vvEPA _
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) Placards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a collection of six e-fillable placards on the requirements of the
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR). Primacy agencies should use these placards to conduct training and outreach to small
public water systems (PWSs) serving 1,000 or fewer persons.
For non-seasonal PWSs, there are three placards:
1.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People that Collect Routine Total Coliform
2.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People that Collect Routine Total Coliform
3.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People that Collect Routine Total Coliform
For seasonal PWSs, there are two placards:
4.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People that Collect Routine Total Coliform
5.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People that Collect Routine Total Coliform
For aii PWS, there is one placard:
6.	Serving 1,000 or Fewer People Requiring a Level 1 or Level 2 Asse
The placards are published as a fillable form in Adobe PDF
The placards are e-fillable in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader*. Each form is designed with a different publication number
to allow for unbundling the collection while maintaining the metadata.
*Note: some of the following steps may not function in Adobe Reader (e.g., deleting pages).
•	E-fillable Fields — Information entered in any of the following fields, is replicated to the same fields in the other
placards within the collection;
o Lab Contact
o State Contact
o State Website
•	E-fillable Fields - Information entered in any of the following fields, does not replicate:
o Site location (ex. address, location description, etc.)
o Site location (alternative address, location description, etc.) - if a second sample location is needed
o Expected sample day (in the month, quarter, or year)
o Number of TC samples to be collected
o Routine and repeat sample locations (non-seasonal placards)
Steps to complete the placards
Step 1 - To maintain the fields that replicate, complete these fields first (noted above).
Step 2 - [Save] the PDF.
Step 3 - If you do not want the collection, [Delete] the pages that are not relevant.
•	View [Page Thumbnails], click on page(s) not relevant to the water system, right click, and click [Delete],
Step 4 - Complete the remaining e-fillable fields.
Step 5 - [Save] the PDF.
Step 6 - [Print] the PDF by page or collection.
•	[File]/[Print],
•	Select [Shrink oversized pages],
•	Uncheck [Print on both sides of paper],
•	Under [Printer properties] select [11X17 paper (Ledger size)]. If 11X17 is not available select [8 J4X14 (Legal size)].
Note: As the default, these placards are set to font size 13 for printing to 11X17 paper size so they can hang on the wall and
remain readable. If they are printed on smaller paper (e.g., 8 ZzXll, 8 >4X14) the format dimensions will shift (i.e., more
white space on the top and bottom), but they will be readable.
Sample(s) each Month
Sample(s) each Quarter
Sample(s) One-time a Year
Sample(s) each Month
Sample(s) each Quarter
ssment

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851 - 141.861
Routine Sample Monitoring Actions
Enter your sampling information in the spaces below.
Collect samples at the location(s) and timeframes included in your
Sample Siting Plan that are representative of water throughout the
distribution system.
Site Location (ex. Address, Location Description, etc.
Site Location (Alternative Address, Location Description, etc.
Expected Sample Day (ex. 1st Tuesday of the month)
# of TC Samples to be Collected
Lab Contact (name & phone)
State Contact (name & phone)
Important Reminders
•f Collect samples (routine & repeat) based on your
Sample Siting Plan.
•f Ensure all TC+ samples are analyzed for EC.
S Report (or ensure your lab reports) your routine
AND REPEAT SAMPLE RESULTS TO THE STATE NO LATER THAN
THE 10TH DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH.
Call your state on the same business day you learn
OF THE EC+ RESULT. ASK YOUR STATE, OTHER REPORTING
OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE.
S Keep all microbiological analyses records for a
MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS.
erving 1,000 or j ewer j eople
that ohect j\outine | otai ( „o!i('orm ^ample(s) each Month
Sampling Protocols
You MUST:
S Collect 100 ml per sample.
S Collect samples in bottles specific to TC for drinking water analysis.
Conduct residual chlorine testing at the same time, if required by your
state.
S Send samples to a state certified lab that performs TC drinking water
analyses.
•	Samples must be sent with sufficient time for the laboratory to begin
sample analysis within 30 hours of sample collection.
•	Samples should be maintained at a temperature below 10°C/50°F
during transit.
TC = Total coliform
EC = E. coli
TC+ = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent,
EC+ = E. coli-positive or present.
EC- = E. coli negative or absent.
