You have,24^hours from the
time the violation is elevated to issue the notice.
Primacy agencies may also
review the amount of
disinfection that occurs
after filtration and the
current and historical
quality of your source
water. The determination
may also depend on the
type of filtration in place (if
any) and your system's
turbidity limits.
The primacy agency may
also elevate Tier 2
violations to Tier 1 based
on the results of
consultations required
under other rules, such as
the Total Coliform Rule and Surface Water Treatment Rule. (These rules
require you to report coliform MCLs and treatment technique violations to your
primacy agency as soon as possible but no later than the end of the next
business day. These reporting requirements are separate from those in the
public notification rule and are intended to allow primacy agencies to oversee
corrective actions, but states may also use these opportunities to elevate Tier 2
violations to Tier 1.) For coliform violations, if the percentage of samples
testing positive for coliform is significantly higher than the MCL, if coliform is
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46
June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Which methods of
delivery must I
use?
present in multiple areas of the distribution system, or if conforms are linked to
a break in distribution system integrity, primacy agencies will be more likely to
require Tier 1 notice.
Remember, as the system operator, you are a guardian of the quality of your
water supply and of public health. If you believe that a violation or situation
warrants 24-hour notice, you can issue a notice at any time, i.e., elevate the
violation to Tier 1 yourself. You do not have to wait for the primacy agency to
make a determination. Depending on the severity of the violation or situation,
you may also choose to issue a Tier 2 notice in much less than 30 days.
Unless directed otherwise by the primacy agency, if you operate a community
water system, you must provide notice by (141.203(c)):
1. Mail or other direct delivery to each customer receiving a bill and other
service connections to which water is delivered, and
2. Any other method reasonably calculated to reach others regularly served, if
they would not normally be reached by the method above. Such people
include those who do not pay water bills or do not have service connection
addresses, (e.g., tenants, college students, nursing home patients, prison
inmates). Methods may include publication in a local newspaper, posting in
public places, delivery of multiple copies to landlords or office building
managers, or delivery to community organizations.
Unless directed otherwise by the primacy agency, if you operate a non-
community water system, you must provide notice by the following methods
(141.203(c); see Chapter 8 for more information):
1. Posting the notice in conspicuous locations throughout the system or by
direct delivery or mail to each customer and known service connection,
and
2. Any other method reasonably calculated to reach others served, if they
would not normally be reached by the method above. Such people may
include those who may not see a posted notice because it is not in a
location they routinely pass by. Methods may include publication in a local
newspaper or newsletter distributed to consumers, use of e-mail to notify
employees or students, or delivery of multiple copies in central locations
(e.g., community centers).
For both system types, there may be a few cases where you would be able to
reach all persons served with the first method you choose. In such cases, you
may not need to use additional methods. At a gas station, for instance, posting
would be sufficient to reach all persons served. Consult your primacy agency if
there are other delivery methods you believe would be more effective in your
situation; they may allow alternate methods of delivery.
Public Notification Handbook
47
June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Suggestions for
Effective Public
Notification
Delivery
If you mail the notice, send it to all service connections, if possible, and not
just billing customers, since there may be many people in addition to your
billing customers who drink your water. Billing customers can be reached
via inserts in their water bills, if the bills are distributed and received within
30 days of the violation. Be sure to tell owners or managers of businesses,
home-owners' associations, apartment buildings, or resort rental properties
to pass the information along to their employees or tenants. You may wish
to send multiple copies of the notice to building managers. See the
discussion of standard language to encourage distribution to all persons
served on page 11.
If you post a notice, be sure it 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.
Notices in newspapers may be in the form of an article or a paid
advertisement. However, articles are more effective than paid notices
because they are more likely to be noticed and read. Work with the local
newspaper to write an article on the violation and what the system is doing
to correct it. Be sure that anyone at the paper who writes or edits an article
knows what items must be included to meet the requirements for public
notification. If your system is located in the suburban area of a large city,
you should request that your notice be placed in the weekly community
news section. Also, focus
on getting articles
published in smaller
community
newspapers,
homeowners'
association
newsletters, or similar
publications.
Paid advertisements
offer an advantage
because you are
guaranteed the notice
will appear exactly as
you write it. Try to
purchase ad space in the
front section of the
paper. Legal notices tend
to get lost in the back of
the paper where few
people read them. If your
notice must appear with
Tips for Very Small
Community
Systems
Compare the costs of mailing and labor
for hand delivery before choosing a
method.
Hand delivery may not be necessary to
meet your deadline, but it may be
cheaper or less time-consuming than
putting together a mailing.
Alternatively, if your notice deadline
coincides with your billing schedule, you
may be able to include your notice in
the bill at no extra cost.
*
Supplement with posting in common
areas and gathering places, such as
banks, .grocery stores, and restaurants.
Ask your local newspaper to write a
story on the violation (let the reporter
know which elements must be
included). Or, purchase an ad to publish
the notice.
Public Notification Handbook
48
June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Suggestions for
Layout of the
Notice
other paid notices, a descriptive title becomes very important. The header
"notice" may be overlooked, but the mention of the community's drinking
water supply gets people's attention.
Tier 2 notices should answer the most common questions people will have
about the violation: What does this mean to me? What should I do? What is the
water system doing? The tone of a Tier 2 notice is less urgent than that of a
Tier 1 notice. A question and answer format that anticipates consumers'
concerns is recommended for each section. Templates 2-1 through 2-8 at the
end of this chapter offer sample language and instructions for preparing Tier 2
public notices.
1. Title - The notice should have a descriptive title but should not be overly
alarming. The title "Drinking Water Notice" or "Important Information about
Your Drinking Water" would be more appropriate than "Drinking Water
Alert." Follow with a subtitle describing the situation, such as: "Tests Show
Levels of [Contaminant] Above Drinking Water Standards."
2. Describe What Happened - The notice should briefly describe what
happened and give some background as to how the violation was
discovered. For example, suppose you routinely te,st the water and that the
most recent samples showed a violation. Provide a context for the
exceedance by giving the applicable drinking water standard and whether
the exceedance is a monthly, quarterly, or other type of average. If the
problem has already been corrected, be sure to communicate this clearly.
If this is a repeat notice, explain why the violation continues (e.g., you are
in the process of installing new treatment). If the violation is intermittent,
explain that the water is'in and out of compliance with standards, or (if
appropriate) that the contamination levels are only slightly above allowable
standards.
The message should also vary depending on the contaminant. For
instance, several inorganic and radioactive chemicals, such as arsenic and
radium, are naturally occurring. This fact can help in explaining the options
for treatment. For example, it may be difficult to drill a new well if high
contaminant levels occur throughout an aquifer. Disinfection byproducts,
on the other hand, form when naturally occurring organic matter combines
with disinfectants added to kill microorganisms. You should explain that the
risk of disease from drinking water that is not disinfected is more immediate
than that of getting cancer from drinking water containing disinfection
byproducts. For turbidity exceedances, discuss the possible causes of high
turbidity. A frequent cause is heavy rain, which washes large amounts of
soil into rivers and lakes. The rain may also wash animal wastes into the
water supply.
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June 2000
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6. Tier 2 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
3. Explain What Consumers Should Do - Next, the notice should tell
customers what they need to do, even if no action is necessary. This will
usually be: "You do/do not need to seek other sources of drinking water."
Since people's first reaction may be to boil their water, explain the effect of
boiling (i.e., whether boiling is necessary, has no effect, or is harmful). Tell
consumers that if they have specific health concerns, especially for the
young, old, or people with compromised immune systems (undergoing
chemotherapy, HIV-positive, or other immune system problems), they may
wish to consult their doctors.
4. Explain How the Violation Affects Consumers - Be clear that the situation
is not an emergency and that consumers would have been notified
immediately if it had been. Consumers may wonder why they are getting a
notice, especially if the problem is resolved or not serious; it may help to
explain that you are informing them because they have the right to know
about problems with their water even if there is no immediate (or any)
health threat. In the case of filtration treatment technique violations, explain
that treatment is important to preventing disease outbreaks but that there is
no evidence of disease or bacteria in the water. For turbidity exceedances,
explain how high turbidity levels may be related to the presence of
organisms in drinking water.
5. Describe What You Are Doing to Correct the Problem - Inform consumers
of the steps you are taking to correct the problem, such as the installation
of new treatment, increased frequency or type of monitoring, or your
collaboration with the appropriate state agency. Tell them when you expect
the drinking water to again meet the standard. Although you probably will
be unable to give an exact date, you can give your customers a general
idea of how long it will take (e.g., a few days for a coliform MCL, several
months for a chemical MCL). Provide the name, address, and telephone
number of someone who can answer any questions consumers may have.
6. Optional Elements — If you know the source of the contamination, include
it in the notice. This helps reassure consumers that you have investigated
the problem and are taking steps to address it. It also reinforces the fact
that drinking water is a vulnerable resource that must be protected. If you
do not know the actual source, you should at least provide common or
possible sources such as those listed in the guidance for the Consumer
Confidence Report.
7. Public Water System ID Number/Date of Distribution— You should include
your PWS ID number at the bottom of the notice. This will help your
primacy agency track compliance and prevent tracking errors between
systems with similar names. Include the date you distributed the notice.
Public Notification Handbook 50 June 2000
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TIER 2 TEMPLATES
The pages that follow contain templates for Tier 2 violations, as listed below. Along with
each template are instructions, including the required method of delivery and instructions for
completing individual sections of the notice. These instructions are designed to supplement
Chapter 6, so you may see much of the information repeated here.
Mandatory language on health effects, which must be included exactly as written, is
presented in italics (141.205(d)).
You must also include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable
(141.205(d)). Use of this language does not relieve you of your obligation to take steps
reasonably calculated to notify all persons served:
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
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-1
Resolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-2
Chemical or Radiological MCLs Notice-Template 2-3
Fluoride MCL-Template 2-4
SWTR Failure to Filter Notice-Template 2-5
SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice-Template 2-6
SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notices—Template 2-7
LCR Failure to Install Corrosion Control-Template 2-8
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52
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Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-1
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the total coliform bacteria .maximum contaminant level 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)). Persistent
total coliform problems can be serious. Some states have more stringent requirements for coliform violations. Check
with your primacy agency to make sure you meet all requirements. You must issue a repeat notice every three months
for as long as the violation persists.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to reach
others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)}. Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail,
or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. A template appropriate for posting can be found in
Chapter 8. If you modify the notice, you must still include all the required elements and leave the health effects
language in italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Description of the Violation
The description of the violation and the MCL vary depending on the number of samples you take. The following table
should help you complete the second paragraph of the template.
If You Take Less Than 40 Samples a Month
State the number of samples testing positive for coliform.
The standard is that no more than one sample per month
may be positive.
If You Take More Than 40 Samples a Month
State the percentage of samples testing positive for
coliform. The standard is that no more than five percent
of samples may test positive each month.
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. 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.
• We are investigating the source of contamination.
• We are repairing the wellhead seal.
• We are repairing the storage tank.
• We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria.
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notice requirements
to your primacy agency 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. See Template 1-6 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
Public Notification Handbook
53
June 2000
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Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tests Show Coliform Bacteria in [System] Water
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as
our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing
to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. We took [number] samples for
coliform bacteria during [month]. [Number/percentage] of those samples showed the presence of
coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than [1 sample per month/5 percent of our samples]
may do so.
What should I do?
• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been you would have been notified immediately. Total coliform
bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Conforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the
environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present.
Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.
Usually, conforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system
(pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other
bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We did not find any of
these bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we had, we would have notified you immediately.
However, we are still finding conforms in the drinking water.
What happened? What is being done?
[Describe corrective action.]
We are still detecting coliform bacteria. We will inform you when our sampling shows that no bacteria
are present. We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing-copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 54 June 2000
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Instructions for Resolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-2
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the total coliform bacteria maximum contaminant level 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)).
Some states have more stringent requirements for coliform violations. Check with your primacy agency to make
sure you meet all its requirements.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to
reach others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include
newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on
letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may y/ish to modify it before using
it for posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and leave the health effects language in
italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Description of the Violation
Make sure that the notice is clear about the fact that the coliform problem has been resolved, and there is no
current cause for concern. The description of the violation and the MCL vary depending on the number of samples
you take. The following table should help you complete the second paragraph of the template.
If You Take Less Than 40 Samples a Month
State the number of samples testing positive for coliform.
The standard is that no more than one sample per month
may be positive.
If You Take More Than 40 Samples a Month
State the percentage of samples testing positive for
coliform. The standard is that no more than five percent
of samples may test positive each month.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you have taken. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with total coliform violations. Use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your
own:
• We have increased sampling for coliform bacteria to catch the problem early if it recurs.
• The well and/or distribution system has been disinfected and additional samples do not show presence of
coliform bacteria.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice along with a certification that you have met all the public notice
requirements to your primacy agency within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
Public Notification Handbook
55
June 2000
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Resolved Total Coliform Notice-Template 2-2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tests Showed Coliform Bacteria in [System] Water
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an
emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this
situation.
We routinely monitor for drinking water contaminants. We took [number] samples to test for the
presence of coliform bacteria during [month]. [Number/percentage] of our samples showed the
presence of total coliform bacteria. The standard is that no more than [1 sample per month/5 percent of
samples] may do so.
What should I do?
• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Coliform bacteria
are generally not harmful themselves. 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, conforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system's treatment or distribution
system (pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if
other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We did not find any of
these bacteria in our subsequent testing, and further testing shows that this problem has been
resolved.
What happened? What was done?
[Describe corrective action.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 56 June 2000
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Instructions for Chemical or Radiological MCLs Notice-Template 2-3
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding chemical or radiological maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) is a Tier 2 violation, you must
provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you leam 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 MCL 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. Use Template
2-4 for fluoride MCL violations.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to
reach others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include
newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on
letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may wish to modify it before using
it for posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and you may not modify the mandatory
health effects language (141.205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Do not use overly technical terminology when describing
treatment methods. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with chemical or radiological
violations. Use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
• We are working with [local/state agency] to evaluate the water supply and researching options to correct the
problem. These options may include treating the water to remove [contaminant] or connecting to [systemj's
water supply.
• We have stopped using the contaminated well. We have increased pumping from other wells, and we are
investigating drilling a new well.
• .We will increase the frequency at which we test the water for [contaminant].
• We have since taken samples at this location and had them tested. They show that we meet the standards.
Repeat Notices
If this is an ongoing violation and/or you fluctuate above and below the MCL, you should give the history behind
the violation, including the source of contamination, if known. List the date of the initial detection, as well as how
levels have changed over time. If levels are changing as a result of treatment, you can indicate this.
