Minnesota Rural Water Association

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our public waters and improve the quality of life in Minnesota."

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 Sample Public Notices  

 

 

Instructions for Combination Disinfection/
Unresolved Total Coliform Notice

This template is applicable to systems required to take less than 40 samples per month.  See below for language applicable to systems taking 40 or more samples.  Since exceeding the total coliform bacteria maximum contaminant level is a Tier 2 violation, you must provide public notice to all persons served as soon as possible but within 30 days after you learn of the violation.

Community systems must use one of the following methods:

  • Hand or direct delivery

  • Mail, as a separate notice or included in the water bill

In addition, systems must use another method reasonably calculated to reach others if they would not be reached by the first method.  Such methods could include newspapers, e-mail, or delivery to community organizations.

The enclosed notice is appropriate for hand delivery or mail.  However, you may wish to shorten it before using it for posting.  If you modify the notice, you must leave the health effects language in italics unchanged.  This language is mandatory.

Description of the Violation
Use the following language if you are required to take 40 or more samples per month:
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants.  We took (number) samples the month of (month).  During (month), _______ percent of our samples showed the presence of total coliform bacteria.  The standard is that no more than 5 percent of samples may do so.

Corrective Action
In your notice, describe corrective actions you are taking.  If you know what is causing the coliform problem, explain.  Listed below are some steps commonly taken by water systems with total coliform violations.  Use the following language, if appropriate, or develop your own:

  • We are chlorinating and flushing the water system.

  • We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria.

  • We are repairing the wellhead seal.

  • We are repairing the storage tank.

  • We will inform you when additional samples show no coliform bacteria.

Make sure to send a copy of the notice, along with the enclosed "Certification of Delivery of Public Notice", to the Minnesota Department of Health within ten (10) days of posting the public notice.  It is a good idea to inform your consumers when the violation has been resolved.

Source:  Minnesota Department of Health

 

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Minnesota Rural Water Association

217 12th Avenue SE
Elbow Lake, MN  56531
Phone: 218-685-5197
Fax: 218-685-5272
E-mail: mrwa@mrwa.com