Public Water System Annual Report Cards Due July 1
Under the US EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Water Systems must provide customers with water fit for human consumption. This means, in part, ensuring that any contaminants in the water are present only at levels below the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) assigned in the Primary Drinking Water Standards [40 CFR 141–142]. Certain Public Water Systems are required to report annually to their customers on the quality of the water being provided.
What Is a Public Water System?
Public Water Systems are defined as "a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances." [40 CFR 141.2] Within this definition, Community Water Systems are further defined as any public water system that "serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents."
Consumer Confidence Reports
Under 40 CFR 141, Subpart O, Community Water Systems (CWS) are required to submit annual report cards called Consumer Confidence Reports. There is no official form for CWS to fill out to be in compliance with the regulations, but the required information must be reported to the customers "in an accurate and understandable manner."
The report must identify the sources of water the system draws from, including:
Interactive Workshops for Environmental Professionals
Learn what you must report, collect, and keep on file to meet your legal responsibilities under the EPA's major programs. From permitting and reporting under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to chemical management and reporting under TSCA, FIFRA, EPCRA, and more, Lion Technology's Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop will prepare you to confidently navigate the EPA regulations that affect your facility.
What Is a Public Water System?
Public Water Systems are defined as "a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances." [40 CFR 141.2] Within this definition, Community Water Systems are further defined as any public water system that "serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents."
Consumer Confidence Reports
Under 40 CFR 141, Subpart O, Community Water Systems (CWS) are required to submit annual report cards called Consumer Confidence Reports. There is no official form for CWS to fill out to be in compliance with the regulations, but the required information must be reported to the customers "in an accurate and understandable manner."
The report must identify the sources of water the system draws from, including:
- The source type (ground, surface);
- The commonly used name of the source;
- The location of the source; and
- The availability of source water assessments and instructions on how to obtain a copy.
- Contaminants subject to mandatory monitoring;
- Contaminants subject to specific MCLs;
- The likely source of detected contaminants;
- Specific violation(s) of MCLs;
- Clear and readily understandable explanation of the violation(s); and
- Explanation of contaminants that could reasonably be expected to be in the water based on the source.
- Immuno-compromised and other at-risk persons;
- Arsenic at certain levels;
- Nitrates at certain levels; and
- The effects of lead in drinking water, especially on children.
Interactive Workshops for Environmental Professionals
Learn what you must report, collect, and keep on file to meet your legal responsibilities under the EPA's major programs. From permitting and reporting under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to chemical management and reporting under TSCA, FIFRA, EPCRA, and more, Lion Technology's Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop will prepare you to confidently navigate the EPA regulations that affect your facility.
Tags: EPA, Recordkeeping and Reporting, Safe Drinking Water Act
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