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
public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
Public Notification Handbook
57
June 2000
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Chemical or Radiological MCLs Notice-Template 2-3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Has Levels of [Contaminant] Above Drinking Water Standards
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as
our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing
to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on
[date] show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for
[contaminant]. The standard for [contaminant] is [MCL]. The average level of [contaminant] over the
last year was [level], or [Contaminant] was found at [level].
What should I do?
• You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have
specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However,
[Insert relevant health effects language from Appendix B.]
What happened? What is being done?
[Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving the problem within [estimated time frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:
. Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook
58
June 2000
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Instructions for Fluoride MCL Notice-Template 2-4
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the fluoride maximum contaminant level (MCL) 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. If you exceed the secondary
maximum contaminant level of 2 milligrams per liter but not the MCL of 4 milligrams per liter, you must
issue a special notice with different health effects language. See page 11 or Template 3-2 for more
information.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to
reach others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include
newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on
letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may wish to modify it before using
it for posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and you may not modify the mandatory
health effects language (141.205(d)).
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Do not use overly technical terminology when describing
treatment methods. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with fluoride violations. Use
one or more of the following actions, if appropriate, or develop your own:
• We are working with [local/state agency] to evaluate the water supply and researching options to correct the
problem. These options may include treating the water to remove fluoride or connecting to [system]'s water
supply.
• We have stopped using the contaminated well. We have increased pumping from other wells, and we are
investigating drilling a new well.
• . We will increase the frequency at which we test the water for fluoride.
• We have since taken samples at this location and had them tested. They show that we meet the standards.
Repeat Notices
If this is an ongoing violation and/or you fluctuate above and below the MCL, it is a good idea to give the history
behind the violation. You should list the date of the initial detection, as well as how levels have changed over time.
If levels are changing as a result of treatment you should indicate that fact.
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
public notification requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
Public Notification Handbook
59
June 2000
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Fluoride MCL Notice-Template 2-4
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Has Levels of Fluoride Above Drinking Water Standards
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as
our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing
to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on
[date] show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for fluoride.
The average level of fluoride in samples taken during the last year was [level and units]. The standard
for fluoride is that the average of samples taken over the last year may not exceed [MCL].
What should I do?
• Children under the age of nine should use an alternative source of water that is low in
fluoride. In addition, you may want to consult your dentist about whether to avoid dental products
containing fluoride. Adults and children over age nine should consult their dentist or doctor and
show him/her this notice to determine if an alternate source of water low in fluoride should be used.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Fluoride in small
amounts helps prevent tooth decay. However, some people who drink water containing fluoride in
excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the
bones. Fluoride in drinking water at half the MCL or greater may cause mottling of children's teeth,
usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown
staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before
they erupt from the gums. Although it takes many years of exposure to fluoride for bone disease to
develop, mottling can occur after a relatively short period of exposure.
What happened? What is being done?
Fluoride contamination is rarely due to human activity. Fluoride occurs naturally in some areas and is
found in high concentrations in our source water. [Describe corrective action.] We anticipate resolving
the problem within [estimated time frame].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 60 June 2000
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Instructions for SWTR Failure to Filter Notice-Template 2-5
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment technique violations are included in Tier 2, 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.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to
reach others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include
newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on
letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may wish to modify it before using
it for posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and 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. Use one or more of the following actions, if appropriate,
or develop your own:
• Our filtration system 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. We continue to
meet the standards for these measurements.
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 Violation
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met the
public notice requirements within ten days after you issued the notice (141.31 (d)).
U.S. EPA Headquarters Library
Mail code 3201
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20460
Public Notification Handbook 61 June 2000
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SWTR Failure to Filter Notice-Template 2-5
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this situation does not require
that you take immediate action, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you
should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
On [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 should I do?
• You do not need to boil your water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your
doctor. A home filter will not necessarily solve the problem, because not all home filters protect
against parasites. Call NSF International at 1(800) NSF-8010 or the Water Quality Association at
1 (800) 749-0234 for information on appropriate filters.
• 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
This is not a situation requiring that you take immediate action. If it had been you would have been
notified immediately. 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.
What happened? What is being done?
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] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date'distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 62 June 2000
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Instructions for SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice—Template 2-6
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment filtration treatment technique violations are included in Tier 2, 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)).
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 1-5). 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 [number] units."
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)): ?*.
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to reach
others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail,
or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may wish to modify it before using it for
posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and 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. 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.
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all public notice requirements to
your primacy agency within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
Public Notification Handbook
63
June 2000
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SWTR Turbidity Exceedance Notice-Template 2-6
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this was not an emergency, as
our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did to
correct this situation.
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 should I do?
• You do not need to boil your water or take other actions. We do not know of any
contamination, and none of our testing has shown disease-causing organisms in the drinking water.
• 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
TV.
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.
What happened? What was done?
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] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:
. Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook
64
June 2000
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Instructions for SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notices-Template 2-7
Template on Reverse
Since surface water treatment disinfection treatment technique violations are included in Tier 2, you must provide public
notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 30 days after you leam of the violation (141.203(b)). Some
disinfection problems may be serious. Your primacy agency may have more stringent requirements. Check with your
agency to be sure.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to reach
others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail,
or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available. If
you modify the notice, you must leave the mandatory health effects language in italics unchanged (141.205(d)).
Description of the Violation
Choose from the following descriptions of violations, and modify to fit your situation.
Contact Time - In order to ensure proper disinfection, water in the treatment plant must be in contact with chlorine or a
similar disinfectant for a minimum amount of time. On [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 [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. 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.
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notice requirements
to your primacy agency within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
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SWTR Disinfection Treatment Notices-Template 2-7
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Does/Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this situation does not require
that you take immediate action, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you
should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
[Describe the violation - use descriptions from instructions on reverse.]
What should I do?
• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 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. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
What does this mean?
This situation does not require that you take immediate action. 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, but also by other
factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical
advice.
What happened? What is being done?
[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] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: '_. Date distributed:
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Instructions for LCR Failure to Install Corrosion Control-Template 2-8
Template on Reverse
Since lead and copper treatment technique violations are included in Tier 2, 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.
Community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to reach
others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.203(c)). Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail,
or delivery to community organizations. If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or mail. However, you may wish to modify it before using it for
posting. If you do, you must still include all the required elements and leave the health effects language in italics
unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)).
Explaining the Violation
If the delay in installation is related to outside circumstances, such as funding, you should explain these. Consumers
may be more supportive of rate increases or may pressure local authorities to provide funds if they understand the
circumstances.
This template is written for systems which are required to install corrosion control after exceeding lead action levels.
The Lead and Copper Rule requires some large systems to install corrosion control even if they have never exceeded
the lead action level. You may need to modify the template if this applies to you. The following may help you explain the
violation:
• This is a treatment violation, but it does not mean there is lead in your drinking water. However, it is important that
we take measures to control lead levels in the water, because ingesting lead can cause serious health
consequences.
Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking. Use the following language, if appropriate, or develop your
own:
• We conducted a lead public education program in [month, year]. You should have received a brochure explaining in
more detail steps you can take to reduce exposure until corrosion control is in place.
If consumers ask for information on testing their water, you should have on hand the names of laboratories consumers
can call. Tell consumers to call NSF International at 1 (800) NSF-8010 or the Water Quality Association at 1 (800) 749-
0234 for information on appropriate filters. For more information on lead, have consumers call the EPA Safe Drinking
Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791 or the National Lead Information Center Hotline 1(800) LEAD-FYI.
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public
notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
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LCR Failure to Install Corrosion Control—Template 2-8
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[System] Water Contains High Levels of Lead
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Even though this is not an emergency,
as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are
doing to correct this situation.
We routinely sample water at consumers' taps for lead. The tests show lead levels in the water above
the limit, or "action level," so we are required to install corrosion control treatment. This treatment helps
prevent lead in the pipes from dissolving into the water. Corrosion control should have been installed
by [date], but installation is incomplete.
What should I do?
Listed below are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead:
• Call us at the number below to find out how to get your water tested for lead.
• Find out whether your pipes contain lead or lead solder.
• Run your water for 15-30 seconds or until it becomes cold before using it for drinking or cooking.
This flushes any standing lead from the pipes.
• Don't cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
• Do not boil your water to remove lead. Excessive boiling water makes the lead more
concentrated - the lead remains when the water evaporates.
What does this mean?
Typically, lead enters water supplies by leaching from lead or brass pipes and plumbing components.
New lead pipes and plumbing components containing lead are no longer allowed for this reason;
however, many older homes may contain lead pipes. Your water is more likely to contain high lead
levels if water pipes in or leading to your home are made of lead or contain lead solder.
Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience
delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and
learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high
blood pressure.
i
What happened? What is being done?
[Describe corrective action.]
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Corrosion control
will be in place by [date].
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
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7.
Tier 3 Notice Requirements
and Suggestions
T
What is the
deadline for
issuing a Tier 3
notice?
ier 3 notices must meet the content (including mandatory language),
format, and multilingual requirements described in Chapter 3, and are
required for the following violations (141.204(a)):
Monitoring violations (except for the following: failure to monitor for
fecal coliform or E. co//when repeat samples are positive for coliform,
failure to take a confirmation sample for nitrate or nitrite within 24
hours, and failure to take required samples for chlorine dioxide in the
distribution system, which require Tier 1 notice; and any monitoring
violations elevated to Tier 1 or 2 by the primacy agency);
Testing procedure violations, except where elevated to Tier 2 by the
primacy agency;
Operation under a variance or exemption; •,-,
Special notice for availability of unregulated contaminant
monitoring data; and
Special notice for fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level
(SMCL) exceedances.
Remember that notices for variances or exemptions, fluoride SMCL
exceedances, and availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data have
different content requirements than notices for violations. (See Chapter 3.)
You must issue a public notice for a Tier 3 violation or situation within 12
months of learning of the violation or situation (141.204(b)). Keep in mind that
your primacy agency may require earlier notice for some monitoring violations,
especially if it believes such violations could affect public health.
Remember to send a copy of the notice and a certification statement to
your primacy agency within ten days after providing an initial or repeat notice to
the public (141.31 (d)).
Following the initial notice, you must repeat the notice annually for as long as
the violation or situation persists (141.204(b)). You are not in compliance again
until your primacy agency determines so. You must also notify new billing
customers or units, prior to or at the time their service begins, of any ongoing
violations or situations for which you have previously provided notice
(141,206).
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7. Tier 3 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Which methods of
delivery must I
use?
Unless directed otherwise by the primacy agency, if you operate a community
water system, you must provide notice by (141.204(c)):
1.
2.
Mail or other direct delivery to each customer receiving a bill and other
service connections to which water is delivered, and
Any other method reasonably calculated to reach others regularly served, if
they would not normally be reached by the method above. Such people
include those who do not pay water bills or do not have service connection
addresses, (e.g., tenants, college
students, nursing home patients, prison
inmates). Methods may include
publication in a local newspaper, posting
in public places, delivery of multiple
copies to landlords or office building
managers, or delivery to community
organizations.
Required Elements of a
Public Notice (141.205(a))
1: ^description of the violation;
2. When the violation occurred;
3. Potential adverse health effects; using mandatory
language for monitoring violations on p. 11;
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. Wha%ou'are doing to correct the violation;
8. When you (expect to return to compliance;
9. Name, business address, and phone number for
additioriaNnformation; and;: :;
101 Standard language encouraging distribution to all
1 persons served, where applicable.;
Unless directed otherwise by the
primacy agency, if you operate a non-
community water system, you must
provide notice by the following methods
(141.204(c); see Chapter 8 for more
information):
1.
2.
Posting the notice in conspicuous
locations throughout the system or
by direct delivery or mail to each
customer and known service
connection, and
Any other method reasonably calculated to reach others served, if they
would not normally be reached by the method above. Such people may
include those who may not see a posted notice because it is not in a
location they routinely pass by. Methods may include publication in a local
newspaper or newsletter distributed to consumers, use of e-mail to notify
employees or students, or delivery of multiple copies in central locations
(e.g., community centers).
If you post a notice, it must remain posted for as long as the violation or
situation persists. If the violation or situation is already resolved by the time you
write the notice, you must post the notice for at least one week (141.204(b)).
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.
For both system types, there may be a few cases where you were able to
reach all persons served with the first method you choose. In such cases, you
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7. Tier 3 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Suggestions for
Effective Public
Notification
Delivery
May I combine
notices for multiple
Tier 3 violations or
situations?
may not need to use additional methods. In a community water system, such
as a small town, a second method would be necessary to reach non-resident
employees or restaurant customers. At a gas station, on the other hand,
posting would be sufficient to reach all persons served.
• If you mail the notice, send it to all service connections, if possible, and not
just billing customers, since there are many people in addition to your
billing customers who drink your water. Billing customers can be reached
via inserts in their water bills.
• Community water systems whose consumers do not have service
connections, such as nursing homes or prisons, should be sure to notify all
those drinking the water.
• Notices in newspapers may be in the form of an article or a paid
advertisement. Also, try to get articles published in smaller community
newspapers, homeowners' association newsletters, or similar
publications. Paid advertisements offer an advantage because you are
guaranteed the notice will appear exactly as you write it. Try to purchase
ad space in the front section of the paper. Legal notices tend to get lost in
the back of the paper where few people read them..
If you have multiple monitoring or testing procedure violations or other
situations within a 12-month period, you should strongly consider combining
notification for them into a single annual Tier 3 notice (141.204(d)). An annual
notice can help you save preparation, delivery, and printing costs. You can
issue such a notice at any time, as long as the earliest violation included
occurred less than 12 months before the notice is provided to consumers. For
example, if your water system violates the monitoring
requirement for VOCs on March 31 and also violates
the monitoring requirements for the Total Coliform
Rule in January, August, and December, you may
issue a single notice on January 1 of the subsequent
year listing all the violations since the previous
January 1.
Tips for Very Small
Community
Systems
Consider combining notices for Tier 3
violations and situations into one annual
notice.
Compare mailing and labor costs before
selecting a delivery method. Hand
delivery may be cheaper and faster than
preparing a mailing. However, you may
be able to include your notice with the bill
at no extra cost.
Supplement your chosen delivery method
by posting in banks, grocery stores, town
halls, and restaurants, or by publishing in
a newspaper.
If you are a community water system, you may also
wish to consider using the Consumer Confidence
Report (CCR) for Tier 3 notices. Unlike a separate
annual notice, however, using the CCR to meet the
public notification obligation requires that you tailor the
release of your CCR to meet the unique PN
requirements. Using the CCR may reduce some
production costs and may reduce redundancy since
the violations and situations requiring public notice
must also eventually be included in the CCR.
