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Chapter 246-290 WAC

Last Update: 5/13/24

GROUP A PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES

WAC Sections

PART 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
HTMLPDF246-290-001Purpose and scope.
HTMLPDF246-290-002Guidance.
HTMLPDF246-290-010Definitions, abbreviations, and acronyms.
HTMLPDF246-290-020Applicability.
HTMLPDF246-290-025Adoption by reference.
HTMLPDF246-290-030General administration.
HTMLPDF246-290-035Water system ownership.
HTMLPDF246-290-040Engineering requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-050Enforcement.
HTMLPDF246-290-060Variances, exemptions, and waivers.
PART 2.
PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS
HTMLPDF246-290-100Water system plan.
HTMLPDF246-290-105Small water system management program.
HTMLPDF246-290-106Duty to provide service.
HTMLPDF246-290-107Place of use expansion.
HTMLPDF246-290-108Consistency with local plans and regulations.
HTMLPDF246-290-110Project report.
HTMLPDF246-290-120Construction documents.
HTMLPDF246-290-125Project report and construction document submittal exceptions.
HTMLPDF246-290-130Source approval.
HTMLPDF246-290-131Emergency sources and supplies.
HTMLPDF246-290-132Interties.
HTMLPDF246-290-135Source water protection.
HTMLPDF246-290-140Existing system as-built approval.
PART 3.
DESIGN OF PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
HTMLPDF246-290-200Design standards.
HTMLPDF246-290-220Drinking water materials and additives.
HTMLPDF246-290-221Water demand design criteria.
HTMLPDF246-290-222Water system physical capacity.
HTMLPDF246-290-230Distribution systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-235Finished water storage facilities.
HTMLPDF246-290-250Treatment design.
PART 4.
WATER QUALITY
HTMLPDF246-290-300Monitoring requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-310Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs).
HTMLPDF246-290-315State action levels (SALs) and state maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).
HTMLPDF246-290-320Follow-up action.
PART 5.
WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS
HTMLPDF246-290-415Operations and maintenance.
HTMLPDF246-290-416Sanitary surveys.
HTMLPDF246-290-420Reliability and emergency response.
HTMLPDF246-290-451Disinfection of drinking water.
HTMLPDF246-290-453Corrective action under the GWR.
HTMLPDF246-290-455Operation of chemical contaminant treatment facilities.
HTMLPDF246-290-460Fluoridation of drinking water.
HTMLPDF246-290-470Uncovered finished water storage facilities.
HTMLPDF246-290-480Recordkeeping and reporting.
HTMLPDF246-290-485Recordkeeping and reporting for groundwater systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-490Cross-connection control.
HTMLPDF246-290-496Metering requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-500Severability.
PART 6.
SURFACE WATER TREATMENT
Subpart A - Introduction and General Requirements
HTMLPDF246-290-601Purpose of surface water treatment.
HTMLPDF246-290-620Applicability of surface water treatment requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-630General requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-632Treatment technique violations.
HTMLPDF246-290-634Follow-up to treatment technique violations.
HTMLPDF246-290-636Determination of disinfectant contact time (T).
HTMLPDF246-290-638Analytical requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-639SWTR records.
HTMLPDF246-290-640Determination of GWI sources.
Subpart B - Requirements for Filtered Systems
HTMLPDF246-290-650Compliance requirements for filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-652Filtration technology and design criteria for existing filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-654Treatment criteria for filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-660Filtration.
HTMLPDF246-290-662Disinfection for filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-664Monitoring for filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-666Reporting for filtered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-668Watershed control.
Subpart C - Requirements for Systems Installing Filtration Facilities
HTMLPDF246-290-670Compliance requirements for existing unfiltered systems installing filtration.
HTMLPDF246-290-672Interim treatment requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-674Interim monitoring and reporting.
HTMLPDF246-290-676Filtration technology and design criteria.
HTMLPDF246-290-678Reliability for filtered systems.
Subpart D - Requirements for Other Unfiltered Systems
HTMLPDF246-290-686Compliance requirements for unfiltered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-690Criteria to remain unfiltered.
HTMLPDF246-290-691Criteria for unfiltered systems with a "limited alternative to filtration" to remain unfiltered.
HTMLPDF246-290-692Disinfection for unfiltered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-694Monitoring for unfiltered systems.
HTMLPDF246-290-696Reporting for unfiltered systems.
PART 7.
REPORTING
Subpart A - Public Notification and Consumer Information
HTMLPDF246-290-71001Public notification.
HTMLPDF246-290-71002Public notice content.
HTMLPDF246-290-71003Public notification distribution.
HTMLPDF246-290-71004Public notification mandatory language.
HTMLPDF246-290-71005Special public notification requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-71006Public notice for contaminants with a SAL and other unregulated contaminants.
HTMLPDF246-290-71007Public notification special provisions.
Subpart B - Consumer Confidence Reports
HTMLPDF246-290-72001Purpose and applicability of the consumer confidence report requirements.
HTMLPDF246-290-72002Reporting dates.
HTMLPDF246-290-72003Report contents—Source water.
HTMLPDF246-290-72004Report contents—Definitions.
HTMLPDF246-290-72005Report contents—Information on detected contaminants.
HTMLPDF246-290-72006Report contents—Information on Cryptosporidium, radon, and other contaminants.
HTMLPDF246-290-72007Report contents—Compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
HTMLPDF246-290-72008Report contents—Variances and exemptions.
HTMLPDF246-290-72009Report contents—Additional information.
HTMLPDF246-290-72010Report contents—Required additional health information.
HTMLPDF246-290-72011Report delivery and recordkeeping.
HTMLPDF246-290-72012Regulated contaminants.
HTMLPDF246-290-72013Report contents—Groundwater systems.
PART 8.
WATER USE EFFICIENCY
HTMLPDF246-290-800Purpose and applicability.
HTMLPDF246-290-810Water use efficiency program.
HTMLPDF246-290-820Distribution system leakage standard.
HTMLPDF246-290-830Water use efficiency goal setting.
HTMLPDF246-290-840Water use efficiency performance reports.
FEES
HTMLPDF246-290-990Water system evaluation and project review and approval fees.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
246-290-115Corrosion control recommendation report. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-115, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-210Source protection. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-210, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-125, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-125, filed 9/8/83.] Repealed by WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050.
246-290-240Disinfection of facilities. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-240, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-145, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-145, filed 9/8/83.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-330Public notification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-330, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-330, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-330, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-330, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-330, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-187, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-400Operator certification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-400, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-194, filed 2/17/88.] Repealed by WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050.
246-290-410Small water system management program. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-410, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-410, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-196, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-196, filed 2/17/88.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-430Continuity of service. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-430, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-205, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-205, filed 9/8/83.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-440Operations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-440, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-440, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-440, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-215, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-215, filed 9/8/83.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-450Watershed control. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-450, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-225, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-225, filed 9/8/83.] Repealed by WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050.
246-290-495Public notification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-495, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.] Repealed by WSR 03-08-037, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080.
246-290-610Definitions relating to surface water treatment. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-610, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.] Repealed by WSR 99-07-021, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050].
246-290-680Operating criteria for new water treatment facilities. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-680, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.] Repealed by WSR 97-20-100, filed 9/29/97, effective 10/30/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050.

PART 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS

PDF246-290-001

Purpose and scope.

(1) The purpose of this chapter is to define basic regulatory requirements and to protect the health of consumers using public drinking water supplies.
(2) The rules of this chapter are specifically designed to set requirements for:
(a) Adequate design, construction, sampling, management, maintenance, and operation practices; and
(b) Provision of safe and high-quality drinking water in a reliable manner and in a quantity suitable for intended use.
(3) Purveyors shall be responsible for complying with the regulatory requirements of this chapter.
(4) These rules are intended to conform with Public Law 93-523, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, and Public Law 99-339, the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986, and certain provisions of Public Law 104-182, the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996.
(5) The rules set forth are adopted under chapter 43.20 RCW. Other statutes relating to this chapter are:
(a) RCW 43.20B.020, Fees for services—Department of health and department of social and health services;
(b) Chapter 43.70 RCW, Department of health;
(c) Chapter 70.05 RCW, Local health department, boards, officers—Regulations;
(d) Chapter 70A.100 RCW, Public Water System Coordination Act of 1977;
(e) Chapter 70A.120 RCW, Public water supply systems—Operators;
(f) Chapter 70A.125 RCW, Public water systems—Penalties and compliance; and
(g) Chapter 70A.130 RCW, Chemical contaminants and water quality.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-001, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-001, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-001, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-001, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-001, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-005, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-005, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-005, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-002

Guidance.

(1) The department has numerous guidance documents available to help purveyors comply with state and federal rules regarding drinking water. These include documents on the following subjects:
(a) Compliance;
(b) Consumer and public education;
(c) Contaminants;
(d) Cross-connection control and backflow prevention;
(e) Emergency response and drinking water security;
(f) Engineering design and water treatment;
(g) Financial assistance and state revolving fund (SRF);
(h) General information;
(i) Groundwater protection;
(j) Growth management;
(k) Operations and maintenance;
(l) Operator certification;
(m) Planning and financial viability;
(n) Regulations;
(o) Small water systems;
(p) System approval;
(q) Water quality monitoring and source protection;
(r) Water system planning; and
(s) Water use efficiency.
(2) The department's guidance documents are available online at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/dw/publications/publications.cfm or through U.S. mail at P.O. Box 47822, Olympia, Washington 98504-7822.
(3) Federal guidance documents are available from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a wide range of topics. These are available from the EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water website at http://water.epa.gov/drink.index.cfm.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-002, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-002, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-002, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-002, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-002, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-010

Definitions, abbreviations, and acronyms.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) "Acute" means posing an immediate risk to human health.
(2) "Adverse effect" means a biological change, functional impairment, or pathologic lesion that may affect the performance of the whole organism or reduce an organism's ability to respond to an additional environmental challenge.
(3) "Alternative filtration technology" means a filtration process for substantial removal of particulates (generally ˃ 2-log Giardia lamblia cysts and ≥ 2-log removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts) by other than conventional, direct, diatomaceous earth, or slow sand filtration processes.
(4) "Analogous treatment system" means an existing water treatment system that has unit processes and source water quality characteristics that are similar to a proposed treatment system.
(5) "ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute.
(6) "Approved air gap (AG)" means a physical separation between the free-flowing end of a potable water supply pipeline and the overflow rim of an open or nonpressurized receiving vessel.
To be an air gap approved by the department, the separation must be at least:
(a) Twice the diameter of the supply piping measured vertically from the overflow rim of the receiving vessel, and in no case be less than one inch, when unaffected by vertical surfaces (sidewalls); and
(b) Three times the diameter of the supply piping, if the horizontal distance between the supply pipe and a vertical surface (sidewall) is less than or equal to three times the diameter of the supply pipe, or if the horizontal distance between the supply pipe and intersecting vertical surfaces (sidewalls) is less than or equal to four times the diameter of the supply pipe and in no case less than one and one-half inches.
(7) "Approved atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)" means an AVB of make, model, and size that is approved by the department. AVBs that appear on the current approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research or that are listed or approved by other nationally recognized testing agencies (such as IAPMO, ANSI, or UL) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction are considered approved by the department.
(8) "Approved backflow preventer" means an approved air gap, an approved backflow prevention assembly, or an approved AVB. The terms "approved backflow preventer," "approved air gap," or "approved backflow prevention assembly" refer only to those approved backflow preventers relied upon by the purveyor for the protection of the public water system. The requirements of WAC 246-290-490 do not apply to backflow preventers installed for other purposes.
(9) "Approved backflow prevention assembly" means an RPBA, RPDA, DCVA, DCDA, PVBA, or SVBA of make, model, and size that is approved by the department. Assemblies that appear on the current approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research or other entity acceptable to the department are considered approved by the department.
(10) "As-built drawing" means the drawing created by an engineer from the collection of the original design plans, including changes made to the design or to the system, that reflects the actual constructed condition of the water system.
(11) "Assessment source water monitoring" means an evaluation of groundwater sources that may be at risk for fecal contamination. Assessment source water monitoring involves the collection of source water samples at regular intervals and analysis of those samples for fecal indicators as directed by the department.
(12) "Authority having jurisdiction" (formerly known as local administrative authority) means the local official, board, department, or agency authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted under chapter 19.27 RCW.
(13) "Authorized agent" means any person who:
(a) Makes decisions regarding the operation and management of a public water system whether or not he or she is engaged in the physical operation of the system;
(b) Makes decisions whether to improve, expand, purchase, or sell the system; or
(c) Has discretion over the finances of the system.
(14) "Authorized consumption" means the volume of metered and unmetered water used for municipal water supply purposes by consumers, the purveyor, and others authorized to do so by the purveyor including, but not limited to, firefighting and training, flushing of mains and sewers, street cleaning, and watering of parks and landscapes. These volumes may be billed or unbilled.
(15) "Average day demand (ADD)" means the total quantity of water use from all sources of supply as measured or estimated over a calendar year divided by three hundred sixty-five. ADD is typically expressed as gallons per day (gpd) per equivalent residential unit (ERU).
(16) "AWWA" means the American Water Works Association.
(17) "Backflow" means the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances through a cross-connection into the public water system or consumer's potable water system.
(18) "Backflow assembly tester (BAT)" means a person holding a valid BAT certificate issued under chapter 246-292 WAC.
(19) "Backpressure" means a pressure (caused by a pump, elevated tank or piping, boiler, or other means) on the consumer's side of the service connection that is greater than the pressure provided by the public water system and which may cause backflow.
(20) "Backsiphonage" means backflow due to a reduction in system pressure in the purveyor's distribution system and/or consumer's water system.
(21) "Bag filter" means a pressure-driven separation device that removes particulate matter larger than 1 micrometer using an engineered porous filtration media. They are typically constructed of a nonrigid, fabric filtration media housed in a pressure vessel in which the direction of flow is from the inside of the bag to outside.
(22) "Bank filtration" means a water treatment process that uses a well to recover surface water that has naturally infiltrated into groundwater through a riverbed or bank(s). Infiltration is typically enhanced by the hydraulic gradient imposed by a nearby pumping water supply or other well(s).
(23) "Best available technology" means the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means that EPA finds, after examination for efficacy under field conditions, are available, taking cost into consideration.
(24) "Bioaccumulative" means a chemical that can accumulate in the body when regular exposure occurs through drinking water.
(25) "Blended sample" means a sample collected from two or more individual sources at a point downstream of the confluence of the individual sources and prior to the first connection.
(26) "C" means the residual disinfectant concentration in mg/L at a point before or at the first consumer.
(27) "Cartridge filter" means a pressure-driven separation device that removes particulate matter larger than 1 micrometer using an engineered porous filtration media. They are typically constructed as rigid or semi-rigid, self-supporting filter elements housed in pressure vessels in which flow is from the outside of the cartridge to the inside.
(28) "Category red operating permit" means an operating permit identified under chapter 246-294 WAC. Placement in this category results in permit issuance with conditions and a determination that the system is inadequate.
(29) "C.F.R." means the Code of Federal Regulations.
(30) "Chemical contaminant treatment facility" means a treatment facility specifically used for the purpose of removing chemical contaminants.
(31) "Clarification" means a treatment process that uses gravity (sedimentation) or dissolved air (flotation) to remove flocculated particles.
(32) "Clean compliance history" means a record of:
(a) No E. coli MCL violations;
(b) No monitoring violations under WAC 246-290-300(3); and
(c) No coliform treatment technique trigger exceedances or treatment technique violations under WAC 246-290-320(2) or 246-290-415.
(33) "Closed system" means any water system or portion of a water system in which water is transferred to a higher-pressure zone closed to the atmosphere, such as when no gravity storage is present.
(34) "Coagulant" means a chemical used in water treatment to destabilize particulates and accelerate the rate at which they aggregate into larger particles.
(35) "Coagulation" means a process using coagulant chemicals and rapid mixing to destabilize colloidal and suspended particles and agglomerate them into flocs.
(36) "Combination fire protection system" means a fire sprinkler system that:
(a) Is supplied only by the purveyor's water;
(b) Does not have a fire department pumper connection; and
(c) Is constructed of approved potable water piping and materials that serve both the fire sprinkler system and the consumer's potable water system.
(37) "Combined distribution system" means the interconnected distribution system consisting of the distribution systems of wholesale systems and of the consecutive systems that receive finished water.
(38) "Completely treated water" means water from a surface water source, or a groundwater source under the direct influence of surface water (GWI) source that receives filtration or disinfection treatment that fully complies with the treatment technique requirements of Part 6 of this chapter as determined by the department.
(39) "Composite correction program (CCP)" means a program that consists of two elements - a comprehensive performance evaluation (CPE) and comprehensive technical assistance (CTA).
(40) "Composite sample" means a sample in which more than one source is sampled individually by the water system and then composited by a certified laboratory by mixing equal parts of water from each source (up to five different sources) and then analyzed as a single sample.
(41) "Comprehensive monitoring plan" means a schedule that describes both the frequency and appropriate locations for sampling of drinking water contaminants as required by state and federal rules.
(42) "Comprehensive performance evaluation (CPE)" means a thorough review and analysis of a treatment plant's performance-based capabilities and associated administrative, operation and maintenance practices. It is conducted to identify factors that may be adversely impacting a plant's capability to achieve compliance and emphasizes approaches that can be implemented without significant capital improvements.
The comprehensive performance evaluation must consist of at least the following components:
(a) Assessment of plant performance;
(b) Evaluation of major unit processes;
(c) Identification and prioritization of performance limiting factors;
(d) Assessment of the applicability of comprehensive technical assistance; and
(e) Preparation of a CPE report.
(43) "Comprehensive technical assistance (CTA)" means the performance improvement phase that is implemented if the CPE results indicate improved performance potential. The system must identify and systematically address plant-specific factors. The CTA is a combination of using CPE results as a basis for follow-up, implementing process control priority-setting techniques, and maintaining long-term involvement to systematically train staff and administrators.
(44) "Confirmation" means to demonstrate that the result of a sample accurately represents the original sample result by analyzing another sample from the same location within a reasonable given period of time.
(45) "Confluent growth" means a continuous bacterial growth covering a portion or the entire filtration area of a membrane filter in which bacterial colonies are not discrete.
(46) "Consecutive system" means a public water system that receives some or all of its finished water from one or more wholesale systems. Delivery may be through a direct connection or through the distribution system of one or more consecutive systems.
(47) "Construction completion report" means a form provided by the department and completed for each specific construction project to document:
(a) Project construction in accordance with this chapter and general standards of engineering practice;
(b) Physical capacity changes; and
(c) Satisfactory test results.
The completed form must be stamped with an engineer's seal and signed and dated by a professional engineer.
(48) "Consumer" means any person receiving water from a public water system from either the meter, or the point where the service line connects with the distribution system if no meter is present. For purposes of cross-connection control, "consumer" means the owner or operator of a water system connected to a public water system through a service connection.
(49) "Consumer's water system," as used in WAC 246-290-490, means any potable or industrial water system that begins at the point of delivery from the public water system and is located on the consumer's premises. The consumer's water system includes all auxiliary sources of supply, storage, treatment, and distribution facilities, piping, plumbing, and fixtures under the control of the consumer.
(50) "Contaminant" means a substance present in drinking water that may adversely affect the health of the consumer or the aesthetic qualities of the water.
(51) "Contingency plan" means that portion of the wellhead protection program section of the water system plan or small water system management program that addresses the replacement of the major well(s) or wellfield in the event of loss due to groundwater contamination.
(52) "Continuous monitoring" means determining water quality with automatic recording analyzers that operate without interruption twenty-four hours per day.
(53) "Conventional filtration treatment" means a series of processes including coagulation, flocculation, clarification, and filtration that together result in substantial particulate removal in compliance with Part 6 of this chapter.
(54) "Corrective action plan" means specific written actions and deadlines developed by the water system or the department that the system must follow as a result of either the identification of significant deficiencies during a sanitary survey or the determination of a fecal indicator-positive sample in source water monitoring.
(55) "Cost-effective" means the benefits exceed the costs.
(56) "Council" means the Washington state building code council under WAC 51-04-015(2).
(57) "Critical water supply service area (CWSSA)" means a geographical area which is characterized by a proliferation of small, inadequate water systems, or by water supply problems which threaten the present or future water quality or reliability of service in a manner that efficient and orderly development may best be achieved through coordinated planning by the water utilities in the area as set forth by the Public Water System Coordination Act, chapter 70A.100 RCW and chapter 246-293 WAC.
(58) "Cross-connection" means any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system or the consumer's water system and any source of nonpotable liquid, solid, or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow.
(59) "Cross-connection control program" means the administrative and technical procedures the purveyor implements to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections as required in WAC 246-290-490.
(60) "Cross-connection control specialist (CCS)" means a person holding a valid CCS certificate issued under chapter 246-292 WAC.
(61) "Cross-connection control summary report" means the annual report that describes the status of the purveyor's cross-connection control program.
(62) "CT" or "CTcalc" means the product of "residual disinfectant concentration" (C) and the corresponding "disinfectant contact time" (T) i.e., "C" x "T."
(63) "CT99.9" means the CT value required for 99.9 percent (3-log) inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts.
(64) "CTreq" means the CT value a system shall provide to achieve a specific percent inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts or other pathogenic organisms of health concern as directed by the department.
(65) "Curtailment" means short-term, infrequent actions by a purveyor and its consumers to reduce their water use during or in anticipation of a water shortage.
(66) "DBPs" means disinfection byproducts.
(67) "DCDA" means a double check detector assembly.
(68) "DCVA" means a double check valve assembly.
(69) "Dead storage" means the volume of stored water not available to all consumers at the minimum design pressure under WAC 246-290-230 (5) and (6).
(70) "Demand forecast" means an estimate of future water system water supply needs assuming historically normal weather conditions and calculated using numerous parameters, including population, historic water use, local land use plans, water rates and their impacts on consumption, employment, projected water use efficiency savings from implementation of a water use efficiency program, and other appropriate factors.
(71) "Department" means the Washington state department of health or health officer as identified in a joint plan of responsibility under WAC 246-290-030(1).
(72) "Design and construction standards" means department design guidance and other peer reviewed documents generally accepted by the engineering profession as containing fundamental criteria for design and construction of water facility projects. Design and construction standards are comprised of performance and sizing criteria and reference general construction materials and methods.
(73) "Detectable residual disinfectant concentration" means 0.2 mg/L free chlorine, total chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide.
(74) "Diatomaceous earth filtration" means a filtration process for substantial removal of particulates (˃ 2-log Giardia lamblia cysts) in which:
(a) A precoat cake of graded diatomaceous earth filter media is deposited on a support membrane (septum); and
(b) Water is passed through the cake on the septum while additional filter media, known as body feed, is continuously added to the feed water to maintain the permeability of the filter cake.
(75) "Direct filtration" means a series of processes including coagulation, flocculation, and filtration (but excluding sedimentation) that together result in substantial particulate removal in compliance with Part 6 of this chapter.
(76) "Direct service connection" means a service hookup to a property that is contiguous to a water distribution main and where additional distribution mains or extensions are not needed to provide service.
(77) "Disinfectant contact time (T in CT)" means:
(a) When measuring the first or only C, the time in minutes it takes water to move from the point of disinfectant application to a point where the C is measured; and
(b) For subsequent measurements of C, the time in minutes it takes water to move from one C measurement point to the C measurement point for which the particular T is being calculated.
(78) "Disinfection" means the use of chlorine or other agent or process the department approves for killing or inactivating microbiological organisms, including pathogenic and indicator organisms.
(79) "Disinfection profile" means a summary of Giardia lamblia inactivation through a surface water treatment plant.
(80) "Distribution coliform sample" means a sample of water collected from a representative location in the distribution system at or after the first service and analyzed for coliform presence in compliance with this chapter.
(81) "Distribution-related projects" means distribution projects such as storage tanks, booster pump facilities, transmission mains, pipe linings, and tank coating. It does not mean source of supply (including interties) or water quality treatment projects.
(82) "Distribution system" means all piping components of a public water system that serve to convey water from transmission mains linked to source, storage and treatment facilities to the consumer excluding individual services.
(83) "Domestic or other nondistribution system plumbing problem" means contamination of a system having more than one service connection with the contamination limited to the specific service connection from which the sample was taken.
(84) "Dual sample set" means a set of two samples collected at the same time and same location, with one sample analyzed for TTHM and the other sample analyzed for HAA5. Dual sample sets are collected for the purposes of conducting an IDSE under WAC 246-290-300 (6)(b)(i)(F) and determining compliance with the TTHM and HAA5 MCLs under WAC 246-290-310(4).
(85) "Duplicate (verification) sample" means a second sample collected at the same time and location as the first sample and used for verification.
(86) "DVGW" means Deutsche Vereinigung des Gas und Wasserfaches.
(87) "Elected governing board" means the elected officers with ultimate legal responsibility for operational, technical, managerial, and financial decisions for a public water system.
(88) "Emergency" means an unforeseen event that causes damage or disrupts normal operations and requires immediate action to protect public health and safety.
(89) "Emergency source" means any source that a purveyor intends to use for emergency purposes only and not used for routine or seasonal water demands.
(90) "Engineering design review report" means a form provided by the department and completed for a specific distribution-related project to document:
(a) Engineering review of a project report and/or construction documents under the submittal exception process in WAC 246-290-125(3); and
(b) Design in accordance with this chapter and general standards of engineering practice.
(c) The completed form must be stamped with engineer's seal, and signed and dated by a professional engineer.
(91) "EPA" means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(92) "Equalizing storage" means the volume of storage needed to supplement supply to consumers when the peak hourly demand exceeds the total source pumping capacity.
(93) "Equivalent residential unit (ERU)" means a system-specific unit of measure used to express the amount of water consumed by a typical full-time single family residence.
(94) "Expanding public water system" means a public water system that increases the geographical area where direct service connections are available or increases the approved number of service connections.
(95) "Filter profile" means a graphical representation of individual filter performance in a direct or conventional surface water filtration plant, based on continuous turbidity measurements or total particle counts versus time for an entire filter run, from startup to backwash inclusively, that includes an assessment of filter performance while another filter is being backwashed.
(96) "Filtration" means a process for removal of particulate matter from water by passage through porous media.
(97) "Financial viability" means the capability of a water system to obtain sufficient funds to construct, operate, maintain, and manage a public water system, on a continuing basis, in full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
(98) "Finished water" means water introduced into a public water system's distribution system and is intended for distribution and consumption without further treatment, except as treatment necessary to maintain water quality in the distribution system (e.g., booster disinfection, addition of corrosion control chemicals).
(99) "Finished water storage facility" means a water storage structure that is integrated with a water system's distribution network to provide for variable system demands including, but not limited to, daily equalizing storage, standby storage, or fire reserves, or to provide for disinfectant contact time.
(100) "Fire flow" means the maximum rate and duration of water flow needed to suppress a fire under WAC 246-293-640 or as required under local fire protection authority standards.
(101) "Fire suppression storage" means the volume of stored water available during fire suppression activities to satisfy minimum pressure requirements per WAC 246-290-230.
(102) "First consumer" means the first service connection associated with any source (i.e., the point where water is first withdrawn for human consumption, excluding connections where water is delivered to another water system covered by these regulations).
(103) "Flocculation" means a process enhancing agglomeration and collection of colloidal and suspended particles into larger, more easily settleable or filterable particles by gentle stirring.
(104) "Flowing stream" means a course of running water flowing in a definite channel.
(105) "Flow-through fire protection system" means a fire sprinkler system that:
(a) Is supplied only by the purveyor's water;
(b) Does not have a fire department pumper connection;
(c) Is constructed of approved potable water piping and materials to which sprinkler heads are attached; and
(d) Terminates at a connection to a toilet or other plumbing fixture to prevent stagnant water.
(106) "Forecasted demand characteristics" means the factors that may affect a public water system's projected water needs.
(107) "Future service area" means a specific area a water system in a CWSSA plans to provide water service as determined by a written agreement between purveyors under chapter 70A.100 RCW and chapter 246-293 WAC.
(108) "GAC" means granular activated carbon.
(109) "GAC10" means granular activated carbon filter beds with an empty-bed contact time of ten minutes based on average daily flow and a carbon reactivation frequency of every one hundred eighty days, except that the reactivation frequency for GAC10 used as a best available technology for compliance with MCLs under WAC 246-290-310(4) shall be one hundred twenty days.
(110) "GAC20" means granular activated carbon filter beds with an empty-bed contact time of twenty minutes based on average daily flow and a carbon reactivation frequency of every two hundred forty days.
(111) "Governing body" means the individual or group of individuals with ultimate legal responsibility for operational, technical, managerial, and financial decisions for a public water system.
(112) "gph" means gallons per hour.
(113) "gpm" means gallons per minute.
(114) "Grab sample" means a water quality sample collected at a specific instant in time and analyzed as an individual sample.
(115) "Groundwater system" means all public water systems that use groundwater including:
(a) Consecutive systems receiving finished groundwater; or
(b) Surface water systems with groundwater sources except those systems that combine all sources prior to treatment.
(116) "Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWI)" means any water beneath the surface of the ground that the department determines has the following characteristics:
(a) Significant occurrence of insects or other macroorganisms, algae, or large-diameter pathogens such as Giardia lamblia or, Cryptosporidium; or
(b) Significant and relatively rapid shifts in water characteristics such as turbidity, temperature, conductivity, or pH closely correlating to climatological or surface water conditions where natural conditions cannot prevent the introduction of surface water pathogens into the source at the system's point of withdrawal.
(117) "Guideline" means a department document assisting the purveyor in meeting a rule requirement.
(118) "GWR" means groundwater rule.
(119) "HAA5" means haloacetic acids (five).
(120) "Health officer" means the health officer of the city, county, city-county health department or district, or an authorized representative.
(121) "Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)" means a procedure to measure a class of bacteria that use organic nutrients for growth. The density of these bacteria in drinking water is measured as colony forming units per milliliter and is referred to as the HPC.
(122) "High health cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection involving any substance that could impair the quality of potable water and create an actual public health hazard through injury, poisoning, or spread of disease.
(123) "Human consumption" means the use of water for drinking, bathing or showering, hand washing, food preparation, cooking, or oral hygiene.
(124) "Hydraulic analysis" means the study of a water system's distribution main and storage network to determine present or future adequacy for provision of service to consumers within the established design parameters for the system under peak flow conditions, including fire flow. The analysis is used to establish any need for improvements to existing systems or to substantiate adequacy of design for distribution system components such as piping, elevated storage, booster stations or similar facilities used to pump and convey water to consumers.
(125) "IAPMO" means the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
(126) "IDSE" means an initial distribution system evaluation.
(127) "Inactivation" means a process which renders pathogenic microorganisms incapable of producing disease.
(128) "Inactivation ratio" means the ratio obtained by dividing CTcalc by CTreq.
(129) "Incompletely treated water" means water from a surface or GWI source that receives filtration and/or disinfection treatment that does not fully comply with the treatment technique requirements of Part 6 of this chapter as determined by the department.
(130) "In-line filtration" means a series of processes, including coagulation and filtration (but excluding flocculation and sedimentation) that together result in particulate removal.
(131) "In-premises protection" means a method of protecting the health of consumers served by the consumer's potable water system, located within the property lines of the consumer's premises by the installation of an approved air gap or backflow prevention assembly at the point of hazard, which is generally a plumbing fixture.
(132) "Intertie" means an interconnection between public water systems permitting the exchange or delivery of water between those systems.
(133) "kPa" means kilo pascal (SI units of pressure).
(134) "Lake or reservoir" means a natural or man-made basin or hollow on the earth's surface in which water collects or is stored that may or may not have a current or single direction of flow.
(135) "Legionella" means a genus of bacteria containing species which cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease.
(136) "Level 1 assessment" means an evaluation to identify the possible presence of sanitary defects, defects in distribution system coliform monitoring practices, and when possible, the likely reason that the system triggered the assessment. The assessment is conducted by the system operator or the purveyor.
(137) "Level 2 assessment" means an evaluation to identify the possible presence of sanitary defects, defects in distribution system coliform monitoring practices, and when possible, the likely reason that the system triggered the assessment. A level 2 assessment is a more detailed examination of the system (including the system's monitoring and operational practices) than is a level 1 assessment through the use of a more comprehensive investigation and review of available information, additional internal and external resources, and other relevant practices. The level 2 assessment is conducted by a party approved by the department.
(138) "Limited alternative to filtration" means a process that ensures greater removal and/or inactivation efficiencies of pathogenic organisms than would be achieved by the combination of filtration and chlorine disinfection.
(139) "Local plans and regulations" means any comprehensive plan or development regulation adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW or any other applicable comprehensive plan, land use plan, or development regulation adopted by a city, town, or county for the applicable service area.
(140) "Locational running annual average (LRAA)" means the average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
(141) "Low cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection that could impair the quality of potable water to a degree that does not create a hazard to the public health, but does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of potable waters for domestic use.
(142) "Major project" means all construction projects subject to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) under chapter 43.21C RCW, and meeting the requirements of WAC 246-03-030 (3)(a).
(143) "Mandatory curtailment" means curtailment required by a public water system of specified water uses and consumer classes for a specified period of time.
(144) "Marginal costs" means the costs incurred by producing the next increment of supply.
(145) "Maximum contaminant level (MCL)" means the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water the purveyor delivers to any public water system user, measured at the locations identified under WAC 246-290-310, Table 5.
(146) "Maximum contaminant level violation" means a confirmed measurement above the MCL and for a duration of time, where applicable, as outlined under WAC 246-290-310.
(147) "Maximum day demand (MDD)" means the highest actual or estimated quantity of water that is, or is expected to be, used over a twenty-four hour period, excluding unusual events or emergencies. MDD is typically expressed as gallons per day per ERU (gpd/ERU).
(148) "Membrane filtration" means a pressure or vacuum driven separation process in which particulate matter larger than 1 micrometer is rejected by an engineered barrier, primarily through a size-exclusion mechanism, and which has a measurable removal efficiency of a target organism that can be verified through the application of a direct integrity test. This definition includes the common membrane technologies of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis.
(149) "Metabolite" means a byproduct of a contaminant in drinking water formed during a natural biological process in the body.
(150) "mg/L" means milligrams per liter (1 mg/L = 1 ppm).
(151) "mL" means a milliliter.
(152) "mm" means a millimeter.
(153) "Monitoring waiver" means an action taken by the department under WAC 246-290-300 (4)(g), (7)(f), or (10)(h) to allow a water system to reduce specific monitoring requirements based on a determination of low source vulnerability to contamination.
(154) "MRDL" means the maximum residual disinfectant level.
(155) "MRDLG" means the maximum residual disinfectant level goal.
(156) "MTTP" means maximum total trihalomethane potential.
(157) "Municipal water supplier" means an entity that supplies water for municipal water supply purposes.
(158) "Municipal water supply purposes" means a beneficial use of water:
(a) For residential purposes through fifteen or more residential service connections or for providing residential use of water for a nonresidential population that is, on average, at least twenty-five people for at least sixty days a year;
(b) For governmental or governmental proprietary purposes by a city, town, public utility district, county, sewer district, or water district; or
(c) Indirectly for the purposes in (a) or (b) of this definition through the delivery of treated or raw water to a public water system for such use.
(i) If water is beneficially used under a water right for the purposes listed in (a), (b), or (c) of this definition, any other beneficial use of water under the right generally associated with the use of water within a municipality is also for "municipal water supply purposes," including, but not limited to, beneficial use for commercial, industrial, irrigation of parks and open spaces, institutional, landscaping, fire flow, water system maintenance and repair, or related purposes.
(ii) If a governmental entity holds a water right that is for the purposes listed in (a), (b), or (c) of this definition, its use of water or its delivery of water for any other beneficial use generally associated with the use of water within a municipality is also for "municipal water supply purposes," including, but not limited to, beneficial use for commercial, industrial, irrigation of parks and open spaces, institutional, landscaping, fire flow, water system maintenance and repair, or related purposes.
(159) "Nested storage" means one component of storage is contained within the component of another.
(160) "ng/L" means nanograms per liter.
(161) "Nonacute" means posing a possible or less than immediate risk to human health.
(162) "Nonresident" means a person having access to drinking water from a public water system who lives elsewhere. Examples include travelers, transients, employees, students, etc.
(163) "Normal operating conditions" means those conditions associated with the designed, day-to-day provision of potable drinking water that meets regulatory water quality standards and the routine service expectations of the system's consumers at all times, including meeting fire flow demands. Operation under conditions such as power outages, floods, or unscheduled transmission or distribution disruptions, even if considered in the system design, are considered abnormal.
(164) "NSF" means NSF International (formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)).
(165) "NTNC" means nontransient noncommunity.
(166) "NTU" means a nephelometric turbidity unit.
(167) "ONORM" means Osterreichisches Normungsinstitut.
(168) "Operational storage" means the volume of distribution storage associated with source or booster pump normal cycling times under normal operating conditions and is additive to the equalizing and standby storage components, and to fire flow storage if this storage component exists for any given tank.
(169) "pCi/L" means picocuries per liter.
(170) "PFAS" means per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals found in products such as aqueous film-forming foam used to suppress petroleum-based fires, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and many other products, and as defined in RCW 70A.350.010(8).
(171) "PFBS" means perfluorobutane sulfonic acid.
(172) "PFHxS" means perfluorohexane sulfonic acid.
(173) "PFNA" means perfluorononanoic acid.
(174) "PFOA" means perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as C8.
(175) "PFOS" means perfluorooctane sulfonic acid.
(176) "Peak hourly demand (PHD)" means the maximum rate of water use, excluding fire flow, that can be expected to occur within a defined service area over a continuous sixty minute time period. PHD is typically expressed in gallons per minute (gpm).
(177) "Peak hourly flow" means, for the purpose of CT calculations, the greatest volume of water passing through the system during any one hour in a day.
(178) "Performance criteria" means the level at which a system shall operate in order to maintain system reliability compliance, in accordance with WAC 246-290-420, and to meet consumers' reasonable expectations.
(179) "Permanent residence" means any dwelling that is, or could reasonably be expected to be, occupied on a continuous basis.
(180) "Permanent source" means a public water system supply source that is used regularly each year, and based on expected operational requirements of the system, will be used more than three consecutive months in any twelve-month period. For seasonal water systems that are in operation for less than three consecutive months per year, their sources are also considered to be permanent.
(181) "Plant intake" means the works or structures at the head of a conduit through which water is diverted from a source (e.g., river or lake) into the treatment plant.
(182) "Point of disinfectant application" means the point where the disinfectant is added, and where water downstream of that point is not subject to contamination by untreated surface water.
(183) "Population served" means the number of persons, resident and nonresident, having immediate access to drinking water from a public water system, whether or not persons have actually consumed water from that system. The number of nonresidents is the average number of persons having immediate access to drinking water on days access was provided during that month. In the absence of specific population data, the number of residents is computed by multiplying the number of active services by two and one-half.
(184) "Potable" means water suitable for drinking by the public.
(185) "Potential GWI" means a source identified by the department as possibly under the influence of surface water, and includes, but is not limited to, all wells with a screened interval fifty feet or less from the ground surface at the wellhead and located within two hundred feet of a surface water, and all Ranney wells, infiltration galleries, and springs.
(186) "ppm" means parts per million (1 ppm = 1 mg/L).
(187) "ppt" means parts per trillion (1 ppt = 1 ng/L).
(188) "Premises isolation" means a method of protecting a public water system by installation of approved air gaps or approved backflow prevention assemblies at or near the service connection or alternative location acceptable to the purveyor to isolate the consumer's water system from the purveyor's distribution system.
(189) "Presedimentation" means a preliminary treatment process used to remove gravel, sand, and other particulate material from the source water through settling before the water enters the primary clarification and filtration processes in a treatment plant.
(190) "Pressure filter" means an enclosed vessel containing properly sized and graded granular media through which water is forced under greater than atmospheric pressure.
(191) "Primary disinfection" means a treatment process for achieving inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, or other pathogenic organisms of public health concern to comply with the treatment technique requirements of Part 6 of this chapter.
(192) "Primary standards" means standards based on chronic, nonacute, or acute human health effects.
(193) "Primary turbidity standard" means an accurately prepared formazin solution or commercially prepared polymer solution of known turbidity (prepared in accordance with "standard methods") that is used to calibrate bench model and continuous turbidimeters (instruments used to measure turbidity).
(194) "Project approval application (PAA)" means a department form documenting ownership of water system, design engineer for the project, and type of project.
(195) "Protected groundwater source" means a groundwater source the purveyor shows to the department's satisfaction as protected from potential sources of contamination on the basis of hydrogeologic data and/or satisfactory water quality history.
(196) "psi" means pounds per square inch.
(197) "Public forum" means a meeting open to the general public that allows for their participation.
(198) "Public water system" is defined and referenced under WAC 246-290-020.
(199) "Purchased source" means water a purveyor purchases from a public water system not under the control of the purveyor for distribution to the purveyor's consumers.
(200) "Purveyor" means an agency, subdivision of the state, municipal corporation, firm, company, mutual or cooperative association, institution, partnership, or person or other entity owning or operating a public water system. Purveyor also means the authorized agents of these entities.
(201) "PVBA" means a pressure vacuum breaker assembly.
(202) "Reclaimed water" means effluent derived in any part from sewage from a wastewater treatment system that has been adequately and reliably treated, so that as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur, and it is no longer considered wastewater.
(203) "Record drawings" means the drawings bearing the seal and signature of a professional engineer that reflect the modifications made to construction documents, documenting actual constructed conditions of the water system facilities.
(204) "Recreational tract" means an area that is clearly defined for each occupant, but has no permanent structures with internal plumbing, and the area has been declared in the covenants or on the recorded plat in order to be eligible for reduced design considerations.
(205) "Regional public water supplier" means a water system that provides drinking water to one, or more, other public water systems.
(206) "Regularly" means four hours or more per day for four days or more per week.
(207) "Removal credit" means the level (expressed as a percent or log) of Giardia and virus removal the department grants a system's filtration process.
(208) "Repeat sample" means a sample collected to confirm the results of a previous analysis.
(209) "Resident" means an individual living in a dwelling unit served by a public water system.
(210) "Residual disinfectant concentration" means the analytical level of a disinfectant, measured in milligrams per liter, that remains in water following the application (dosing) of the disinfectant after some period of contact time.
(211) "Retail service area" means the specific area defined by the municipal water supplier where the municipal water supplier has a duty to provide service to all new service connections as set forth in RCW 43.20.260.
(212) "RPBA" means reduced pressure backflow assembly.
(213) "RPDA" means reduced pressure detector assembly.
(214) "Running annual average (RAA)" means the average of analytical results from compliance samples collected at the monitoring locations identified in WAC 246-290-300 during any consecutive four calendar quarters. If a system fails to collect the required number of samples, the RAA is based on the total number of samples collected. If a sample result is less than the SDRL, zero is used to calculate the RAA.
(215) "Same farm" means a parcel of land or series of parcels that are connected by covenants and devoted to the production of livestock or agricultural commodities for commercial purposes and does not qualify as a Group A public water system.
(216) "Sanitary defect" means a defect that could provide a pathway of entry for microbial contamination into the distribution system or that is indicative of a failure or imminent failure in a barrier that is already in place.
(217) "Sanitary survey" means a review, inspection, and assessment of a public water system, by the department or department designee, to determine the adequacy of the system and its operation for producing and distributing safe and reliable drinking water. Each survey includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the following components:
(a) Source;
(b) Treatment;
(c) Distribution system;
(d) Finished water storage;
(e) Pump, pump facilities, and controls;
(f) Monitoring, reporting, and data verification;
(g) System management and operation; and
(h) Operator compliance.
(218) "Satellite system management agency (SMA)" means a person or entity that is approved by the department to own or operate public water systems on a regional or county-wide basis without the necessity for a physical connection between the systems.
(219) "SCA" means a sanitary control area.
(220) "SDWA" means the Safe Drinking Water Act.
(221) "Seasonal source" means a public water system source used on a regular basis, that is not a permanent or emergency source.
(222) "Seasonal system" means a noncommunity water system defined in WAC 246-290-020 that is not operated as a public water system on a year-round basis and starts up and shuts down at the beginning and end of each operating season.
(223) "Secondary standards" means standards based on factors other than health effects.
(224) "SEPA" means the State Environmental Policy Act.
(225) "Service area" means the specific area a water system currently serves and areas where future water service is planned. A wholesale system may include areas where it provides wholesale water to other public water systems in its service area. A water system in a CWSSA includes its future service area in its service area as "future service area" as defined under chapters 70A.100 RCW and 246-293 WAC.
(226) "Service connection" means a connection to a public water system designed to provide potable water to a single family residence, or other residential or nonresidential population. When the connection provides water to a residential population without clearly defined single family residences, the following formulas are used in determining the number of services to be included as residential connections on the WFI form:
(a) Divide the average population served each day by two and one-half; or
(b) Using actual water use data, calculate the total ERUs represented by the service connection in accordance with department design guidance.
(c) The calculated number of services is never less than one.
(227) "Severe health cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection which could impair the quality of potable water and create an immediate, severe public health hazard through poisoning or spread of disease by contaminants from radioactive material processing plants, nuclear reactors, or wastewater treatment plants.
(228) "Simple disinfection" means any form of disinfection that requires minimal operational control in order to maintain the disinfection at proper functional levels, and that does not pose safety concerns that would require special care, equipment, or expertise. Examples include hypochlorination, UV-light, contactor chlorination, or any other form of disinfection practice that is safe to use and easy to routinely operate and maintain.
(229) "Slow sand filtration" means a process involving passage of source water through a bed of sand at low velocity (generally less than 0.10 gpm/ft2) that results in substantial particulate removal (˃ 2-log Giardia lamblia cysts) by physical and biological mechanisms.
(230) "Societal perspective" means:
A point of view that includes a broad spectrum of public benefits including, but not limited to:
(a) Enhanced system reliability;
(b) Savings that result from delaying, deferring, or minimizing capital costs; and
(c) Environmental benefits such as increased water in streams, improvements in aquifer recharge and other environmental factors.
(231) "Source meter" means a meter that measures total output of a water source over specific time periods.
(232) "Source water" means untreated water that is not subject to recontamination by surface runoff and:
(a) For unfiltered systems, enters the system immediately before the first point of disinfectant application; and
(b) For filtered systems, enters immediately before the first treatment unit of a water treatment facility.
(233) "Special purpose investigation (SPI)" means on-site inspection of a public water system by the department or designee to address a potential public health concern, regulatory violation, or consumer complaint.
(234) "Special purpose sample" means a sample collected for reasons other than the monitoring compliance specified in this chapter.
(235) "Spring" means a source of water where an aquifer comes in contact with the ground surface.
(236) "Standard methods" means the book, titled Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water, jointly published by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Water Pollution Control Federation. This book is available through public libraries or may be ordered from AWWA, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235. The edition to be used is that specified by EPA for the relevant drinking water parameter in 40 C.F.R. Part 141.
(237) "Standby storage" means the volume of stored water available for use during a loss of source capacity, power, or similar short-term emergency.
(238) "State action level (SAL)" means the concentration of a contaminant or group of contaminants, without an MCL, established to protect public health in accordance with WAC 246-290-315 and which, if exceeded, triggers actions a purveyor takes in accordance with WAC 246-290-320.
(239) "State board of health" and "board" means the board created by RCW 43.20.030.
(240) "State building code" means the codes adopted by and referenced in chapter 19.27 RCW; the state energy code; and any other codes so designated by the Washington state legislature as adopted and amended by the council.
(241) "State detection reporting limit (SDRL)" means the minimum reportable detection of a contaminant established in WAC 246-390-075.
(242) "State revolving fund (SRF)" means the revolving loan program financed by the state and federal governments and managed by the state for the purpose of assisting water systems to meet their capital needs associated with complying with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act under chapter 246-296 WAC.
(243) "State significant noncomplier (SSNC)" means a system that is violating or has violated department rules, and the violations may create, or have created an imminent or a significant risk to human health.
The violations include, but are not limited to:
(a) Repeated violations of monitoring requirements;
(b) Failure to address an exceedance of permissible levels of regulated contaminants;
(c) Failure to comply with treatment technique standards or requirements;
(d) Failure to comply with waterworks operator certification requirements; or
(e) Failure to submit to a sanitary survey.
(244) "Subpart H System" see definition for "surface water system."
(245) "Surface water" means a body of water open to the atmosphere and subject to surface runoff.
(246) "Surface water system" means a public water system that uses in whole, or in part, source water from a surface supply, or GWI supply. This includes systems that operate surface water treatment facilities, and systems that purchase "completely treated water". A "surface water system" is also referred to as a "Subpart H System" in some federal regulatory language adopted by reference and the two terms are considered equivalent for the purposes of this chapter.
(247) "Susceptibility assessment" means the completed susceptibility assessment survey form for groundwater sources, or a surface water checklist for surface water sources, developed by the department to evaluate the hydrologic setting of the water source and assess its contribution to the source's overall susceptibility to contamination from surface activities.
(248) "SUVA" means specific ultraviolet absorption.
(249) "SVBA" means spill resistant vacuum breaker assembly.
(250) "SWTR" means the surface water treatment rule.
(251) "Synthetic organic chemical (SOC)" means a manufactured carbon-based chemical.
(252) "System capacity" means the system's operational, technical, managerial, and financial capability to achieve and maintain compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal plans and regulations.
(253) "System physical capacity" means the maximum number of service connections or equivalent residential units (ERUs) that the system can serve when considering the limitation of each system component such as source, treatment, storage, transmission, or distribution, individually and in combination with each other.
(254) "T" means disinfectant contact time in minutes.
(255) "Time-of-travel" means the time required for groundwater to move through the water bearing zone from a specific point to a well.
(256) "TNC" means transient noncommunity.
(257) "TOC" means total organic carbon.
(258) "Too numerous to count (TNTC)" means the total number of bacterial colonies exceeds 200 on a 47-mm diameter membrane filter used for coliform detection.
(259) "Tracer study" means a field study conducted to determine the disinfectant contact time, T, provided by a water system component, such as a clearwell or storage reservoir, used for Giardia lamblia cyst and virus inactivation. The study involves introducing a tracer chemical at the inlet of the contact basin and measuring the resulting outlet tracer concentration as a function of time.
(260) "Transmission line" means pipes used to convey water from source, storage, or treatment facilities to points of distribution or distribution mains, and from source facilities to treatment or storage facilities. This also can include transmission mains connecting one section of distribution system to another section of distribution system as long as this transmission main is clearly defined on the plans and no service connections are allowed along the transmission main.
(261) "Treatment technique (TT) requirement" means a department-established requirement for a public water system to provide treatment, such as filtration or disinfection, as defined by specific design, operating, and monitoring requirements. A TT requirement is established in lieu of a primary MCL when monitoring for the contaminant is not economically or technologically feasible.
(262) "Triggered source water monitoring" means collection of groundwater source samples as a result of a total coliform-positive routine sample in the distribution system under WAC 246-290-300(3).
(263) "Trihalomethane (THM)" means one of a family of organic compounds, named as derivatives of methane, where three of the four hydrogen atoms in methane are each substituted by a halogen atom in the molecular structure. THMs may occur when chlorine, a halogen, is added to water containing organic material and are generally found in water samples as disinfection byproducts.
(264) "TTHM" means total trihalomethane.
(265) "Turbidity event" means a single day or series of consecutive days, not to exceed fourteen, when one or more turbidity measurement each day exceeds 5 NTU.
(266) "Two-stage lime softening" means a process in which chemical addition and hardness precipitation occur in each of two distinct unit clarification processes in series prior to filtration.
(267) "T10" means the time it takes ten percent of the water passing through a system contact tank intended for use in the inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, and other microorganisms of public health concern, as determined from a tracer study conducted at peak hourly flow or from published engineering reports or guidance documents for similarly configured tanks.
(268) "ug/L" means micrograms per liter.
(269) "UL" means the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
(270) "umhos/cm" means micromhos per centimeter.
(271) "Unapproved auxiliary water supply" means a water supply (other than the purveyor's water supply) on or available to the consumer's premises that is either not approved for human consumption by the health agency having jurisdiction or is not otherwise acceptable to the purveyor.
(272) "Uncovered finished water storage facility" means a tank, reservoir, or other facility used to store water, which will undergo no further treatment to reduce microbial pathogens except residual disinfection and is directly open to the atmosphere without a suitable water-tight roof or cover.
(273) "Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)" means the code adopted under RCW 19.27.031(4) and implemented under chapter 51-56 WAC. This code establishes statewide minimum plumbing standards applicable within the property lines of the consumer's premises.
(274) "Used water" means water which has left the control of the purveyor.
(275) "UTC" means the utilities and transportation commission.
(276) "Verification" means to demonstrate the results of a sample to be precise by analyzing a duplicate sample. Verification occurs when analysis results fall within plus or minus thirty percent of the original sample.
(277) "Virus" means a virus of fecal origin which is infectious to humans and transmitted through water.
(278) "Volatile organic chemical (VOC)" means a manufactured carbon-based chemical that vaporizes quickly at standard pressure and temperature.
(279) "Voluntary curtailment" means a curtailment of water use requested, but not required of consumers.
(280) "WAC" means the Washington Administrative Code.
(281) "Waterborne disease outbreak" means the significant occurrence of acute infectious illness, epidemiologically associated with drinking water from a public water system, as determined by the appropriate local health agency or the department.
(282) "Water demand efficiency" means minimizing water use by the public water system's consumers through purveyor sponsored activities that may include, but are not limited to, distributing water saving devices, providing rebates or incentives to promote water efficient technologies or by providing water audits to homes, businesses, or landscapes.
(283) "Water facilities inventory (WFI) form" means the department form summarizing each public water system's characteristics.
(284) "Water right" means a certificated water right, water right permit, valid claim, or other authorization, on record with or accepted by the department of ecology, authorizing the beneficial use of water in accordance with all applicable state laws.
(285) "Water right self-assessment" means an evaluation of the legal ability of a water system to use water for existing or proposed usages in conformance with state water right laws. The assessment may be done by a water system, a purveyor, the department of ecology, or any combination thereof.
(286) "Watershed" means the region or area that:
(a) Ultimately drains into a surface water source diverted for drinking water supply; and
(b) Affects the physical, chemical, microbiological, and radiological quality of the source.
(287) "Water shortage" means a situation during which the water supplies of a system cannot meet normal water demands for the system, including peak periods.
(288) "Water shortage response plan" means a plan outlining policies and activities to be implemented to reduce water use on a short-term basis during or in anticipation of a water shortage.
(289) "Water supply characteristics" means the factors related to a public water system's source of water supply that may affect its availability and suitability to provide for both short-term and long-term needs.
Factors include, but are not limited to:
(a) Source location;
(b) Name of any body of water and water resource inventory area from which water is diverted or withdrawn;
(c) Production capacity;
(d) The source's natural variability;
(e) The system's water rights for the source;
(f) Other legal demands on the source such as water rights for other uses;
(g) Conditions established to protect species listed under the Endangered Species Act in 50 C.F.R. 17.11;
(h) Instream flow restrictions established under Title 173 WAC; and
(i) Any conditions established by watershed plans approved under chapter 90.82 RCW and RCW 90.54.040(1) or salmon recovery plans under chapter 77.85 RCW.
(290) "Water supply efficiency" means increasing a public water system's transmission, storage and delivery potential through activities that may include, but are not limited to:
(a) System-wide water audits;
(b) Documenting authorized uses;
(c) Conducting leak surveys; and
(d) Repairs on:
(i) Meters;
(ii) Lines;
(iii) Storage facilities; and
(iv) Valves.
(291) "Water use efficiency (WUE)" means increasing water supply efficiency and water demand efficiency to minimize water withdrawals and water use.
(292) "Water use efficiency program" means policies and activities focusing on increasing water supply efficiency and water demand efficiency to minimize water withdrawals and water use.
(293) "Well field" means a group of wells one purveyor owns or controls that:
(a) Draw from the same aquifer or aquifers as determined by comparable inorganic chemical analysis and comparable static water level and top of the open interval elevations; and
(b) Discharge water through a common pipe and the common pipe shall allow for collection of a single sample before the first distribution system connection.
(294) "Wellhead protection area (WHPA)" means the portion of a well's, wellfield's or spring's zone of contribution defined using WHPA criteria established by the department.
(295) "Wholesale system" means a public water system that treats source water as necessary to produce finished water and then delivers some or all of that finished water to another public water system. Delivery may be through a direct connection or through the distribution system of one or more consecutive systems.
(296) "Zone of contribution" means the area surrounding a pumping well or spring that encompasses all areas or features that supply groundwater recharge to the well or spring.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-010, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-010, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-010, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-010, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-010, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-010, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-010, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-010, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-010, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-010, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-010, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-010, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-010, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-015, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-015, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-015, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-020

