1. DW Compliance Sampling/Forms for Public Water Systems (PWSs)
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
Lead and Copper
Water Quality Parameters

2. Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
Sampling and Completing the TCEQ Microbial Reporting form (MRF)
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)

3. Prior to Sample Collection:
You must have at least a Class D water license to take DW compliance samples for a Texas PWS.

4. Prior to Sample Collection:
Ensure you have the most recent Microbial Reporting Form.
microbial/revised-total-coliform-rule

6. Prior to Sample Collection:
Ensure you are sampling at the appropriate sites as specified within the PWS’s Sample Siting Plan.
Determine if Free or Total Cl2 should be checked

7. Sample Collection
Read and Follow SOP (if you have one) and/or Reference Materials
Follow Sampling Plan & Safety Plan if one exists
Collect Representative Aliquot
Protect Integrity of Sample
Record Results and Conditions
Complete MRF Chain of Custody

8. Microbiological Sampling
Coliforms are very easy to detect in a water sample.
Their presence may indicate that a direct path exists between the environment and the water supply.
This path could allow pathogenic organisms into the water supply.

9. Microbiological Sampling
One small subgroup of coliform bacteria, fecal coliform, is found only in the lower intestines of man and other warm blooded animals.
When fecal coliform is found, this indicates that feces may have contaminated the water, immediate action is required.

10. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
1. Use a 100 mL Polystyrene Sterilized Sample Container with Sodium Thiosulfate (Na2S2O %) Preservative
The following must be completed on the bottle label:
PWS Number
Date/Time of Collection
Sampler Initials
Address/Location of collection

11. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
2. Select the proper location to take the sample.
An outside faucet that does not leak
Avoid rubber hoses, dirty areas, and behind bushes
Do not use the kitchen or bathroom sink (unless it cannot be avoided)
Do not collect on extremely windy days or rainy days

12. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis – Outside Faucet

13. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
3. Open the faucet to a full flow for several minutes (minimum of 2 min) to flush the line.

14. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
4. Check and record the Disinfectant residual
____________ mg/L
and the Disinfectant Type
Chloramine (Total Chlorine)
Free Chlorine

15. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
5. Use a flame for several seconds or a bleach solution (for several minutes) to disinfect around the threads and outlet of the faucet.

16. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis – Flame the Faucet

17. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
6. Follow any disinfection with another flush.
7. Reduce the flow to a smooth stream with no spraying.

18. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
Sample carefully
Wear sterile gloves
Open the bottle at arms length and hold the lid so that the inside faces down
DO NOT rinse bottle out!
Fill the bottle to just above the 100 mL line.
Seal the bottle
Turn the water off

19. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
Collect at arms length

20. Collecting a DW Sample for Coliform Analysis
Cap Down

21. Complete the TC Form (chain)

22. Complete the TC Form (chain)
If you use a pre-printed MRF from Ana- lab, your PWS information should be auto-filled by LIMS.
Please be sure to check it for accuracy and let us know of any issues.
If you have to use a blank MRF form ensure the following areas (highlighted in yellow) are completed LEGIBLY!

23. Complete the TC Form (chain)

24. Complete the TC Form (chain)
Fill in the sample collection location. For Raw Wells, be sure to use the proper format: G A (or B, C, etc)

25. Complete the TC Form (chain) – Raw Well
The sample ID format for the Raw Well is G A
“G” is always at the front
Then the PWS number
Then the well designation – A, B, C, etc – on file with TCEQ.
See Texas DWW site to double check if needed.

26. Texas DWW site

27. Texas DWW site – Sample Points
Look up water system and then click on “Sample Points”

28. Texas DWW site – Sample Points

29. Complete the TC Form (chain)
Check only one box for sample type
Please note the following require a Cl2:
Routine Dist.
Repeat
Raw Well

30. Complete the TC Form (chain)
Fill in collection date, time and circle AM or PM

31. Complete the TC Form (chain)
If the sample is a replacement, place a check in this column and list the sample # it is replacing.
We can look this information up for you and fill it in (This is the only part that our login personnel can fill in for you!)

32. Complete the TC Form (chain)
If the sample(s) are a repeat series, also use this column to list the sample number of the positive that triggered a repeat.
We can look this information up for you and fill it in (This is the only part that our login personnel can fill in for you!)

33. Complete the TC Form (chain)
Record the Cl2 and if it was Free or Total here

34. Complete the TC Form (chain)
Double check the form for errors and correct any you see with:
Single line through with date and initial.   