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7. Tier 3 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
Suggestions for
the Layout of the
Notice
Including your Tier 3 public notice as part of the CCR could also provide the
context that more accurately describes what has happened. Before you
decide, however, remember that the timing and delivery requirements for
CCRs differ from those for PNs. If you use the CCR for public notification,
be very careful to adhere to the PN requirement that public notice for Tier 3
violations be completed no later than 12 months from the date the violation
occurred. In addition, if you use the CCR, it must be provided to persons
served that are not necessarily only the billing customers who would receive
the CCR.
An example illustrates the coordination challenge that water systems will face
in using the CCR as the vehicle for the annual Tier 3 notice. CCRs must be
published by July 1 of every year and must include information from the
previous calendar year, according to the CCR regulation. A CCR published in
July 2000 must include violations or situations that occurred between
January 1,1999 and December 31,1999. Under this schedule, public notice
for Tier 3 violations or situations that occurred between January and June 1999
could not be included in the July 2000 CCR since the CCR would reach
consumers more than a year after they occurred. Any violations or situations
that occur more than one year before the CCR is published must be reported in
a separate PN notice. To minimize the timing conflict, you can:
• Publish the CCR early-as soon after the end of the calendar year as
possible, or
• Mail a separate public notice for the violations occurring in January through
June of the current year in the same envelope as your CCR covering the
previous calendar year's violations.
The format of a Tier 3 notice depends on your circumstances and on the
number of violations or situations you are reporting. If you have multiple
monitoring violations, it may be simpler and shorter to list them in a table. The
table could include columns for the required sampling frequency, the number of
samples taken, when the samples should have been taken, and when the
samples were or will be taken. However, not all monitoring violations are the
same. A coliform monitoring violation in which one of 100 samples was missed
is less serious than missing one of two required samples. You may feel it is
more appropriate to describe each violation in a paragraph. Template 3-1 at the
end of this chapter offers sample language and instructions for preparing public
notices for monitoring violations.
In a notice for monitoring violations, it is important to tell consumers the
implications of the violation. They may wonder why they weren't told earlier,
whether there is any health risk, and why the samples were not taken. You
should respond to their concerns. A statement clarifying that no emergency
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7. Tier 3 Notice Requirements and Suggestions
exists, that the notice is for informational purposes, and that subsequent
monitoring showed no problems will help reassure consumers.
A notice for a fluoride SMCL exceedance need only contain the mandatory
language found on page 11 with the blanks filled in appropriately (141.208).
You should also include the language that encourages distribution. Notices
must be provided as soon as practical but no later than 12 months after you
learn of the exceedance. Due to the staining effect of fluoride at levels above
the SMCL on the teeth of children under nine, consider issuing these notices
quickly to prevent damage to their teeth.
A notice of the availability of unregulated contaminant data need only state that
the monitoring results are available and provide a phone number to call to
obtain them (141.207). You may use an annual notice or insert this notice into
your CCR, provided public notification timing and delivery requirements can be
met. You do not need to include the results themselves, unless you are a
community water system using the CCR to provide the notice. CCR regulations
require systems to include data on all detected contaminants.
You should include your PWS ID number at the bottom of any notice. This will
help your primacy agency track compliance and prevenj tracking errors
between systems with similar names. Also include the date on which you
distributed the notice.
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TIER 3 TEMPLATES
The pages that follow contain templates for Tier 3 violations and situations. Along with the
templates are instructions, including the required method of delivery and instructions for
completing individual sections of the notices. These instructions are designed to
supplement Chapter 7, so you may see much of the information repeated here.
Mandatory language on unknown risk for monitoring violations, which must be
included exactly as written, is presented in italics (141.205(d)). All the language in the
fluoride SMCL template (except the language discussed below) is mandatory
(141.208).
You must also include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable
(141.205(d)). Use of this language does not relieve you of your obligation to take steps
reasonably calculated to notify all persons served:
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
Monitoring Violations Annual Notice-Template 3-1
Fluoride SMCL Notice-Template 3-2
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Instructions for Monitoring Violations Annual Notice-Template 3-1
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.
Community systems must use one of the following (141.204(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Non-community systems must use one of the following (141.204(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail
In addition, both community and non-community systems must use another method reasonably calculated to
reach others if they would not be reached by the first method (141.204(c)). Such methods could include
newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations. If you post the notice, it must remain posted until the
violation is resolved. If the violation has been resolved, you must post the notice for at least one week
(141.204(b)). If you mail, post, or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for insertion in an annual notice or the CCR, as long as public notification
timing and delivery requirements are met (141.204(d)). You may need to modify the template for a notice for
individual monitoring violations. This example presents violations in a table; however, you may write out an
explanation for each violation if you wish. For any monitoring violation for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or
other groups, you may list the group name in the table, but you must provide the name of every chemical in the
group on the notice, e.g., in a footnote.
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
(141.205(d)(2)). If you modify the notice, you may not alter this mandatory language.
Corrective Actions
In your notice, describe corrective actions you took or are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by
water systems with monitoring violations. Choose the appropriate language, or develop your own:
• We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The samples
showed we are meeting drinking water standards.
• We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The sample for
[contaminant] exceeded the limit. [Describe corrective action; use information from public notice prepared for
violating the limit]
• We plan to take the required samples soon, as described in the last column of the table above.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the
public notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
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Monitoring Violations Annual Notice-Template 3-1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Monitoring Requirements Not Met for [System]
Our water system violated several drinking water standards over the past year. Even though these
were not emergencies, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to
correct these situations.
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 test' or 'did not complete all monitoring or testing1] for
[contaminant(s)] and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do at this time.
The table below lists the contaminant(s) we did not properly test for during the last year, how often we
are supposed to sample for [this contaminant/these contaminants] 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
VOCs1 (example)
Required
sampling
frequency
1 sample every
three years
Number of
samples
taken
0
When all samples
should have been
taken
1996-1998
When samples
were or will be
taken
February 1999
What happened? What is being done?
[Describe corrective action.]
For more information, please contact [name of contact] at [phone number] or [mailing address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by [system]. State Water System ID#:
. Date distributed:
VOCs, also known as volatile organic compounds, are tested by collecting one sample and testing that
sample for all the VOCs. VOCs are commonly used in industrial and manufacturing processes. VOCs include
benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, cis-
dichloroethylene, trans-dichloroethylene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, ethylbenzene, styrene,
tetrachlorethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, toluene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,1-dichloroethylene,
1,1,2-trichloroethane, vinyl chloride, and xylene.
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Instructions for Fluoride SMCL Notice-Template 3-2
Template on Reverse
For any exceedance of the fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level SMCL, you must provide public notice
to persons served as soon as practical but within 12 months after you leam of the exceedance (141.208), using
the provided mandatory language and filling in the blanks. Your primacy agency may have more stringent
deadlines or other requirements. Because fluoride at levels above the SMCL can permanently discolor children's
teeth, you are urged to issue this notice as soon as practical. Non-community systems that monitor for fluoride
(federal law does not require non-community systems to monitor) are encouraged to notify their consumers if they
exceed the SMCL, especially at water systems serving children. If you exceed the MCL of 4 mg/l, you must
provide notice within 30 days of learning of the violation (141.203(a)). See Template 2-4.
Community systems must use one of the following (141.204(c)):
• Hand or direct delivery
• Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
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)). Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community
organizations. If you post the notice, it must remain posted until the exceedance is resolved. If the exceedance
has been resolved, you must post the notice for at least one week (141.204(b)). If you mail, post, or hand deliver,
print your notice on letterhead, if available.
The notice on the reverse is appropriate for insertion in an annual notice or the CCR, as long as public notification
timing and delivery requirements are met (141.204(d)), as well as for a separate individual notice. The language
on the template is mandatory and may not be modified, although you may add to the notice, as suggested below
(141.208).
Explaining the Situation
Use the following language, if applicable:
• Fluoride contamination is rarely due to human activity. Fluoride occurs naturally in some areas and is found in
high concentrations in the aquifer in our source water.
If the fluoride levels in the water have returned to below the SMCL, be sure to make this clear in your notice.
Corrective Actions
In your notice, you should describe corrective actions you took or are taking, if any. The bullet below describes
one action commonly taken by water systems with fluoride SMCL exceedances. Use this language, or develop
your own:
• We are continuing to monitor fluoride levels. We will inform you if they exceed the limit of 4 mg/l.
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 notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
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Fluoride SMCL Exceedance Notice-Template 3-2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Elevated Fluoride Levels Detected
This is an alert about your drinking water and a cosmetic dental problem that might affect
children under nine years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but children
drinking water containing more than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of fluoride may develop
cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The drinking water provided
by your community water system [name] has a fluoride concentration of [insert value] mg/l.
Dental fluorosis in its moderate or severe forms, may result in a brown staining and or pitting of
the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the
gums. Children under nine should be provided with alternative sources of drinking water or
water that has been treated to remove the fluoride to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting
of their permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young
children of fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the water.
Drinking water containing more than 4 mg/l of fluoride (the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's drinking water standard) can increase your risk of developing bone disease. Your
drinking water does not contain more than 4 mg/l of fluoride, but we're required to notify you
when we discover that the fluoride levels in your drinking water exceed 2 mg/l because of this
cosmetic dental problem.
For more information, please call [name of water system contact] of [name of community water
system] at [phone number]. Some home water treatment units are also available to remove
fluoride from drinking water. To learn more about available home water treatment units, you
may call NSF International at 1-877-8-NSF-HELP.
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:
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8.
Special Needs of
Non-Community Systems
This chapter discusses ways to tailor public notices for non-community
systems (e.g., schools, businesses, gas stations, campgrounds, and
restaurants). Non-community systems have different delivery
requirements than community systems, although in practice, the delivery
methods used by non-community systems and very small community systems
will be similar. This chapter also contains templates designed for posted
notices for total coliform, fecal coliform, nitrate, and
monitoring violations.
Also Read ...
Chapter2: "How to Use the Handbook"
Chapter 3: "Summan/of Requirements"
Chapter 4: "Making Public Notification Work"
See Chapters 5-7 for additional templates
and more detail on the delivery requirements
for Tier 1,2, and 3 notices.
Nontransient non-community systems provide
water to the same people at least six months a year.
Examples of nontransient systems include schools
and office buildings. Nontransient non-community
water systems are subject to the same requirements
as community water systems (except for rules on
fluoride, radionuclides, and arsenic). Operators of
these systems will need to refer to templates in other
chapters of this handbook for chemical or treatment
technique violation notices.
Transient non-community water systems provide water to a population that
changes day-to-day. They include campgrounds, rest areas, and
restaurants with their own wells. Transient systems are required to meet
drinking water
standards for nitrate,
coliform, and chlorine
dioxide, along with the
requirements of the
Surface Water
Treatment Rule.
Operators of these
systems should in
most cases not need
templates other than
those included in this
chapter; however, they
may need to refer to
other chapters for more detail.
Special Notice for Nitrate MCL Exceedances
Non-Community Systems'Only
Non-community water systems that have been granted
permission by the primacy agency to exceed the nitrate
MCL must provide continuous posting of the fact that nitrate
levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects of
exposure (141.209). You must follow the Tier 1 delivery
requirements and include the additional required content
elements summarized in the following pages. Your primacy
agency may only grant permission'to'exceed the MCL ifyou
can demonstrate that the water will not be available to
children under 6-months of age (141.11 (d)).
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8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems
Summary of
Public
Notification
Requirements
Table 3 on the following page summarizes the violations and situations
requiring notice included in each tier, the deadlines for issuing a public notice,
and the approved methods of delivery. Refer to the "Summary of
Requirements" starting on page 5 for a complete description of the violations or
situations and their time frames. For a complete list of violations and situations
and their respective tiers, refer to Appendix A. Your primacy agency may
have stricter requirements. Also, read the other chapters of this
handbook before a violation or other situation occurs to familiarize
yourself with the public notification process and requirements.
Required Elements of a
Public Notice (141.205(d))
1. A description of the violation or situation;
2. When the violation or situation occurred;
3. Potential adverse health effects; using the
health effects language in Appendix B or
language .for monitoring violations;
4. Population(s) at risk;
5. Whether alternative water supplies should be
. : -used; ,;.,-. .;..-;.'vr" - . /';';:'-- ,.- . ,
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.
In addition to the elements shown in the
box, a public notice also must include the
following standard language (141.205(d)):
/ Standard health effects language for
MCL violations, treatment technique
violations, and violations of the
condition of a variance or exemption
(specified in Appendix B); or
S Standard language for monitoring and
testing procedure violations.
See page 11 for more details on standard
language. You may also be required to translate
part of your notice if a large proportion of the
population served does not speak English
(141.205(c)). See page 12 for a more detailed
description. Spanish-language templates for
nitrate and fecal coliform violations are provided
with the Tier 1 templates in Chapter 5.
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8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems
Table 3
Public Notice Requirements for Non-Community Systems (141.202, 203, 204)
Tier
1
2
3
Violations or Situations by Tier*
(see also Appendix A)
Presence of fecal coliform or £. coli or failure to
test for fecal coliform/E. coli after repeat samples
test positive for coliform.
• Nitrate, nitrite, or total nitrate and nitrite MCL
violation or failure to take a confirmation sample.
Exceedance of the nitrate MCL (when permitted
by the primacy agency, see page 81).
Chlorine dioxide MRDL violation when one or
more of the samples taken in the distribution
system 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, t
• Violation of turbidity MCL of 5 NTU, if elevated by
primacy agency, or if consultation does not
occur.
Treatment technique violation involving single
exceedance of turbidity limit, if elevated by
primacy agency, or if consultation does not
occur.
• Waterbome disease outbreak or other
waterbome emergency.
Other violations or situations as determined by
the primacy agency.
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.
Monitoring violations, except those in Tier 1 or 2.
Failure to comply with testing procedures.
Operation under a variance or exemption.
• Availability of monitoring data for unregulated
contaminants.
Deadline—
Within...
24 hours***
30 days ft
1 year ttt
Methods to Use**
(see Chapters 5-7)
Posting, hand delivery, radio,
and/or television
Plus any other method
calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
"v.
Posting, hand delivery, or mail
Plus any other method
calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
Posting, hand delivery, or mail
Plus any other method
calculated to reach others not
reached by the first method
* Transient systems are not subject to MRDLs, MCLs, (except coliform, nitrate/nitrite/total nitrate and nitrite,
and chlorine dioxide) or treatment techniques (except for those in the Surface Water Treatment Rule).
** Your primacy agency may approve other methods.
*** You must also notify the State primacy agency within 24 hours of learning of the violation or situation.
t For systems serving less than 10,000 people this becomes effective January 1, 2004. For systems serving
10,001 people or more, this becomes effective January 1, 2002.
tt For turbidity MCLs of 5 NTU or single exceedances of turbidity limits, you must-initiate consultation with the
primacy agency within 24 hours. If consultation does not occur, the violation becomes Tier 1.
ttt You should consider combining Tier 3 violations and situations into an annual notice.