EC?-E. coli not analyzed
Ground Water Rule (GWR) Actions
If "triggered source water monitoring" from the GWR applies to your water
system, when you have a C+ under the RTCR, you must:
S Collect 1 sample from each well (source water) in use at the time the
routine TC+ was collected.
S Analyze the source water sample for EC, if "dual purpose" samples are
approved by your state. If "dual purpose" samples are not approved by
your state, analyze source water sample for a fecal indicator.
For more GWR details see EPA's website at: https://www.epa.gov/
dwreginfo/ground-water-rule-compliance-help-water-svstem-ownersand-
operators.
Repeat Sample Monitoring Actions
S Within 24 hours of notification of a C+ sample result or sooner, as
specified by your state, collect 3 repeat samples (a set).
• Collect 3 repeat samples for each routine C+sample.
O	O
Within 5 Sites Original TC+Site
Upstream
Within 5 Sites
Downstream

Enter Site Location Enter Site Location Enter Site Location
•	Continue to collect 3 repeat samples when one or more sample in
the set is TC+.
•	Stop collecting repeats when all samples are "C- in one set, or
results trigger a Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment.
•	Continue routine monitoring, if all the repeat samples are "C-.
Assessment Actions
S Conduct the applicable Level 1 or Level 2* Assessment within 30 days:
•	If any of the repeat samples are .+, or
•	If any or all of the repeats are not collected.
*A Level2 Assessment must be completed by the state or state
approved assessor, if any of the following occur:
-	€+routine sample and €+ repeat sample.
-	C+ routine sample and C+ repeat sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and any or all repeat samples are not
collected.
-	TC+ repeat and EC? repeat sample. 0ffice of Water <4606M>
EPA 815-B-18-0Q1A
* Contact your state!	_ . ,	_
'	September 2018

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851 - 141.861
Routine Sample Monitoring Actions
Enter your sampling information in the spaces below.
Collect samples at the location(s) and timeframes
included in your Sample Siting Plan that are
representative of water throughout the distribution
system.
Site Location (ex. Address, Location Description, etc.)
Site Location (Alternative Address, Location Description, etc.
Expected Sample Day (ex. 1st Tuesday of each quarter)
# of TC Samples to be Collected
Lab Contact (name & phone)
State Contact (name & phone)
Important Reminders
¦S Collect samples (routine & repeat) based on
your Sample Siting Plan.
•f Ensure all TC+ samples are analyzed for
EC.
•f Report (or ensure your lab reports) your
ROUTINE AND REPEAT SAMPLE RESULTS TO THE
STATE NO LATER THAN THE 10TH DAY AFTER THE
END OF THE MONITORING PERIOD.
•f Call your state on the same business day
YOU LEARN OF THE EC+ RESULT. Ask your state,
OTHER REPORTING OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE.
¦S keep all microbiological analyses records
FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS.
Sampling Protocols
You MUST:
S Collect 100 ml per sample.
S Collect samples in bottles specific to TC for
drinking water analysis.
S Conduct residual chlorine testing at the same
time, if required by your state,
S Send samples to a state certified lab that
performs TC drinking water analyses.
•	Samples must be sent with sufficient time for
the laboratory to begin sample analysis within
30 hours of sample collection.
•	Samples should be maintained at a
temperature below 10°C/50°F during transit.
Ground Water Rule (GWR) Actions
If "triggered source water monitoring" from the GWR
applies to your water system, when you have a C+
under the RTCR, you must:
S Collect 1 sample from each well (source water) in
use at the time the routine TC+ was collected.
S Analyze the source water sample for EC, if "dual
purpose" samples are approved by your state, if
"dual purpose" samples are not approved by your
state, analyze source water sample for a fecal
indicator.
For more GWR details see EPA's website at: https://
www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-rule-
compliance-help-water-svstem-ownersand-operators.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 815-B-18-001B
September 2018
f or: Public Water Systems Serving 1,000 or f ewer f eople
( .ollect Routine [ otal ( _oliForm ^ample(s) each Quarter
that
Repeat Sample Monitoring Actions
S Within 24 hours of notification of a TC+ sample
result or sooner, as specified by your state,
collect 3 repeat samples (a set).
• Collect 3 repeat samples for each routine C+
sample.