Applicability.

(1) Public water system shall mean any system providing water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, excluding a system serving only one single-family residence and a system with four or fewer connections all of which serve residences on the same farm. This term includes:
(a) Collection, treatment, storage, and/or distribution facilities under control of the purveyor and used primarily in connection with the system; and
(b) Collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under control of the purveyor, but primarily used in connection with the system.
(2) The rules of this chapter shall apply to all Group A public water systems except those systems meeting all of the following conditions:
(a) Consists only of distribution and/or storage facilities and does not have any source or treatment facilities;
(b) Obtains all water from, but is not owned by, a public water system where the rules of this chapter apply;
(c) Does not sell water directly to any person; and
(d) Is not a passenger-conveying carrier in interstate commerce.
(3) Group A public water systems meeting all of the provisions under subsection (2) of this section may be required by the department to comply with such provisions of this chapter as are necessary to resolve a public health concern if the department determines a public health threat exists or is suspected.
(4) A Group A system shall be defined as a public water system providing service such that it meets the definition of a public water system provided in the 1996 amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (Public Law 104-182, Section 101, subsection b).
(5) Group A water systems are further defined as community and noncommunity water systems.
(a) Community water system means any Group A water system providing service to fifteen or more service connections used by year-round residents for one hundred eighty or more days within a calendar year, regardless of the number of people, or regularly serving at least twenty-five year-round (i.e., more than one hundred eighty days per year) residents.
Examples of a community water system might include a municipality, subdivision, mobile home park, apartment complex, college with dormitories, nursing home, or prison.
(b) Noncommunity water system means a Group A water system that is not a community water system. Noncommunity water systems are further defined as:
(i) Nontransient (NTNC) water system that provides service opportunity to twenty-five or more of the same nonresidential people for one hundred eighty or more days within a calendar year.
Examples of a NTNC water system might include a school, day care center, or a business, factory, motel, or restaurant with twenty-five or more employees on-site.
(ii) Transient (TNC) water system that serves:
(A) Twenty-five or more different people each day for sixty or more days within a calendar year;
(B) Twenty-five or more of the same people each day for sixty or more days, but less than one hundred eighty days within a calendar year; or
(C) One thousand or more people for two or more consecutive days within a calendar year.
Examples of a TNC water system might include a restaurant, tavern, motel, campground, state or county park, an RV park, vacation cottages, highway rest area, fairground, public concert facility, special event facility, or church.
(c) A Group B water system is a public water system that does not meet the definition of a Group A water system. (See Table 1 and chapter 246-291 WAC for further explanation of a Group B water system.)
(6) A Group A system meeting more than one of the categories described in this section shall be classified by the department in the following order:
(a) Community water system;
(b) NTNC water system; or
(c) TNC water system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-020, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-020, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-020, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-020, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-020, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-006, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89.]


PDF246-290-025

Adoption by reference.

The following sections and subsections of Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 141 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and Part 143 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations revised as of July 1, 2016, are adopted by reference:
141.2 Definitions. Only those definitions listed as follows:
Action level;
Corrosion inhibitor;
Effective corrosion inhibitor residual;
Enhanced coagulation;
Enhanced softening;
First draw sample;
Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5);
Large water system;
Lead service line;
Maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL);
Maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG);
Medium-size water system;
Optimal corrosion control treatment;
Service line sample;
Single family structure;
Small water system;
Specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA); and
Total Organic Carbon (TOC).
141.13
Maximum contaminant levels for turbidity.
141.22
Turbidity sampling and analytical requirements.
141.23(a) - excluding (i)(2)
141.23(j), Inorganic chemical sampling.
141.23(m) -
141.23(o)
141.24(a) -
141.24(d), Organic chemicals, sampling and analytical requirements.
141.24 (f)(1) - 141.24 (f)(15),
141.24 (f)(18), 141.24 (f)(19),
141.24 (f)(21), 141.24 (f)(22)
141.24 (g)(1) - 141.24 (g)(9),
141.24 (g)(12) - 141.24 (g)(14),
141.24 (h)(1) - 141.24 (h)(11),
141.24 (h)(14) - 141.24 (h)(17)
141.24 (h)(20)
141.25(a),
141.25 (c) - (d), Analytical methods for radioactivity.
141.26
Monitoring frequency and compliance for radionuclides in community water systems.
141.31(d)
Reporting requirements.
141.33(e)
Record maintenance.
141.40
Monitoring requirements for unregulated contaminants.
141.61
Maximum contaminant levels for organic contaminants.
141.62, excluding (b)
Maximum contaminant levels for inorganic contaminants.
141.63(e)
Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for microbiological contaminants.
141.64
Maximum contaminant levels for disinfection byproducts.
141.65(c)
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels.
141.66
Maximum contaminant levels for radionuclides.
Control of Lead and Copper
141.80, excluding (c)(3)(v)
General requirements.
141.81
Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.
141.82(a) -
141.82(h) Description of corrosion control treatment requirements.
141.83
Source water treatment requirements.
141.84
Lead service line replacement requirements.
141.85
Public education and supplemental monitoring requirements.
141.86 (a)
- (f)
Monitoring requirements for lead and copper in tap water.
141.87
Monitoring requirements for water quality parameters.
141.88
Monitoring requirements for lead and copper in source water.
141.89
Analytical methods.
141.90, excluding (a)(4)
Reporting requirements.
141.91
Recordkeeping requirements.
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBP)
141.130
General requirements.
141.131
Analytical requirements.
141.132, excluding (c)(1)(i)
Monitoring requirements.
141.133
Compliance requirements.
141.134
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
141.135
Treatment technique for control of disinfection byproduct precursors.
Subpart O - Consumer Confidence Reports
141.153 (h)(6) and (7)
Contents of the reports.
Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection - Systems Serving 10,000 or More People
141.175(b)
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Subpart Q - Public Notification of Drinking Water Violations
141.201, excluding (3)(ii) of Table 1
General public notification requirements.
141.202, excluding
(3) of Table 1
Tier 1 Public Notice - Form, manner, and frequency of notice.
141.203
Tier 2 Public Notice - Form, manner, and frequency of notice.
141.204
Tier 3 Public Notice - Form, manner, and frequency of notice.
141.205
Content of the public notice.
141.206
Notice to new billing units or new customers.
141.207
Special notice of the availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring results.
141.208
Special notice for exceedances of the SMCL for fluoride.
141.211
Special notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring of the source water for Cryptosporidium and for failure to determine bin classification or mean Cryptosporidium level.
Appendix A to Subpart Q of Part 141 - NPDWR violations and other situations requiring public notice
Appendix B to Subpart Q of Part 141 - Standard health effects language for public notification
Appendix C to Subpart Q of Part 141- List of acronyms used in public notification regulation
141.400
General requirements and applicability.
141.402(c)
Groundwater source microbial monitoring and analytical methods.
141.403 (b)(3)(i) through (iii)
Treatment technique requirements for groundwater systems.
Subpart T - Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection - Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000 People
141.530 - 141.544
Disinfection profile and benchmark.
141.563
What follow-up action is my system required to take based on continuous turbidity monitoring?
141.570, excluding (c)
What does Subpart T require that my system report to the state?
Subpart U - Initial Distribution System Evaluations
141.600 - 141.605
Initial distribution system evaluations.
Subpart V - Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Requirements
141.620 - 141.629, excluding 624
Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Requirements.
Subpart W - Enhanced Treatment for Cryptosporidium
141.700-722 Enhanced Treatment for Cryptosporidium
Subpart Y - Revised Total Coliform Rule
141.852
Analytical methods and laboratory certification.
141.860
(c) - (d)
Violations
Part 143 - National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
143.1
Purpose.
143.2
Definitions.
143.3
Secondary maximum contaminant levels.
143.4
Monitoring.
Copies of the incorporated sections and subsections of Title 40 C.F.R. are available from the Department of Health online at: http://www/doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/DrinkingWater/RegulationandCompliance/Rules, or P.O. Box 47822, Olympia, Washington 98504-7822, or by calling the department's drinking water hotline at 800-521-0323.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-025, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050(2) and 70.119A.080. WSR 11-17-062, § 246-290-025, filed 8/15/11, effective 10/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-025, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-025, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-025, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-025, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and RCW 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-025, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-025, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-025, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94.]


PDF246-290-030

General administration.

(1) The department and the health officer for each local health jurisdiction may develop a joint plan of responsibility. Wherever in this chapter the term "department" is used, the term "health officer" may be substituted based on the terms of this joint plan of responsibility. This plan shall:
(a) List the roles and responsibilities of each agency;
(b) Specifically designate those Group A systems for which the department and local health officer have primary responsibility;
(c) Provide for an agreed-to level of public water system oversight;
(d) Be signed by the department and the local health department or district; and
(e) Be reviewed at least once every five years and updated as needed.
(2) The department shall, upon request, review and report on the adequacy of water supply supervision to both the state and local boards of health.
(3) The local board of health may adopt rules governing Group A water systems within its jurisdiction for which the health officer has assumed primary responsibility. Adopted local board of health rules shall be:
(a) No less stringent than this chapter; and
(b) Revised, if necessary, within twelve months after the effective date of revised state board of health rules. During this time period, existing local rules shall remain in effect, except provisions of the revised state board of health rules that are more stringent than the local board of health rules shall apply.
(4) For those Group A water systems where the health officer has assumed primary responsibility, the health officer may approve project reports and construction documents in accordance with engineering criteria approved by the department and listed under Part 3 of this chapter and water system plans in accordance with planning criteria listed under WAC 246-290-100.
(5) The department may develop guidance to clarify sections of the rules as needed and make these available for distribution. Guidance may be obtained by contacting the office of drinking water.
(6) Fees may be charged and collected by the department as authorized in chapter 43.20B RCW and by local health jurisdictions as authorized in RCW 70.05.060 to recover all or a portion of the costs incurred in administering this chapter or that are required to be paid under WAC 246-290-990.
(7) All state and local agencies involved in review, approval, surveillance, testing, or operation of public water systems, or issuance of permits for buildings or sewage systems shall be governed by these rules and any decisions of the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-030, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-030, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-030, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-030, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-030, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-025, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-025, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-025, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-035

Water system ownership.