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8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems
What are the
required methods
of delivery?
Suggestions for the
Layout of the
Notice
How should the
notice be formatted
to get people's
attention?
The violations and situations requiring public notice requirements are placed
into three tiers according to their potential severity. For Tier 1 violations and
situations, 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 to reach other persons served (141.202(c)).
You must use posting, hand delivery, or mail for Tier 2 and 3 notices, plus
another method to reach others if they would not normally be reached by the
first method. Your primacy agency may allow you to use a different method of
delivery for any tier. 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 a
Tier 2 or 3 violation or situation has already been resolved, you must post the
notice for at least seven days (141.203(b); 141.204(b)). If you can reach all
persons served with the first method you choose, you may not need to use
additional methods. At a gas station, for instance, posting would be sufficient
to reach all persons served.
In addition to being concise and readable, notices for non-community 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 be
told to boil it. See Templates NC-1 through NC-4 at the end of this chapter for
examples of postings. See Chapter 3 for a description of the formatting
requirements for public notices.
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. This
should consist of a title
designed to catch their
attention, information on
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.
Formatting
Hints
Limit the notice to one page. Be concise.
Display important elements in bold and/or
large type and/or all upper case letters.
List each of the most important elements on
a separate line and center the text, leaving
a blank line between each element
Other required elements, such as health
effects and your corrective actions, can be
provided in paragraph format, with a title for
each paragraph if space permits.
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8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems
How should I tailor
the notices to my
situation?
Suggestions for
Effective Public
Notice Delivery
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 (e.g., you
are a restaurant), be sure to let customers know that you are using bottled
water for this purpose.
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 not to boil water
used for infants, since boiling makes nitrates more concentrated. For fecal
coliform or E. coli violations, instruct them to use boiled water for brushing
teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.
For transient systems (such as a restaurant or a rest stop) or nontransient
systems (such as schools or office buildings) with fecal coliform or E. coli
violations, where the water is used for drinking only, simply tell consumers not
to drink the water.
For systems serving a large proportion of non-English speaking people, such
as some schools, national or state parks, or rest areas, you should include the
appropriate translated phrases provided in Appendix C.
'?x
Most non-community systems can probably use some combination of posting
and hand delivery. For instance, a transient system such as a campground
should post notices in bathrooms or at pumps and hand out flyers to campers
as they register. A school should post notices at water fountains and send a
notice home with students for their parents. A resort should hand deliver
notices to guests' rooms or cottages as well as post them in common areas. A
system serving a seasonal resort town should even mail notices to service
connections.
How can I make
posting effective?
If you have multiple monitoring violations throughout the year, you may wish to
consolidate notices into one annual notice. You must provide notice within at
least 12 months of the first violation. This may save money by reducing the
amount of time you spend on posting, copying, and delivering. However, you
may find it easier to issue notices as violations or situations occur, rather than
trying to pull up records and compile them at the end of the year. It may also
make more sense to issue individual notices if you are a transient system. An
annual notice at such a system would not have much relevance to someone
who passed through the area served by the system one day out of the year.
Your primacy agency may also have more stringent requirements.
Post notices at all water fountains and sinks, on bulletin boards, outside
administrative offices, and at any other appropriate central locations. Posted
notices must remain posted for as long as the violation or situation persists
(141.206(b)). Violations are not resolved until the primacy agency determines
they are resolved. Postings about resolved violations must remain in place for
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8. Special Needs of Non-Community Systems
What other
methods are
available for non-
community
systems to reach
all consumers?
at least one week (141.203(5); 141.204(b)). This is especially important in
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 may also want to use some of these ideas in addition to one of the
required methods listed above:
• Spoken word — If you are doing hand delivery and time permits, take
the time to explain the situation as you hand deliver the notice. Or have
a meeting to explain the situation to your employees, students, etc.
• The Internet (e-mail and home pages) — This method is most
appropriate for systems where users regularly use computers and e-
mail, such as a business or a college. Posting or some other method
of notification would still be required for visitors who may not have
access to e-mail. Home pages are a good place to furnish updates and
more detailed information after the initial notice,,is provided.
• Sound trucks — Sound trucks might be useful as a supplement to
hand delivery. They are most appropriate for distribution at a time of
day when most people are expected to be home or in a concentrated
area such as a beach or campground.
• Answering machines — Include 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 fix the problem at the same time.
• Newsletters — If you have a corporate or college newsletter, include
your notice in your next issue.
• Community organizations — Distribute multiple copies to 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
employees in an office building, students and professors at a
university, or guests at a hotel or resort.
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TEMPLATES FOR NON-COMMUNITY SYSTEMS
The pages that follow contain templates for use by non-community 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 instructions, including the required method of delivery and
instructions for completing individual sections of the notice. These instructions are
designed to supplement Chapter 8, so you may see much of the information repeated
here.
Templates for other violations can be found in Chapters 5-7 and are listed in the table of
contents of this handbook. Most of those templates are appropriate for hand delivery but
would need to be modified for posting.
Mandatory language on health effects, which must be included exactly as written,
is presented in italics (141.205(d)).
You must include the following italicized language in all notices, where applicable. If you
post the notice, this language would not be appropriate, since the message would be
available to anyone who passes it; in such cases you may omit the language from your
notice. Use of this language does not relieve you of your obligation to take steps
reasonably calculated to notify persons served (141.205(d)):
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this
water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for
example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
Templates
Nitrate Notice-Template NC-1
Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice—Template NC-2
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template NC-3
Monitoring Violation Notice-Template NC-4
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Instructions for Nitrate Notice-Template NC-1
Template on Reverse
Since exceeding the nitrate maximum contaminant level is a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice to
persons served as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you leam of the violation (141.202(b)). During this
time period, you must also contact your primacy agency. This template is also applicable to nitrite and total
nitrate and nitrite violations. It can also be used by non-community systems allowed by their primacy agency to
exceed the limit without incurring a violation but still required to post. 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 (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals or clinics), since
notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served.
The language to encourage distribution of the notice is included on this notice; however, if you post this notice,
omit the mandatory language to encourage distribution, as it is not needed since posting makes the notice
available to everyone who passes by. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in
italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). See Template 1-1 fora more detailed notice.
Alternative Sources of Water
" '~y.
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 the standard for
nitrates by contacting the bottler and asking for the most recent test results.
Repeat Notices
If this is a repeat notice for a non-transient non-community system, 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 are some steps commonly taken by water
systems with nitrate/nitrite violations. Use the following language, if appropriate:
• 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 1-6 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
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Nitrate Notice-Template NC-1
DRINKING WATER WARNING
FOR PARENTS OF INFANTS 6 MONTHS AND YOUNGER
DO NOT USE THE WATER FOR INFANT FORMULA
High nitrate levels were detected on [date]
Bottled water should be used. [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.
State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 90 June 2000
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Instructions for Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice-Template NC-2
Template on Reverse
This template is intended for systems where consumers will not be able to boil water. See the instructions below
on how to modify this template for other situations. Since exceeding the fecal coliform or E. coli maximum
contaminant level 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 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 (e.g., newspaper, delivery of multiple copies to hospitals or clinics), since
notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served.
The language to encourage distribution of the notice is included on this notice; however, if you post this notice,
omit the mandatory language to encourage distribution, as it is not needed since posting makes the notice
available to everyone who passes by. If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in
italics unchanged. This language is mandatory (141.205(d)). See Template 1-2 for a more detailed template
appropriate for hand delivery (but with different instructions to consumers).
Instructions to Consumers
You may need to modify the instruction 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 also should depend on
whether your system has elevated nitrate levels.
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 the standard for
bacteria and other contaminants by contacting the bottler and asking for the most recent test results.
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. 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.
• We are repairing the wellhead seal.
• We are repairing 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 1-6 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
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Fecal Coliform or E. coli Notice-Template NC-2
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.
State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 92 June 2000
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Instructions for Unresolved Total Coliform Notice—Template NC-3
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 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)). 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.
Alternative language for systems required to take more than 40 samples a month is provided below.
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods (141.203(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand 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)). In addition to the methods above, such methods could include newspapers, e-mail, or
delivery to community organizations.
The language to encourage distribution of the notice is included on this notice; however, if you post this notice,
omit the mandatory language to encourage distribution, as it is not needed since posting makes the notice
available to everyone who passes by. 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 samples a month. 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. 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.
• We are repairing the wellhead seal.
• We are repairing the storage tank.
• We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria.
Make sure to send a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notice
requirements to your primacy agency 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 1-6 for a "problem corrected" notice template.
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Unresolved Total Coliform Notice-Template NC-3
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 are generally not harmful themselves.
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.
State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook 94 June 2000
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Instructions for Monitoring Violation Notice-Template NC-4
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 leam 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 systems must use one of the following methods (141.204(c)):
• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand 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)). Such methods could include newsletters, e-mail, or delivery to community
organizations. The language to encourage distribution of the notice is included on this notice; however, if you post
this notice, omit the mandatory language to encourage distribution, as it is not needed since posting makes the
notice available to everyone who passes by.
You must post the notice until the violation is resolved. If the violation has been resolved, you must post the notice
for at least one week (141.204(b)). If you mail, post, or hand deliver, 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
(141.205(d)(2)). If you modify the notice, you may not alter this mandatory language.
Corrective Actions
In your notice describe corrective actions you took or are taking. Listed below are some steps commonly taken by
water systems with monitoring violations. Choose the appropriate language, or develop your own:
• We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The samples
showed we are meeting drinking water standards.
• We have since taken the required samples, as described in the last column of the table above. The sample for
[contaminant] exceeded the limit. [Describe corrective action; use information from public notice prepared for
violating the limit.]
• We plan to take the required samples soon, as described in the last column of the table above.
After Issuing the Notice
Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the
public notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice (141.31 (d)).
Public Notification Handbook
95
June 2000
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Monitoring Violation Notice-Template NC-4
DRINKING WATER NOTICE
Monitoring requirements not met for [system]
We violated a drinking water standard. Even though this was not an emergency, as our
customers, you have a 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 monitor1 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 all
samples should
have been taken
July 1, July 15,
August 1
When samples
were or will be
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.
State Water System ID#: . Date distributed:
Public Notification Handbook
96
June 2000
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Appendices
97
-------
This page intentionally left blank.
98
-------
Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(From Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCL/MRDUTT Violations2
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
Citation I
Monitoring & Testing
, Procedure Violations
TierofjPublicf
'."•' ' Notice :-.l
^Required !
';, Citation
I. Violations of National Primary Drinkina Water Peculations (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)
2
1
2
2, 15
2, 16
2
2
141.63(a)
141.63(b)
141.13(a)
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)
141.70-141.73
141.170-
141. 1737
3
1,34
3
3
3
3
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
141.74
141.172
141.174
B. Inorganic Chemicals (lOCs)
1 . Antimony
2. Arsenic
3. Asbestos (fibers >10 urn)
4. Barium
5. Beryllium
6. Cadmium
7. Chromium (total)
8. Cyanide
9. Fluoride
10. Mercury (inorganic)
11. Nitrate
12. Nitrite
13. Total Nitrate and Nitrite
14. Selenium
15. Thallium
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
141.62(b)
141.11(b)
141.23(n)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
141.62(b)
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1,3"
1,38
3
3
3
141.23(a),(c)
141 .23(a), (I),
(m)
141.23(a)-(b)
141.23(8), (c)
141. 23(a), (c)
141. 23(a), (c)
141. 23(a), (c)
141.23(8), (c)
1 41. 23(a), (c)
141.23(a), (c)
141.23(8), (d)
141.23(f)(2)
141 .23(a), (e)
141.23(f)(2)
141.23(a)
141.23(a), (c)
1 41. 23(8), (C)
Public Notification Handbook
99*
June 2000
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Appendix A
NPOWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(From Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCUMRDUTT Violations2
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
Citation
Monitoring & Testing
Procedure Violations
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
Citation
C. Lead and Copper Rule (Action Level for lead is 0.015 mg/L, for copper is 1.3 mg/L)
1. Lead and Copper Rule (TT) 2 141.80-141.85 3
141.86-141.89
D. Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)
1.2,4-D
2. 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
3. Alachlor
4. Atrazine
5. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs)
6. Carbofuran
7. Chlordane
8. Dalapon
9. Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate
10. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
1 1 . Dibromochloropropane
12. Dinoseb
13. Dioxin (2,3,7, 8-TCDD)
14. Diquat
15. Endothall
16. Endrin
1 7. Ethylene dibromide
18. Glyphosate
19. Heptachlor
20. Heptachlor epoxide
21. Hexachlorobenzene
22. Hexachlorocyclo-
pentadiene
23. Lindane
24. Methoxychlor
25. Oxamyl (Vydate)
26. Pentachlorophenol
27. Picloram
28. Polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs)
29. Simazine
30. Toxaphene
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
141. 61 (c)
141. 61 (c)
141. 61 (c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141. 61 (c)
141.61(c)
141. 61 (c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
141.61(C)
141.61(c)
141.61(c)
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
141.24(h)
E. Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
1. Benzene
2. Carbon tetrachloride
3. Chlorobenzene
(monochlorobenzene)
4. o-Dichlorobenzene
5. p-Dichlorobenzene
6. 1 ,2-Dichloroethane
7. 1,1-Dichloroethylene
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
141.61(a)
141.61(a)
141.61(a)
141.61(a)
141 .61 (a)
141.61(a)
141.61(a)
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
Public Notification Handbook
100
June 2000
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Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(From Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
8. c/s-1 ,2-Dichloroethylene
9. frans-1 ,2-Dichloroethylene
10. Dichloromethane
11.1 ,2-Dichloropropane
12. Ethylbenzene
13. Styrene
14. Tetrachloroethylene
15. Toluene
16. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
17. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
18. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
19. Trichloroethylene
20. Vinyl chloride
21. Xylenes (total)
MCL/MRDL/TT Violations2,
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Citation
141. 61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
141 .61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
141.61(a)
141 .61 (a)
141 .61 (a)
141 .61 (a)
141 .61 (a)
141 .61 (a)
141. 61 (a)
Monitoring & Testing
• Procedure Violations
TieroftPublic
.; JNoticei^J
''ReqlulrecT'"' "t
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
: ^Citation
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
141.24(f)
F. Radioactive Contaminants
1 . Beta/photon emitters
2. Alpha emitters (gross alpha)
3. Combined radium (226 &
228)
2
2
2
141.16
141.15(b)
141.15(a)
3
3
3
141.25(3)
141 .26(b)
141.25(a)
141 .26(a)
141.25(a)
141.26(a)
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). EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBFs in drinking
water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).9
1 . Total trihalomethanes
(TTHMs)
2. Haloacetic Acids (HAAS)
3. Bromate
4. Chlorite
5. Chlorine (MRDL)
6. Chloramine (MRDL)
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
9. Control of DBP precursors-
Tocrm
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
112
2
141. 12,10
141.64(a)
141.64(a)
141.64(a)
141.64(a)
141.65(a)
141 .65(a)
141 .65(a),
141.133(c)(3)
141 .65(3),
141.133(c)(3)
141.135(a)-(b)
3
3
3
3
3
3
211,3
1
3
141.30,
141.132(a)-(b)
141.132(3)-(b)
141.132(a)-(b)
141.132(a)-(b)
141.132(a), (c)
141.132(a),(c)
141.132(3), (c)
141.133(c)(2)
141.132(a), (c)
141.133(c)(2)
141.132(a), (d)
Public Notification Handbook
101
June 2000
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Appendix A
NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice1
(From Appendix A of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
10. Bench marking and
disinfection profiling
1 1 . Development of monitoring
plan
MCUMRDUTT Violations2
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
N/A
N/A
Citation
N/A
N/A
Monitoring & Testing
Procedure Violations
Tier of Public
Notice
Required
3
3
Citation
141.172
141.132(f)
H. Other Treatment Techniques
1 . Acrylamide (TT)
2. Epichlorohydrin (TT)
2
2
141.111
141.111
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
II. Unregulated Contaminant Monitorina:13
A. Unregulated contaminants
B. Nickel
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
3
141.40
141 .23(c), (k)
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, 1416,14
1415, 1416,
142.30715
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
IV. Other Situations Reauirinq Public Notification:
A. Fluoride secondary
maximum contaminant level
(SMCL) exceedance
B. Exceedance of nitrate MCL
for non-community systems, as
allowed by primacy agency
C. Availability of unregulated
contaminant monitoring data
D. Waterborne disease
outbreak
E. Other waterbome
emergency16
F. Other situations as
determined by primacy agency
3
1
3
1
1
1,2, 317
143.3
141.11(d)
141.40
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
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Appendix A Endnotes
1. Violations and other situations not listed in this table (e.g., reporting violations and failure to prepare
Consumer Confidence Reports) do not require notice, unless otherwise determined by the primacy
agency. 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.