© © ©
Within 5 Sites
Upstream

Original TC+Site
Within 5 Sites
Downstream
Enter Site Location Enter Site Location Enter Site Location
•	Continue to collect 3 repeat samples when
one or more sample in the set is C+,
•	Stop collecting repeats when all samples are
TC- in one set, or results trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment.
•	Continue routine monitoring, if all the repeat
samples are TC- (See Additional Routine
Sample Monitoring).
s
TC = Total coliform
EC = E. coli
TC+ = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent.
EC+ = E. coli-positive or present.
EC- = E. coli negative or absent.
EC?-E. coli not analyzed
Assessment Actions
S Conduct the applicable Level 1 or Level 2*
Assessment within 30 days:
•	If any of the repeat samples are C+, or
•	If any or all of the repeats are not collected.
*A Level2 Assessment must be completed by
the state or state approved assessor, if any of the
following occur:
-	TC+ routine sample and Z+ repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and + repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and any or ail repeat
samples are not collected.
C+ repeat and EC? repeat sample.
S Contact your state!
Additional Routine Sample Monitoring
Actions
•S The month following a Z+ sample, you MUST
collect 3 additional routine samples at your
routine sample location(s) as identified in your
sample siting plan.
•	Collect at regular time intervals throughout
the month or on a single day if taken from
different sites.
S You MUST use the results of additional routine
samples in determining if you trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment for the month in which these
samples are collected.
Note: Call your state, if the sample results are
positive. Your results may have triggered you into
increased sampling (i.e., monthly monitoring).

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851 - 141.861
Routine Sample Monitoring Actions
Enter your sampling information in the spaces below.
Collect samples at the location(s) and timeframes
included in your Sample Siting Plan that are
representative of water throughout the distribution
system.
Site Location (ex. Address, Location Description, etc.)
Site Location (Alternative Address, Location Description, etc.
Expected Sample Day (ex. 1st Tuesday in August)
# of TC Samples to be Collected
Lab Contact (name & phone)
State Contact (name & phone)
Important Reminders
•f Collect samples (routine & repeat) based on
your Sample Siting Plan.
V	Ensure all TC+ samples are analyzed for
EC.
S Report (or ensure your lab reports) your
ROUTINE AND REPEAT SAMPLE RESULTS TO THE
STATE NO LATER THAN THE 10TH DAY AFTER THE
END OF THE MONITORING PERIOD.
V	Call your state on the same business day
YOU LEARN OF THE EC+ RESULT. Ask your state,
OTHER REPORTING OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE.
V	keep all microbiological analyses records
FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS.
Sampling Protocols
You MUST:
S Collect 100 ml per sample.
S Collect samples in bottles specific to TC for
drinking water analysis.
S Conduct residual chlorine testing at the same
time, if required by your state,
S Send samples to a state certified lab that
performs TC drinking water analyses.
•	Samples must be sent with sufficient time for
the laboratory to begin sample analysis within
30 hours of sample collection.
•	Samples should be maintained at a
temperature below 10°C/50°F during transit.
Ground Water Rule (GWR) Actions
If "triggered source water monitoring" from the GWR
applies to your water system, when you have a C+
under the RTCR, you must:
S Collect 1 sample from each well (source water) in
use at the time the routine TC+ was collected.
S Analyze the source water sample for EC, if "dual
purpose" samples are approved by your state, if
"dual purpose" samples are not approved by your
state, analyze source water sample for a fecal
indicator.
For more GWR details see EPA's website at: https://
www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-rule-
compliance-help-water-svstem-ownersand-operators.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 815-B-18-001C
September 2018
["'or: public Water Systems Serving 1 ,000 or [ ewer f eople that
C „o!!ect j\outine ~j~ otal foil form ^?ampie(s) One~t|me a V ear
Repeat Sample Monitoring Actions
S Within 24 hours of notification of a TC+ sample
result or sooner, as specified by your state,
collect 3 repeat samples (a set).
• Collect 3 repeat samples for each routine C+
sample.
© © ©
T T T
Within 5 Sites Original TC+ Site Within 5 Sites
Upstream	Downstream
% ^ ^
Enter Site Location Enter Site Location Enter Site Location
•	Continue to collect 3 repeat samples when one
or more sample in the set is C+.
•	Stop collecting repeats when all samples are
TC- in one set, or results trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment.