35. Prepare Samples for Delivery
Our Suggestions:
Place the individual sample bottle in a baggie
Place samples in a second baggie in a cooler for “TC Only”
Place samples on ice

36. Deliver Samples to Lab
Samples must be analyzed within the 30 hour holding time
Complete the Date, Time, Relinquished by and Affiliation on the Chain of Custody portion on the upper right side of the form

37. Reasons for Sample Rejection
Broken in transit
Chlorine present (in sample)
Exceeded hold time
Excessive volume
Frozen sample
Heavy bacterial growth
Heavy silt or turbidity present
Insufficient sample information
Invalid sampling point
Invalid sampling protocol
Lab accident
Lab rejected
Leaked in transit
No field measured Cl2
Volume Insufficient

38. Insufficient sample information
Missing mandatory information
PWS ID Number
Sampler name
Sampler signature
Sample type
Date and/or time of sample collection
Missing Relinquish information

39. Electronic Reporting of Data
The laboratory that analyzes the samples is responsible for reporting the data to TCEQ.
EDD format (sample results for multiple clients sent in one .csv file)
We make an effort to report these weekly on Mondays.
Positive samples are reported to TCEQ the day they are read off (exception – weekends, which are reported to TCEQ on the following Monday)

40. Form 20683
Lead and Copper

41. Prior to Sample Collection:
Ensure you have the most recent version of TCEQ form
chemicals/lead_copper/lead-copper.html

42. Prior to Sample Collection
Scroll down to the following section:

44. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

45. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

46. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

47. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

48. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
Guidance for the Analysis and Reporting of Tap Water Samples under the Lead and Copper Rule, Addendum #2
The following must be completed on the bottle label:
The sample label provided with the “Homeowner Tap Sample Collection Procedures” may be used OR
A label that includes the following at a minimum:
Sample Point ID# and Location Address
Date/Time water last used
Date/Time sample collected
Which inside sink was used

49. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

50. From Sampling Instructions and Guidance
6M PWS Instructions
REDUCED 2018 PWS Instructions

51. Completing Form 20683

52. Completing Form 20683 Instructions are on Page 2 of the PDF

53. Completing Form 20683
Responsible PWS representative (or agent) who vouches for correct sample collection procedure and documentation. Fill out name, signature, organization, and date. Individual directly responsible for the collection of samples must ensure correct sample collection by checking all six items under the PWS Tap Sample Checklist.

54. Completing Form 20683 Check if the sample is a replacement
At least 6 hours between these
The lab can fill this section in for you if we are the ones who rejected the original sample(s)

55. Completing Form 20683
For Distribution samples, refer to your approved sampling pool.
For Entry point samples, check the Texas DWW site:

56. Completing Form 20683

57. Completing Form 20683
The rest of the form will be completed by the lab.

58. Deliver/Ship Samples
Samples must be received within 14 days of collection
They may be hand-delivered, transferred to our sampling technicians, and/or shipped.
Lead/Copper samples do not need to be shipped on ice.

59. Deliver/Ship Samples
Prior to shipping samples, please be sure to review your forms.
Once they are relinquished to the lab, they cannot be corrected without contacting TCEQ.

60. Reasons for Sample Rejection
Broken container
Exceeded hold time
Excessive volume
Frozen sample
Excessive headspace
Invalid container used
Invalid date/time
Insufficient sample information
Invalid sampling protocol
Lab accident
Lab error/Lab QC failure
Leaked in transit
Submission form and CoC do not match
No date/time
No sample received
Improperly preserved
No PWS Signature
QA/QC issue
Quantity Insufficent
Reporting limit not met
Insufficient Volume

61. Insufficient sample information/Documentation Issues
Insufficient Information:
Handwriting not legible
PWS side of form incomplete
Form not sent in with samples
Not the current version of the form
Discrepancies between form and sample bottle label.
Missing PWS rep signature
Invalid dates/times
Missing Dates/times

62. Insufficient sample information/Documentation Issues
Facility ID incorrect
Example: using other than DS01 for distribution samples
Sample Point ID incorrect
Using the same LCR# for multiple addresses
Not using ELCR for entry point samples

63. Laboratory Restrictions
We cannot correct or complete the LCRMF (Form 20683).
PWS personnel are to complete, sign, and date the form.
Once the form/samples have been received, the lab cannot modify the form.
If there is a question about documentation after the samples are received, the lab is instructed to contact the PWSS Program QA Mgr for guidance

64. Electronic Reporting of Data
The laboratory that analyzes the samples is responsible for reporting the data to TCEQ.
EDD format (sample results for multiple clients sent in one Access document)
PDFs of the LCRMF plus the analytical report for each PWS.
The EDD and PDFs are sent in one .
We make an effort to report these weekly on Mondays.

65. Texas DWW site
After you receive your analytical report, you can check to see if your results have been migrated.

66. Water Quality parameters
Form 20679
Water Quality parameters

67. Prior to Sample Collection:
You must have at least a Class D water license to take DW compliance samples for a Texas PWS.
You must have a current Lab Approval Form to analyze the on-site pH and temperature.