(1) The following requirements apply to all newly developed public water systems:
(a) Except for systems proposed within an existing water system's approved service area in a CWSSA and offered service by that existing system, any proposed new public water system must be owned or operated by a department approved satellite management agency (SMA) if one is available;
(b) The approval of any proposed new public water system shall be conditioned upon the periodic review of the system's operational history to determine its ability to meet the department's financial viability and other operating requirements. If, upon periodic review, the department determines the system is in violation of financial viability or other operating requirements, the system shall transfer ownership to an approved SMA or obtain operation and management by an approved SMA, if such ownership or operation and management can be made with reasonable economy and efficiency.
(2) An owner of a public water system who is proposing to transfer or has transferred ownership shall:
(a) Provide written notice to the department and all consumers at least one year prior to the transfer, unless the new owner agrees to an earlier date. Notification shall include a time schedule for transferring responsibilities, identification of the new owner, and under what authority the new ownership will operate. If the system is a corporation, identification of the registered agent shall also be provided;
(b) Ensure all health-related standards pursuant to this chapter are met during transfer of the utility. It shall also be the responsibility of the utility transferring ownership to inform and train the new owner regarding operation of the utility; and
(c) Comply with the operating permit requirements pursuant to chapter 246-294 WAC.
(3) The purveyor may be required to document compliance with other relevant ownership requirements, such as those pursuant to UTC jurisdiction under Title 80 RCW.
(4) No purveyor may end utility operations without providing written notice to all customers and to the department at least one year prior to termination of service. A purveyor that fails to provide such notice remains subject to the provisions of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-035, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-035, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-040

Engineering requirements.

(1) Purveyors shall ensure that all work required to be prepared under the direction of a professional engineer, including, but not limited to, water system plans, project reports, corrosion control recommendation reports, tracer studies, construction documents and construction completion reports, and engineering design review reports for distribution-related submittal exceptions, is prepared under the direction, and bears the seal, date, and signature of a professional engineer:
(a) Licensed in the state of Washington under chapter 18.43 RCW; and
(b) Having specific expertise regarding design, operation, and maintenance of public water systems.
(2) Exceptions to this requirement are projects identified under WAC 246-290-125 (1)(a) through (d).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-040, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-040, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-040, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-040, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-035, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-035, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-035, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-050

Enforcement.

When any purveyor is out of compliance with a law or rule regulating public water systems and administered by the department, the department may initiate appropriate enforcement actions, regardless of any prior approvals issued. These actions may include, but are not limited to, any one or combination of the following:
(1) Notice of violation instructing or requiring appropriate corrective measures;
(2) Compliance schedule for specific actions necessary to achieve compliance status;
(3) Departmental order requiring submission of project reports, construction documents, and construction report forms;
(4) Departmental order requiring specific actions or ceasing unacceptable activities within a designated time period;
(5) Departmental order to stop work and/or refrain from using any public water system or improvements thereto until all written approvals required by statute or rule are obtained;
(6) Imposition of civil penalties may be issued for up to five thousand dollars per day per violation, or, in the case of a violation that has been determined to be a public health emergency, a penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars per day per violation under authority of chapter 70A.125 RCW;
(7) Imposition of civil penalties may be issued to a person who constructs, modifies, or expands a public water system or who commences the construction, modification, or expansion of a public water system without first obtaining the required department approval. The amount of the penalty may be up to five thousand dollars per service connection, or, in the case of a system serving a transient population, a penalty of not more than four hundred dollars per person based on the highest average daily population the system serves or is anticipated to serve. The total penalty that may be imposed pursuant to this subsection and RCW 70A.125.040 (1)(b) is five hundred thousand dollars;
(8) Action that requires the purveyor to take preventive or corrective steps when results of a sanitary survey or special purpose investigation conducted by, or on behalf of, the department indicate conditions that are currently or may become a detriment to system operation;
(9) Legal action may be taken by the attorney general or local prosecutor. The legal action may be criminal or civil.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-050, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-050, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-050, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-050, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-045, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-045, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-045, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-060

Variances, exemptions, and waivers.

(1) General.
(a) The state board of health may grant variances, exemptions, and waivers of the requirements of this chapter according to the procedures outlined in subsection (5) of this section. See WAC 246-290-300 (4)(g) and (7)(f) for monitoring waivers.
(b) Consideration by the board of requests for variances, exemptions, and waivers shall not be considered adjudicative proceedings as that term is defined in chapter 34.05 RCW.
(c) Statements and written material regarding the request may be presented to the board at or before the public hearing where the application will be considered. Allowing cross-examination of witnesses shall be within the discretion of the board.
(d) The board may grant a variance, exemption, or waiver if it finds:
(i) Due to compelling factors, the public water system is unable to comply with the requirements; and
(ii) The granting of the variance, exemption, or waiver will not result in an unreasonable risk to the health of consumers.
(2) Variances.
(a) MCL.
(i) The board may grant a MCL variance to a public water system that cannot meet the MCL requirements because of characteristics of the source water that is reasonably available to the system.
(ii) A MCL variance may only be granted in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.4.
(iii) A variance shall not be granted from the MCL for presence of E. coli under WAC 246-290-310(2).
(b) Treatment techniques.
(i) The board may grant a treatment technique variance to a public water system if the system demonstrates that the treatment technique is not necessary to protect the health of consumers because of the nature of the system's source water.
(ii) A treatment technique variance granted in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.4.
(iii) A variance shall not be granted from any treatment technique requirement under Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC.
(c) The board shall condition the granting of a variance upon a compliance schedule as described in subsection (6) of this section.
(3) Exemptions.
(a) The board may grant a MCL or treatment technique exemption to a public water system that cannot meet an MCL standard or provide the required treatment in a timely manner, or both, in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.4.
(b) No exemption shall be granted from:
(i) The requirement to provide a residual disinfectant concentration in the water entering the distribution system under WAC 246-290-662 or 246-290-692; or
(ii) The MCL for presence of E. coli under WAC 246-290-310(2).
(c) The board shall condition the granting of an exemption upon a compliance schedule as described in subsection (6) of this section.
(4) Waivers. The board may grant a waiver to a public water system if the system cannot meet the requirements of these regulations pertaining to any subject not covered by EPA variance and/or exemption regulations.
(5) Procedures.
(a) For variances and exemptions. The board shall consider granting a variance or exemption to a public water system in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.4.
(b) For waivers. The board shall consider granting a waiver upon completion of the following actions:
(i) The purveyor applies to the department in writing. The application, which may be in the form of a letter, shall clearly state the reason for the request;
(ii) The purveyor provides notice of the purveyor's application to consumers and provides proof of the notice to the department;
(iii) The department prepares a recommendation to the board; and
(iv) The board provides notice for and conducts a public hearing on the purveyor's request.
(6) Compliance schedule.
(a) The board shall condition the granting of a variance or exemption based on a compliance schedule. The compliance schedule shall include:
(i) Actions the purveyor shall undertake to comply with a MCL or treatment technique requirement within a specified time period; and
(ii) A description and time-table for implementation of interim control measures the department may require while the purveyor completes the actions required in (a)(i) of this subsection.
(b) The purveyor shall complete the required actions in the compliance schedule within the stated time frame.
(7) Extensions to variances and exemptions.
The board may extend the final date of compliance prescribed in the compliance schedule for a variance and/or exemption in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.4.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-060, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-060, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-060, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-060, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-060, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-060, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-055, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-055, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-055, filed 9/8/83.]


PART 2.
PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

PDF246-290-100

Water system plan.

(1) The purpose of this section is to establish a uniform process for purveyors to:
(a) Demonstrate system capacity as defined in WAC 246-290-010;
(b) Demonstrate how the system will address present and future needs in a manner consistent with other relevant plans and local, state, and federal laws, including applicable land use plans;
(c) Establish eligibility for funding under chapter 246-296 WAC.
(2) Purveyors of the following categories of community public water systems shall submit a water system plan for review and approval by the department:
(a) Systems serving 1,000 or more service connections;
(b) Systems required to develop water system plans under the Public Water System Coordination Act of 1977,chapter 70A.100 RCW;
(c) Any system experiencing problems related to system capacity, as determined by the department;
(d) All new systems;
(e) Any system proposing to:
(i) Increase or otherwise modify the service area identified in a previously approved planning document; or
(ii) Increase the geographical area where direct service is provided if a planning or engineering document has not been previously approved; or
(iii) Install additions, extensions, or changes to existing source, storage, or transmission facilities and increase the approved number of service connections.
(f) Any system proposing to use the document submittal exception process in WAC 246-290-125; or
(g) Any system operating under or proposing to operate under an unspecified number of service connections.
(3) The purveyor shall work with the department to establish the relative priority and level of detail for each element of the water system plan. The priority and level of detail must be related to size, complexity, water supply characteristics, forecasted demand characteristics, past performance, planning history, and use of the water system. Project reports may be combined with a water system plan.
(4) The purveyor shall, at a minimum, address the following elements in the water system plan:
(a) Description of the water system, including:
(i) Ownership and management, including the current names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owners, operators, and emergency contact persons for the system;
(ii) System history and background;
(iii) Related plans, such as coordinated water system plans, abbreviated coordinated water system plans, local land use plans, groundwater management plans, and basin plans;
(iv) Service area maps, including retail service area and future service area, if applicable, and areas where wholesale water is provided to other public water systems. Municipal water suppliers shall identify the area that will expand their water rights' place of use if the requirements under WAC 246-290-107 have been met;
(v) Service area characteristics, agreements, and policies;
(vi) Satellite management, if applicable.
(b) Basic planning data, including:
(i) Current population, service connections, water use, and equivalent residential units; and
(ii) Sufficient water production and consumption data to identify trends including the following elements:
(A) Monthly and annual production totals for each source, including water purchased from another public water system;
(B) Annual usage totals for each customer class as determined by the purveyor;
(C) Annual usage totals for water supplied to other public water systems; and
(D) For systems serving 1,000 or more total connections, a description of the seasonal variations in consumption patterns of each customer class defined by the purveyor.
(iii) Designated land use, zoning, population, and water demand within the water system's service area for the plan approval period, and at least a 20-year planning period.
(c) Demand forecasts, developed under WAC 246-290-221, for the plan approval period, and at least a 20-year planning period. These must show future use with and without savings expected from the system's water use efficiency program.
(d) For systems serving 1,000 or more total connections, a demand forecast for the plan approval period and at least a 20-year planning period that projects demand if the measures deemed cost-effective per WAC 246-290-810 were implemented.
(e) System analysis, including:
(i) System design standards;
(ii) Water quality analysis;
(iii) Inventory and analysis of water system facilities; and
(iv) Summary of system deficiencies.
(f) Water resource analysis for the plan approval period and at least a 20-year planning period, including:
(i) A water use efficiency program. Municipal water suppliers must meet the requirements in WAC 246-290-810;
(ii) Source of supply analysis, which includes:
(A) An evaluation of water supply alternatives if additional water rights will be pursued within 20 years; and
(B) A narrative description of the system's water supply characteristics and the foreseeable effect from current and future use on the water quantity and quality of any body of water from which its water is diverted or withdrawn based on existing data and studies;
(iii) A water shortage response plan as a component of the reliability and emergency response requirements under WAC 246-290-420;
(iv) Water right self-assessment;
(v) Water supply reliability analysis;
(vi) Interties; and
(vii) For systems serving 1,000 or more total connections, an evaluation of opportunities for the use of reclaimed water, where they exist, as defined in RCW 90.46.120.
(g) Source water protection program under WAC 246-290-135.
(h) Operation and maintenance program under WAC 246-290-415 and 246-290-654(5), as applicable.
(i) Improvement program, including a capital improvement schedule that identifies all capital improvements scheduled within the plan approval period and any major projects or other capital improvements planned within at least a 20-year planning period.
(j) Financial program, including demonstration of financial viability by providing:
(i) A summary of past income and expenses;
(ii) A balanced operational budget for the plan approval period;
(iii) A plan for collecting the revenue necessary to maintain cash flow stability and to fund the capital improvement program and emergency improvements; and
(iv) An evaluation that has considered:
(A) The affordability of water rates; and
(B) The feasibility of adopting and implementing a rate structure that encourages water demand efficiency.
(k) Other documents, such as:
(i) Documentation of SEPA compliance;
(ii) Agreements; and
(iii) Comments from each local government with jurisdiction and adjacent utilities.
(l) Systems serving 1,000 or more connections, a climate resilience element as required under RCW 43.20.310.
(5) Purveyors intending to implement the project report and construction document submittal exceptions authorized under WAC 246-290-125 must include:
(a) Standard construction specifications for distribution mains; and/or
(b) Design and construction standards for distribution-related projects, including:
(i) Description of project report and construction document internal review procedures, including engineering design review and construction completion reporting requirements;
(ii) Construction-related policies and requirements for external parties, including consumers and developers;
(iii) Performance and sizing criteria; and
(iv) General reference to construction materials and methods.
(6) Purveyors shall submit reports identifying the progress in developing their water system plans if required by the department.
(7) Purveyors shall transmit water system plans to adjacent utilities and each local government with jurisdiction, to assess consistency with ongoing and adopted planning efforts.
(8) Prior to department approval of a water system plan or a water system plan update, the purveyor shall:
(a) Hold an informational meeting for the water system consumers and notify consumers in a way that is appropriate to the size of the water system; and
(b) Obtain approval of the water system plan from the purveyor's governing body or elected governing board.
(9) Department approval of a water system plan is effective for 10 years from the date of written approval unless:
(a) The purveyor requests and receives a plan approval period of less than 10 years; or
(b) The department requests an updated plan.
(10) The purveyor shall update the water system plan and obtain department approval at or before the expiration of the current plan approval if the system meets any of the conditions of subsection (2) of this section.
(11) Water system plan amendments. A purveyor may submit an amendment to its current approved water system plan for department approval at any time during the plan approval period. Project reports may be included in a water system plan amendment to meet the requirements under WAC 246-290-110(3). Department approval of a water system plan amendment does not alter the current plan approval period in accordance with subsection (9) of this section and does not satisfy the requirement of subsection (2) of this section to update the water system plan.
[Statutory Authority: 2023 c 228, chapter 43.20 RCW, and RCW 43.20.310. WSR 24-11-057, § 246-290-100, filed 5/13/24, effective 6/13/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-100, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-100, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-100, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-100, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-100, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-100, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [ 43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-100, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-100, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-100, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-100, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-065, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-065, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-105

Small water system management program.

(1) The purpose of a small water system management program is to:
(a) Demonstrate the system's operational, technical, managerial, and financial capability to achieve and maintain compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal plans and regulations; and
(b) Establish eligibility for funding under chapter 246-296 WAC.
(2) All noncommunity systems and community systems not required to complete a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100(2) shall develop and implement a small water system management program.
(3) The purveyor shall submit this program for department review and approval when:
(a) A new NTNC public water system is created;
(b) An existing system has operational, technical, managerial, or financial problems, as determined by the department; or
(c) An existing system without approved construction documents is seeking as-built system approval under WAC 246-290-140; or
(d) A system applies for funding under chapter 246-296 WAC.
(4) Content and detail shall be consistent with the size, complexity, past performance, and use of the public water system. General content topics shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements:
(a) System management;
(b) Annual operating permit;
(c) Water facilities inventory form;
(d) Service area and facility map. Municipal water suppliers shall identify the area that will expand their water rights' place of use if the requirements under WAC 246-290-107 have been met;
(e) Water right self-assessment;
(f) Description of the system's source(s) including the name and location of any body of water from which its water is diverted or withdrawn;
(g) A water use efficiency program. Municipal water suppliers must meet the requirements in WAC 246-290-810;
(h) Water production and consumption data including each of the following:
(i) Monthly and annual production for each source, including water purchased from another public water system;
(ii) Annual consumption totals for residential and nonresidential connections;
(iii) Total annual volume of water supplied to other public water systems;
(i) Average daily demand;
(j) Current population served;
(k) The forecast of average daily demand based on the system's approved number of connections that considers:
(i) Water use trends based on actual water use records; and
(ii) Applicable land use plans;
(l) An evaluation that has considered the feasibility of adopting and implementing a rate structure that encourages water demand efficiency;
(m) Source water protection program;
(n) Component inventory and assessment;
(o) List of planned system improvements;
(p) Water quality monitoring program;
(q) Operation and maintenance program under WAC 246-290-415(2) and 246-290-654(5) as applicable;
(r) Cross-connection control program;
(s) Emergency response plan; and
(t) Budget.
(5) The department may require changes be made to a small water system management program if necessary to effectively accomplish the program's purpose.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-105, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-105, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-105, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-105, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-105, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-106

Duty to provide service.

Municipal water suppliers required to submit a water system plan for department approval under WAC 246-290-100(2) must also include in the water system plan the provisions of this section as required under RCW 43.20.260. In approving a water system plan, the department shall ensure that water service to be provided by the water system for any new industrial, commercial, or residential use is consistent with local plans and regulations.
(1) A municipal water supplier has a duty to provide retail water service to all new service connections within its retail service area if:
(a) It can be available in a timely and reasonable manner;
(b) There is sufficient water rights to provide water service;
(c) There is sufficient capacity to serve the water in a safe and reliable manner as determined by the department; and
(d) It is consistent with the requirements of local plans and regulations and, for water service by the water utility of a city or town, with the utility service extension ordinances of the city or town.
(2) Municipal water suppliers shall include a retail service area map in the water system plan.
(3) Municipal water suppliers must meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-108.
(4) Municipal water suppliers shall include their service policies and conditions of service including how new service will be provided in the water system plan.
(5) Municipal water suppliers may provide temporary water service to another water system to resolve a significant public health and safety concern prior to meeting the requirements of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-106, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-106, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08.]


PDF246-290-107

Place of use expansion.

The place of use of a surface or groundwater right may be expanded to include any portion of the approved service area that was not previously within the place of use for the water right when documented in an approved planning or engineering document under chapter 43.20 RCW or in accordance with procedures adopted under chapter 70A.100 RCW. This occurs as an effect of the department's approval of a service area identified in a water system plan, water system plan amendment, small water system management program, engineering document, or as an effect of the local legislative authority's approval of a service area as part of a coordinated water system plan.
(1) The following conditions must be met:
(a) The municipal water supplier is in compliance with the terms of the water system plan or small water system management program, including those regarding water use efficiency.
(b) The alteration of the place of use is not inconsistent regarding an area added to the place of use with any local plans and regulations.
(c) The alteration of the place of use is not inconsistent regarding an area added to the place of use with any watershed plan approved under chapter 90.82 RCW or a comprehensive watershed plan approved under RCW 90.54.040(1) after September 3, 2003, if such a watershed plan has been approved for the area.
(2) As part of the planning or engineering document, municipal water suppliers must:
(a) Identify the area where the place of use will be expanded.
(b) Document that subsection (1)(a) and (c) of this section are met.
(c) Meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-108 for the area where the place of use will be expanded.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-107, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-107, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-107, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-107, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08.]


PDF246-290-108

Consistency with local plans and regulations.

Consistency with local plans and regulations applies to planning and engineering documents under WAC 246-290-106, 246-290-107, and 246-290-110.
(1) Municipal water suppliers must include a consistency review and supporting documentation in its planning or engineering document describing how it has considered consistency with local plans and regulations. This review must include elements of local plans and regulations, as they reasonably relate to water service to be provided by a municipal water supplier for any new connection, including:
(a) Land use and zoning within the service area;
(b) Growth projections used in the demand forecast;
(c) Utility service extension ordinances of a city or town when water service is provided by the water utility of the city or town;
(d) Provisions of water service for new service connections; and
(e) Other relevant elements related to water supply planning as determined by the department.
(2) Municipal water suppliers must request each local government with jurisdiction over the service area to provide a consistency review. Municipal water suppliers may exclude wholesale areas from the consistency review provided the water system receiving the wholesale water complies with the requirements for a consistency review when developing a water system plan for any new connection within the service area of the system receiving the wholesale water.
(a) Municipal water suppliers shall provide each local government with jurisdiction sixty days to review the planning or engineering document unless another state statute or state regulation requires a different time frame. The municipal water supplier must provide the local government with jurisdiction an additional thirty days for review if requested.
(b) If an inconsistency is documented by the local government with jurisdiction within the time frame outlined in (a) of this subsection, the municipal water supplier must provide the inconsistency information to the department.
(c) If the local government with jurisdiction documents in writing an inconsistency exists with local plans and regulations, the municipal water supplier shall address the inconsistency. The local government with jurisdiction shall be provided sixty days to review any revisions or responses that address the inconsistency.
(3) If the local government with jurisdiction does not provide a consistency review, the municipal water supplier shall complete the consistency review as described in subsection (1) of this section. The municipal water supplier must also document:
(a) The amount of time provided to each local government with jurisdiction to review the planning and engineering documents as defined in subsection (2) of this section; and
(b) The efforts taken to request a consistency review from the local government with jurisdiction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-108, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-108, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08.]


PDF246-290-110

Project report.