•	Continue routine monitoring, if all the repeat
samples are TC- (See Additional Routine
Sample Monitoring).
f	\
TC = Total coliform
EC - E. coli
TC-s- = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent.
EC+ = E. coli-positive or present.
EC- = E. coli negative or absent.
EC?-E. coli not analyzed
Assessment Actions
S Conduct the applicable Level 1 or Level 2*
Assessment within 30 days:
•	If any of the repeat samples are ..+, or
•	If any or all of the repeats are not collected.
*A Level2 Assessment must be completed by
the state or state approved assessor, if any of the
following occur:
-	TC+routine sample and C+ repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and C+ repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and any or all repeat
samples are not collected.
-	C+ repeat and EC? repeat sample.
¦S Contact your state!
Additional Routine Sample Monitoring
Actions
S The month following a C+ sample, you MUST
collect 3 additional routine samples at your
routine sample location(s) as identified in your
sample siting plan.
•	Collect at regular time intervals throughout
the month or on a single day if taken from
different sites.
S You MUST use the results of additional routine
samples in determining if you trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment for the month in which these
samples are collected.
Note: Call your state, if the sample results are
positive. Your results may have triggered you into
increased sampling (i.e., monthly or quarterly
monitoring).

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851 - 141.861
Seasonal Start-up Procedures Actions
Seasonal start-up procedures help reduce the
presence of harmful bacteria in your system's water.
You MUST:
S Conduct and complete your start-up procedures
every operating season BEFORE delivering
drinking water to your customers.
• Use the state-specific start-up procedures and
checklist.
S Send the state-specific certification form to the
state BEFORE serving water to customers.
If you have any questions regarding the seasonal start-
up procedure, please contact the state.
Questions? State Contact Information
Routine Sample Monitoring Actions
Enter your sampling information in the spaces below.
Collect samples at the location(s) and timeframes
included in your Sample Siting Plan that are
representative of water throughout the distribution
system.
Site Location (ex. Address, Location Description, etc.)
Site Location (Alternative Address, Location Description, etc.)
Expected Sample Day (ex. 1st Tuesday of the month)
# of TC Samples to be Collected
State Website
Lab Contact (name & phone)
Important Reminders
S Conduct seasonal start-up procedures
BEFORE SERVING WATER TO CUSTOMERS.
V	collect samples (routine & repeat) based
on your Sample Siting Plan.
S Ensure all TC+ samples are analyzed for
EC.
•f Report (or ensure your lab reports) your
ROUTINE AND REPEAT SAMPLE RESULTS TO THE
STATE NO LATER THAN THE 10TH DAY OF THE
FOLLOWING MONTH.
V	Call your state on the same business day
YOU LEARN OF THE EC+ RESULT. Ask your
state, other reporting options may be
available.
V	keep all microbiological analyses records
FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS.
State Contact (name & phone)
Repeat Sample Monitoring Actions
S Within 24 hours of notification of a TC+ sample
result or sooner as specified by your state collect
3 repeat samples (a set).
•	Collect 3 repeat samples for each routine C+
sample.
•	Continue to collect 3 repeat samples when
one or more sample in the set is C+.
•	Stop collecting repeats when all samples are
TC- in one set, or results trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment.
•	Return to routine monitoring, if all the repeat
samples are TC-.
f or: 5easona! Water ^Jtj5terns Serving 1,000 or f"~ewer f'eople
that ollect Routine | otai ( .oliform ^ample(s) each Month
Sampling Protocols
You MUST:
S Collect 100 ml per sample.
V Collect samples in bottles specific to TC for
drinking water analysis.
S Conduct residual chlorine testing at the same
time, if required by your state.
S Send samples to a state certified lab that
performs TC drinking water analyses.
•	Samples must be sent with sufficient time for
the laboratory to begin sample analysis within
30 hours of sample collection.
•	Samples should be maintained at a
temperature below 10°C/50°F during transit.
Ground Water Rule (GWR) Actions
If "triggered source water monitoring" from the GWR
applies to your water system, when you have a C+
under the RTCR, you must:
S Collect 1 sample from each well (source water) in
use at the time the routine TC+ was collected.
S Analyze the source water sample for EC, if "dual
purpose" samples are approved by your state. If
"dual purpose" samples are not approved by your
state, analyze source water sample for a fecal
indicator.