Public Notification Handbook
102
June 2000
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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 initiate consultation 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) or the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
(IESWTR) are required to initiate consultation 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 soon 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 supercede the SWTR.
8. 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.
8. 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.
9. Subpart H community and non-transient non-community systems serving * 10,000 must comply with
new DBF MCLs, disinfectant MRDLs, and related monitoring requirements beginning January 1, 2002. All
other community and non-transient non-community systems must meet the MCLs and MRDLs beginning
January 1, 2004. Subpart H transient non-community systems serving 10,000 or more persons and using
chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning
January 1, 2002. 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.
10. §141.12 will no longer apply after January 1, 2004.
11. 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.
12. 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 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.
13. Some water systems must monitor for certain unregulated contaminants listed in §141.40.
14. 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 ..."
15. 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.
Public Notification Handbook 103 June 2000
-------
16. Other waterbome emergencies require a Tier 1 public notice under §141.202(a) for situations that do
not meet the definition of a waterbome 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.
17. Primacy agencies may place other situations in any tier they believe appropriate, based on threat to
public health.
Public Notification Handbook 104 June 2000
-------
Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
jng/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
* : Notification
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR):
A. Microbiological Contaminants
1a. Total coliform
Zero
See
footnote3
Conforms are bacteria that 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.
1b. Fecal coliform/E.
CO//
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, and
people with severely compromised immune systems.
2a. Turbidity (MCL)4
None
1 NTU5/
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
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.
Public Notification Handbook
105
June 2000
-------
Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
B. Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) and Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment
Rule (IESWTR)
3. Giardia lamblia
(SWTR/IESWTR)
4. Viruses
(SWTR/IESWTR)
5. Heterotrophic plate
count (HPC) bacteria9
(SWTR/IESWTR)
6. Legionella
(SWTR/IESWTR)
7. Cryptosporidium
(IESWTR)
Zero
TT10
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 (lOCs)
8. Antimony
9. Arsenic
10. Asbestos (>10 pm)
1 1 . Barium
12. Beryllium
13. Cadmium
14. Chromium (total)
15. Cyanide
0.006
None
7 MFL11
2
0.004
0.005
0.1
0.2
0.006
0.05
7 MFL
2
0.004
0.005
0.1
0.2
Some people who drink water containing antimony
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience increases in blood cholesterol and
decreases in blood sugar.
Some people who drink wate/ containing arsenic in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience skin damage or problems with their
circulatory system, and may have an increased risk
of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing asbestos in
excess of the MCL over many years may have an
increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
Some people who drink water containing barium in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience an increase in their blood pressure.
Some people who drink water containing beryllium
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
develop intestinal lesions.
Some people who drink water containing cadmium in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience kidney damage.
Some people who use water containing chromium
well jn excess of the MCL over many years could
experience allergic dermatitis.
Some people who drink water containing cyanide
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience nerve damage or problems with their
thyroid.
Public Notification Handbook
106
June 2000
-------
Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
'Notification ;'
16. Fluoride
4.0
4.0
Some people who drink water containing fluoride in
excess of the MCL over many years could get bone
disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones.
Fluoride in drinking water at half the MCL or more
may cause mottling of children's teeth, usually in
children less than nine years old. Mottling, also
known as dental fluorosis, may include brown
staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in
developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums.
17. Mercury (inorganic)
0.002
0.002
Some people who drink water containing inorganic
mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years
could experience kidney damage.
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.
21. Selenium
0.05
0.05
Selenium is an essential nutrient. However, some
people who drink water containing selenium in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in
fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.
22. Thallium
0.0005
0.002
Some people who drink water containing thallium in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or
problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver.
D. Lead and Copper Rule
23. Lead
Zero
TT
12
Infants and children who drink water containing lead
in excess of the action level could experience delays
in their physical or mental development. Children
could show slight deficits in attention span and
learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over
many years could develop kidney problems or high
blood pressure.
Public Notification Handbook
107
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
24. Copper
MCLG1
mg/L
1.3
MCL2
mg/L
JJ13
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people
who drink water containing copper in excess of the
action level over a relatively short amount of time
could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some
people who drink water containing copper in excess
of the action level over many years could suffer liver
or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease
should consult their personal doctor.
E. Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)
25. 2,4-D
26. 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
27. Alachlor
28. Atrazine
29. Benzo(a)pyrene
(PAHs)
30. Carbofuran
31. Chlordane
32. Dalapon
33. Di (2-ethylhexyl)
adipate
0.07
0.05
Zero
0.003
Zero
0.04
Zero
0.2
0.4
0.07
0.05
0.002
0.003
0.0002
0.04
0.002
0.2
0.4
Some people who drink water containing the weed
killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their kidneys,
liver, or adrenal glands.
Some people who drink water containing silvex in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience liver problems.
Some people who drink water containing alachlor in
excess of the MCL over many years could have
problems with their eyes, live/, kidneys, or spleen, or
experience anemia, and may have an increased risk
of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing atrazine
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their cardiovascular
system or reproductive difficulties.
Some people who drink water containing
benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many
years may experience reproductive difficulties and
may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing carbofuran
in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their blood, or nervous or
reproductive systems.
Some people who drink water containing chlordane
in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their liver, or nervous
system, and may have an increased risk of getting
cancer.
Some people who drink water containing dalapon
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience minor kidney changes.
Some people who drink water containing di (2-
ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over
many years could experience general toxic effects or
reproductive difficulties.
Public Notification Handbook
108
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
34. Di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate
Zero
0.006
Some people who drink water containing di (2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate in excess of the MCL over
many years may have problems with their liver, or
experience reproductive difficulties, and may have
an increased risk of getting cancer.
35.
Dibromochloropropane
(DBCP)
Zero
0.0002
Some people who drink water containing DBCP in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience reproductive difficulties and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
36. Dinoseb
0.007
0.007
Some people who drink water containing dinoseb
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience reproductive difficulties.
37. Dioxin (2,3,7,8-
TCDD)
Zero
3x
Some people who drink water containing dioxin in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience reproductive difficulties and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
38. Diquat
0.02
0.02
Some people who drink water containing diquat in
excess of the MCL over many years could get
cataracts.
39. Endothall
0.1
0.1
Some people who drink water containing endothall in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their stomach or
intestines.
40. Endrin
0.002
0.002
Some people who drink water containing endrin in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience liver problems.
41. Ethylene dibromide
Zero
0.00005
Some people who drink water containing ethylene
dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years
could experience problems with their liver, stomach,
reproductive system, or kidneys, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
42. Glyphosate
0.7
0.7
Some people who drink water containing glyphosate
in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their kidneys or
reproductive difficulties.
43. Heptachlor
Zero
0.0004
Some people who drink water containing heptachlor
in excess of the MCL over many years could
experience liver damage and may have an increased
risk of getting cancer.
44. Heptachlor epoxide
Zero
0.0002
Some people who drink water containing heptachlor
epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years
could experience liver damage, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
Public Notification Handbook
109
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
45.
Hexachlorobenzene
46. Hexachlorocyclo-
pentadiene
47. Lindane
48. Methoxychlor
49. Oxamyl (Vydate)
50. Pentachlorophenol
51. Picloram
52. Polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs)
53. Simazine
54. Toxaphene
MCLG1
mgtL
Zero
0.05
0.0002
0.04
0.2
Zero
0.5
Zero
0.004
Zero
MCL2
mg/L
0.001
0.05
0.0002
0.04
0.2
0.001
0.5
0.0005
0.004
0.003
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
Some people who drink water containing
hexachlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver or
kidneys, or adverse reproductive effects, and may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing
hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the
MCL over many years could experience problems
with their kidneys or stomach.
Some people who drink water containing lindane in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their kidneys or liver.
Some people who drink water containing
methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years
could experience reproductive difficulties.
Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience slight nervous system effects.
Some people who drink water containing
pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver or
kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting
cancer.
Some people who drink water containing picloram in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their liver.
Some people who drink water containing PCBs in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience changes in their skin, problems with their
thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive
or nervous system difficulties, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing simazine in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience problems with their blood.
Some people who drink water containing toxaphene
in excess of the MCL over many years could have
problems with their kidneys, liver, or thyroid, and
may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
F. Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
55. Benzene
Zero
0.005
Some people who drink water containing benzene in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets,
and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Public Notification Handbook
110
June 2000
-------
Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
56. Carbon
tetrachloride
Zero
0.005
Some people who drink water containing carbon
tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years
could experience problems with their liver and may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
57. Chlorobenzene
(monochlorobenzene)
0.1
0.1
Some people who drink water containing
chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver or
kidneys.
58. o-Dichlorobenzene
0.6
0.6
Some people who drink water containing o-
dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over
many years could experience problems with their
liver, kidneys, or circulatory systems.
59. p-Dichlorobenzene
0.075
0.075
Some people who drink water containing p-
dichlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience anemia, damage to their
liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in their blood.
60. 1,2-Dichloroethane
Zero
0.005
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-
dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many
years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
61. 1,1-
Dichloroethylene
0.007
0.007
Some people who drink water containing 1,1-
dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver.
62. c/s-1,2-
Dichloroethylene
0.07
0.07
Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-
dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver.
63. frans-1,2-
Dichloroethylene
0.1
0.1
Some people who drink water containing trans-1,2-
dichloroethylene well in excess of the MCL over
many years could experience problems with their
liver.
64. Dichloromethane
Zero
0.005
Some people who drink water containing
dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many
years could have liver problems and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
65.1,2-
Dichloropropane
Zero
0.005
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-
dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many
years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
66. Ethylbenzene
0.7
0.7
Some people who drink water containing
ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver or
kidneys.
67. Styrene -
0.1
0.1
Some people who drink water containing styrene
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
have problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory
system.
Public Notification Handbook
111
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141. Subpart Q)
Contaminant
68.
Tetrachloroethylene
69. Toluene
70.1,2,4-
Trichlorobenzene
71. 1,1,1-
Trichloroethane
72. 1,1,2-
Trichloroethane
73. Trichloroethylene
74. Vinyl chloride
75. Xylenes (total)
MCLG1
mg/L
Zero
1
0.07
0.2
0.003
Zero
Zero
10
MCL2
mg/L
0.005
1
0.07
0.2
0.005
0.005
0.002
10
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
Some people who drink water containing
tetrachloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many
years could have problems with their liver, and may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing toluene
well in excess of the MCL over many years could
have problems with their nervous system, kidneys,
or liver.
Some people who drink water containing 1 ,2,4-
trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over
many years could experience changes in their
adrenal glands.
Some people who drink water containing 1,1,1-
trichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver,
nervous system, or circulatory system.
Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2-
trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many
years could have problems with their liver, kidneys,
or immune systems.
Some people who drink water containing
trichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many
years could experience problems with their liver and
may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing vinyl
chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing xylenes in
excess of the MCL over many years could
experience damage to their nervous system.
G. Radioactive Contaminants
76. Beta/photon
emitters
77. Alpha emitters
(Gross alpha)
78. Combined radium
(226 & 228)
Zero
Zero
Zero
4
mrem/yr1
15
pCi/L15
5
pCi/L
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms
of radiation known as photons and beta radiation.
Some people who drink water containing beta and
photon emitters in excess of the MCL over many
years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a
form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some
people who drink water containing alpha emitters in
excess of the MCL over many years may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing radium 226
or 228 in excess of the MCL.over many years may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Public Notification Handbook
112
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
»mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification/^V
H. Disinfection Byproducts (DBFs). 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). EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking
water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).16
79. Total
trihalomethanes
(TTHMs)
N/A
0.10/
0.08017'18
Some people who drink water containing
trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many
years may experience problems with their liver,
kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have
an increased risk of getting cancer.
80. Haloacetic Acids
(HAA)
N/A
0.060
19
Some people who drink water containing haloacetic
acids in excess of the MCL over many years may
have an increased risk of getting cancer.
81. Bromate
Zero
0.010
Some people who drink water containing bromate in
excess of the MCL over many years may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
82. Chlorite
0.08
1.0
Some infants and young children who drink water
containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could
experience nervous systemjeffects. Similar effects
may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink
water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL.
Some people may experience anemia.
83. Chlorine
(MRDLG)
20
4.0
(MRDL)'
21
Some people who use drinking water containing
chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could
experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose.
Some people who drink water containing chlorine
well in excess of the MRDL could experience
stomach discomfort.
84. Chloramines
4
(MRDLG)
4.0
(MRDL)
Some people who use drinking water containing
chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could
experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose.