68. Prior to Sample Collection:
Ensure you have the most recent Water Quality Parameter Monitoring Form
chemicals/lead_copper/lead-copper.html

69. Prior to Sample Collection
Scroll down to the following section:

72. TCEQ Guidance Document
ermitting/watersupply/pdw/chemicals/lead _copper/PWS_WQP_Sampling_Guidance .pdf

73. Acceptable Analytical Methods
ermitting/watersupply/pdw/chemicals/lead _copper/WQP_Methods.pdf

74. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance

75. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance - Containers
If you request a sample kit, we will provide a copy of Form and the appropriate bottles for sample collection, typically, 2 one liter bottles.

76. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance- Form 20679

77. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance- pH and Temperature

78. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance- Collection

79. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance- Sample Labels

80. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance-Preservation
Samples are preserved upon receipt at the laboratory.
Store samples in a cooler on ice for delivery to the laboratory.
Some parameters require thermal preservation to <6C (but not freezing).
Samples delivered to the lab the same day as collection may not meet this requirement.
They are acceptable as long as they are received on ice.

81. From PWS WQP Sampling Guidance- Holding Time

82. Completing Form 20679

83. Completing Form 20679
Check the box indicating the type of inhibitor or stabilizer used by the water system; phosphate, silica, or calcium carbonate. (If applicable)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The laboratory must analyze for orthophosphate or
silica if either of those the inhibitors is check
Fill in the dosage rate for alkalinity and/or inhibitor if applicable

84. Completing Form 20679 Check one of these
Check one of these, if 3rd party, fill in Lab ID#.

85. Completing Form 20679 Check if the sample is a replacement
The lab can fill this section in for you if we are the ones who rejected the original sample(s)
Responsible PWS representative (or agent) who vouches for correct sample collection procedure and documentation. Fill out name, signature, organization, and date.

86. Completing Form 20679
For Distribution samples, refer to your approved sampling pool.
For Entry point samples, check the Texas DWW site:

87. Completing Form 20679
If you require O-phosphate or Silica, check the appropriate box.

88. Completing Form 20679

89. Completing Form 20679 – Lab Portion

90. Deliver/Ship Samples
Prior to shipping samples, please be sure to review your forms.
Once they are relinquished to the lab, they cannot be corrected without contacting TCEQ.

91. Reasons for Sample Rejection
Broken container
Exceeded hold time
Excessive volume
Frozen sample
Excessive headspace
Invalid container used
Invalid date/time
Insufficient sample information
Invalid sampling protocol
Lab accident
Lab error/Lab QC failure
Leaked in transit
Submission form and CoC do not match
No date/time
No sample received
Improperly preserved
No PWS Signature
QA/QC issue
Quantity Insufficent
Reporting limit not met
Insufficient Volume

92. Insufficient sample information/Documentation Issues
Insufficient Information:
Handwriting not legible
PWS side of form incomplete
Form not sent in with samples
Not the current version of the form
Discrepancies between form and sample bottle label.
Missing PWS rep signature
Invalid dates/times
Missing Dates/times

93. Insufficient sample information/Documentation Issues
Facility ID incorrect
DS01 for Distribution Samples
PBCU### for Entry Point Samples
Sample Point ID incorrect
DSTWQP for distribution samples
EWQP for Entry Point Samples

94. Laboratory Restrictions
We cannot correct or complete the WQPMF (Form 20679).
PWS personnel are to complete, sign, and date the form.
Once the form/samples have been received, the lab cannot modify the form.
If there is a question about documentation after the samples are received, the lab is instructed to contact the PWSS Program QA Mgr for guidance

95. Electronic Reporting of Data
The laboratory that analyzes the samples is responsible for reporting the data to TCEQ.
EDD format (sample results for multiple clients sent in one Access document)
PDFs of the WQPMF plus the analytical report for each PWS.
The EDD and PDFs are sent in one .
We make an effort to report these weekly on Mondays.

96. Texas DWW site
After you receive your analytical report, you can check to see if your results have been migrated.

97. Final Thoughts Be careful of holding times.
The lab does need processing time to receive, log, and analyze your samples.
Lead/Copper samples and the portion of WQP for metals analysis and Total Hardness are preserved at the lab and must sit for 24 hours prior to analysis (potentially longer if the pH is not <2 after 24 hrs).

98. References
EPA Drinking Water Manual, 5th Ed ( water)
QAPP for the TCEQ PWSS Program Relating to the Safe Drinking Water Act
Addendum #2 “Guidance for Analysis and Reporting of Tap Water Samples under the Lead and Copper Rule”
Addendum #3 “Guidance for Analysis and Reporting of Water Quality Parameters under the Lead and Copper Rule”
Addendum #4 “Guidance for Analysis and Reporting Under the Revised Total Coliform Rule”
TCEQ RG-421: Coliform Sampling for Public Water Systems (
QAPPs and Addenda available on-line at: