Collapse to view only § 141.201 - General public notification requirements.

§ 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 Situations 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 monitoring, as required by the drinking water regulations. (iv) Failure to comply with testing procedures 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 exemption. (ii) Failure to comply with the requirements of any schedule that has been set under a variance or exemption. (3) Special public notices: (i) Occurrence of a waterborne disease outbreak or other waterborne emergency. (ii) Exceedance of the nitrate MCL by non-community water systems (NCWS), where granted permission by the primacy agency under 141.11(d) of this part. (iii) Exceedance of the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) for fluoride. (iv) Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data. (v) Other violations and situations determined by the primacy agency to require a public notice under this subpart, not already listed in Appendix A. (vi) Exceedance of the lead action level.

(b) 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 potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure. (2) Tier 2 public notice—required for all other NPDWR violations and situations with potential to have serious adverse effects on human health. (3) Tier 3 public notice—required for all other NPDWR violations and situations not included 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 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 and the Administrator (as applicable) in accordance with the requirements of § 141.31(d).

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 86 FR 4309, Jan. 15, 2021]

§ 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 Situations Requiring a Tier 1 Public Notice

(1) Violation of the MCL for total coliforms when fecal coliform or E. coli are present in the water distribution system (as specified in § 141.63(b)), or when the water system fails to test for fecal coliforms or E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for coliform (as specified in § 141.21(e)); Violation of the MCL for E. coli (as specified in § 141.63(c)); (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 MRDL for chlorine dioxide, as defined in § 141.65(a), when one or more samples taken in the distribution system the day following an exceedance of the MRDL at the entrance of the distribution system exceed the MRDL, or when the water system does not take the required samples in the distribution system, as specified in § 141.133(c)(2)(i); (5) Violation of the turbidity MCL under § 141.13(b), 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; (6) Violation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWspan), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWspan) or Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWspan) treatment technique requirement resulting from a single 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 waterborne disease outbreak, as defined in § 141.2, or other waterborne emergency (such as a failure or significant interruption in key water treatment processes, a natural disaster that disrupts the water supply or distribution system, or a chemical spill or unexpected loading of possible pathogens into the source water that significantly increases the potential for drinking water contamination); (8) Detection of E. coli, enterococci, or coliphage in source water samples as specified in § 141.402(a) and § 141.402(b); (9) 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. (10) Exceedance of the Action Level for lead as specified in § 141.80(c).

(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.

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 1836, Jan. 14, 2002; 71 FR 65652, Nov. 8, 2006; 78 FR 10350, Feb. 13, 2013; 86 FR 4309, Jan. 15, 2021]

§ 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 Situations 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 primacy agency determines that a Tier 2 rather 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 conditions of any variance or exemption in place. (4) Failure to take corrective action or failure to maintain at least 4-log treatment of viruses (using inactivation, removal, or a State-approved combination of 4-log virus inactivation and removal) before or at the first customer under § 141.403(a).

(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 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 or treatment technique violation under the Total Coliform Rule or subpart Y of this part 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.

(3) 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:

(i) Violation of the turbidity MCL under § 141.13(b); or

(ii) Violation of the SWspan, IESWspan or LT1ESWspan 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)(1)(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).

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 1836, Jan. 14, 2002; 71 FR 65652, Nov. 8, 2006; 78 FR 10350, Feb. 13, 2013]

§ 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 Situations Requiring a Tier 3 Public Notice

(1) Monitoring violations under 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; (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; (5) Exceedance of the fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL), as required under § 141.208; and (6) Reporting and Recordkeeping violations under subpart Y of 40 CFR part 141.

(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) 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)(1) 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)(1)(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 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).

(d) 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).

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000; 65 FR 38629, June 21, 2000, as amended at 78 FR 10350, Feb. 13, 2013]

§ 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)(1) 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.

(ii) 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 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.

(3) Standard language to encourage the distribution of the public notice to all persons served. Public water systems must include in their notice the following language (where applicable):

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.

§ 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)(1), 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/l 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/l 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)(1) 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/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.”

§ 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) What is 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/l 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.

§ 141.211 - Special notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring of the source water for Cryptosporidium and for failure to determine bin classification or mean Cryptosporidium level.