(1) The project report is a written document that describes why a project is being proposed and includes engineering design calculations showing how the project will meet its objectives.
(2) Purveyors shall submit project reports to the department and obtain written approval prior to installation or construction of any new water system, water system extension, or improvement. The department may require the submittal of a project report for the purpose of resolving a system operational problem. Exceptions to this requirement are listed in WAC 246-290-125.
(3) Project reports submitted for approval by purveyors who are required to have a water system plan will not be considered for approval unless a current, approved water system plan that adequately addresses the project is on file with the department. In the event that a purveyor of an existing system does not have such a water system plan, the department may enter into a compliance agreement with the purveyor that grants a time extension to complete the water system plan.
(4) Project reports shall be consistent with the standards identified in Part 3 of this chapter. Depending on the complexity and type of project or problem, the report shall include the following elements (information contained in a current water system plan or other engineering document previously approved by the department need not be duplicated, but must be specifically referenced):
(a) Project description, including:
(i) Why the project is being proposed, how problem(s) (if any) are to be addressed, and the relationship of the project to other system components;
(ii) A statement of SEPA determination of nonsignificance or justification of why SEPA does not apply to project;
(iii) Source development information under WAC 246-290-130, 246-290-132, and 246-290-135, if applicable;
(iv) Type of treatment under WAC 246-290-250, if applicable; and
(v) A summary of consumer and user complaints.
(b) Planning data. If a purveyor has a water system plan or small water system management program, the project report shall indicate the proposed project's relationship to the plan. If the purveyor is not required by WAC 246-290-100 to have a water system plan, planning related information shall include:
(i) General project background with population and water demand forecasts;
(ii) Service area map. Municipal water suppliers must identify where their water rights place of use will be expanded to their service area if the requirements under WAC 246-290-107 have been met;
(iii) How the project will impact neighboring water systems;
(iv) Local requirements, such as fire flow;
(v) Additional management responsibilities under WAC 246-290-105, 246-290-415, and chapter 246-292 WAC;
(vi) Implementation strategies or proposed construction schedule;
(vii) Estimated capital and annual operating cost, and method of financing, if applicable.
(c) An analysis of alternatives, including description of options and rationale for selecting the proposed option.
(d) A review of water quality as it relates to the purpose of the proposed project. If a project involves treatment and/or a filtration facility pilot study, refer to department guidance, reporting requirements for corrosion control under 40 C.F.R. 141.90, and tracer studies under WAC 246-290-636(5).
(e) When the project involves a new source or an increase in system physical capacity, a review of water quantity, including a water rights assessment, unless the assessment has previously been submitted in a water system plan or small water system management program that has been approved by the department. The purveyor shall take any follow-up action as directed by the department, to determine conformance with applicable state water rights laws.
(f) Engineering calculations including sizing justification, hydraulic analysis, physical capacity analysis, and other relevant technical considerations necessary to support the project.
(g) Design and construction standards, including performance standards, construction materials and methods, and sizing criteria, if applicable.
(h) Project reports for the design of treatment facilities shall include the following:
(i) Detailed design criteria and calculations to support the proposed treatment processes, process control, and process utilities; and
(ii) Proposed methods and schedules for start up, testing, and operation of the completed treatment facility.
(i) Legal considerations, such as ownership, right of way, sanitary control area (SCA), restrictive covenants, restrictions related to water use that are recorded on titles or deeds to properties, and relationship with the boundary review board and UTC.
(j) Other necessary department-determined considerations.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-110, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-110, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-110, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-110, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-110, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-086, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-086, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-120

Construction documents.

(1) Construction documents shall identify how specific projects will be constructed while satisfying the requirements and conditions established in the project report and/or the water system plan.
(2) Purveyors shall submit construction documents to the department and obtain written approval prior to construction of any new water system, or water system extension or improvement. Exceptions to this requirement are listed in WAC 246-290-125.
(3) Construction documents submitted for approval by purveyors who are required to have a water system plan will not be considered for approval unless a current, approved water system plan that adequately addresses the project is on file with the department. In the event that a purveyor of an existing system does not have a water system plan, the department may enter into a compliance agreement with the purveyor that grants a time extension to complete the water system plan.
(4) Construction documents shall be consistent with the standards identified in Part 3 of this chapter and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(a) Drawings. Include detailed drawings of each project component;
(b) Material specifications. List detailed material specifications for each project component;
(c) Construction specifications.
(i) List detailed construction specifications and assembly techniques for carrying out the project;
(ii) Testing. Identify testing criteria and procedures for each applicable portion of the project;
(iii) Disinfection. Identify specific disinfection procedures that shall conform with AWWA standards or other standards acceptable to the department;
(iv) Inspection. Identify provisions for inspection of the installation of each project component. See WAC 246-290-040 and subsection (5) of this section for construction reporting requirements;
(d) Change orders. All significant changes shall be submitted to and approved by the department in writing. The change order must identify who will be responsible for obtaining department approval and how change orders will be reported to the department. Significant means a change in materials used, deviations from original intent of project, or changes made to the physical capacity of the project;
(e) Record drawings. Record drawings provided to the purveyor following the completion of the project shall be maintained and available to the department upon request.
(5) Purveyors shall submit a construction completion report (department form) to the department within sixty days of completion and before use of distribution-related projects in accordance with WAC 246-290-125 (3)(f), or other project approved for construction by the department. Exceptions to this requirement are projects listed in WAC 246-290-125(1). The form shall:
(a) Bear the seal, date, and signature of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington;
(b) State the project is constructed and is completed in accordance with department regulations and principles of standard engineering practice, including physical testing procedures, water quality tests, and disinfection practices; and
(c) Document system physical capacity to serve consumers if the project results in a change (increase or decrease) in physical capacity.
(6) The purveyor shall submit a new or updated water facilities inventory (WFI) form (department form) with the construction completion report (department form) for a new water system, whenever there are changes or additions to an existing water system that would change information of the WFI, or when required by the department.
(7) If the project results in an increase in the water system's physical capacity, the purveyor shall submit a water right self-assessment, unless the assessment has previously been submitted in a project report, water system plan, or small water system management program, that has been approved by the department. The purveyor shall take any follow-up action, as directed by the department, to determine conformance with applicable state water rights laws.
(8) Approval of construction documents shall be in effect for two years unless the department determines a need to withdraw the approval. An extension of the approval may be obtained by submitting a status report and a written schedule for completion. Extensions may be subject to additional terms and conditions imposed by the department.
(9) Purveyors of new water systems must meet the ownership requirements of WAC 246-290-035 and the water system planning requirements of WAC 246-290-100 or 246-290-105 before the department will review and approve the purveyors' construction documents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-120, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-120, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-120, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-120, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-096, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-125

Project report and construction document submittal exceptions.

(1) The following projects do not require project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 to be submitted to the department for review and approval prior to installation:
(a) Installation of valves, fittings, meters, and approved backflow prevention assemblies;
(b) Installation of hydrants under WAC 246-290-230 (3) and (6);
(c) Repair of a system component or replacement with a component of a similar capacity and material in accordance with the original construction specifications of the approved design. For the purposes of replacing existing pipe, similar capacity includes one standard pipe size larger; or
(d) Maintenance or painting of surfaces not contacting potable water.
(2) Purveyors may elect to not submit to the department for review and approval project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 for new distribution mains if:
(a) The purveyor has on file with the department a current department-approved water system plan that includes standard construction specifications for distribution mains; and
(b) The purveyor maintains on file a completed construction completion report (department form) in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(5) and makes it available for review upon request by the department.
(3) Purveyors may elect to not submit to the department for review and approval project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 for review and approval of other distribution-related projects as defined in WAC 246-290-010 providing:
(a) The purveyor has on file with the department a current department-approved water system plan, in accordance with WAC 246-290-100(5);
(b) The purveyor submits a written request with a new water system plan or an amendment to a water system plan, and updates the request with each water system plan update. The written request should specifically identify the types of projects or facilities for which the submittal exception procedure is requested;
(c) The purveyor has documented that they have employed or hired under contract the services of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington to review distribution-related projects not submitted to the department for review and approval. The review engineer and design engineer shall not be the same individual. The purveyor shall provide written notification to the department whenever they propose to change their designated review engineer;
(d) If the project is a new transmission main, storage tank, or booster pump station, it must be identified in the capital improvement program of the utility's water system plan. If not, either the project report must be submitted to the department for review and approval, or the water system plan must be amended;
(e) A project summary file is maintained by the purveyor for each project and made available for review upon request by the department, and includes:
(i) Descriptive project summary;
(ii) Anticipated completion schedule;
(iii) Consistency with utility's water system plan;
(iv) Water right self-assessment, where applicable;
(v) Change in system physical capacity;
(vi) Copies of original design and record drawings;
(vii) Engineering design review report (department form). The form shall:
(A) Bear the seal, date, and signature of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington prior to the start of construction;
(B) Provide a descriptive reference to completed project report and/or construction documents reviewed, including date of design engineer's seal and signature; and
(C) State the project report and/or construction documents have been reviewed, and the design is in accordance with department regulations and principles of standard engineering practice;
(f) The construction completion report is submitted to the department in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(5) for new storage tanks and booster pump stations, and maintained on file with the water system for all other distribution-related projects;
(g) A WFI is completed in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(6); and
(h) The purveyor meets the requirements of chapter 246-294 WAC to have a category "green" operating permit.
(4) Source of supply (including interties) and water quality treatment-related projects shall not be eligible for the submittal exception procedure.
(5) Purveyors not required to prepare a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100 shall be eligible for the submittal exception procedure if the purveyor:
(a) Has a department-approved water system plan meeting the requirements of WAC 246-290-100;
(b) Complies with all other requirements in this section; and
(c) Ensures that all work required to be prepared under the direction of a professional engineer be accomplished per WAC 246-290-040 and chapter 18.43 RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-125, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-125, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-125, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-125, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-130

Source approval.

(1) Every purveyor shall obtain drinking water from the highest quality source feasible. Every purveyor shall, prior to using a source as a public water supply, obtain approval from the department for:
(a) All new sources.
(b) Previously unapproved sources.
(c) Modifications to existing sources.
(2) In no case may a purveyor maintain an intake or other connection between a public water system and a source of water not approved by the department.
(3) Before initiating source development or modification, the purveyor shall contact the department to identify submittal requirements.
(4) Any party seeking source approval shall provide the department sufficient documentation, in a project report, construction documents, or in supplemental documents, that the source:
(a) Is reasonable and feasible for the type and size of the system;
(b) May legally be used in conformance with state water rights laws;
(c) Supplies water that is physically and reliably available in the necessary quantities, as shown in:
(i) A hydrogeologic assessment of the proposed source;
(ii) A general description of the watershed, spring, and/or aquifer recharge area affecting the quantity or quality of flow, which includes seasonal variation and upstream water uses that may significantly affect the proposed source;
(iii) For groundwater and spring sources, well source development data that are available from a pump test at the maximum design rate and duration, or are available from other sources of information, that establish pump settings (depth) in the well and demonstrate adequacy of water quantity to meet design criteria while not leading to water quality problems;
(iv) For groundwater and spring sources, installation of a source meter or other equivalent device that reliably measures volume of flow into the system;
(d) Is, or is not, a GWI under WAC 246-290-640, and meets or can meet the applicable requirements for GWI sources as described in that section including treatment;
(e) Adequately provides for source protection, as shown in:
(i) For surface water and GWI sources, the watershed control program identified under WAC 246-290-135 and Part 6 of this chapter;
(ii) For wells, a preliminary department susceptibility assessment or equivalent information, and preliminary WHPA delineation and contaminant inventory, under the requirements for sanitary control and wellhead protection under WAC 246-290-135;
(f) Is designed and constructed in conformance with this chapter, and relevant requirements of chapter 173-160 WAC (department of ecology well construction standards);
(g) Meets water quality standards under WAC 246-290-310, as shown in an initial water quality analysis that includes, at a minimum, the following:
(i) Bacteriological, in addition to water quality standards under WAC 246-290-310, the raw water coliform source sample must be satisfactory;
(ii) Complete inorganic chemical and physical except that the MCL for arsenic under WAC 246-290-310 does not apply to TNC systems;
(iii) Complete VOC;
(iv) Radionuclides, if source approval is requested for a community system;
(v) SOC, except where waived or not required under WAC 246-290-300;
(vi) Contaminants with a SAL, as required under WAC 246-290-300(10) except where waived or not applicable under WAC 246-290-300 (10)(h); and
(vii) Any other information required by the department relevant to the circumstances of the particular source.
(h) Sources that otherwise would not meet water quality standards under WAC 246-290-310 or that have unsatisfactory raw water coliform source samples may be approved if treatment is provided.
(5) The required documentation under subsection (3) of this section must include, at a minimum:
(a) A water right self-assessment;
(b) A map showing the project location and vicinity;
(c) A map depicting topography, distances to the surface water intake, well or spring from existing property lines, buildings, potential sources of contamination, ditches, drainage patterns, and any other natural or man-made features affecting the quality or quantity of water;
(d) The dimensions, location, and legal documentation of the SCA under WAC 246-290-135;
(e) A copy of the on-site inspection form completed by the department or local health department representative;
(f) A copy of the water well report including the unique well identification tag number, depth to open interval or top of screened interval, overall depth of well from the top of the casing, vertical elevation, and location (both plat location and latitude/longitude); and
(g) Documentation of source meter installation. The purveyor may utilize other documents, such as a water system plan, susceptibility assessment, wellhead protection program, project report, or construction documents, to provide the documentation and information to the department, provided that the documents are current, and the purveyor indicates the location in the document of the relevant information.
(6) If treatment of a source is necessary to meet water quality standards, the purveyor may be required to meet the provisions of WAC 246-290-250 and Part 6 of this chapter, if applicable, prior to or as a condition of approval.
(7) An intertie must be adequately described in a written agreement between the purveyor and the supplier of the water, and otherwise meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-132.
(8) The purveyor shall not construct facilities for source development and use without prior approval of the department pursuant to the provisions of WAC 246-290-120.
(9) The purveyor may request a conditional source approval, such as one that sets limits on use or requires interim treatment, if further analysis of the quality of the source is required before final approval.
(10) For sources or supplies of water used by bottled water or ice plants to produce bottled water or ice:
(a) If the bottled water or ice plant is a Group A community water system and the plant uses the system's source for the water that is bottled or made into ice, the source and supply used for the bottled water and ice must meet the applicable Group A requirements;
(b) If the bottled water or ice plant uses its own source for the water that is bottled or made into ice, and the plant is not a Group A community water system, the owner or operator shall obtain source approval from the department, and the source water must meet the ongoing source water quality monitoring requirements for a Group A community system;
(c) If the bottled water or ice plant purchases the water for bottling or making ice from another source or supply, the water must meet the minimum requirements for a Group A community water system, and the owner or operator of the plant shall ensure that the water meets the requirements;
(d) The source or supply for the water that is bottled or made into ice must be protected from contamination prior to the bottling or ice making process; and
(e) In addition to the requirements imposed under this subsection, the processing of bottled water is subject to regulation by the state department of agriculture and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-130, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-130, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-130, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-130, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-130, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-130, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-130, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-130, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-130, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-130, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-097, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-097, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-131

Emergency sources and supplies.

(1) A purveyor with an emergency source shall provide, at a minimum, the following information in its department-approved emergency response program required under WAC 246-290-415 (2)(d):
(a) Source name, department identification number, capacity, and location;
(b) Engineering design department approval status;
(c) Routine water quality emergency source monitoring schedule, if applicable; and
(d) Procedures to activate the emergency source for the purpose of supplying the distribution system, including:
(i) Persons authorized to activate the source;
(ii) Conditions in which the emergency source will be activated;
(iii) Operational steps that will be taken before the source is activated;
(iv) Water quality sampling performed immediately before activating the source and while the emergency source is in operation; and
(v) Steps that will be taken to inform the public and the department before activating the source.
(2) A purveyor may maintain a physical connection between an emergency source and the distribution system if:
(a) The emergency source is an emergency intertie with another Group A water system, approved under WAC 246-290-132; or
(b) The emergency source is a drilled and cased well which:
(i) Is identified in the purveyor's department-approved emergency response program in accordance with WAC 246-290-420;
(ii) Has an isolation valve between the emergency source and the distribution system that is secured in the fully closed position when not in use; and
(iii) Has the motor starter locked-out and tagged-out in the off position so that the pump is isolated from the power supply when not in use.
(3) A purveyor with an emergency source that does not meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section shall:
(a) Physically disconnect the emergency source from the distribution system by the removal of a pipe segment or by an alternate means as determined by the department; and
(b) Receive permission from the department or health officer before physically connecting and activating the emergency source for the purpose of supplying the distribution system.
(4) Unless otherwise directed by the department, a purveyor using trucked water as an emergency drinking water supply shall only use water that:
(a) Originates from a Group A public water system that is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter;
(b) Is treated with chlorine when the truck is filled by adding one-half cup of six to eight and twenty-five one hundredths of one percent regular unscented household bleach per one thousand gallons of water, or equivalent;
(c) Has a free chlorine residual equal to or greater than 0.5 mg/L at the time of delivery; and
(d) Is collected, temporarily stored, and delivered by tanks, bladders, pumps, pipes and other equipment that:
(i) Are contaminant-free and constructed and maintained to prevent contamination; and
(ii) Have not previously been used to carry nonfood products, toxic substances, or petroleum products.
(5) Purveyors using trucked water as an emergency drinking water supply shall:
(a) Receive permission from the department, health officer, or local or state emergency management agency prior to use;
(b) Measure the free chlorine residual of the delivered water and only accept water that has a free chlorine residual that is equal to or greater than 0.5 mg/L at the time of delivery;
(c) Store trucked water in the delivery truck or in an approved component of the purveyor's water system; and
(d) Maintain records of trucked water deliveries, including the hauler, water source, chlorine test results, and delivery date, time, and volume. Records must be available for review upon request by the department or health officer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-131, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17.]


PDF246-290-132

Interties.

(1) No interties shall be used and/or constructed as a public water supply without department approval.
(2) Interties shall not be eligible for submittal exceptions pursuant to WAC 246-290-125.
(3) Prior to department approval, purveyors proposing nonemergency interties shall ensure that the intertie is addressed:
(a) In an approved coordinated water system plan, water system plan, water system plan update, water system plan amendment, or small water system management program including:
(i) Location of the proposed intertie;
(ii) Date it is proposed to be utilized;
(iii) The purpose, physical capacity, service area, and proposed usage of the intertie;
(iv) Copy of the intertie agreement between purveyors;
(v) Description of how the intertie:
(A) Improves overall system reliability;
(B) Enhances the manageability of the system;
(C) Provides opportunities for conjunctive use; or
(D) Delays or avoids the need to develop new water sources;
(vi) Identification of any potential public health or safety concerns;
(vii) Discussion of any water quality and treatment issues;
(viii) Demonstration of the source capacity and hydraulic capacity of the supplying and receiving systems at the designed flow rate through the intertie;
(ix) Water right self-assessment;
(x) Identification of alternative sources that will be utilized when the intertie agreement expires if the water is not being provided in perpetuity; and
(xi) Identification and comparison of alternatives if any.
(b) In construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 including:
(i) Demonstration of the installation of a source meter to measure water exchanged; and
(ii) Water right self-assessment, if not previously provided to the department. When RCW 90.03.383 requires a water right or water right change to be issued by the department of ecology, construction work on the intertie shall not begin, until the department of ecology issues the required water right document.
(4) Emergency use interties are interconnections between public water systems permitting the temporary exchange or delivery of water between those systems only in cases of emergency that result in permanent supplies being unavailable for use. Prior to department approval, purveyors proposing emergency use interties shall ensure that the emergency intertie is addressed:
(a) In an approved coordinated water system plan, water system plan, water system plan update, water system plan amendment, or small water system management program including:
(i) Description of the intended use of the emergency intertie;
(ii) Location of the proposed intertie;
(iii) Date the intertie is intended to be operational;
(iv) Copy of the intertie agreement between purveyors detailing the conditions and limitations of the intertie; and
(v) Hydraulic analysis conducted to identify the impacts upon each water system.
(b) In a project report under WAC 246-290-110 or in a construction document under WAC 246-290-120.
(5) Purveyors proposing interties shall apply to the department of ecology for water right changes as provided in RCW 90.03.383. Except as provided in RCW 90.03.383(7) and 90.03.390, no interties may be constructed without department of ecology action on the proposed change.
(6) The purveyor may be required to have emergency interties approved as nonemergency interties where the interties are used frequently or on a long-term basis. If the department makes a determination, the intertie will require approval in accordance with subsection (3) of this section.
(7) Intertie agreements between purveyors shall include:
(a) Identification of specific time periods in which water will be provided;
(b) Identification of the volume of water available for use, including any seasonal or other restrictions; and
(c) Identification of how water use efficiency programs, data collection, water demand forecasting, and other operational matters will be coordinated.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-132, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-132, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-132, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-135

Source water protection.

(1) The department may require monitoring and controls in addition to those specified in this section if the department determines a potential risk exists to the water quality of a source.
(2) SCA.
(a) The purveyor shall maintain an SCA around all sources for the purpose of protecting them from existing and potential sources of contamination.
(b) For wells and springs, the minimum SCA shall have a radius of one hundred feet (thirty meters) and two hundred feet (sixty meters) respectively, unless engineering justification demonstrates that a smaller area can provide an adequate level of source water protection. The justification shall address geological and hydrological data, well construction details, mitigation measures, and other relevant factors necessary to assure adequate sanitary control.
(c) The department may require a larger SCA than specified in (b) of this subsection, or additional mitigation measures if land use, geological, or hydrological data support the decision. It shall be the purveyor's responsibility to obtain the protection needed.
(d) The purveyor shall prohibit the construction, storage, disposal, or application of any source of contamination within the SCA without the permission of the purveyor.
(e) The SCA shall be owned by the purveyor in fee simple, or the purveyor shall have the right to exercise complete sanitary control of the land through other legal provisions.
(f) A purveyor, owning all or part of the SCA in fee simple or having possession and control, shall send to the department copies of legal documentation, such as a duly recorded declaration of covenant, restricting the use of the land. This legal documentation shall state:
(i) Constructing, storing, disposing, or applying any source of contamination is prohibited without the permission of the purveyor; and
(ii) If any change in ownership of the system or SCA is considered, all affected parties shall be informed of these requirements.
(g) Where portions of the control area are in the possession and control of another, the purveyor shall obtain a duly recorded restrictive covenant which shall run with the land, restricting the use of the land in accordance with this chapter and provide the department with copies of the appropriate documentation.
(3) Wellhead protection.
(a) Purveyors of water systems using groundwater or spring sources shall develop and implement a wellhead protection program.
(b) The wellhead protection program shall be part of the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100 or the small water system management program required under WAC 246-290-105.
(c) The purveyor's wellhead protection program shall contain, at a minimum, the following elements:
(i) A completed susceptibility assessment or equivalent information;
(ii) WHPA delineation for each well, wellfield, or spring with the six month, one, five and ten year time of travel boundaries marked, or boundaries established using alternate criteria approved by the department in those settings where groundwater time of travel is not a reasonable delineation criteria. WHPA delineations shall be done in accordance with recognized methods such as those described in the following sources:
(A) Department guidance on wellhead protection; or
(B) EPA guidance for delineation of wellhead protection areas;
(iii) An inventory, including identification of site locations and owners/operators, of all known and potential groundwater contamination sources located within the defined WHPA(s) having the potential to contaminate the source water of the well(s) or spring(s). This list shall be updated every two years;
(iv) Documentation of purveyor's notification to all owners/operators of known or potential sources of groundwater contamination identified under (c)(iii) of this subsection;
(v) Documentation of purveyor's notification to regulatory agencies and local governments of the boundaries of the WHPA(s) and the findings of the WHPA inventory;
(vi) A contingency plan to ensure consumers have an adequate supply of potable water in the event that contamination results in the temporary or permanent loss of the principal source of supply (major well(s) or wellfield); and
(vii) Documentation of coordination with local emergency incident responders (including police, fire and health departments), including notification of WHPA boundaries, results of susceptibility assessment, inventory findings, and contingency plan.
(4) Watershed control program.
(a) Purveyors of water systems using surface water or GWI sources shall develop and implement a watershed control program under Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC as applicable.
(b) The watershed control program shall be part of the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100 or the small water system management program required under WAC 246-290-105.
(c) The purveyor's watershed control program shall contain, at a minimum, the following elements:
(i) Watershed description and inventory, including location, hydrology, land ownership and activities that may adversely affect source water quality;
(ii) An inventory of all potential surface water contamination sources and activities, including identification of site locations and owner/operators, located within the watershed and having the significant potential to contaminate the source water quality;
(iii) Watershed control measures, including documentation of ownership and relevant written agreements, and monitoring of activities and water quality;
(iv) System operation, including emergency provisions; and
(v) Documentation of water quality trends.
(d) Purveyors who have not received previous department approval of a watershed control program shall submit a watershed control program to the department for approval. Following department approval, the purveyor shall implement the watershed control program as approved.
(e) Purveyors of systems using unfiltered surface or GWI sources and meeting the criteria to remain unfiltered as specified in WAC 246-290-690 shall submit an annual report to the department that summarizes the effectiveness of the watershed control program. Refer to WAC 246-290-690 for further information about this report.
(f) Purveyors required to develop a small water system management program under WAC 246-290-105 shall update the watershed control program at least every six years.
(g) Purveyors required to submit a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100 shall update the watershed control program when the water system plan is updated.
(h) The department may require purveyors to update the watershed control program more frequently if the department determines that a potential risk exists to the water quality of a source.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-135, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-135, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-135, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-135, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-135, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-135, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-140

Existing system as-built approval.