Some people who drink water containing
chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could
experience stomach discomfort or anemia.
Public Notification Handbook
113
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
Contaminant
MCLG1
mg/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
85a. 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.
85b. 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.
86. Control of DBP
precursors (TOC)
None
TT
Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects.
However, total organic carbon provides a medium
for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These
byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and
haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing
these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to
adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or
nervous system effects, and may lead to an
increased risk of getting cancer,
Public Notification Handbook
114
June 2000
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Appendix B
Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification
(From Appendix B of 40 CFR 141, Subpart Q)
' j, i * %& J"li>.; ;,;:f. 'v- - j
,., • Contaminant ~*
•"•" % * -• : '
-MCLG1
' ?img/L
MCL2
mg/L
Standard Health Effects Language for Public
Notification
1. Other Treatment Techniques
87. Acrylamide
88. Epichlorohydrin
Zero
Zero
TT
TT
Some people who drink water containing high levels
of acrylamide over a long period of time could have
problems with their nervous system or blood, and
may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Some people who drink water containing high levels
of epichlorohydrin over a long period of time could
experience stomach problems, and may have an
increased risk of getting cancer.
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, the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, and the 1998 Interim 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, the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), and the 1998 Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR). 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), and the 1998 Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR). 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.
Public Notification Handbook
115
June 2000
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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 and IESWTR treatment technique violations that involve turbidity exceedances may use the
health effects language for turbidity instead.
11. Millions of fibers per liter
12. Action Level = 0.015 mg/L
13. Action Level =1.3 mg/L
14. Millirems per year
15. Picocuries per liter
16. Surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water are
regulated under Subpart H of 40 CFR 141. Subpart H community and non-transient non-community
systems serving * 10,000 must comply with DBF MCLs and disinfectant maximum residual disinfectant
levels (MRDLs) beginning January 1, 2002. All other community and non-transient noncommunity
systems must meet the MCLs and MRDLs beginning January 1, 2004. Subpart H transient non-
community systems serving 10,000 or more persons and using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or
oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2002. Subpart H transient non-
community systems serving fewer than 10,000 persons and systems 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.
17. The MCL of 0.10 mg/l for TTHMs is in effect until January 1, 2002 for Subpart H community water
systems serving 10,000 or more. This MCL is in effect until January 1, 2004 for community water systems
with a population of 10,000 or more using only ground water not under the direct influence of surface
water. After these deadlines, the MCL will be 0.080 mg/l. On January 1, 2004, all systems serving less
than 10,000 will have to comply with the new MCL as well.
18. The MCL for total trihalomethanes is the sum of the concentrations of the individual trihalomethanes.
19. The MCL for haloacetic acids is the sum of the concentrations of the individual haloacetic acids. .
20. MRDLG - Maximum residual disinfectant level goal
21. MRDL -Maximum residual disinfectant level
Public Notification Handbook 116 June 2000
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Appendix C
Translated Phrases
Language
"This report contains very important
information about your drinking water.
Translate it, or speak with someone who
understands it."
"Boil your water
before using"
"Don't drink the
water"
"For parents of infants under six
months old, don't use the water for
infant formula."
Spanish
Este informe contiene informacidn muy
importante sobre su agua de beber. Traduzcalo
o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Hiervan el agua antes
de usarla.
No tome el agua.
Padres de familia con bebes de seis meses
de edad y menores, no usen el agua para
preparar alimentos para bebes.
French
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes
sur votre eau potable. Traduisez-le ou parlez en
avec quequ'un qui le comprend bien.
Faites premierement
bouillir I'eau avant de
I'utiliser.
Ne buvez pas I'eau.
Pour les parents d'enfants ages de moins de
six mois, n'utilisez pas I'eau
pour reconstituer le lait en poudre pour bebe.
Chinese
Korean
oj
Vietnamese
l"^
Ban tudng trfnh nay hudng dan .^
quan trpng lien quan den nude dung d§ uong cua
cap ban. i^in cac ban ha*y d|ch ban tu^ng trfnh ,
nay ra Jleng Vl$t, hay n6i voi ngi/di nao hi€u bi§t
ban tu3ng trinh nay.
Phajdunso^niBc
trucfc khi uong.
Khong nerj uo/ig
nudclab^tcutJ
ngufin nude nao.
' •* **
Cha me khong duoc dung nude la de
pha sua cho cac tnVem sau thang tu&i
hay nhd hdn.
Public Notification Handbook
117
June 2000
-------
The water glass and faucet pictured below 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.
Pul^Motification Handbook
-------
Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules
Note: this table is intended to be a summary of the two public notification rules. See Chapter 3 for a
more detailed description of the PN rule, or Appendix E for a copy of Subpart Q.
Subject
1987 Rule (§141.32)
2000 PN Rule (Part 141, Subpart Q)
Who must give public
notice?
Owners or operators of PWSs.
No change.
Who must be
notified?
Persons served by the system.
Persons served by the system;
obligations of selling/purchasing
systems are specified.
What type of notice
is required for each
violation or situation?
Three-tier system, although tiers are
not named. Tiers are divided into (1)
violations of MCLs that may pose an
acute risk to human health; (2) MCLs,
treatment technique, and variance or
exemption schedule violations; and
(3) other violations (including
monitoring) and operation under a
variance or exemption.
Tier 1 notice for violations or situations
with significant potential to cause
serious effects due to short-term
exposure;
Tier 2 notice for all other violations or
situations wihpotentalto cause
serious effects; and
Tier 3 notice for all other violations and
situations notjncluded in Tier 1 and
Tier 2.
What are the
reporting
requirements?
Provide a copy of the notice to the
State within 10 days.
Provide a copy of the notice plus a
certification that all requirements have
been met to the primacy agency within
10 days.
New 24-hour consultation
requirement for Tier 1 violations or
situations and for some violations of
turbidity treatment techniques or MCLs.
Which violations or
situations require
Tier 1 notice?
Acute violations including
1) Any violations specified by State
2) Nitrate/nitrite MCLs
3) Fecal coliform/ E. coli
4) Waterborne disease outbreak in
unfiltered systems subject to the
Surface Water Treatment Rule.
MCLs and some monitoring violations
for fecal coliform/E. coli; nitrate,
nitrite, total nitrate and nitrite MCLs;
exceedance of nitrate MCL by NCWS
where allowed by the primacy agency;
chlorine dioxide MRDL when one or
more samples taken in distri-bution
system on day after exceeding MRDL
at entrance of distribution system, or
when required samples are not taken in
the distribution system; exceedance of
turbidity limit where consultation does
not occur within 24 hours or where
primacy agency requires 24-hour
notice; occurrence of a waterborne
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Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules
Note: this table is intended to be a summary of the two public notification rules. See Chapter 3 for a
more detailed description of the PN rule, or Appendix E for a copy of Subpart Q.
Subject
1987 Rule (§141.32)
2000 PN Rule (Part 141, Subpart Q)
disease outbreak or other waterborne
emergency; other violations or
situations as determined by the primacy
agency.
When must Tier 1
notice be provided?
Within 72 hours.
Additional deadlines: 14 days; again
within 45 days (may be waived if state
determines violation has been
corrected); and repeat notice every
three months thereafter.
Within 24 hours; system must also
initiate consultation with the primacy
agency.
Revised to not require additional
notices for same violation, defers to
primacy agency to set additional
requirements on a case-by-case basis.
What is the form and
manner of a Tier 1
notice?
Radio and television or by posting or
hand delivery. Posting must continue
as long as the violation persists.
Additional notices: by newspaper
within 14 days or posting or hand
delivery if no newspaper is available;
by mail within 45 days (may be
waived if state determines violation
has been corrected).
Radio and television or posting or
hand delivery, or other method if
approved by primacy agency.
New performance standard to use
another method reasonably calculated
to reach all persons served.
Posting must continue for as long as
the violation persists.
Which violations or
situations require
Tier 2 notice?
Non-Tier 1 MCL, treatment technique,
and variance or exemption schedule
violations.
MCL, MRDL, treatment technique
violations, except where Tier 1 is
required; monitoring and testing
procedure violations elevated by the
primacy agency; and variance or
exemption schedule violations.
When must Tier 2
notice be provided?
Within 14 days, again within 45 days
(may be waived if state determines
violation has been corrected), repeat
notice every three months.
Within 30 days, repeat notice every
three months.
System must consult with the
primacy agency within 24 hours of a
treatment technique violation
resulting from a single exceedance of
turbidity limits or a turbidity MCL
violation resulting from the average of
two days of samples.
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Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules
Note: this table is intended to be a summary of the two public notification rules. See Chapter 3 for a
more detailed description of the PN rule, or Appendix E for a copy of Subpart Q.
Subject
1987 Rule (§141.32)
2000 PN Rule (Part 141, Subpart Q)
What is the form and
manner of a Tier 2
notice?
Newspaper within 14 days or by
posting or hand delivery if no
newspaper is available.
Additional notices: by mail within 45
days (may be waived if state
determines violation has been
corrected), and repeat notice every
three months thereafter by mail or
hand delivery.
Unless primacy agency directs
otherwise,
CWS must use mail or hand delivery,
and other methods reasonably
calculated to reach others, as needed.
NCWS must use posting, hand
delivery, or mail, and other methods
reasonably calculated to reach others,
as needed.
What violations or
situations require
Tier 3 notice?
Monitoring and testing procedure
violations, and operation under
variance or exemption.
Monitoring and testing procedure
violations, and operation under
variance or exemption, plus fluoride
SMCL exceedances and availability of
unregulated contaminant monitoring
data (requirement was included in
existing regulations that were moved to
Subpart Q).
When must Tier 3
notice be provided?
Within three months. State may allow
less frequent public notice (up to one
year) for minor monitoring violations.
Repeat notice every three months
thereafter.
Within one year. Repeat notice
annually.
What is the form and
manner of a Tier 3
notice?
By newspaper, or by hand delivery or
posting if no newspaper is available.
Unless primacy agency directs
otherwise,
CWS must use mail or direct delivery,
and other methods reasonably
calculated to reach others, as needed.
NCWS must use posting, direct
delivery, or mail, and other methods
reasonably calculated to reach others,
as needed.
Consumer Confidence Reports or
other annual notices may be used, as
long as the notice meets PN
requirements.
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Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules
Note: this table is intended to be a summary of the two public notification rules. See Chapter 3 for a
more detailed description of the PN rule, or Appendix E for a copy of Subpart Q.
Subject
1987 Rule (§141.32)
2000 PN Rule (Part 141, Subpart Q)
What information
must a notice
contain?
A clear explanation of the violation,
potential health effects, population at
risk, steps being taken to correct
violation, telephone number of
operator, need to seek alternative
water supplies, and any preventive
measures consumers should take.
Standard health effects language for
MGL, treatment technique, variance
or exemption schedule violations, and
operation under a variance or
exemption.
A description of the violation or
situation; when the violation or
situation occurred; potential adverse
health effects; population(s) at risk;
whether alternative water supplies
should be used; actions consumers
should take; system actions to correct
the violation or situation; expected date
of return to compliance; name,
address, and phone number for
additional information; and standard
language encouraging distribution to
others.
An explanation of the reason(s) for a
variance or (exemption; the date it was
issued; a brie?status report on steps to
comply with terms and schedules; and
a notice of any opportunity for public
input. Health effects language for
operation under a variance or
exemption no longer required.
Revised mandatory health effects
language using language from the CCR
rule.
Additional mandatory language for
monitoring and testing procedure
violations.
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Appendix D
Summary of the Major Differences Between the 1987 and 2000 PN Rules
Note: this table is intended to be a summary of the two public notification rules. See Chapter 3 for a
more detailed description of the PN rule, or Appendix E for a copy of Subpart Q.
Subject
1987 Rule (§141.32)
2000 PN Rule (Part 141, Subpart Q)
What are the
requirements for
notice to new billing
units?
CWSs must provide the most recent
public notice for any outstanding
violation of any MCL, treatment
technique requirement, or V&E
schedule.
Notice must be given for any
outstanding violation or situation,
including monitoring and testing
procedure violations.
NCWS must post a notice for as long
as violation persists, even if the notice
was initially hand-delivered or otherwise
distributed.
What are the
requirements for
providing notice in
other languages?
Provide multilingual notices "where
appropriate."
For systems that serve a large
proportion of non-English speaking
consumers, notices must contain
some information in the appropriate
language(s) on the importance of the
notice.
What are the
certification
requirements?
Provide a copy of the notice to the
primacy agency within 10 days.
Submit a certification statement and
a copy of initial and repeat notices to
the primacy agency within 10 days.
How long must
records be kept?
No recordkeeping provision.
Copies of notices and certifications
must be kept for three years.
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Appendix E
The Public Notification Rule
(40 CFR Part 141, Subpart Q)
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26035
Subpart Q—Public Notification of
Drinking Water Violations
Sec.
141.201 General public notification
requirements.
141.202 Tier 1 Public Notice—Form.
manner, and frequency of notice.
141.203 Tier 2 Public Notice—Form,
manner, and frequency of notice.
141.204 Tier 3 Public Notice—Form,
manner, and frequency of notice.
141.205 Content of the public notice.
141.206 Notice to new billing units or new
customers.
141.207 Special notice of the availability of
unregulated contaminant monitoring
results.
141.208 Special notice for exceedance of
the SMCL for fluoride.
141.209 Special notice for nitrate
exceedances above MCL by non-
community water systems (NCWS),
where granted permission by the
primacy agency under § 141.11(d).
141.210 Notice by primacy agency on
behalf of the public water system.
Appendix A to Subpart Q of Part 141—
NPDWR Violations and Situations
Requiring Public Notice
Appendix B to Subpart Q of Part 141—
Standard Health Effects Language for
Public Notification
Appendix C to Subpart Q of Part 141—List
of Acronyms Used in Public Notification
Regulation
Subpart Q—Public Notification of
Drinking Water Violations
§ 141.201 General public notification
requirements.
Public water systems in States with
primacy for the public water system
supervision (PWSS) program must
comply with the requirements in this
subpart no later than May 6, 2002 or on
the date the State-adopted rule becomes
effective, whichever comes first. Public
water systems in jurisdictions where
EPA directly implements the PWSS
program must comply with the
requirements in this subpart on October
31, 2000. Prior to these dates, public
water systems must continue to comply
with the public notice requirements in
§ 141.32 of this part. The term "primacy
agency" is used in this subpart to refer
to either EPA or the State or the Tribe
in cases where EPA, the State, or the
Tribe exercises primary enforcement
responsibility for this subpart.
(a) Who must give public notice? Each
owner or operator of a public water
system (community water systems, non-
transient non-community water
systems, and transient non-community
water systems) must give notice for all
violations of national primary drinking
water regulations (NPDWR) and for
other situations, as listed in Table 1.