For more GWR details see EPA's website at: https://
www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-ruie-
compliance-help-water-svstem-ownersand-operators.
Assessment Actions
V Conduct the applicable Level 1 or Level 2*
Assessment within 30 days:
•	If any of the repeat samples are C+, or
•	If any or all of the repeats are not collected.
*A Level2 Assessment must be completed by
the state or state approved assessor, if any of the
following occur:
-	TC+routine sample and C+ repeat
sample.
-	€+ routine sample and C+repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and any or all repeat
samples are not collected.
-	TC+ repeat and EC? repeat sample.
¦S Contact your state!
TC = Total coliform
EC = E. coli
TC+ = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent.
EC+ = E. coli-positive or present.
EC- = £ coli negative or absent.
EC? - E. coli not anal
dyzed
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 815-B-18-001D
September 2018

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851-141.861
Seasonal Start-up Procedures Actions
Seasonal start-up procedures help reduce the
presence of harmful bacteria in your system's water.
You MUST:
S Conduct and complete your start-up procedures
every operating season BEFORE delivering
drinking water to your customers.
• Use the state-specific start-up procedures and
checklist.
S Send the state-specific certification form to the
state BEFORE serving water to customers.
If you have any questions regarding the seasonal start-
up procedure, please contact the state.
Questions? State Contact Information
State Website
Important Reminders
S Conduct seasonal start-up procedures
BEFORE SERVING WATER TO CUSTOMERS.
S Collect samples (routine & repeat) based
on your Sample Siting Plan.
S Ensure all TC+ samples are analyzed for
EC.
¦S Report (or ensure your lab reports) your
ROUTINE AND REPEAT SAMPLE RESULTS TO THE
STATE NO LATER THAN THE lOTH DAY AFTER THE
END OF THE MONITORING PERIOD.
V call your state on the same business day
YOU LEARN OF THE EC+ RESULT. Ask your
state, other reporting options may be
AVAILABLE.
S Keep all microbiological analyses records
FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS.
Routine Sample Monitoring Actions
Enter your sampling information in the spaces below.
Collect samples at the location(s) and timeframes
included in your Sample Siting Plan that are
representative of water throughout the distribution
system.
Site Location (ex. Address, Location Description, etc.)
Site Location (Alternative Address, Location Description, etc.)
Expected Sample Day (ex. 1st Tuesday of the quarter)
# of TC Samples to be Collected
Lab Contact (name & phone)
State Contact (name & phone)
Repeat Sample Monitoring Actions
/ Within 24 hours of notification of a TC+ sample
result or sooner as specified by your state collect
3 repeat samples (a set).
•	Collect 3 repeat samples for each routine t+
sample.
•	Continue to collect 3 repeat samples when
one or more sample in the set is C+.
•	Stop collecting repeats when all samples are
TC- in one set, or results trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment.
•	Continue routine monitoring, if all the repeat
samples are . Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 815-B-18-001E
September 2018
[~~or: Seasonal Water Systems Serving i ,000 or Yewer f eople
that (Collect Routine [ otal C oliPorm v3ampie(s) each Quarter
Sampling Protocols
You MUST:
S Collect 100 ml per sample.
S Collect samples in bottles specific to TC for
drinking water analysis.
S Conduct residual chlorine testing at the same
time, if required by your state.
S Send samples to a state certified lab that
performs TC drinking water analyses.
•	Samples must be sent with sufficient time for
the laboratory to begin sample analysis within
30 hours of sample collection.
•	Samples should be maintained at a
temperature below 10°C/50°F during transit.
TC = Total coliform
EC = E. coii
TC-s- = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent.
EC+ = E. coii-positive or present.
EC- = E. coii negative or absent.
EC?-E. coii not analyzed
Ground Water Rule (GWR) Actions
If "triggered source water monitoring" from the GWR
applies to your water system, when you have a C+
under the RTCR, you must:
S Collect 1 sample from each well (source water) in
use at the time the routine TC+ was collected.
Analyze the source water sample for EC, if "dual
purpose" samples are approved by your state. If
"dual purpose" samples are not approved by your
state, analyze source water sample for a fecal
indicator.
Additional Routine Sample Monitoring
Actions
S The month following a C+ sample, you MUST
collect 3 additional routine samples at your
routine sample location(s).
•	Collect at regular time intervals throughout
the month or on a single day if taken from
different sites.
S You MUST use the results of additional routine
samples in determining if you trigger a Level 1 or
Level 2 Assessment during the month in which
these samples are collected.
Note: Call your state, if the sample results are
positive. Your results may have triggered you into
increased sampling (i.e., monthly monitoring).
Assessment Actions
S Conduct the applicable Level 1 or Level 2*
Assessment within 30 days:
•	If any of the repeat samples are Z+, or
•	If any or all of the repeats are not collected.
*A Level2 Assessment must be completed by
the state or state approved assessor, if any of the
following occur:
-	C+routine sample and C+repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and C+repeat
sample.
-	EC+ routine sample and any or all repeat
samples are not collected.
-	C+ repeat and EC? repeat sample.
S Contact your state!
For more GWR details see EPA's website at: https://
www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-rule-
compliance-help-water-svstem-ownersand-operators.

-------
A EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
40 CFR 141.851 - 141.861
Level 1 Assessment
MUST be conducted by:
Authorized personnel
Level 1 Assessment treatment technique (TT) triggers occur when a water system:
Has two or more TC+ samples (use both routine and repeat results in your calculation) in one month; or
•f Fails to collect and analyze at least 3 repeat samples for each routine C+.
Level 2 Assessment
MUST be conducted by the state or a party approved by the state.
Authorized personnel
Level 2 Assessment TT-triggers occur when a water system:
S Incurs an EC maximum contamination level (MCL) violation; or
S Triggers two Level 1 Assessments in a rolling 12-month period; or
S For systems on annual monitoring, triggers a Level 1 Assessment in two consecutive years.
1
Within 30 days of learning
that the TT-trigger has been
exceeded.
Ensure completed
Level 1 or Level 2
Assessment form is
submitted to the state
TC = Total coliform
TC+ = Total coliform-positive or present.
TC- = Total coliform-negative or absent.
EC?-E. coli not analyzed
EC = E. coli
EC+ = E. coli-positive or present.
EC- = E. coli negative or absent.
I "or: fubl \c Water stems Serving i ,000 or f~"ewer
People pyecjuinng a Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment
Level 1 and Level 2 Assessment Steps
•	Step 1: Call the state to verify or select the appropriate person to conduct the assessment, and to receive
the assessment form.
•	Step 2: Complete the assessment within 30 days of the TT-trigger.
•	Step 3: Correct any sanitary defects found. For any sanitary defect that cannot be corrected within 30 days
of the TT-trigger, you MUST obtain a state-approved schedule for correcting the sanitary defect.
•	Step 4: Submit the completed assessment form to the state within 30 days of the TT-trigger.
•	Step 5: Notify the state after completing the corrective action for each sanitary defect identified that was
not fixed within 30 days of the TT-trigger.
If Routine
Sample Is:

Any Repeat
Sample Is:
You MUST Take the Following Actions:
TC +/EC-
&
TC-
1.	Systems monitoring monthly, continue with routine monitoring.
2.	Systems monitoring quarterly or annually conduct additional routine
monitoring the following month after the TC+.
TC +/EC+
&
TC-
1.	Notify the state within 24 hours of receiving EC+ sample results or
sooner as specified by your state.
2.	Systems monitoring monthly, continue with routine monitoring.
3.	Systems monitoring quarterly or annually conduct additional routine
monitoring the following month after the TC+.
TC +/EC-
&
TC+ / EC-
1. Conduct a Level 1 Assessment or {Level2 Assessment if second Level 1
Assessment triggered in rolling 12 month period)
• Contact the state for help determining which type of assessment is
required.
TC + /EC-
&
Any or all repeat
samples not
collected
TC + /EC-
&
TC+/ EC?
1.	Notify the state within 24 hours of receiving sample results or sooner as
specified by your state, you have a EC MCL violation.
2.	Contact the state to conduct a Level 2 Assessment.
3.	Issue a Tier 1 Public Notice (PN) within 24 hours of receiving the sample
results or sooner as specified by your state.
TC +/EC-
&
TC+/EC+
TC+ / EC+
&
TC+
TC+ / EC+
&
Any or all repeat
samples not
collected
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 815-B-18-001F
September 2018

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