Gary Carlson Drinking Water Program EPA Region 8 Sanitary Surveys Gary Carlson Drinking Water Program EPA Region 8

Sanitary Surveys Who What When Why Typical Findings

Sanitary Surveys Who conducts sanitary surveys? - State Program staff or an agent or contractor approved by the regulator (40 CFR 141.21(d)(2))

Sanitary Surveys The Surveyor should have: - experience or knowledge about the operation and maintenance of public water systems - a sound understanding of public health principles and waterborne diseases - a thorough understanding of applicable regulations

Sanitary Surveys A Sanitary Survey is an on-site evaluation of: - the system’s water source(s) - treatment - storage and distribution facilities and equipment - the operation and maintenance practices for each

Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done? - Before doing a survey: Surveyors need to do a thorough review of existing monitoring data, past surveys, and well logs - Survey visit must be coordinated with manager or operator

Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done? - During a survey: look for key problems; walk through entire facility; thorough interview of operator; use standard format - take pictures, sketch the entire water system - get latitude and longitude or township range information on key features of the water system

Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done? After survey is complete: - write complete report and highlight problems that need correction

Sanitary Surveys When are Sanitary Surveys done? - An initial survey by June 29, 1999 of all non-community systems that do not collect at least 5 or more routine samples for bacteriological analyses each month, and - once every five years thereafter except that,...

Sanitary Surveys When are Sanitary Surveys done? (40 CFR 141.21(d)) - non-community water systems using only protected and disinfected groundwater must undergo a sanitary survey at least once every ten years following the initial survey (40 CFR 141.21(d))

Sanitary Surveys Why are Sanitary Surveys necessary? - to identify deficiencies in a water system before they become a threat to public health - to help operators develop a better understanding of the importance of their duties - to help operators improve their operations so that they stay in compliance with the regulations

Sanitary Surveys Typical findings during Sanitary Surveys: - unprotected hose bibs; threaded spigot with no anti-siphon device - no locks on storage tanks, collection vaults, treatment facilities, outside electrical panels - tank covers that allow entrance of contaminants; holes, bad fit, rotting wood

Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued: storage of fuel and/or flammables, chemicals in well houses, water treatment buildings or vaults sanitary wellhead seals compromised by open holes through seal for electrical service and/or open hole for vent

Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued: - well vaults that flood above the height of the well casing - leaky vault toilets within the recharge area of the well or spring - damaged facilities, tanks, equipment that has not been repaired

Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued: - spring developments with no fence to keep livestock, wildlife, people and development away from the recharge and collection areas - springs with no surface drainage up-gradient of collection area; no screens on overflow, drain and vents