The term "NPDWR violations" is used
in this subpart to include violations of
the maximum contaminant level (MCL),
maximum residual disinfection level
(MRDL), treatment technique (TT),
monitoring requirements, and testing
procedures in this part 141. Appendix A
to this subpart identifies the tier
assignment for each specific violation or
situation requiring a public notice.
TABLE 1 TO §141.201.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A PUBLIC NOTICE
(1) NPDWR violations:
(i) Failure to comply with an applicable
maximum contaminant level (MCL) or
maximum residual disinfectant level
(MRDL).
(ii) Failure to comply with a prescribed
treatment technique (TT)-
(iii) Failure to perform water quality mon-
itoring, as required by the drinking
water regulations.
(iv) Failure to comply with testing proce-
dures as prescribed by a drinking
water regulation.
(2) Variance and exemptions under sections
1415 and 1416 of SDWA;
(i) Operation under a variance or an ex-
emption.
TABLE 1 TO §141.201.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A PUBLIC NO-
TICE—Continued
(ii) Failure to comply with the require-
ments of any schedule that has been
set under a variance or exemption.
(3) Special public notices:
(i) Occurrence of a waterbome disease
outbreak or other waterbome emer-
gency.
(ii) Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by
non-community water systems
(NCWS), where granted permission by
the primacy agency under 141.H(d) of
this part.
(iii) Exceedance of the secondary max-
imum contaminant level (SMCL) for
fluoride.
(iv) Availability of unregulated contami-
nant monitoring data.
(v) Other violations and situations deter-
mined by the primacy agency to re-
quire a public notice under this sub-
part, not already listed in Appendix A.
fb) What type of public notice is
required for each violation or situation?
Public notice requirements are divided
into three tiers, to take into account the
seriousness of the violation or situation
and of any'potential adverse health
effects that may be involved. The public
notice requirements for each violation
or situation listed in Table 1 of this
section are determined by the tier to
which it is assigned. Table 2 of this
section provides the definition of each
tier. Appendix A of this part identifies
the tier assignment for each specific
violation or situation.
TABLE 2 TO § 141.201.—DEFINITION
OF PUBLIC NOTICE TIERS
(1) Tier 1 public notice—required for NPDWR
violations and situations with significant po-
tential to have serious adverse effects on
human health as a result of short-term ex-
posure.
(2) Tier 2 public notice—required for all other
NPDWR violations and situations with po-
tential to have serious adverse effects on
human health.
(3) Tier 3 public notice—required for all other
NPDWR violations and situations not in-
cluded in Tier 1 and Tier 2.
(c) Who must be notified?
(1) Each public water system must
provide public notice to persons served
by the water system, in accordance with
this subpart. Public water systems that
sell or otherwise provide drinking water
to other public water systems (i.e., to
consecutive systems) are required to
give public notice to the owner or
operator of the consecutive system; the
consecutive system is responsible for
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providing public notice to the persons it
serves.
(2) If a public water system has a
violation in a portion of the distribution
system that is physically or
hydraulically isolated from other parts
of the distribution system, the primacy
agency may allow the system to limit
distribution of the public notice to only
persons served by that portion of the
system which is out of compliance.
Permission by the primacy agency for
limiting distribution of the notice must
be granted in writing.
(3) A copy of the notice must also be
sent to the primacy agency, in
accordance with the requirements under
§141.31(d).
§141.202 Tier 1 Public Notice—Form,
manner, and frequency of notice.
(a) Which violations or situations
require a Tier 1 public notice? Table 1
of this section lists the violation
categories and other situations requiring
a Tier 1 public notice. Appendix A to
this subpart identifies the tier
assignment for each specific violation or
situation.
TABLE 1 TO §141.202.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A TIER 1 PUBLIC
NOTICE
(1) Violation of the MCL for total coliforms
when fecal colifonn or E. coli are present
in the water distribution system (as speci-
fied in § 141.63(b)), or when the water sys-
tem fails to test for fecal coliforms or E.
coli when any repeat sample tests positive
for coliform (as specified in §141.21 (e));
(2) Violation of the MCL for nitrate, nitrite, or
total nitrate and nitrite, as defined in
§141.62, or when the water system fails to
take a confirmation sample within 24 hours
of the system's receipt of the first sample
showing an exceedance of the nitrate or
nitrite MCL, as specified in § 141.23(f)(2);
(3) Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by non-
community water systems, where permitted
to exceed the MCL by the primacy agency
under §141.11(d), as required under
§141.209;
(4) Violation of the MROL for chlorine diox-
ide, as defined in §14l.65(a), when one or
more samples taken in the distribution sys-
tem the day following an exceedance of
the MRDL at the entrance of the distribu-
tion system exceed the MRDL, or when
the water system does not take the re-
quired samples in the distribution system,
as specified in §l41.133(c)(2)(i);
(5) Violation of the turbidity MCL under
§ 141.13(b), where the primacy agency de-
termines after consultation that a Tier 1 no-
tice is required or where consultation does
not take place within 24 hours after the
system teams of the violation;
TABLE 1 TO §141.202.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A TIER 1 PUBLIC
NOTICE—Continued
(6) Violation of the Surface Water Treatment
Rule (SWTR) or Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment rule (IESWTR) treatment
technique requirement resulting from a sin-
gle exceedance of the maximum allowable
turbidity limit (as identified in Appendix A),
where the primacy agency determines after
consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required
or where consultation does not take place
within 24 hours after the system learns of
the violation;
(7) Occurrence of a waterbome disease out-
break, as defined in §141.2, or other wa-
terbome emergency (such as a failure or
significant interruption in key water treat-
ment processes, a natural disaster that dis-
rupts the water supply or distribution sys-
tem, or a chemical spill or unexpected
loading of possible pathogens into the
source water that significantly increases
the potential for drinking water contamina-
tion);
(8) Other violations or situations with signifi-
cant potential to have serious adverse ef-
fects on human health as a result of short-
term exposure, as determined by the pri-
macy agency either in its regulations or on
a case-by-case basis.
(b) When is the Tier 1 public notice
to be provided? What additional steps
are required? Public water systems
must:
(1) Provide a public notice as soon as
practical but no later than 24 hours after
the system learns of the violation;
(2) Initiate consultation with the
primacy agency as soon as practical, but
no later than 24 hours after the public
water system learns of the violation or
situation, to determine additional public
notice requirements; and
(3) Comply with any additional public
notification requirements (including any
repeat notices or direction on the
duration of the posted notices) that are
established as a result of the
consultation with the primacy agency.
Such requirements may include the
timing, form, manner, frequency, and
content of repeat notices (if any) and
other actions designed to reach all
persons served.
(c) What is the form and manner of
the public notice? Public water systems
must provide the notice within 24 hours
in a form and manner reasonably
calculated to reach all persons served.
The form and manner used by the
public water system are to fit the
specific situation, but must be designed
to reach residential, transient, and non-
transient users of the water system. In
order to reach all persons served, water
systems are to use, at a minimum, one
or more'of the following forms of
delivery:
(1) Appropriate broadcast media (such
as radio and television);
(2) Posting of the notice in
conspicuous locations throughout the
area served by the water system;
(3) Hand delivery of the notice to
persons served by the water system; or
(4) Another delivery method
approved in writing by the primacy
agency.
§ 141.203 Tier 2 Public Notice—Form,
manner, and frequency of notice.
(a) Which violations or situations
require a Tier 2 public notice? Table 1
of this section lists the violation
categories and other situations requiring
a Tier 2 public notice. Appendix A to
this subpart identifies the tier
assignment for each specific violation or
situation.
TABLE 1 TO §141.203.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A TIER 2 PUBLIC
NOTICE
(1) All violations of the MCL, MRDL, and
treatment technique requirements, except
where a Tier 1 notice is required under
§141.202(a) or where the primacy agency
determines that a Tier 1 notice is required;
(2) Violations of the monitoring and testing
procedure requirements, where the pri-
macy agency determines that a Tier 2 rath-
er than a Tier 3 public notice is required,
taking into account potential health impacts
and persistence of the violation; and
(3) Failure to comply with the terms and con-
ditions of any variance or exemption in
place.
(b) When is the Tier 2 public notice
to be provided?
(1) Public water systems must provide
the public notice as soon as practical,
but no later than 30 days after the
system learns of the violation. If the
public notice is posted, the notice must
remain in place for as long as the
violation or situation persists, but in no
case for less than seven days, even if the
violation or situation is resolved. The
primacy agency may, in appropriate
circumstances, allow additional time for
the initial notice of up to three months
from the date the system learns of the
violation. It is not appropriate for the
primacy agency to grant an extension to
the 30-day deadline for any unresolved
violation or to allow across-the-board
extensions by rule or policy for other
violations or situations requiring a Tier
2 public notice. Extensions granted by
the primacy agency must be in writing.
(2) The public water system must
repeat the notice every three months as
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26037
long as the violation or situation
persists, unless the primacy agency
determines that appropriate
circumstances warrant a different repeat
notice frequency. In no circumstance
may the repeat notice be given less
frequently than once per year. It is not
appropriate for the primacy agency to
allow less frequent repeat notice for an
MCL violation under the Total Coliform
Rule or a treatment technique violation
under the Surface Water Treatment Rule
or Interim Enhanced Surface Water
Treatment Rule. It is also not
appropriate for the primacy agency to
allow through its rules or policies
across-the-board reductions in the
repeat notice frequency for other
ongoing violations requiring a Tier 2
repeat notice. Primacy agency
determinations allowing repeat notices
to be given less frequently than once
every three months must be in writing.
(3J For the turbidity violations
specified in this paragraph, public water
systems must consult with the primacy
agency as soon as practical but no later
than 24 hours after the public water
system learns of the violation, to
determine whether a Tier 1 public
notice under § 141.202(a) is required to
protect public health. When
consultation does not take place within
the 24-hour period, the water system
must distribute a Tier 1 notice of the
violation within the next 24 hours (i.e.,
no later than 48 hours after the system
learns of the violation], following the
requirements under § 141.202(b) and (c).
Consultation with the primacy agency is
required for
fi) Violation of the turbidity MCL
under § 141.13(b); or
(ii) Violation of the SWTR or IESWTR
treatment technique requirement
resulting from a single exceedance of
the maximum allowable turbidity limit.
(c) What is the form and manner of
the Tier 2 public notice? Public water
systems must provide the initial public
notice and any repeat notices in a form
and manner that is reasonably
calculated to reach persons served in
the required time period. The form and
manner of the public notice may vary
based on the specific situation and type
of water system, but it must at a
minimum meet the following
requirements:
(1) Unless directed otherwise by the
primacy agency in writing, community
water systems must provide notice by:
(i) Mail or other direct delivery to
each customer receiving a bill and to
other service connections to which
water is delivered by the public water
system; and
(ii) Any other method reasonably
calculated to reach other persons
regularly served by the system, if they
would not normally be reached by the
notice required in paragraph (c)(l)(i) of
this section. Such persons may include
those who do not pay water bills or do
not have service connection addresses
(e.g., house renters, apartment dwellers,
university students, nursing home
patients, prison inmates, etc.). Other
methods may include: Publication in a
local newspaper; delivery.of multiple
copies for distribution by customers that
provide their drinking water to others
(e.g., apartment building owners or large
private employers); posting in public
places served by the system or on the
Internet; or delivery to community
organizations.
(2) Unless directed otherwise by the
primacy agency in writing, non-
community water systems must provide '
notice by:
(i) Posting the notice in conspicuous
locations throughout the distribution
system frequented by persons served by
the system, or by mail or direct delivery
to each customer and service connection
(where known); and
(ii) Any other method reasonably
calculated to reach other persons served
by the system if they would not
normally be reached by the notice
required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this
section. Such persons may include
those served who may not see a posted
notice because the posted notice is not
in a location they routinely pass by.
Other methods may include: Publication
in a local newspaper or newsletter
distributed to customers; use of E-mail
to notify employees or students; or,
delivery of multiple copies in central
locations (e.g., community centers).
§ 141.204 Tier 3 Public Notice—Form,
manner, and frequency of notice.
(a) Which violations or situations
require a Tier 3 public notice? Table 1
of this section lists the violation
categories and other situations requiring
a Tier 3 public notice. Appendix A to
this subpart identifies the tier
assignment for each specific violation or
situation.
TABLE 1 To §141.204.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A TIER 3 PUBLIC
NOTICE
(1) Monitoring violations under 40 CFR part
141, except where a Tier 1 notice is re-
quired under § 141.202(a) or where the pri-
macy agency determines that a Tier 2 no-
tice is required;
TABLE 1 To §141.204.—VIOLATION
CATEGORIES AND OTHER SITUA-
TIONS REQUIRING A TIER 3 PUBLIC
NOTICE—Continued
(2) Failure to comply with a testing procedure
established In 40 CFR part 141, except
where a Tier 1 notice Is required under
§141.202(a)) or where the primacy agency
determines that a Tier 2 notice is required;
(3) Operation under a variance granted under
Section 1415 or an exemption granted
under Section 1416 of the Safe Drinking
Water Act;
(4) Availability of unregulated contaminant
monitoring results, as required under
§141.207; and
(5) Exceedance of the fluoride secondary
maximum contaminant level (SMCL), as
required under § 141.208.
(b) When is the Tier 3 public notice
to be provided?
(1) Public water systems must provide
the public notice not later than one year
after the public water system learns of
the violation or situation or begins
operating under a variance or
exemption. Following the initial notice,
the public water system must repeat the
notice annually for as long as the
violation, variance, exemption, or other
situation persists. If the public notice is
posted, the notice must remain in place
for as long as the violation, variance,
exemption, or other situation persists,
but in no case less than seven days
(even if the violation or situation is
resolved).
(2) (2) Instead of individual Tier 3
public notices, a public water system
may use an annual report detailing all
violations and situations that occurred
during the previous twelve months, as
long as the timing requirements of
paragraph (b)(l) of this section are met.
(c) What is the form and manner of
the Tier 3 public notice? Public water
systems must provide the initial notice
and any repeat notices in a form and
manner that is reasonably calculated to
reach persons served in the required
time period. The form and manner of
the public notice may vary based on the
specific situation and type of water
system, but it must at a minimum meet
the following requirements:
(1) Unless directed otherwise by the
primacy agency in writing, community
water systems must provide notice by:
(i) Mail or other direct delivery to
each customer receiving a bill and to
other service connections to which
water is delivered by the public water
system; and
(ii) Any other method reasonably
calculated to reach other persons
regularly served by the system, if they
would not normally be reached by the
notice required in paragraph (c)(l)(i) of
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this section. Such persons may include
those who do not pay water bills or do
not have service connection addresses
(e.g., house renters, apartment dwellers,
university students, nursing home
patients, prison inmates, etc.). Other
methods may include: Publication in a
local newspaper; delivery of multiple
copies for distribution by customers that
provide their drinking water to others
(e.g., apartment building owners or large
private employers); posting in public
places or on the Internet; or delivery to
community organizations.