(a) When is the special notice for repeated failure to monitor to be given? The owner or operator of a community or non-community water system that is required to monitor source water under § 141.701 must notify persons served by the water system that monitoring has not been completed as specified no later than 30 days after the system has failed to collect any 3 months of monitoring as specified in § 141.701(c). The notice must be repeated as specified in § 141.203(b).

(b) When is the special notice for failure to determine bin classification or mean Cryptosporidium level to be given? The owner or operator of a community or non-community water system that is required to determine a bin classification under § 141.710, or to determine mean Cryptosporidium level under § 141.712, must notify persons served by the water system that the determination has not been made as required no later than 30 days after the system has failed report the determination as specified in § 141.710(e) or § 141.712(a), respectively. The notice must be repeated as specified in § 141.203(b). The notice is not required if the system is complying with a State-approved schedule to address the violation.

(c) 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 2 public notice prescribed in § 141.203(c). The public notice must be presented as required in § 141.205(c).

(d) 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.

(1) The special notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring must contain the following language:

We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium. Results of the monitoring are to be used to determine whether water treatment at the (treatment plant name) is sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. We are required to complete this monitoring and make this determination by (required bin determination date). We “did not monitor or test” or “did not complete all monitoring or testing” on schedule and, therefore, we may not be able to determine by the required date what treatment modifications, if any, must be made to ensure adequate Cryptosporidium removal. Missing this deadline may, in turn, jeopardize our ability to have the required treatment modifications, if any, completed by the deadline required, (date).

For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) at (phone number).

(2) The special notice for failure to determine bin classification or mean Cryptosporidium level must contain the following language:

We are required to monitor the source of your drinking water for Cryptosporidium in order to determine by (date) whether water treatment at the (treatment plant name) is sufficient to adequately remove Cryptosporidium from your drinking water. We have not made this determination by the required date. Our failure to do this may jeopardize our ability to have the required treatment modifications, if any, completed by the required deadline of (date). For more information, please call (name of water system contact) of (name of water system) at (phone number).

(3) Each special notice must also include a description of what the system is doing to correct the violation and when the system expects to return to compliance or resolve the situation.

[71 FR 768, Jan. 5, 2006]

Appendix A - Appendix A to Subpart Q of Part 141—NPDWR Violations and Other Situations Requiring Public Notice 1

