EPA Helps Public Water Systems Comply with Ground Water Rule

In July, EPA released three documents to assist states and public water systems understand requirements of the Ground Water Rule (GWR). The GWR, which was finalized in November 2006, will provide for increased protection against microbial pathogens in public water systems that use ground water as a source of drinking water. Public water systems need to begin actions to comply with the GWR in December 2009.

Complying with the Ground Water Rule: Small Entity Compliance Guide, provides a step-by-step guide to the GWR requirements and how they apply to small public water systems. The Consecutive System Guide for the Ground Water Rule describes the specific responsibilities of both wholesale providers and consecutive systems which purchase water from wholesalers and provides recommendations to help them meet those responsibilities. The Ground Water Rule Source Water Monitoring Methods Guidance Manual includes information about the basis for ground water monitoring, how to determine the appropriate fecal indicator for monitoring, and how the different analytical methods work.

Electronic versions of the guidance documents are available on the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/gwr/compliancehelp.html

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency's Office