EPA Plans Proposed Revision of Distribution System Contamination Rule

In a June 17 press release, the EPA announced plans to propose a revision to the 1989 Total Coliform Rule, “to achieve greater public health protection against waterborne pathogens in the distribution systems of public water systems.”

Under the revised rule, which is based on recommendations by a federal advisory committee made up of a wide range of stakeholders, water systems would be required to act when required tests indicate that “contamination or a pathway to contamination” by microbes may be present.  The microbial risk would need to be found and fixed.

“The revised rule will better protect people from potential exposure to dangerous microbes,” the press release said.

Other changes within the proposed rule include incentives for water systems to follow the new regulations, such as reduced monitoring, and adjustments to the public notices that must be released when health threats are identified.

Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register there will be a 60 day public comment period.

The press release and more information about the proposed rule may be found here.