Contaminant MCL/MRDL/TT violations 2Monitoring & testing procedure violations Tier of public notice required Citation Tier of public notice required Citation I. Violations of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR): 3A. Microbiological Contaminants 1.a Total coliform bacteria †2141.63(a)3141.21(a)–(e). 1.b Total coliform (TT violations resulting from failure to perform assessments or corrective actions, monitoring violations, and reporting violations) ‡2141.860(b)(1)3141.860(c)(1). 141.860(d)(1). 1.c Seasonal system failure to follow State-approved start-up plan prior to serving water to the public or failure to provide certification to State ‡2141.860(b)(2)3141.860(d)(3). 2.a Fecal coliform/E. coli1141.63(b)4 1,3141.21(e) 2.b E. coli (MCL, monitoring, and reporting violations) ‡1141.860 (a)3141.860(c)(2) 141.860(d)(1). 141.860(d)(2). 2.c E. coli (TT violations resulting from failure to perform level 2 Assessments or corrective action) ‡2141.860(b)(1) 3. Turbidity MCL2141.13(a)3141.22 4. Turbidity MCL (average of 2 days' samples >5 NTU)5 2, 1141.13(b)3141.22 5. Turbidity (for TT violations resulting from a single exceedance of maximum allowable turbidity level)6 2, 1141.71(a)(2), 141.71(c)(2)(i), 141.73(a)(2), 141.73 (b)(2), 141.73 (c)(2), 141.73(d), 141.173(a)(2), 141.173(b), 141.551(b)3141.74(a)(1), 141.74(b)(2), 141.74(c)(1), 141.174, 141.560(a)–(c), 141.561. 6. Surface Water Treatment Rule violations, other than violations resulting from single exceedance of max. allowable turbidity level (TT)2141.70–141.733141.74 7. Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule violations, other than violations resulting from single exceedance of max. turbidity level (TT)7 2141.170–141.173, 141.500–141.5533141.172, 141.174, 141.530–141.544, 141.560–141.564. 8. Filter Backwash Recycling Rule violations2141.76(c)3141.76(b), (d) 9. Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule violations2141.500–141.5533141.530–141.544, 141.560–141.564. 10. LT2ESWspan violations2141.710–141.72022 2, 3141.701–141.705 and 141.708–141.709. 11. Ground Water Rule violations2141.4043141.402(h),
141.403(d).
B. Inorganic Chemicals (IOCs) 1. Antimony2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 2. Arsenic28 141.62(b)311 141.23(a), (c) 3. Asbestos (fibers >10 µm)2141.62(b)3141.23(a)–(b) 4. Barium2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 5. Beryllium2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 6. Cadmium2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 7. Chromium (total)2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 8. Cyanide2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 9. Fluoride2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 10. Mercury (inorganic)2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 11. Nitrate1141.62(b)12 1, 3141.23(a), (d), 141.23(f)(2) 12. Nitrite1141.62(b)12 1, 3141.23(a), (e), 141.23(f)(2) 13. Total Nitrate and Nitrite1141.62(b)3141.23(a) 14. Selenium2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 15. Thallium2141.62(b)3141.23(a), (c) 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)2141.80 (except 141.80(c))–141.84, 141.85(a)–(c) and (h), and 141.933141.86–141.90 2. Exceedance of the Action Level for lead1141.80(c) D. Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs) 1. 2,4–D2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 2. 2,4,5–TP (Silvex)2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 3. Alachlor2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 4. Atrazine2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 5. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs)2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 6. Carbofuran2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 7. Chlordane2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 8. Dalapon2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 9. Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 10. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 11. Dibromochloropropane2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 12. Dinoseb2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 13. Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 14. Diquat2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 15. Endothall2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 16. Endrin2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 17. Ethylene dibromide2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 18. Glyphosate2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 19. Heptachlor2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 20. Heptachlor epoxide2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 21. Hexachlorobenzene2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 22. Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 23. Lindane2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 24. Methoxychlor2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 25. Oxamyl (Vydate)2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 26. Pentachlorophenol2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 27. Picloram2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 28. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 29. Simazine2141.61(c)3141.24(h) 30. Toxaphene2141.61(c)3141.24(h) E. Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) 1. Benzene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 2. Carbon tetrachloride2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 3. Chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene)2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 4. o-Dichlorobenzene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 5. p-Dichlorobenzene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 6. 1,2-Dichloroethane2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 7. 1,1-Dichloroethylene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 8. cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 9. trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 10. Dichloromethane2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 11. 1,2-Dichloropropane2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 12. Ethylbenzene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 13. Styrene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 14. Tetrachloroethylene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 15. Toluene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 16. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 17. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 18. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 19. Trichloroethylene2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 20. Vinyl chloride2141.61(a)3141.24(f) 21. Xylenes (total)2141.61(a)3141.24(f) F. Radioactive Contaminants 1. Beta/photon emitters2141.66(d)3141.25(a)
141.26(b)
2. Alpha emitters2141.66(c)3141.25(a)
141.26(a)
3. Combined radium (226 and 228)2141.66(b)3141.25(a)
141.26(a)
4. Uranium9 2141.66(e)10 3141.25(a)
141.26(a)
G. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), 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 DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). 131. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)214 141.64(b)3141.132(a)–(b), 141.600–141.605, 141.620–141.629 2. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)2141.64(b)3141.132(a)–(b), 141.600–141.605, 141.620–141.629 3. Bromate2141.64(a)3141.132(a)–(b) 4. Chlorite2141.64(a)3141.132(a)–(b) 5. Chlorine (MRDL)2141.65(a)3141.132(a), (c) 6. Chloramine (MRDL)2141.65(a)3141.132(a), (c) 7. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL), where any 2 consecutive daily samples at entrance to distribution system only are above MRDL2141.65(a), 141.133(c)(3)2 15, 3141.132(a), (c), 141.133(c)(2) 8. Chlorine dioxide (MRDL), where sample(s) in distribution system the next day are also above MRDL16 1141.65(a), 141.133(c)(3)1141.132(a), (c), 141.133(c)(2) 9. Control of DBP precursors—TOC (TT)2141.135(a)–(b)3141.132(a), (d) 10. Bench marking and disinfection profilingN/AN/A3141.172 141.530–141.544. 11. Development of monitoring planN/AN/A3141.132(f) H. Other Treatment Techniques 1. Acrylamide (TT)2141.111N/AN/A 2. Epichlorohydrin (TT)2141.111N/AN/A II. Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring: 17A. Unregulated contaminantsN/AN/A3141.40 B. NickelN/AN/A3141.23(c), (k) III. Public Notification for Variances and Exemptions: A. Operation under a variance or exemption318 1415, 1416,N/AN/A B. Violation of conditions of a variance or exemption21415, 1416, 19 142.307N/AN/A IV. Other Situations Requiring Public Notification: A. Fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) exceedance3143.3N/AN/A B. Exceedance of nitrate MCL for non-community systems, as allowed by primacy agency1141.11(d)N/AN/A C. Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring data3141.40N/AN/A D. Waterborne disease outbreak1141.2, 141.71(c)(2)(ii)N/AN/A E. Other waterborne emergency 201N/AN/AN/A F. Source Water Sample Positive for GWR Fecal indicators: E. coli, enterococci, or coliphage1141.402(g)N/AN/A G. Other situations as determined by primacy agency21 1, 2, 3N/AN/AN/A
Appendix A—Endnotes