At the discretion of the department, owners of existing systems without approved construction documents shall provide information necessary to establish the extent of the water system's compliance with this chapter. At a minimum, this shall include submission and approval by the department of:
(1) A water system plan or small water system management program;
(2) As-built or record drawings; and
(3) Water quality analyses.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-140, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-140, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-140, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-098, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89.]


PART 3.
DESIGN OF PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

PDF246-290-200

Design standards.

(1) Purveyors shall ensure that good engineering criteria and practices are used in the design and construction of all public water systems, such as those set out in:
(a) Department guidance on design for Group A public water systems;
(b) The most recent published edition of the International Building Code (IBC), the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and other national model codes adopted in Washington state;
(c) The most recent published edition of Recommended Standards for Water Works, A Committee Report of the Great Lakes - Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health and Environmental Managers;
(d) Standard specifications of the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, AWWA, or the American Society for Testing and Materials;
(e) Design criteria, such as contained in current college texts and professional journal articles, acceptable to the department;
(f) Chapter 173-160 WAC Minimum Standards for Construction and Maintenance of Wells;
(g) The latest edition of the PNWS-AWWA Cross-Connection Control Manual, or the University of Southern California (USC) Manual of Cross-Connection Control.
(2) In addition, purveyors of new or expanding public water systems shall consider and use, as appropriate, the following design factors:
(a) Historical water use;
(b) Community versus recreational uses of water;
(c) Local conditions and/or regulations;
(d) Community expectations;
(e) Public Water System Coordination Act considerations where appropriate;
(f) Provisions for systems and component reliability in accordance with WAC 246-290-420;
(g) Wind pressures, seismic risk, snow loads, and flooding;
(h) Other risks from potential disasters, as feasible; and
(i) Other information as required by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-200, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-200, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-200, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-200, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-200, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-105, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-105, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-220

Drinking water materials and additives.

(1) All materials shall conform to the ANSI/NSF Standard 61 if in substantial contact with potable water supplies. For the purposes of this section, "substantial contact" means the elevated degree that a material in contact with water may release leachable contaminants into the water such that levels of these contaminants may be unacceptable with respect to either public health or aesthetic concerns. It should take into consideration the total material/water interface area of exposure, volume of water exposed, length of time water is in contact with the material, and level of public health risk. Examples of water system components that would be considered to be in "substantial contact" with drinking water are filter media, storage tank interiors or liners, distribution piping, membranes, exchange or adsorption media, or other similar components that would have high potential for contacting the water. Materials associated with components such as valves, pipe fittings, debris screens, gaskets, or similar appurtenances would not be considered to be in substantial contact.
(2) Materials or additives in use prior to the effective date of these regulations that have not been listed under ANSI/NSF Standard 60 or 61 may be used for their current applications until the materials are scheduled for replacement, or that stocks of existing additives are depleted and scheduled for reorder.
(3) Any treatment chemicals, with the exception of commercially retailed hypochlorite compounds such as unscented Clorox, Purex, etc., added to water intended for potable use must comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 60. The maximum application dosage recommendation for the product certified by the ANSI/NSF Standard 60 shall not be exceeded in practice.
(4) Any products used to coat, line, seal, patch water contact surfaces or that have substantial water contact within the collection, treatment, or distribution systems must comply with the appropriate ANSI/NSF Standard 60 or 61. Application of these products must comply with recommendations contained in the product certification.
(5) The department may accept continued use of, and proposals involving, certain noncertified chemicals or materials on a case-by-case basis, if all of the following criteria are met:
(a) The chemical or material has an acknowledged and demonstrable history of use in the state for drinking water applications;
(b) There exists no substantial evidence that the use of the chemical or material has caused consumers to register complaints about aesthetic issues, or health related concerns, that could be associated with leachable residues from the material; and
(c) The chemical or material has undergone testing through a protocol acceptable to the department and has been found to not contribute leachable compounds into drinking water at levels that would be of public health concern.
(6) Any pipe, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, fixtures, solder, or flux used in the installation or repair of a public water system shall be lead-free:
(a) This prohibition shall not apply to leaded joints necessary for the repair of cast iron pipes; and
(b) Within the context of this section, lead-free shall mean:
(i) No more than a weighted average of twenty-five one-hundredths of one percent lead, calculated in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 300g-6 654(d)(2); and
(ii) No more than two-tenths of one percent lead in solder and flux.
(7) Exceptions to the lead-free requirements of subsection (6) of this section include:
(a) Pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, or fixtures, including backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for nonpotable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption; or
(b) Toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, fire hydrants, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are two inches in diameter or larger.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-220, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-220, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-220, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-220, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-131, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-221

Water demand design criteria.

(1) Except as provided in this section, expanding systems shall use water demand design for average day demand (ADD), and peak periods of demand such as maximum day demand (MDD), and peak hourly demand (PHD) that are based upon actual metered water use records. The data collected shall be sufficient to account for seasonal or other cyclic changes in water demand, and shall correlate to the maximum number of full-time or part-time equivalent residential units in service at any time.
(2) For seasonally used, transitory noncommunity, or recreational developments the design for ADD, MDD, and PHD shall be based upon metered water uses whenever such data is available. The data must account for the daily population using the water over the time that records are collected, and must reflect the uses associated with maximum occupancy for the development. The design demands for these developments apply only to part-time uses, and may not be applied to structures or dwellings that can be permanently occupied.
(3) In the absence of metered use or other comparable information, the following sources of design information may be used:
(a) Comparable metered water use data from analogous water systems. Analogous systems are those with similar characteristics, such as demographics, housing sizes, income levels, lot sizes, climate, water pricing structure, water use efficiency practices, use restrictions, and soils and landscaping; or
(b) Design criteria or guidelines in the most recent edition of the department manual for design of Group A public water systems.
(4) The design for water systems based upon metered water use records shall have an MDD no lower than three hundred fifty gallons per day per equivalent residential unit (ERU), except for the design of any expansion to an existing water system that has a minimum of two years of meter records that clearly demonstrate that a lower design value for MDD may be used without significant risk of pressure loss. The meter records must correlate the demand data to the actual level of occupancy for the periods covered by the records.
(5) The minimum water demand and duration required for fire flow and/or fire suppression storage shall be determined by the local fire control authority, or chapter 246-293 WAC for systems within the boundaries of a designated critical water supply service area (CWSSA). Public water systems that are not required to comply with minimum fire flow standards shall coordinate with the local fire control authorities to ensure that any hydrants on the system, if they can possibly be used in the course of fire suppression activities, do not create adverse pressure problems within the water system as a result of fire control actions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-221, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-221, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-222

Water system physical capacity.

(1) The water system physical capacity shall be established by evaluating the capacity of each system component such as source, treatment, storage, transmission, or distribution, individually and in combination with each other. The evaluation shall identify any limitations on the ability of the system to provide service to all consumers.
(2) The water system physical capacity shall be:
(a) Reported in terms of total equivalent residential units (ERUs) and the number of residential and nonresidential connections with the number of ERUs they represent; and
(b) Compared to the existing number of residential and nonresidential connections currently served and the ERUs they represent.
(3) Total source capacity calculations shall not include emergency sources as defined in WAC 246-290-010.
(4) Total daily source capacity, in conjunction with any storage that is designed to accommodate peak use periods on a daily or longer basis, shall be sufficient to provide a reliable supply of water equal to or exceeding the MDD.
(5) Treatment capacity, in conjunction with any storage designed to accommodate peak demand periods on a daily or longer basis, shall be sufficient to provide a reliable supply of treated water equal to or exceeding the MDD while meeting the water quality parameters set forth in Part 4 and Part 6 as applicable, of this chapter.
(6) Water storage shall be sufficient to meet expected system service demands by providing sufficient operational, equalizing, standby, and where applicable, fire suppression storage volumes in accordance with WAC 246-290-235.
(7) Distribution system capacity shall provide for PHD, or MDD plus required fire flow, as required in each pressure zone while maintaining minimum design pressures established under this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-222, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-230

Distribution systems.

(1) The purveyor shall size and evaluate new, or expansions to existing, distribution systems using a hydraulic analysis acceptable to the department.
(2) The minimum diameter of all distribution mains shall be six inches (150 mm) unless smaller mains can be justified by hydraulic analysis.
(3) Systems designed to provide fire flows shall have a minimum distribution main size of six inches (150 mm).
(4) Installation of new standard fire hydrants shall not be allowed on mains less than six inches (150 mm) in diameter. Existing fire hydrants on currently active mains less than six inches (150 mm) in diameter shall be allowed to remain provided:
(a) The existing distribution system consists of mains at least four inches (101.6 mm) in diameter, and the fire flow available from existing four-inch (101.6 mm) mains within the proximity of the fire hydrant exceeds the minimum fire flow standard adopted by the local fire protection authority; and
(b) The location and installation of the fire hydrants on the four-inch (101.6 mm) main have received approval by the local fire protection authority.
(5) New public water systems or additions to existing systems shall be designed with the capacity to deliver the design PHD quantity of water at 30 psi (210 kPa) under PHD flow conditions measured at all existing and proposed service water meters or along property lines adjacent to mains if no meter exists, and under the condition where all equalizing storage has been depleted.
(6) If fire flow is to be provided, the distribution system shall also provide maximum day demand (MDD) plus the required fire flow at a pressure of at least 20 psi (140 kPa) at all points throughout the distribution system, and under the condition where the designed volume of fire suppression and equalizing storage has been depleted.
(7) Booster pumps shall be designed in accordance with good engineering criteria and practices as listed in WAC 246-290-200.
(8) On existing systems, or for additions to existing systems, that are unable to meet the pressure requirements of this section, booster pumps for individual services may be used in the interim until system improvements are made to resolve pressure deficiencies. In this situation, the individual booster pumps shall be under the management and control of the purveyor.
(9) Transmission lines as defined in WAC 246-290-010 shall be designed to maintain greater than or equal to five psi (35 kPa) during normal operations, except when directly adjacent to storage tanks, and shall be sized according to a hydraulic analysis. Transmission mains designed to operate at velocities greater than ten feet per second shall include a hydraulic transient (water hammer) analysis in conjunction with the hydraulic analysis.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-230, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-230, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-230, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-230, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-135, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-135, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-235

Finished water storage facilities.

(1) Finished water storage facilities shall be designed to:
(a) Prevent entry by birds, animals, insects, excessive dust, and other potential sources of external contamination. The design shall include provisions for a lockable weathertight roof, a screened roof vent, an overflow pipe with atmospheric discharge or other suitable means to prevent a cross-connection, sample collection capability, a drain to daylight (or an approved alternative that is adequate to protect against cross-connection), a provision for tank isolation in order to perform maintenance procedures, and other appurtenances appropriate to the protection of stored water from contamination;
(b) Maintain water circulation, prevent water stagnation, and provide adequate disinfection contact time; and
(c) Be accessible for routine maintenance and water quality monitoring.
(2) Equalizing storage, as defined in WAC 246-290-010, shall be provided to meet peak periods of demand, either daily or longer, when determined to be necessary based on available, or designed, source pumping capacity.
(3) Operational, standby, and fire suppression storage volumes as defined in WAC 246-290-010 shall be provided, as applicable, for all pressure zones to meet both normal as well as abnormal demands of the system.
(4) Standby and fire suppression storage volumes may be nested with the larger of the two volumes being the minimum available, provided the local fire protection authority does not require them to be additive.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-235, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-235, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-250

Treatment design.

(1) Treatment systems or devices shall be piloted and designed to ensure finished water quality conforms to water quality standards established in WAC 246-290-310.
(2) Treatment systems or devices for surface water or GWI sources shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Part 6 of this chapter and the applicable provisions herein.
(3) Predesign studies, including pilot studies as appropriate, shall be required for proposed surface water and GWI sources and those groundwater sources requiring treatment. The goal of the predesign study shall be to establish the most effective method, considering economics, to produce satisfactory finished water quality meeting the requirements of this chapter and complying with the treatment technique requirements in Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC. The predesign study shall be included as part of the project report under WAC 246-290-110. Refer to WAC 246-290-676 for requirements relating specifically to the filtration facility pilot study. The purveyor shall not establish nor maintain a bypass to divert water around any feature of a treatment process, except by written permission of the department.
(4) All well and spring sources not determined to be GWI's shall have continuous disinfection that meets the requirements of WAC 246-290-451. The department may modify the requirement for disinfection for public water systems that demonstrate the well or spring sources (not confirmed as GWI's) have satisfactory bacteriological histories at the source and have SCAs in accordance with WAC 246-290-135.
(5) Purveyors shall use appropriate treatment technologies, such as those outlined in department guidance on water treatment, and shall address water treatment facilities in their water system plans pursuant to WAC 246-290-100.
(6) Project reports for the design of treatment facilities shall meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-110.
(7) Construction specifications for treatment facilities shall meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-120.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-250, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-250, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-250, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-250, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-155, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-155, filed 9/8/83.]


PART 4.
WATER QUALITY

PDF246-290-300

Monitoring requirements.

(1) General.
(a) The monitoring requirements specified in this section are minimums. The department may require additional monitoring when:
(i) Contamination is present or suspected in the water system;
(ii) A groundwater source is determined to be a potential GWI;
(iii) The degree of source protection is not satisfactory;
(iv) Additional monitoring is needed to verify source vulnerability for a requested monitoring waiver;
(v) Under other circumstances as identified in a department order; or
(vi) Additional monitoring is needed to evaluate continuing effectiveness of a treatment process where problems with the treatment process may exist.
(b) Special purpose samples collected by the purveyor do not count toward fulfillment of the monitoring requirements of this chapter unless the quality of data and method of sampling and analysis are acceptable to the department.
(c) The purveyor shall ensure samples required by this chapter are collected, transported, and submitted for analysis according to EPA-approved methods. The analyses must be performed by a laboratory accredited by the state using EPA-approved methods or other department-approved methods. Qualified water utility, accredited laboratory, health department personnel, and other parties approved by the department may conduct measurements for pH, temperature, residual disinfectant concentration, alkalinity, bromide, chlorite, TOC, SUVA, turbidity, calcium, conductivity, orthophosphate, and silica as required by this chapter, provided, these measurements are made according to EPA approved methods.
(d) Compliance samples required by this chapter must be taken at locations listed in Table 4 of this section.
(e) Purveyors failing to comply with a monitoring requirement shall notify:
(i) The department under WAC 246-290-480; and
(ii) The owner or operator of any consecutive system served and the appropriate water system users under 40 C.F.R. 141.201 and Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(2) Selling and receiving water.
(a) Source monitoring. Purveyors, with the exception of those that "wheel" water to their consumers (i.e., sell water that has passed through another purchasing purveyor's distribution system), shall conduct source monitoring under this chapter for the sources under their control. The level of monitoring must satisfy the monitoring requirements associated with the total population served by the source.
(b) Distribution system monitoring. The purveyor of a system that receives and distributes water shall perform distribution-related monitoring requirements. Monitoring must include, but not be limited to, the following:
(i) Collect coliform samples under subsection (3) of this section;
(ii) Collect disinfection byproduct samples as required by subsection (6) of this section;
(iii) Perform the distribution system residual disinfectant concentration monitoring under subsection (6) of this section, and as required under WAC 246-290-451, 246-290-664, or 246-290-694. Systems with fewer than one hundred connections shall measure residual disinfectant concentration at the same time and location that a routine or repeat coliform sample is collected, unless the department determines that more frequent monitoring is necessary to protect public health;
(iv) Perform lead and copper monitoring required under 40 C.F.R. 141.86, 141.87, and 141.88;
(v) Perform the distribution system monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.23(b) for asbestos if applicable;
(vi) Other monitoring as required by the department.
(c) Reduced monitoring for regional programs. The receiving purveyor may receive reductions in the coliform, lead and copper, disinfection byproduct (including TTHMs and HAA5) and distribution system disinfectant residual concentration monitoring requirements, provided the receiving system:
(i) Purchases water from a purveyor that has a department-approved regional monitoring program;
(ii) Has a written agreement with the supplying system or regional water supplier that is acceptable to the department, and which identifies the responsibilities of both the supplying and receiving system(s) with regards to monitoring, reporting and maintenance of the distribution system; and
(iii) Has at least one compliance monitoring location for disinfection byproducts, if applicable.
(d) Periodic review of regional programs. The department may periodically review the sampling records of public water systems participating in a department-approved monitoring program to determine if continued reduced monitoring is appropriate. If the department determines a change in the monitoring requirements of the receiving system is appropriate:
(i) The department shall notify the purveyor of the change in monitoring requirements; and
(ii) The purveyor shall conduct monitoring as directed by the department.
(3) Bacteriological.
(a) The purveyor shall be responsible for collection and submittal of coliform samples from representative points throughout the distribution system. Samples must be collected after the first service and at regular time intervals each month the system provides water to consumers. Samples must be collected that represent normal system operating conditions.
(i) Systems providing disinfection treatment shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system at the same time and location of routine and repeat samples.
(ii) Systems providing disinfection treatment shall assure that disinfectant residual concentrations are measured and recorded on all coliform sample report forms submitted for compliance purposes.
(b) Coliform monitoring plan.
(i) Systems shall develop a written coliform monitoring plan that identifies sampling sites and a sample collection schedule that are representative of water throughout the distribution system. The plan is subject to department review and approval. Systems shall collect total coliform samples according to the plan. Monitoring may take place at a customer's premises, dedicated sampling station, or other designated compliance sampling location. Routine and repeat sample sites and any sampling points necessary to meet the requirements of Part 6 of this chapter and WAC 246-290-300 (3)(h) must be identified in the plan.
(ii) Systems shall collect samples at regular time intervals throughout the month, except for systems that use groundwater and serve four thousand nine hundred or fewer people may collect all required samples on a single day if the samples are taken from different sites.
(iii) Systems shall take at least the minimum number of required samples even if the system has had an E. coli MCL violation or has exceeded the coliform treatment technique triggers in WAC 246-290-320(2).
(iv) Systems may conduct more compliance monitoring than is required under subsection (3)(b) of this section to investigate potential problems in the distribution system and use monitoring as a tool to assist in identifying problems. Systems may take more than the minimum number of required routine samples and must include the results in calculating whether or not the coliform treatment technique triggers in WAC 246-290-320(2) have been exceeded only if the samples are taken in accordance with the plan and are representative of water throughout the distribution system.
(v) Systems shall identify repeat monitoring locations in the plan. Unless the provisions of subsection (3)(b)(i) through (iv) of this section are met, the system shall collect at least one repeat sample from the sample tap where the original total coliform-positive sample was taken, and at least one repeat sample at a tap within five service connections upstream and at least one repeat sample at a tap within five service connections downstream of the original sample site. If a total coliform-positive sample is at the end of the distribution system, or one service connection away from the end of the distribution system, the system shall still take all required repeat samples. The department may allow an alternative sampling location in lieu of the requirement to collect at least one repeat sample upstream or downstream of the original sampling site. Systems may propose repeat monitoring locations to the department that the system believes to be representative of a pathway for contamination of the distribution system. A system may elect to specify either alternative fixed locations or criteria for selecting repeat sampling sites on a situational basis in a standard operating procedure (SOP) in its plan. The system shall design its SOP to focus the repeat samples at locations that best verify and determine the extent of potential contamination of the distribution system area based on specific situations. The department may modify the SOP or require alternative monitoring locations as needed.
(vi) The purveyor shall:
(A) Keep the coliform monitoring plan on file with the system and make it available to the department for inspection upon request;
(B) Revise or expand the plan at any time the plan no longer ensures representative monitoring of the system, or as directed by the department; and
(C) Submit the plan to the department for review and approval when requested and as part of the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100.
(c) Special purpose coliform samples. Special purpose coliform samples, such as those taken to determine whether disinfection practices are sufficient following pipe placement, replacement, or repair, must not be used to determine whether or not the coliform treatment technique trigger has been exceeded. Repeat samples taken in accordance with subsection (3) of this section are not considered special purpose coliform samples, and must be used to determine whether or not the coliform treatment technique trigger has been exceeded.
(d) Invalidation of total coliform samples. A total coliform-positive sample invalidated under subsection (3) of this section does not count toward meeting the minimum monitoring requirements of this section.
(i) The department may invalidate a total coliform-positive sample if one or more of the following conditions are met:
(A) The laboratory establishes that improper sample analysis caused the total coliform-positive result;
(B) The department, on the basis of the results of repeat samples collected as required under subsection (3) of this section, determines that the total coliform-positive samples resulted from a domestic or other nondistribution system plumbing problem. The department may not invalidate a sample on the basis of repeat sample results unless all repeat samples collected at the same tap as the original total coliform-positive sample are also total coliform-positive, and all repeat samples collected at a location other than the original tap are total coliform-negative. For example, the department may not invalidate a total coliform-positive sample on the basis of repeat samples if all the repeat samples are total coliform-negative, or if the system has only one service connection; or
(C) The department has substantial grounds to believe that a total coliform-positive result is due to a circumstance or condition that does not reflect water quality in the distribution system. In this case, the system shall still collect all repeat samples required under subsection (3) of this section, and use the samples to determine whether a coliform treatment technique trigger under WAC 246-290-320(2) has been exceeded.
(ii) Unless total coliforms are detected, a laboratory shall invalidate a total coliform sample if the sample produces a turbid culture in the absence of gas production using an analytical method where gas formation is examined such as the multiple-tube fermentation technique, produces a turbid culture in the absence of an acid reaction in the presence-absence coliform test, or exhibits confluent growth or produces colonies TNTC with an analytical method using a membrane filter such as a membrane filter technique. If a laboratory invalidates a sample because of such interference, the system shall collect another sample from the same location as the original sample within twenty-four hours of notification of the interference problem, and have it analyzed for the presence of total coliforms. The system shall continue to re sample within twenty-four hours and have the samples analyzed until it obtains a valid result. The department may waive the twenty-four hour time limit on a case-by-case basis.
(e) Monitoring frequency. The number of required routine coliform samples is based on total population served.
(i) Purveyors of community systems shall collect and submit for analysis no less than the number of routine samples listed in Table 2 of this section during each calendar month of operation;
(ii) Unless directed otherwise by the department, purveyors of noncommunity systems shall collect and submit for analysis no less than the number of samples required in Table 2 of this section. Each month's population must be based on the average daily population and must include all residents and nonresidents served during that month. During months when the average daily population served is less than twenty-five, routine sample collection is not required when:
(A) Using only protected groundwater sources;
(B) The system has a clean compliance history for a minimum of twelve months;
(C) The system has no sanitary defects or significant deficiencies;
(D) The system has detected no total coliform-positive routine or repeat samples in the previous month; and
(E) The system has collected and submitted for analysis one routine sample during one of the previous two months.
(iii) Purveyors of NTNC and TNC systems are not required to collect routine samples in months when the population served is zero.
(iv) Purveyors of systems serving both a resident and a nonresident population shall base their minimum sampling requirement on the total of monthly populations served, both resident and nonresident as determined by the department, but no less than the minimum required in Table 2 of this section.
(v) Seasonal systems.
(A) In accordance with WAC 246-290-480 (2)(f)(ii), seasonal systems shall certify that a department-approved start-up procedure, which may include a requirement for start-up sampling, was completed prior to serving water to the public.
(B) Seasonal systems shall monitor every month that it is in operation unless it meets the criteria in subsection (3)(e)(ii) of this section.
(C) The department may exempt a seasonal system from some or all of the requirements in subsection (3)(e)(v)(A) of this section if the entire distribution system remains pressurized during the entire period that the system is not operating, except that systems that monitor less frequently than monthly shall still monitor during the vulnerable period designated by the department.
Table 2
Total Coliform Monitoring Frequency
Population served
Minimum number of samples per month
1 to 1,000*
 