(2) Unless directed otherwise by the
primacy agency in writing, non-
community water systems must provide
notice by:
(i) Posting the notice in conspicuous
locations throughout the distribution
system frequented by persons served by
the system, or by mail or direct delivery
to each customer and service connection
(where known); and
(ii) Any other method reasonably
calculated to reach other persons served
by the system, if they would not
normally be reached by the notice
required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this
section. Such persons may include
those who may not see a posted notice
because the notice is not in a location
they routinely pass by. Other methods
may include: Publication in a local
newspaper or newsletter distributed to
customers; use of E-mail to notify
employees or students; or, delivery of
multiple copies in central locations
(e.g., community centers).
(a) In what situations may the
Consumer Confidence Report be used to
meet the Tier 3 public notice
requirements? For community water
systems, the Consumer Confidence
Report (CCR) required under Subpart O
of this part may be used as a vehicle for
the initial Tier 3 public notice and all
required repeat notices, as long as:
(1) The CCR is provided to persons
served no later than 12 months after the
system learns of the violation or
situation as required under § 141.204(b);
• (2) The Tier 3 notice contained in the
CCR follows the content requirements
under § 141.205; and
(3) The CCR is distributed following
the delivery requirements under
§ 141.204(c).
§ 141.205 Content of the public notice.
(a) What elements must be included
in the public notice for violations of
National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations (NPDWR) or other
situations requiring a public notice?
When a public water system violates a
NPDWR or has a situation requiring
public notification, each public notice
must include the following elements:
(1) A description of the violation or
situation, including the contaminant(s)
of concern, and (as applicable) the
contaminant level(s);
(2) When the violation or situation
occurred;
(3) Any potential adverse health
effects from the violation or situation,
including the standard language under
paragraph (d)(l) or (d)(2) of this section,
whichever is applicable;
(4) The population at risk, including
subpopulations particularly vulnerable
if exposed to the contaminant in their
drinking water;
(5) Whether alternative water supplies
should be used;
(6) What actions consumers should
take, including when they should seek
medical help, if known;
(7) What the system is doing to correct
the violation or situation;
(8) When the water system expects to
return to compliance or resolve the
situation;
(9) The name, business address, and
phone number of the water system
owner, operator, or designee of the
public water system as a source of
additional information concerning the
notice; and
(10) A statement to encourage the
notice recipient to distribute the public
notice to other persons served, using the
standard language under paragraph
(d)(3) of this section, where applicable.
(b) What elements must be included
in the public notice for public water
systems operating under a variance or
exemption?
(1) If a public water system has been
granted a variance or an exemption, the
public notice must contain:
(i) An explanation of the reasons for
the variance or exemption;
(ii) The date on which the variance or
exemption was issued;
(iii) A brief status report on the steps
the system is taking to install treatment,
find alternative sources of water, or
otherwise comply with the terms and
schedules of the variance or exemption;
and
(iv) A notice of any opportunity for
public input in the review of the
variance or exemption.
(2) If a public water system violates
the conditions of a variance or
exemption, the public notice must
contain the ten elements listed in
paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) How is the public notice to be
presented?
(1) Each public notice required by this
section:
(i) Must be displayed in a
conspicuous way when printed or
posted;
(ii) Must not contain overly technical
language or very small print;
(iii) Must not be formatted in a way
that defeats the purpose of the notice;
(iv) Must not contain language which
nullifies the purpose of the notice.
(2) Each public notice required by this
section must comply with multilingual
requirements, as follows:
(i) For public water systems serving a
large proportion of non-English
speaking consumers, as determined by
the primacy agency, the public notice
must contain information in the
appropriate language(s) regarding the
importance of the notice or contain a
telephone number or address where
persons served may contact the water
system to obtain a translated copy of the
notice or to request assistance in the
appropriate language.
fii) In cases where the primacy agency
has not determined what constitutes a
large proportion of non-English
speaking consumers, the public water
system must include in the public
notice the same information as in
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, where
appropriate to reach a large proportion
of non-English speaking persons served
by the water system.
(d) What standard language must
public water systems include in their
public notice? Public water systems are
required to include the following
standard language in their public notice:
(1) Standard health effects language
for MCL or MRDL violations, treatment
technique violations, and violations of
the condition of a variance or
exemption. Public water systems must
include in each public notice the health
effects language specified in Appendix
B to this subpart corresponding to each
MCL, MRDL, and treatment technique
violation listed in Appendix A to this
subpart, and for each violation of a
condition of a variance or exemption.
(2) Standard language for monitoring
and testing procedure violations. Public
water systems must include the
following language in their notice,
including the language necessary to fill
in the blanks, for all monitoring and
testing procedure violations listed in
Appendix A to this subpart:
We are required to monitor youi 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 [contamioant(s)], and therefore
cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking
water during that time.
(3) Standard language to encourage
the distribution of the public notice to
all persons served. Public water systems
must include in then1 notice the
following language (where applicable):
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Please share **"'«= 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.
§141.206 Notice to new billing units or
new customers.
(a) What is the requirement for
community water systems? Community
water systems must give a copy of the
most recent public notice for any
continuing violation, the existence of a
variance or exemption, or other ongoing
situations requiring a public notice to
all new billing units or new customers
prior to or at the time service begins.
(b) What is the requirement for non-
community water systems? Non-
community water systems must
continuously post the public notice in
conspicuous locations in order to
inform new consumers of any
continuing violation, variance or
exemption, or other situation requiring
a public notice for as long as the
violation, variance, exemption, or other
situation persists.
§ 141.207 Special notice of the availability
of unregulated contaminant monitoring
results.
(a) When is the special notice to be
given? The owner or operator of a
community water system or non-
transient, non-community water system
required to monitor under § 141.40 must
notify persons served by the system of
the availability of the results of such
sampling no later than 12 months after
the monitoring results are known.
(b] What is the form and manner of
the special notice? The form and
manner of the public notice must follow
the requirements for a Tier 3 public
notice prescribed in §§ 141.204(c),
(d)(l), and (d)(3). The notice must also
identify a person and provide the
telephone number to contact for
information on the monitoring results.
§ 141.208 Special notice for exceedance of
the SMCL for fluoride.
(a) When is the special notice to be
given? Community water systems that
exceed the fluoride secondary
maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of
2 mg/1 as specified in § 143.3
(determined by the last single sample
taken in accordance with § 141.23), but
do not exceed the maximum
contaminant level (MCL) of 4 mg/1 for
fluoride (as specified in § 141.62), must
provide the public notice in paragraph
(c) of this section to persons served.
Public notice must be provided as soon
as practical but no later than 12 months
from the day the water system learns of
the exceedance. A copy of the notice
must also be sent to all new billing units
and new customers at the time service
begins and to the State public health
officer. The public water system must
repeat the notice at least annually for as
long as the SMCL is exceeded. If the
public notice is posted, the notice must
remain in place for as long as the SMCL
is exceeded, but in no case less than
seven days (even if the exceedance is
eliminated). On a case-by-case basis, the
primacy agency may require an initial
notice sooner than 12 months and
repeat notices more frequently than
annually.
(b) What is the form and manner of
the special notice? The form and
manner of the public notice (including
repeat notices) must follow the
requirements for a Tier 3 public notice
in § 141.204(c) and (d)(l) and (d)(3).
(c) What mandatory language must be
contained in the special notice? The
notice must contain the following
language, including the language
necessary to fill in the blanks:
This is an alert about your drinking water
and a cosmetic dental problem that might
affect children under nine years of age. At
low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities,
but children drinking water containing more
than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/1) of fluoride
may develop cosmetic discoloration of their
permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The
drinking water provided by your community
water system [name] has a fluoride
concentration of [insert value] mg/1.
Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe
forms, may result in a brown staining and/
or pitting of the permanent teeth. This
problem occurs only in developing teeth,
before they erupt from the gums. Children
under nine should be provided with
alternative sources of drinking water or water
that has been treated to remove the fluoride
to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting
of their permanent teeth. You may also want
to contact your dentist about proper use by
young children of fluoride-containing
products. Older children and adults may
safely drink the water.
Drinking water containing more than 4 ing/
L of fluoride (the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's drinking water standard)
can increase your risk of developing bone
disease. Your drinking water does not
contain more than 4 mg/1 of fluoride, but
we're required to notify you when we
discover that the fluoride levels in your
drinking water exceed 2 mg/1 because of this
cosmetic dental problem.
For more information, please call [name of
water system contact] of [name of community
water system] at [phone number]. Some
home water treatment units are also available
to remove fluoride from drinking water. To
learn more about available home water
treatment units, you may call NSF
International at 1-877-8-NSF-HELP."
§ 141.209 Special notice for nitrate
exceedances above MCL by non-
community water systems (NCWS), where
granted permission by the primacy agency
under §141.11(d)
(a) When is the special notice to be
given? The owner or operator of a non-
community water system granted
permission by the primacy agency
under § 141.11(d) to exceed the nitrate
MCL must provide notice to persons
served according to the requirements for
a Tier 1 notice under § 141.202(a) and
(b).
(b) Whatas the form and manner of
the special notice? Non-community
water systems granted permission by the
primacy agency to exceed the nitrate
MCL under § 141.11(d) must provide
continuous posting of the fact that
nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/1 and the
potential health effects of exposure,
according to the requirements for Tier 1
notice delivery under § 141.202(c) and
the content requirements under
§ 141.205.
§ 141.210 Notice by primacy agency on
behalf of the public water system.
(a) May the primacy agency give the
notice on behalf of the public water
system? The primacy agency may give
the notice required by this subpart on
behalf of the owner and operator of the
public water system if the primacy
agency complies with the requirements
of this subpart
(b) What is the responsibility of the
public water system when notice is
given by the primacy agency? The
owner or operator of the public water
system remains responsible for ensuring
that the requirements of this subpart are
met.
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§142.14 Records kept by States.
*****
(f) Public notification records under
Subpart Q of Part 141 of this chapter
received from public water systems
(including certifications of compliance
and copies of public notices) and any
state determinations establishing
alternative public notification
requirements for the water systems must
be retained for three years.
PART 142—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for Part 142
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 300f, 300g-l, 300g-2,
300 g-3, 300g-4, 300 g-5, 300 g-6, 300 j-4.
300 j-9, and 300 j-11.
2. Section 142.10 is amended by
revising paragraph (b)(6)(v) to read as
follows:
§142.10 Requirements for a determination
of primary enforcement responsibility.
(b)* * *
(6)* * *
(v) Authority to require public water
systems to give public notice that is no
less stringent than the EPA
requirements in Subpart Q of Part 141
of this chapter and § 142.16(a).
3. Section 142.14 is amended by
redesignating paragraph (f) as (g) and
adding a new [f), to read as follows:
4. Section 142.15 is amended by
revising paragraph (a)(l), to read as
follows:
§ 142.15 Reports by States.
*****
(a) * * *
(1) New violations by public water
systems in the State during the previous
quarter of State regulations adopted to
incorporate the requirements of national
primary drinking water regulations,
including violations of the public
notification requirements under Subpart
Q of Part 141 of this chapter;
* * • * * *
5. Section 142.16 is amended by
revising paragraph (a), to read as
follows:
§ 142.16 Special primacy requirements.
(a) Store public notification
requirements.
(1) Each State that has primary
enforcement authority under this part
must submit complete and final requests
for approval of program revisions to
adopt the requirements of Subpart Q of
Part 141 of this chapter, using the
procedures in § 142.12(b) through (d).
At its option, a State may, by rule, and
after notice and comment, establish
alternative public notification
requirements with respect to the form
and content of the public notice
required under Subpart Q of Part 141 of
this chapter. The alternative
requirements must provide the same
type and amount of information
required under Subpart Q and must
meet the primacy requirements under
§142.10.
(2) As part of the revised primacy
program, a State must also establish
enforceable requirements and
procedures when the State adds to or
changes the requirements under:
(i) Table 1 to 40 CFR 141.201(a)(Item
(3)(v))—To require public water systems
to give a public notice for violations or
situations other than those listed in
Appendix A of Subpart Q of Part 141 of
this chapter;
(ii) 40 CFR 141.201(c)(2)—'ro allow
public water systems, under the specific
circumstances listed in § 141.201(c)(2),
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to limit the distribution of the public
notice to persons served by the portion
of the distribution system that is out of
compliance;
(in) Table 1 of 40 CFR 141.202(a)
(Items (5), (6), and (8))—To require
public water systems to give a Tier 1
public notice (rather than a Tier 2 or
Tier 3 notice) for violations or situations
listed in Appendix A of Subpart Q of
Part 141 of this chapter;
(iv) 40 CFR 141.202(b)(3)—T'o require
public water systems to comply with
additional Tier 1 public notification
requirements set by the State
subsequent to the initial 24-hour Tier 1
notice, as a result of their consultation
with the State required under
§§141.202(bK2);
(v) 40 CFR 141.202(c), 141.203(c) and
141.204(c)—To require a different form
and manner of delivery for Tier 1,2 and
3 public notices.
(vi) Table 1 to 40 CFR 141.203(a)
(Item (2))—To require the public water
systems to provide a Tier 2 public
notice (rather than Tier (3)) for
monitoring or testing procedure
violations specified by the State;
(vii) 40 CFR 141.203(b)(l}—To grant
public water systems an extension up to
three months for distributing the Tier 2
public notice in appropriate
circumstances (other than those
specifically excluded in the rule);
(viii) 40 CFR 141.203(b)(2}—To grant
a different repeat notice frequency for
the Tier 2 public notice in appropriate
circumstances (other than those
specifically excluded in the rule), but no
less frequently than once per year;
(ix) 40 CFR 14Ti.203(b)(3)—T;o
respond within 24 hours to a request for
consultation by the public water system
to determine whether a Tier 1 (rather
than a Tier 2) notice is required for a
turbidity MCL violation under
§ 141.13(b) or a SWTR/IESWTR TT
violation due to a single exceedance of
the maximum allowable turbidity limit;
(x) 40 CFR 141.205(c)—'To determine
the specific multilingual requirement
for a public water system, including
defining "large proportion of non-
English-speaking consumers."
§142.16 [Amended]
6. Section 142.16(e) introductory text
is amended by removing "§ 141.32".
PART 143—{AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for Part 143
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.
§143.5 [Removed]
2. Part 143 is amended by removing
§143.5.
[FR Doc. 00-9534 Filed 5-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6S60-SO-P
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