† Until March 31, 2016.

‡ Beginning April 1, 2016.

1. Violations and other situations not listed in this table (e.g., 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.

4. Failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli is a Tier 1 violation if testing is not done after any repeat sample tests positive for coliform. All other total coliform monitoring and testing procedure violations are Tier 3.

5. Systems that violate the turbidity MCL of 5 NTU based on an average of measurements over two consecutive days must consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of the violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to elevate the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency in the 24-hour period, the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1.

6. Systems with treatment technique violations involving a single exceedance of a maximum turbidity limit under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWspan), the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWspan), or the Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWspan) are required to consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours after learning of the violation. Based on this consultation, the primacy agency may subsequently decide to elevate the violation to Tier 1. If a system is unable to make contact with the primacy agency in the 24-hour period, the violation is automatically elevated to Tier 1.

7. Most of the requirements of the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (63 FR 69477) (§§ 141.170–141.171, 141.173–141.174) become effective January 1, 2002 for Subpart H systems (surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water) serving at least 10,000 persons. However, § 141.172 has some requirements that become effective as early as April 16, 1999. The Surface Water Treatment Rule remains in effect for systems serving at least 10,000 persons even after 2002; the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule adds additional requirements and does not in many cases supercede the SWspan.

8. The arsenic MCL citations are effective January 23, 2006. Until then, the citations are § 141.11(b) and § 141.23(n).

9. The uranium MCL Tier 2 violation citations are effective December 8, 2003 for all community water systems.

10. The uranium Tier 3 violation citations are effective December 8, 2000 for all community water systems.

11. The arsenic Tier 3 violation MCL citations are effective January 23, 2006. Until then, the citations are § 141.23(a), (l).

12. Failure to take a confirmation sample within 24 hours for nitrate or nitrite after an initial sample exceeds the MCL is a Tier 1 violation. Other monitoring violations for nitrate are Tier 3.

13. Subpart H community and non-transient non-community systems serving ≥10,000 must comply with new DBP 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.

14. §§ 141.64(b)(1) 141.132(a)–(b) apply until §§ 141.620–141.630 take effect under the schedule in § 141.620(c).

15. Failure to monitor for chlorine dioxide at the entrance to the distribution system the day after exceeding the MRDL at the entrance to the distribution system is a Tier 2 violation.

16. If any daily sample taken at the entrance to the distribution system exceeds the MRDL for chlorine dioxide and one or more samples taken in the distribution system the next day exceed 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.

17. Some water systems must monitor for certain unregulated contaminants listed in § 141.40.

18. This citation refers to §§ 1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. §§ 1415 and 1416 require that “a schedule prescribed. . . for a public water system granted a variance [or exemption] shall require compliance by the system. . .”

19. In addition to §§ 1415 and 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 142.307 specifies the items and schedule milestones that must be included in a variance for small systems.

20. Other waterborne emergencies require a Tier 1 public notice under § 141.202(a) for situations that do not meet the definition of a waterborne disease outbreak given in 40 CFR 141.2 but that still have the potential to have serious adverse effects on health as a result of short-term exposure. These could include outbreaks not related to treatment deficiencies, as well as situations that have the potential to cause outbreaks, such as failures or significant interruption in water treatment processes, natural disasters that disrupt the water supply or distribution system, chemical spills, or unexpected loading of possible pathogens into the source water.

21. Primacy agencies may place other situations in any tier they believe appropriate, based on threat to public health.

22. Failure to collect three or more samples for Cryptosporidium analysis is a Tier 2 violation requiring special notice as specified in § 141.211. All other monitoring and testing procedure violations are Tier 3.

[65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 65 FR 76750, Dec. 7, 2000; 66 FR 7065, Jan. 22, 2001; 66 FR 31104, June 8, 2001; 67 FR 1836, Jan. 14, 2002; 69 FR 38856, June 29, 2004; 71 FR 483, Jan. 4, 2006; 71 FR 768, Jan. 5, 2006; 71 FR 65652, Nov. 8, 2006; 78 FR 10350, Feb. 13, 2013; 79 FR 10669, Feb. 26, 2014]

Appendix B - Appendix B to Subpart Q of Part 141—Standard Health Effects Language for Public Notification

Contaminant MCLG 1 mg/L MCL 2 mg/L Standard health effects language for public notification National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) A. Microbiological Contaminants 1a. Total coliform †ZeroSee footnote 3Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems. 1b. Fecal coliform/E. coliZeroZeroFecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 1c. Fecal indicators (GWR):
i. E. coli
ii. enterococci
iii. coliphage
Zero
None
None
TT
TT
TT
Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 1d. Ground Water Rule (GWR) TT violationsNoneTTInadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches. 1e. Subpart Y Coliform Assessment and/or Corrective Action Violations ‡N/ATTColiforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessments to identify problems and to correct any problems that are found.
[THE SYSTEM MUST USE THE FOLLOWING APPLICABLE SENTENCES.]
We failed to conduct the required assessment.
We failed to correct all identified sanitary defects that were found during the assessment(s).
1f. Subpart Y E.coli Assessment and/or Corrective Action Violations ‡N/ATTE. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. We violated the standard for E. coli, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct a detailed assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that are found.
[THE SYSTEM MUST USE THE FOLLOWING APPLICABLE SENTENCES.]
We failed to conduct the required assessment.
We failed to correct all identified sanitary defects that were found during the assessment that we conducted.
1g. E. coliZeroIn compliance unless one of the following conditions occurs:
(1) The system has an E. coli-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.
(2) The system has a total coliform-positive repeat sample following an E. coli-positive routine sample.
(3) The system fails to take all required repeat samples following an E. coli-positive routine sample.
(4) The system fails to test for E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for total coliform.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 1h. Subpart Y Seasonal System TT Violations ‡N/ATTWhen this violation includes the failure to monitor for total coliforms or E. coli prior to serving water to the public, the mandatory language found at 141.205(d)(2) must be used.
When this violation includes failure to complete other actions, the appropriate elements found in 141.205(a) to describe the violation must be used.
2a. Turbidity (MCL) 4None1 NTU 5/5 NTUTurbidity 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 (SWspan TT) 6NoneTT 7Turbidity 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 (IESWspan TT and LT1ESWspan TT) 8NoneTTTurbidity 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. B. Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWspan), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWspan), Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWspan) and the Filter Backwash Recycling Rule (FBRR) violations 3. Giardia lamblia (SWspan/IESWspan/LT1ESWspan)ZeroTT 10Inadequately 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. 4. Viruses (SWspan/IESWspan/LT1ESWspan) 5. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria 9 (SWspan/IESWspan/LT1ESWspan) 6. Legionella (SWspan/IESWspan/LT1ESWspan) 7. Cryptosporidium (IESWspan/FBRR/LT1ESWspan) C. Inorganic Chemicals (IOCs) 8. Antimony0.0060.006Some 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. 9. Arsenic 1100.010Some people who drink water 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. 10. Asbestos (10 µm)7 MFL 127 MFLSome people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps. 11. Barium22Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure. 12. Beryllium0.0040.004Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions. 13. Cadmium0.0050.005Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage. 14. Chromium (total)0.10.1Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis. 15. Cyanide0.20.2Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid. 16. Fluoride4.04.0Some 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)0.0020.002Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage. 18. Nitrate1010Infants 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. Nitrite11Infants 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 Nitrite1010Infants 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. Selenium0.050.05Selenium 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. Thallium0.00050.002Some 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 Rule23. LeadzeroTT 13Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. 24. Copper1.3TT 14Copper 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–D0.070.07Some 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. 26. 2,4,5–TP (Silvex)0.050.05Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems. 27. AlachlorZero0.002Some people who drink water containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. 28. Atrazine0.0030.003Some 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. 29. Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs)Zero0.0002Some 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. 30. Carbofuran0.040.04Some 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. 31. ChlordaneZero0.002Some 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. 32. Dalapon0.20.2Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes. 33. Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate0.40.4Some people who drink water containing di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience toxic effects such as weight loss, liver enlargement or possible reproductive difficulties. 34. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateZero0.006Some people who drink water containing di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate well 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)Zero0.0002Some 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. Dinoseb0.0070.007Some 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)Zero3 × 10 −8Some 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. Diquat0.020.02Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts. 39. Endothall0.10.1Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines. 40. Endrin0.0020.002Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems. 41. Ethylene dibromideZero0.00005Some 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. Glyphosate0.70.7Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties. 43. HeptachlorZero0.0004Some 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 epoxideZero0.0002Some 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. 45. HexachlorobenzeneZero0.001Some 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. 46. Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene0.050.05Some people who drink water containing hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or stomach. 47. Lindane0.00020.0002Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver. 48. Methoxychlor0.040.04Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties. 49. Oxamyl (Vydate)0.20.2Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects. 50. PentachlorophenolZero0.001Some 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. 51. Picloram0.50.5Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver. 52. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)Zero0.0005Some 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. 53. Simazine0.0040.004Some people who drink water containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood. 54. ToxapheneZero0.003Some 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. BenzeneZero0.005Some 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. 56. Carbon tetrachlorideZero0.005Some 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 (monochloro- benzene)0.10.1Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys. 58. o-Dichlorobenzene0.60.6Some 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-Dichlorobenzene0.0750.075Some 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-DichloroethaneZero0.005Some 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-Dichloroethylene0.0070.007Some people who drink water containing 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver. 62. cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene0.070.07Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver. 63. trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene0.10.1Some 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. DichloromethaneZero0.005Some 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-DichloropropaneZero0.005Some 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. Ethylbenzene0.70.7Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys. 67. Styrene0.10.1Some 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. 68. TetrachloroethyleneZero0.005Some 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. 69. Toluene11Some 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. 70. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene0.070.07Some 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. 71. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane0.20.2Some 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. 72. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane0.0030.005Some 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. 73. TrichloroethyleneZero0.005Some 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. 74. Vinyl chlorideZero0.002Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. 75. Xylenes (total)1010Some 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 emittersZero4 mrem/yr 15Certain 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. 77. Alpha emittersZero17 pCi/L 17Certain 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. 78. Combined radium (226 & 228)Zero5 pCi/LSome 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. 79. Uranium 16Zero30 µg/LSome people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity. H. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Byproduct Precursors, and Disinfectant Residuals: Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) 1880. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)N/A0.080 19 20Some 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. 81. Haloacetic Acids (HAA)N/A0.060 21Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. 82. BromateZero0.010Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. 83. Chlorite0.081.0Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may experience anemia. 84. Chlorine4 (MRDLG) 224.0 (MRDL) 23Some people who use 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. 85. Chloramines4 (MRDLG)4.0 (MRDL)Some people who use 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. 86a. Chlorine dioxide, where any 2 consecutive daily samples taken at the entrance to the distribution system are above the MRDL0.8 (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. 86b. Chlorine dioxide, where one or more distribution system samples are above the MRDL0.8 (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. 87. Control of DBP precursors (TOC)NoneTTTotal 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. I. Other Treatment Techniques 88. AcrylamideZeroTTSome 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. 89. EpichlorohydrinZeroTTSome 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

† Until March 31, 2016.

‡ Beginning April 1, 2016.

1. MCLG—Maximum contaminant level goal

2. MCL—Maximum contaminant level

3. For water systems analyzing at least 40 samples per month, no more than 5.0 percent of the monthly samples may be positive for total coliforms. For systems analyzing fewer than 40 samples per month, no more than one sample per month may be positive for total coliforms.

4. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. The MCL for the monthly turbidity average is 1 NTU; the MCL for the 2-day average is 5 NTU for systems that are required to filter but have not yet installed filtration (40 CFR 141.13).

5. NTU—Nephelometric turbidity unit

6. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, including 40 CFR 141.13, and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule, the 1998 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the 2001 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. Systems subject to the Surface Water Treatment Rule (both filtered and unfiltered) may not exceed 5 NTU. In addition, in filtered systems, 95 percent of samples each month must not exceed 0.5 NTU in systems using conventional or direct filtration and must not exceed 1 NTU in systems using slow sand or diatomaceous earth filtration or other filtration technologies approved by the primacy agency.

7. TT—Treatment technique

8. There are various regulations that set turbidity standards for different types of systems, including 40 CFR 141.13, the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWspan), the 1998 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWspan) and the 2002 Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWspan). For systems subject to the IESWspan (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 IESWspan using technologies other than conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration must meet turbidity limits set by the primacy agency. For systems subject to the LT1ESWspan (systems serving fewer than 10,000 people, using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water) that use conventional filtration or direct filtration, after January 1, 2005, the turbidity level of a system's combined filter effluent may not exceed 0.3 NTU in at least 95 percent of monthly measurements, and the turbidity level of a system's combined filter effluent must not exceed 1 NTU at any time. Systems subject to the LT1ESWspan using technologies other than conventional, direct, slow sand, or diatomaceous earth filtration must meet turbidity limits set by the primacy agency.

9. The bacteria detected by heterotrophic plate count (HPC) are not necessarily harmful. HPC is simply an alternative method of determining disinfectant residual levels. The number of such bacteria is an indicator of whether there is enough disinfectant in the distribution system.

10. SWspan, IESWspan, and LT1ESWspan treatment technique violations that involve turbidity exceedances may use the health effects language for turbidity instead.

11. These arsenic values are effective January 23, 2006. Until then, the MCL is 0.05 mg/L and there is no MCLG.

12. Millions fibers per liter.

13. Action Level = 0.015 mg/L

14. Action Level = 1.3 mg/L

15. Millirems per years

16. The uranium MCL is effective December 8, 2003 for all community water systems.

17. Picocuries per liter

18. 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 subpart L DBP MCLs and disinfectant maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) beginning January 1, 2002. All other community and non-transient non-community systems must comply with subpart L DBP MCLs and disinfectant MRDLs beginning January 1, 2004. Subpart H transient non-community systems serving ≥10,000 that use chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2002. All other transient non-community systems that use chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2004.

19. Community and non-transient non-community systems must comply with subpart V TTHM and HAA5 MCLs of 0.080 mg/L and 0.060 mg/L, respectively (with compliance calculated as a locational running annual average) on the schedule in § 141.620.

20. The MCL for total trihalomethanes is the sum of the concentrations of the individual trihalomethanes.

21. The MCL for haloacetic acids is the sum of the concentrations of the individual haloacetic acids.

22. MRDLG—Maximum residual disinfectant level goal.

23. MRDL—Maximum residual disinfectant level.

[65 FR 26043, May 4, 2000; 65 FR 38629, June 21, 2000; 65 FR 40521, 40522, June 30, 2000, as amended at 65 FR 76751, Dec. 7, 2000; 66 FR 7065, Jan. 22, 2001; 66 FR 31104, June 8, 2001; 67 FR 1838, Jan. 14, 2002; 67 FR 70857, Nov. 27, 2002; 68 FR 14507, Mar. 25, 2003; 69 FR 38856, June 29, 2004; 71 FR 483, Jan. 4, 2006; 71 FR 65653, Nov. 8, 2006; 78 FR 10351, Feb. 13, 2013; 86 FR 4310, Jan. 15, 2021]

Appendix C - Appendix C to Subpart Q of Part 141—List of Acronyms Used in Public Notification Regulation

CCR Consumer Confidence Report CWS Community Water System DBP Disinfection Byproduct EPA Environmental Protection Agency GWR Ground Water Rule HPC Heterotrophic Plate Count IESWTR Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule IOC Inorganic Chemical LCR Lead and Copper Rule MCL Maximum Contaminant Level MCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goal MRDL Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level MRDLG Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal NCWS Non-Community Water System NPDWR National Primary Drinking Water Regulation NTNCWS Non-Transient Non-Community Water System NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit OGWDW Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water OW Office of Water PN Public Notification PWS Public Water System SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act SMCL Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level SOC Synthetic Organic Chemical SWTR Surface Water Treatment Rule TCR Total Coliform Rule TT Treatment Technique TWS Transient Non-Community Water System VOC Volatile Organic Chemical [65 FR 26035, May 4, 2000, as amended at 71 FR 65653, Nov. 8, 2006]