1
 
1,001 to 2,500
 
2
 
2,501 to 3,300
 
3
 
3,301 to 4,100
 
4
 
4,101 to 4,900
 
5
 
4,901 to 5,800
 
6
 
5,801 to 6,700
 
7
 
6,701 to 7,600
 
8
 
7,601 to 8,500
 
9
 
8,501 to 12,900
 
10
 
12,901 to 17,200
 
15
 
17,201 to 21,500
 
20
 
21,501 to 25,000
 
25
 
25,001 to 33,000
 
30
 
33,001 to 41,000
 
40
 
41,001 to 50,000
 
50
 
50,001 to 59,000
 
60
 
59,001 to 70,000
 
70
 
70,001 to 83,000
 
80
 
83,001 to 96,000
 
90
 
96,001 to 130,000
 
100
 
130,001 to 220,000
 
120
 
220,001 to 320,000
 
150
 
320,001 to 450,000
 
180
 
450,001 to 600,000
 
210
 
600,001 to 780,000
 
240
 
780,001 to 970,000
 
270
 
970,001 to 1,230,000
 
300
 
1,230,001 to 1,520,000
 
330
 
1,520,001 to 1,850,000
 
360
 
1,850,001 to 2,270,000
 
390
 
2,270,001 to 3,020,000
 
420
 
3,020,001 to 3,960,000
 
450
 
3,960,001 or more
 
480
 
*Noncommunity systems using only protected groundwater sources and serving less than twenty-five individuals, may collect and submit for analysis, one sample every three months per WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e)(ii).
(f) Repeat monitoring.
(i) If a routine sample taken under subsection (3) of this section is total coliform-positive, the system shall collect a set of repeat samples within twenty-four hours of being notified of the positive result. Additional treatment, such as batch or shock chlorination must not be started prior to the collection of repeat samples unless the department gives prior authorization. The purveyor shall contact the department to determine the best interim approach in this situation. The system shall collect no fewer than three repeat samples for each total coliform-positive sample found. The department may extend the twenty-four hour limit on a case-by-case basis if the system has a logistical problem in collecting the repeat samples within twenty-four hours that is beyond its control. Following the collection of repeat samples, and before the analytical results are known, the system may provide interim precautionary treatment or other means to protect public health.
(ii) The system shall collect all repeat samples on the same day, except the department may allow a system with a single connection to collect the required set of repeat samples over a three-day period or to collect a larger volume of repeat samples in one or more sample containers of any size, as long as the total volume collected is at least 300 mL.
(iii) The system shall collect an additional set of repeat samples in the manner specified in subsection (3)(f)(i) through (iii) of this section if one or more repeat samples in the current set of repeat samples is total coliform-positive. The system shall collect the additional set of repeat samples within twenty-four hours of being notified of the positive result, unless the department extends the time limit as provided in subsection (3)(f)(i) of this section. The system shall continue to collect additional sets of repeat samples until either total coliforms are not detected in one complete set of repeat samples or the system determines that a coliform treatment technique trigger specified in WAC 246-290-320 (2)(a) has been exceeded as a result of a repeat sample being total coliform-positive and notifies the department. If a treatment technique trigger identified in WAC 246-290-320 (2)(a) is exceeded as a result of a routine sample being total coliform-positive, the system is required to conduct only one round of repeat monitoring for each total coliform-positive routine sample.
(iv) After a system collects a routine sample and before it gets the results of the analysis of that sample, if it collects subsequent routine samples from within five adjacent service connections of the initial sample, and the initial sample, after analysis, is found to contain total coliforms, then the system may count the subsequent samples as a repeat sample instead of as a routine sample.
(v) Results of all routine and repeat samples taken under subsection (3)(e) and (f) of this section not invalidated by the department under subsection (3)(d) of this section must be used to determine whether a coliform treatment technique trigger specified in WAC 246-290-320 (2)(a) has been exceeded.
(g) E. coli testing.
(i) If any routine or repeat sample is total coliform-positive, the system shall analyze that total coliform-positive culture medium to determine if E. coli are present. If E. coli are present, the system shall notify the department by the end of the day when the system is notified of the test result.
(ii) The department may allow a system, on a case-by-case basis, to forgo E. coli testing on a total coliform-positive sample if the system assumes that the total coliform-positive sample is E. coli-positive. Accordingly, the system shall notify the department as specified in WAC 246-290-320 (1)(a).
(h) Triggered source water monitoring.
(i) All groundwater systems with their own groundwater sources must conduct triggered source water monitoring unless the following conditions exist:
(A) The system has submitted a project report and received department approval that it provides at least 4-log treatment of viruses using inactivation, removal, or a department-approved combination of 4-log virus inactivation and removal before or at the first customer for each groundwater source; and
(B) The system is conducting compliance monitoring under WAC 246-290-453(2).
(ii) Any groundwater source sample required under this subsection (3) must be collected at the source prior to any treatment unless otherwise approved by the department.
(iii) Any groundwater source sample collected under this subsection (3) must be at least 100 mL in size and must be analyzed for E. coli using one of the analytical methods under 40 C.F.R. 141.402(c).
(iv) Groundwater systems shall collect at least one sample from each groundwater source in use at the time a routine sample collected under subsection (3) of this section is total coliform-positive and not invalidated under subsection (3)(d) of this section. These source samples must be collected within twenty-four hours of notification of the total coliform-positive sample. The following exceptions apply:
(A) The twenty-four hour time limit may be extended if granted by the department and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If an extension is granted, the system shall sample by the deadline set by the department.
(B) Systems with more than one groundwater source may meet the requirements of subsection (3)(h)(iv) of this section by sampling a representative groundwater source or sources. The system shall have a department-approved triggered source water monitoring plan that identifies one or more groundwater sources that are representative of each monitoring site in the system's coliform monitoring plan under subsection (3)(b) of this section. The plan must be approved by the department before representative sampling will be allowed.
(v) Groundwater systems with an E. coli positive source water sample that is not invalidated under subsection (3)(h)(vii) of this section, shall:
(A) Notify the department by the end of the day when the system is notified of the test result.
(B) Provide Tier 1 public notice as required under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter and special notification under WAC 246-290-71005 (4) and (5);
(C) If directed by the department, take corrective action as required under WAC 246-290-453(1); and
(D) Systems that are not directed by the department to take corrective action shall collect five additional samples from the same source within twenty-four hours of being notified of the E. coli positive source water sample. If any of the five additional samples are E. coli positive, the system shall take corrective action under WAC 246-290-453(1).
(vi) Any consecutive groundwater system that has a total coliform-positive routine sample collected under this subsection and not invalidated under subsection (3)(d) of this section shall notify each wholesale system it receives water from within twenty-four hours of being notified of the total coliform-positive sample and comply with subsection (3)(h) of this section.
(A) A wholesale groundwater system that receives notice from a consecutive system under subsection (3)(h)(vi) of this section shall conduct triggered source water monitoring under subsection (3)(h) of this section unless the department determines and documents in writing that the total coliform-positive sample collected was caused by a distribution system deficiency in the consecutive system.
(B) If the wholesale groundwater system source sample is E. coli positive, the wholesale system shall notify all consecutive systems served by that groundwater source within twenty-four hours of being notified of the results and shall meet the requirements of subsection (3)(h)(v) of this section.
(C) Any consecutive groundwater system receiving water from a source with an E. coli positive sample shall notify water system users as required under subsection (3)(h)(v)(B) of this section.
(vii) An E. coli positive groundwater source sample may be invalidated only if one of the following conditions apply:
(A) The system provides the department with written notice from the laboratory that improper sample analysis occurred; or
(B) The department determines and documents in writing that there is substantial evidence that the E. coli positive groundwater sample is not related to source water quality.
(viii) If the department invalidates an E. coli positive groundwater source sample, the system shall collect another source water sample within twenty-four hours of being notified by the department of its invalidation decision and have the sample analyzed using the same analytical method. The department may extend the twenty-four hour time limit as allowed under subsection (3)(h)(iv)(A) of this section.
(ix) Groundwater systems that fail to meet any of the monitoring requirements of subsection (3)(h) of this section shall conduct Tier 2 public notification under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(i) Assessment source water monitoring. If directed by the department, a groundwater system shall conduct assessment source water monitoring which may include, but is not limited to, the collection of at least one representative groundwater source sample each month the source provides groundwater to the public, for a minimum of twelve months.
(i) Sampling must be conducted as follows:
(A) Source samples must be collected at a location prior to any treatment. If the water system's configuration does not allow sampling at the source itself, the department may approve an alternative source sampling location representative of the source water quality.
(B) Source samples must be at least 100 mL in size and must be analyzed for E. coli using one of the analytical methods under 40 C.F.R. 141.402(c).
(ii) A groundwater system may use a triggered source water sample collected under subsection (3)(h) of this section to meet the requirements for assessment source water monitoring.
(iii) A groundwater system with an E. coli positive assessment source water sample that is not invalidated under subsection (3)(h)(vii) of this section, and consecutive systems receiving water from this source shall:
(A) Provide Tier 1 public notice under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter and special notification under WAC 246-290-71005 (4) and (5); and
(B) Take corrective action as required under WAC 246-290-453(1).
(iv) A groundwater system that fails to conduct assessment source water monitoring as directed by the department shall provide Tier 2 public notice under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(4) Inorganic chemical and physical.
(a) A complete inorganic chemical and physical analysis must consist of the primary and secondary chemical and physical contaminants.
(i) Primary chemical and physical contaminants are antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cyanide, fluoride, mercury, nickel, nitrate (as N), nitrite (as N), selenium, sodium, thallium, and for unfiltered surface water, turbidity. (Except that the MCL for arsenic under WAC 246-290-310 does not apply to TNC systems.)
(ii) Secondary chemical and physical contaminants are chloride, color, hardness, iron, manganese, specific conductivity, silver, sulfate, total dissolved solids, and zinc. Total dissolved solids are required only when specific conductivity exceeds seven hundred micromhos/centimeter.
(b) Purveyors shall monitor for all primary and secondary chemical and physical contaminants identified in WAC 246-290-310, Table 5 and Table 6. Samples must be collected in accordance with the monitoring requirements referenced in 40 C.F.R. 141.23 introductory text, 141.23(a) through 141.23(j), and 40 C.F.R. 143.4, except for composite samples for systems serving less than three thousand three hundred one persons. For these systems, compositing among different systems may be allowed if the systems are owned or operated by a department-approved satellite management agency.
(c) Samples required by this subsection must be taken at designated locations under 40 C.F.R. 141.23(a) through 141.23(j), and 40 C.F.R. 143.4, and Table 4 of this section.
(i) Wellfield samples are allowed from department designated wellfields; and
(ii) Under 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (a)(3), alternate sampling locations may be used if approved by the department. The process for determining these alternate sites is described in department guidance. Purveyors of community and NTNC systems may ask the department to approve an alternate sampling location for multiple sources within a single system that are blended prior to entry to the distribution system. Alternate sampling plans must address the following:
(A) Source vulnerability;
(B) Individual source characteristics;
(C) Previous water quality information;
(D) Status of monitoring waiver applications; and
(E) Other information deemed necessary by the department.
(d) Composite samples:
(i) Under 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (a)(4), purveyors may ask the certified laboratory to composite samples representing as many as five individual samples from within one system. Sampling procedures and protocols are outlined in department guidance; and
(ii) For systems serving a population of less than three thousand three hundred one, the department may approve composite sampling between systems when those systems are part of an approved satellite management agency.
(e) When the purveyor provides treatment for one or more inorganic chemical or physical contaminants, the department may require the purveyor to sample before and after treatment. The department shall notify the purveyor if and when this additional source sampling is required.
(f) Inorganic monitoring plans.
(i) Purveyors of community and NTNC systems shall prepare an inorganic chemical monitoring plan and base routine monitoring on the plan.
(ii) The purveyor shall:
(A) Keep the monitoring plan on file with the system and make it available to the department for inspection upon request;
(B) Revise or expand the plan at any time the plan no longer reflects the monitoring requirements, procedures or sampling locations, or as directed by the department; and
(C) Submit the plan to the department for review and approval when requested and as part of the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100.
(g) Monitoring waivers.
(i) Purveyors may request in writing, a monitoring waiver from the department for any nonnitrate/nitrite inorganic chemical and physical monitoring requirements identified in this chapter.
(ii) Purveyors requesting a monitoring waiver shall comply with applicable subsections of 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (b)(3), and 141.23 (c)(3).
(iii) Purveyors shall update and resubmit requests for waiver renewals as applicable during each compliance cycle or period or more frequently as directed by the department.
(iv) Failure to provide complete and accurate information in the waiver application may be grounds for denial of the monitoring waiver.
(h) The department may require the purveyor to repeat sample for confirmation of results.
(i) Purveyors with emergency and seasonal sources shall monitor those sources when they are in use.
(5) Lead and copper. Monitoring for lead and copper shall be conducted in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.86 (a) - (f), 141.87, and 141.88. All systems that have fewer than five drinking water taps used for human consumption shall collect at least one sample from each tap and then collect additional samples from those taps on different days during the monitoring period to meet the required number of samples as described in 40 C.F.R. 141.86(c).
(6) Disinfection byproducts (DBP), disinfectant residuals, and disinfection byproduct precursors (DBPP). Purveyors of community and NTNC systems providing water treated with chemical disinfectants and TNC systems using chlorine dioxide shall monitor as follows:
(a) General requirements.
(i) Systems shall collect samples during normal operating conditions.
(ii) All monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the analytical requirements in 40 C.F.R. 141.131.
(iii) Systems required to monitor under this subsection shall prepare and implement a monitoring plan in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132(f) or 40 C.F.R. 141.622, as applicable.
(A) Community and NTNC surface water and GWI systems that deliver water that has been treated with a disinfectant other than ultraviolet light and serve more than three thousand three hundred people shall submit a monitoring plan to the department.
(B) The department may require submittal of a monitoring plan from systems not specified in subsection (6)(a)(iii)(A) of this section, and may require revision of any monitoring plan.
(C) Failure to monitor for TTHM, HAA5, or bromate will be treated as a violation for the entire period covered by the annual average where compliance is based on a locational running annual average or running annual average of monthly or quarterly samples or averages, as applicable.
(D) Failure to monitor for chlorine and chloramine residuals will be treated as a violation for the entire period covered by the annual average where compliance is based on a running annual average of monthly or quarterly samples or averages and the systems' failure to monitor makes it impossible to determine compliance with the MRDLs.
(b) Disinfection byproducts - Community and NTNC systems only.
(i) TTHMs and HAA5.
(A) Systems shall monitor for TTHM and HAA5 in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.620, 141.621, and 141.622.
(B) With department approval, systems may reduce monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.623.
(C) Systems on department-approved reduced monitoring schedules may be required to return to routine monitoring, or initiate increased monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.625 or 40 C.F.R. 141.627, as applicable.
(D) Systems must meet requirements of 40 C.F.R. 141.628 and 40 C.F.R. 141.625(c) to return to routine monitoring.
(E) Systems must calculate operational evaluation levels each calendar quarter and take action, as needed, in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.626.
(F) NTNC systems serving ten thousand or more people and community systems must comply with the provisions of 40 C.F.R. Subpart U - Initial Distribution System Evaluation under:
40 C.F.R. 141.600
General requirements.
40 C.F.R. 141.601
Standard monitoring.
40 C.F.R. 141.602
System specific studies.
40 C.F.R. 141.603
40/30 certification.
40 C.F.R. 141.604
Very small system waivers.
40 C.F.R. 141.605
Subpart V compliance monitoring location recommendations.
(ii) Chlorite - Only systems that use chlorine dioxide.
(A) Systems using chlorine dioxide shall conduct daily and monthly monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(2)(i) and additional chlorite monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(2)(ii).
(B) With department approval, monthly monitoring may be reduced in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(2)(iii)(B). Daily monitoring at entry to distribution required by 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(2)(i)(A) may not be reduced.
(iii) Bromate - Only systems that use ozone.
(A) Systems using ozone for disinfection or oxidation must conduct bromate monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(3)(i).
(B) With department approval, monthly bromate monitoring may be reduced to once per quarter in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(3)(ii)(B).
(c) Disinfectant residuals.
(i) Chlorine and chloramines. Systems that deliver water continuously treated with chlorine or chloramines, including consecutive systems, shall monitor and record the residual disinfectant level in the distribution system under WAC 246-290-300 (2)(b), 246-290-451, 246-290-664(6), or 246-290-694(8).
(ii) Chlorine dioxide. Community, NTNC, or TNC systems that use chlorine dioxide shall monitor in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (c)(2) and record results.
(d) Disinfection byproducts precursors.
Community and NTNC surface water or GWI systems that use conventional filtration with sedimentation as defined in WAC 246-290-660(3) shall monitor under 40 C.F.R. 141.132(d), and meet the requirements of 40 C.F.R. 141.135.
(7) Organic chemicals.
(a) Purveyors of community and NTNC water systems shall comply with monitoring requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.24 (f)(1) - (f)(15), 141.24 (f)(18) - (19), 141.24 (f)(21), 141.24 (h)(1) - (11), and 141.24 (h)(14) - (17).
(b) Sampling locations shall be as defined in 40 C.F.R. 141.24(f) and 141.24(h).
(i) Wellfield samples are allowed from department designated wellfields; and
(ii) Under 40 C.F.R. 141.24 (f)(3) and 141.24 (h)(3), alternate sampling locations may be allowed if approved by the department. These alternate locations are described in department guidance. Purveyors may ask the department to approve an alternate sampling location for multiple sources within a single system that are blended prior to entry to the distribution system. The alternate sampling location shall consider the following:
(A) Source vulnerability;
(B) An updated organic monitoring plan showing location of all sources with current and proposed sampling locations;
(C) Individual source characteristics;
(D) Previous water quality information;
(E) Status of monitoring waiver applications; and
(F) Other information deemed necessary by the department.
(c) Composite samples:
(i) Purveyors may ask the certified lab to composite samples representing as many as five individual samples from within one system. Sampling procedures and protocols are outlined in department guidance;
(ii) For systems serving a population of less than three thousand three hundred one, the department may approve composite sampling between systems when those systems are part of an approved satellite management agency.
(d) The department may require the purveyor to sample both before and after treatment for one or more organic contaminants. The department shall notify the purveyor if and when this additional source sampling is required.
(e) Organic chemical monitoring plans.
(i) Purveyors of community and NTNC systems shall prepare an organic chemical monitoring plan and base routine monitoring on the plan.
(ii) The purveyor shall:
(A) Keep the monitoring plan on file with the system and make it available to the department for inspection upon request;
(B) Revise or expand the plan at any time the plan no longer reflects the monitoring requirements, procedures or sampling locations, or as directed by the department; and
(C) Submit the plan to the department for review and approval when requested and as part of the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100.
(f) Monitoring waivers.
(i) Purveyors may request in writing, a monitoring waiver from the department for any organic monitoring requirement;
(ii) Purveyors requesting a monitoring waiver shall comply with 40 C.F.R. 141.24 (f)(7), 141.24 (f)(10), 141.24 (h)(6), and 141.24 (h)(7);
(iii) Purveyors shall update and resubmit requests for waiver renewals as directed by the department; and
(iv) Failure to provide complete and accurate information in the waiver application shall be grounds for denial of the monitoring waiver.
(g) Purveyors with emergency and seasonal sources shall monitor those sources under the applicable requirements of this section when they are actively providing water to consumers.
(8) Radionuclides. Monitoring for radionuclides shall be conducted under 40 C.F.R. 141.26.
(9) Cryptosporidium and E. coli source monitoring. Purveyors with surface water or GWI sources shall monitor the sources in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.701 and 702.
(10) Contaminants with a SAL under WAC 246-290-315, Table 9.
(a) Purveyors shall monitor for contaminants with a SAL in accordance with Tables 3 and 4 of this section. Source sample locations and blended samples are allowed as consistent with other federally regulated organic contaminants referenced in subsection (7)(b) of this section.
TABLE 3
SAL MONITORING
Contaminant or Group of Contaminants
Applicable Water System Classification
Initial Sampling
Routine Sampling Frequency
Sampling Location
Organic Contaminants
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Community and NTNC, and if applicable, TNC
One sample on or before December 31, 2025
Once every three years
Per the locations described in WAC 246-290-300 (7)(b) and Table 4 of this section
(b) Purveyors shall monitor for PFAS contaminants using an approved method in WAC 246-390-075 (17)(a) and all method specific contaminants as listed on Table 7 in WAC 246-390-075.
(i) Purveyors, on a schedule determined by the department, but no later than December 31, 2025, shall complete initial sampling for PFAS from a sample location representing each source as listed in Table 4 of this section.
(ii) Initial PFAS sampling prioritization and scheduling is based on the following criteria:
(A) Susceptibility of the source water to contamination by surface activities due to physical attributes of the source;
(B) Vulnerability of the source water to PFAS contamination; and
(C) Population served.
(iii) Purveyors of TNC systems determined by the department to be at risk of PFAS contamination due to proximity of the system's water supply to known PFAS contamination shall collect a sample for analysis as directed by the department and, if detected, comply with the follow-up requirements under WAC 246-290-320(8).
(c) Analytical results for contaminants or groups of contaminants listed in Table 3 of this section reported prior to January 1, 2023, that meet the SDRL and requirements established in chapter 246-390 WAC with the effective date of January 1, 2022, or later may be used to comply with the initial PFAS monitoring requirement in this chapter.
(d) For sources that become active after January 1, 2022, purveyors shall perform the required monitoring as part of the source approval process under WAC 246-290-130.
(e) The department may require a confirmation sample. If a confirmation sample is required by the department, the result will be averaged with the first sampling result and the average is used as the final result. The department has the discretion to delete results of obvious sampling errors from this calculation.
(f) After completing initial sampling as described in Table 3 of this section, each source must be monitored as follows:
(i) For sources with organic results less than the SDRL, purveyors shall begin routine monitoring as described in Table 3 of this section, unless a monitoring waiver is granted by the department under (h) of this subsection.
(ii) For sources with organic detections equal to or greater than the SDRL, purveyors shall conduct follow-up monitoring under WAC 246-290-320(8).
(iii) For sources with inorganic detections below the SAL, purveyors shall monitor as identified in subsection (4) of this section.
(iv) For sources with inorganic detections above the SAL, purveyors shall conduct follow-up monitoring under WAC 246-290-320(9).
(g) For public water systems required to sample for PFAS under EPA's fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), if the minimum reporting limits are less than fifty percent of any SAL, the department shall accept data that has been accepted by EPA under UCMR5 for the purposes of meeting initial monitoring requirements under WAC 246-290-300. Public water systems required to sample for PFAS shall submit all results to the department to be considered in compliance with the initial monitoring requirements.
(i) If the minimum reporting limit for a result is greater than twenty percent of any SAL, but the result is reported as a nondetect, then follow-up monitoring per WAC 246-290-320 will not be required.
(ii) If a detection is reported below the minimum detection limit and is greater than twenty percent of a SAL, then one additional quarter of follow-up monitoring will be required per WAC 246-290-320 (8)(b).
(h) Monitoring waivers for contaminants with a SAL.
(i) The department may grant a waiver for SAL monitoring requirements identified in this chapter.
(ii) As a condition of the waiver, the department may require a purveyor take a minimum of one sample per source while the waiver is effective.
(11) Other contaminants. On the basis of public health concerns, the department may require a purveyor to monitor for additional contaminants.
TABLE 4
MONITORING LOCATION
Sample Type
Sample Location
Asbestos
One sample from distribution system or if required by department, from the source.
Bacteriological
From representative points throughout distribution system.
Cryptosporidium and E.
coli (Source Water) - WAC 246-290-630(16)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.703.
Complete Inorganic
Chemical & Physical
From a point representative of the source, after treatment, and prior to entry to the distribution system.
Lead/Copper
From the distribution system at targeted sample tap locations.
Nitrate/Nitrite
From a point representative of the source, after treatment, and prior to entry to the distribution system.
Disinfection Byproducts - TTHMs and HAA5 - WAC 246-290-300(6)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(1) (Subpart L of the C.F.R.).
Disinfection Byproducts - TTHMs and HAA5 - WAC 246-290-300(6)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.600 - 629 (IDSE and LRAA in Subparts U and V of the C.F.R.).
Disinfection Byproducts - Chlorite (Systems adding chlorine dioxide)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(2).
Disinfection Byproducts - Bromate (Systems adding ozone)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (b)(3).
Disinfectant Residuals -Chlorine and Chloramines
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (c)(1).
Disinfectant Residuals -Chlorine dioxide
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132 (c)(2).
Disinfection Precursors - Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Under 40 C.F.R. 141.132(d).
Disinfection Precursors - Bromide (Systems using ozone)
From the source before treatment.
Radionuclides
From a point representative of the source, after treatment and prior to entry to distribution system.
Organic Chemicals
(VOCs, SOCs, & PFAS)
From a point representative of the source, after treatment and prior to entry to distribution system.
Other contaminants without an MCL, MRDL, TT or SAL
As directed by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-300, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-300, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050(2) and 70.119A.080. WSR 11-17-062, § 246-290-300, filed 8/15/11, effective 10/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-300, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-300, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-300, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-300, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-300, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-300, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-300, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-300, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-300, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-300, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-300, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-165, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-165, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-165, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-310

Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs).

(1) General.
(a) The purveyor shall be responsible for complying with the standards of water quality identified in this section. If a contaminant exceeds its MCL or its maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL), the purveyor shall take follow-up action under WAC 246-290-320.
(b) When enforcing the standards described under this section, the department shall enforce compliance with the primary standards as its first priority.
(2) Bacteriological.
(a) An E. coli MCL under this subsection is considered a primary standard.
(b) E. coli MCL. An E. coli MCL violation occurs each month in which a system is required to monitor for total coliforms when there is:
(i) E. coli presence in a repeat sample following a total coliform presence routine sample;
(ii) Total coliform presence in any repeat samples collected as a follow-up to a sample with E. coli presence;
(iii) The system fails to take all required repeat samples following an E. coli presence routine sample; or
(iv) The system fails to test for E. coli when any repeat samples test positive for total coliform.
(3) Inorganic chemical and physical.
(a) The primary and secondary standards are listed in Tables 5 and 6 of this section:
TABLE 5
INORGANIC CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
 
Contaminant
Primary
MCLs (mg/L)
 
Antimony (Sb)
 
0.006
 
Arsenic (As)
 
0.010*
 
Asbestos
 
7 million fibers/liter
(longer than 10
microns)
 
Barium (Ba)
 
2.0
 
Beryllium (Be)
 
0.004
 
Cadmium (Cd)
 
0.005
 
Chromium (Cr)
 
0.1
 
Copper (Cu)
 
**
 
Cyanide (CN)
 
0.2
 
Fluoride (F)
 
4.0***
 
Lead (Pb)
 
**
 
Mercury (Hg)
 
0.002
 
Nitrate (as N)
 
10.0
 
Nitrite (as N)
 
1.0
 
Selenium (Se)
 
0.05
 
Sodium (Na)
 
**
 
Thallium (Tl)
 
0.002
 
Contaminant
Secondary MCLs (mg/L)
 
Chloride (Cl)
 
250.0
 
Fluoride (F)
 
2.0***
 
Iron (Fe)
 
0.3
 
Manganese (Mn)
 
0.05
 
Silver (Ag)
 
0.1
 
Sulfate (SO4)
 
250.0
 
Zinc (Zn)
 
5.0
Note*
Does not apply to TNC systems.
Note**
Although the state board of health has not established MCLs for copper, lead, and sodium, there is sufficient public health significance connected with copper, lead, and sodium levels to require inclusion in inorganic chemical and physical source monitoring. For lead and copper, the EPA has established distribution system related levels at which a system is required to consider corrosion control. These levels, called "action levels," are 0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper and are applied to the highest concentration in ten percent of all samples collected from the distribution system. The EPA has also established a recommended level of twenty mg/L for sodium as a level of concern for those consumers that may be restricted for daily sodium intake in their diets.
Note***
If a water system provides community fluoridation, the level of fluoride and associated requirements are set under WAC 246-290-460.
TABLE 6
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Contaminant
Secondary MCLs
Color
15 Color Units
Specific Conductivity
700 umhos/cm
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
500 mg/L
(b) Compliance with the MCLs, except for nitrate and nitrite, in this subsection is determined by a running annual average at each sampling point. The system will not be considered in violation of the MCL until it has completed one year of quarterly sampling and at least one sampling point is in violation of the MCL. If one sampling point is in violation of the MCL, the system is in violation of the MCL.
(i) If any sample will cause the running annual average to exceed the MCL at any sampling point, the system is out of compliance with the MCL immediately.
(ii) If a system fails to collect the required number of samples, compliance will be based on the total number of samples collected.
(iii) If a sample result is less than the detection limit, zero will be used to calculate the running annual average.
(c) Compliance with the MCLs for nitrate and nitrite is determined based on one sample if the levels of these contaminants are below the MCLs as determined under Table 5 of this section. If the levels of nitrate or nitrite exceed the MCLs in the initial sample, a confirmation sample is required under 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (f)(2), and compliance shall be determined based on the average of the initial and confirmation samples.
(4) Disinfection byproducts.
(a) The department shall consider standards under this subsection as primary standards. The MCLs in this subsection apply to monitoring required by WAC 246-290-300(6) and 40 C.F.R. 141.620 - 629.
(b) The MCLs for disinfection byproducts are as follows:
TABLE 7
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Disinfection Byproduct
MCL (mg/L)
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
 
0.080
Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5)
 
0.060
Bromate
 
0.010
Chlorite
 
1.0
(c) Whether a system has exceeded the disinfection byproduct MCLs shall be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.133. Beginning on the dates specified for compliance in 40 C.F.R. 141.620(c), compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 MCLs shall be based on the LRAAs as required by 40 C.F.R. 141.64 (b)(2) and 40 C.F.R. 141.620(d). Compliance with the bromate and chlorite MCL will continue to be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.133.
(5) Disinfectant residuals.
(a) The department shall consider standards under this subsection primary standards. The MRDLs in this subsection apply to monitoring required by WAC 246-290-300(6).
(b) The MRDL for disinfectants is as follows:
TABLE 8
DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL MRDLs
Disinfectant Residual
MRDL (mg/L)
Chlorine
 
4.0 (as C12)
Chloramines
 
4.0 (as C12)
Chlorine Dioxide
 
0.8 (as C1O2)
(c) Whether a system has exceeded MRDLs shall be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.133.
(6) Radionuclides.
(a) The department shall consider standards under this subsection primary standards.
(b) The MCLs for radium-226 and radium-228, gross alpha particle activity, beta particle and photon radioactivity, and uranium shall be as listed in 40 C.F.R. 141.66.
(7) Organic chemicals.
(a) The department shall consider standards under this subsection primary standards.
(b) VOCs.
(i) The MCLs for VOCs are as follows:
Contaminant
Chemical Abstract Service
(CAS) Number
MCL (ppb)
Vinyl chloride
75–01–4
2
Benzene
71–43–2
5
Carbon tetrachloride
56–23–5
5
1,2-Dichloroethane
107–06–2
5
Trichloroethylene
79–01–6
5
para-Dichlorobenzene
106–46–7
75
1,1-Dichloroethylene
75–35–4
7
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
71–55–6
200
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
156–59–2
70
1,2-Dichloropropane
78–87–5
5
Ethylbenzene
100–41–4
700
Monochlorobenzene
108–90–7
100
o-Dichlorobenzene
95–50–1
600
Styrene
100–42–5
100
Trichloroethane
127–18–4
5
Toluene
108–88–3
1,000
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
156–60–5
100
Xylenes (total)
1330–20–7
10,000
Dichloromethane
75–09–2
5
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
120–82–1
70
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
79–00–5
5
(ii) The department shall determine compliance with this subsection based on compliance with 40 C.F.R. 141.24(f).
(c) SOCs.
(i) MCLs for SOCs shall be as listed in 40 C.F.R. 141.61(c).
(ii) The department shall determine compliance with this subsection based on compliance with 40 C.F.R. 141.24(h).
(8) Other contaminants.
The state board of health shall determine state MCLs for any additional contaminants as described in WAC 246-290-315 (5) through (8).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-310, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-310, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-310, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-310, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-310, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-310, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-310, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-310, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-310, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-310, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-310, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-310, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-175, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-175, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-175, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-315

State action levels (SALs) and state maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).

(1) The department shall consider the following criteria to select a contaminant for developing a SAL:
(a) Drinking water contributes to human exposure to the contaminant.
(b) The contaminant is known or likely to occur in public water systems at levels of public health concern. Sources of occurrence information include, but are not limited to:
(i) Washington state department of agriculture;
(ii) Washington state department of ecology; and
(iii) Monitoring results reported in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.35.
(c) The contaminant has a possible adverse effect on the health of persons exposed based on peer-reviewed scientific literature or government publications, such as:
(i) An EPA health assessment such as an Integrated Risk Information System assessment;
(ii) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry toxicological profiles;
(iii) State government science assessment; and
(iv) EPA guidelines for exposure assessment such as the EPA exposure factors handbook.
(d) A certified drinking water lab can accurately and precisely measure the concentration of the contaminant in drinking water at and below the level of public health concern using EPA-approved analytical methods.
(2) After consideration of the criteria in subsection (1) of this section, the department may develop a SAL based on the following:
(a) Evaluation of available peer-reviewed scientific literature and government publications on fate, transport, exposure, toxicity and health impacts of the contaminant and relevant metabolites;
(b) An assessment based on the most sensitive adverse effect deemed relevant to humans and considering susceptibility and unique exposures of the most sensitive subgroup such as pregnant women, fetuses, young children, or overburdened and underserved communities; and
(c) Technical limitations to achieving the SAL such as insufficient analytical detection limit achievable at certified drinking water laboratories.
(3) The state board of health shall consider the department's findings under subsections (1) and (2) of this section when considering adopting a SAL under this chapter.
(4) Contaminants with a SAL.
(a) If a SAL under Table 9 of this section is exceeded, the purveyor shall take follow-up action as required under WAC 246-290-320. For contaminants where the SAL exceedance is determined based upon an RAA, the RAA will be calculated consistent with other organic contaminants per WAC 246-290-320(6) or other inorganic contaminants per WAC 246-290-320(3).
TABLE 9
STATE ACTION LEVELS
Contaminant or Group of Contaminants
SAL
SAL Exceedance Based On:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFOA
10 ng/L
Confirmed detection
PFOS
15 ng/L
Confirmed detection
PFHxS
65 ng/L
Confirmed detection
PFNA
9 ng/L
Confirmed detection
PFBS
345 ng/L
Confirmed detection
(b) If a system fails to collect and submit a confirmation sample to a certified lab within ten business days of notification of the sample results, or as required by the department, the results of the original sample will be used to determine compliance with the SAL.
(5) The department shall consider the following when developing a state MCL:
(a) The criteria in subsection (1) of this section;
(b) Whether regulating the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity to reduce exposures of public health concern for persons served by public water systems;
(c) The need for an enforceable limit to achieve uniform public health protection in Group A public water systems; and
(d) The need for an enforceable limit to support source water investigation and clean-up of a contaminant in drinking water supplies by responsible parties.
(6) In addition to the requirements in subsection (5) of this section, the department shall:
(a) Meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section;
(b) Comply with the requirements in RCW 70A.130.010 to establish standards for chemical contaminants in drinking water;
(c) Consider the best available treatment technologies and affordability taking into consideration the costs to small water systems; and
(d) Determine that the probable benefits of the rule are greater than its probable costs, taking into account both the qualitative and quantitative benefits and costs.
(7) The state board of health shall consider the department's findings under subsections (5) and (6) of this section and follow the requirements under chapters 34.05 and 19.85 RCW when adopting a state MCL under this chapter.
(8) Upon federal adoption of an MCL, the federal MCL will supersede a SAL or a less stringent state MCL, and the associated requirements, including for monitoring and public notice. If the federally adopted MCL is less stringent than a SAL or state MCL, the board may take one of the following actions:
(a) Adopt the federal MCL; or
(b) Adopt a state MCL, at least as stringent as the federal MCL, using the process in subsections (6) and (7) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-315, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22.]


PDF246-290-320

Follow-up action.

(1) General.
(a) When an MCL or MRDL violation or SAL exceedance occurs, the purveyor shall take follow-up action as described in this section.
(b) When a primary standard violation occurs the purveyor shall:
(i) Notify the department under WAC 246-290-480;
(ii) Notify the consumers served by the system and the owner or operator of any consecutive system served in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.201 through 208, and Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter;
(iii) Investigate the cause of the contamination, within the purveyor's control; and
(iv) Take action as directed by the department.
(c) When a secondary standard violation occurs, the purveyor shall notify the department and take action as directed by the department.
(d) When a SAL exceedance under WAC 246-290-315 occurs, the purveyor shall:
(i) Notify the department in accordance with WAC 246-290-480;
(ii) Notify water system users and the owner or operator of any consecutive system served water in exceedance of the SAL in accordance with WAC 246-290-71006;
(iii) Continue monitoring in accordance with subsection (8) or (9) of this section, as applicable;
(iv) Investigate the cause of the contamination within the purveyor's control; and
(v) Take action as directed by the department.
(e) The department may require additional sampling for confirmation of results.
(2) Bacteriological. Coliform treatment technique triggers and assessment requirements for protection against potential fecal contamination.
(a) Treatment technique triggers. Systems shall conduct assessments in accordance with (b) of this subsection after exceeding treatment technique triggers as follows:
(i) Level 1 treatment technique triggers.
(A) For systems taking forty or more routine samples per month, the system exceeds 5.0 percent total coliform-positive samples for the month.
(B) For systems taking fewer than forty routine samples per month, the system has two or more total coliform-positive samples in the same month.
(C) The system fails to take every required repeat sample after any single total coliform-positive routine sample.
(ii) Level 2 treatment technique triggers.
(A) An E. coli MCL violation, as specified in WAC 246-290-310 (2)(b).
(B) A second level 1 treatment technique trigger as defined in (a)(i) of this subsection within a rolling twelve-month period, unless the department has determined a likely reason that the samples that caused the first level 1 treatment technique trigger were total coliform-positive and has established that the system has corrected the problem.
(b) Requirements for assessments.
(i) Systems shall conduct level 1 and 2 assessments to identify the possible presence of sanitary defects and defects in distribution system coliform monitoring practices. Level 1 assessments must be conducted by the system operator or purveyor. Level 2 assessments must be conducted by the department or a party approved by the department which may include the system operator.
(ii) When conducting assessments, systems shall direct the assessor to evaluate minimum elements that include:
(A) Review and identification of atypical events that could affect distributed water quality or indicate that distributed water quality was impaired;
(B) Changes in distribution operation and maintenance that could affect distributed water quality, including water storage;
(C) Source and treatment considerations that bear on distributed water quality, where appropriate. For example, whether or not a groundwater system is disinfected;
(D) Existing water quality monitoring data;
(E) Inadequacies in sample sites, sampling protocol, and sample processing; and
(F) The system shall conduct the assessment consistent with any department directives that tailor specific assessment elements with respect to the size and type of the system and the size, type, and characteristics of the distribution system.
(iii) Level 1 assessments. A system shall conduct a level 1 assessment consistent with the requirements in subsection (2)(b) of this section if the system exceeds one of the treatment technique triggers in (a)(i) of this subsection.
(A) The system shall complete a level 1 assessment as soon as practical after any treatment technique trigger is met in (a)(i) of this subsection. The completed assessment must describe sanitary defects detected, corrective actions completed, and a proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed. The assessment may also note that no sanitary defects were identified. The system shall submit the completed level 1 assessment to the department within thirty days after the system learns that it has exceeded a treatment technique trigger.
(B) Upon completion and submission of the level 1 assessment by the system, the department shall determine if the system has identified a likely cause for the level 1 treatment technique trigger and has corrected the problem. If the system has not corrected the problem, the department shall determine if the proposed timetable for corrective action is sufficient.
(C) If after reviewing the completed level 1 assessment, the department determines the assessment is not sufficient, including any proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed, the department may require the system to submit a revised assessment to the department within thirty days from the date of department notification.
(iv) Level 2 assessments. A system shall conduct a level 2 assessment consistent with requirements in subsection (2)(b) of this section if the system exceeds one of the treatment technique triggers in (a)(ii) of this subsection. The system shall comply with any expedited actions or additional actions required by the department in the case of an E. coli MCL violation.
(A) A level 2 assessment must be conducted as soon as practical after any treatment technique trigger in (a)(ii) of this subsection and shall be conducted by either a water distribution manager 2, 3, or 4 certified in accordance with chapter 246-292 WAC, a licensed professional engineer that meets the requirements of WAC 246-290-040(1), a local health jurisdiction, or the department. The system shall submit a completed level 2 assessment to the department within thirty days after the system learns that it has exceeded a treatment technique trigger. The completed assessment must describe sanitary defects detected, corrective actions completed, and a proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed in accordance with (d) of this subsection. The assessment may also note that no sanitary defects were identified.
(B) Upon completion and submission of the level 2 assessment by the system, the department shall determine if the system has identified a likely cause for the level 2 treatment technique trigger and has corrected the problem. If the system has not corrected the problem, the department shall determine if the proposed timetable for corrective action is sufficient.
(C) If after reviewing the submitted level 2 assessment, the department determines the assessment is not sufficient, including any proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed in accordance with (d) of this subsection, the department may require the system to submit a revised assessment within thirty days from the date of department notification.
(c) To achieve compliance with the MCL for E. coli under WAC 246-290-310 (2)(b), the following are identified as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available:
(i) Protection of wells from fecal contamination by appropriate placement and construction;
(ii) Maintenance of a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system;
(iii) Proper maintenance of the distribution system including appropriate pipe replacement and repair procedures, main flushing programs, proper operation and maintenance of storage tanks and reservoirs, cross-connection control, and continual maintenance of positive water pressure in all parts of the distribution system;
(iv) Filtration, disinfection, or both, of surface water, using the proper strength of oxidants such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or ozone; and
(v) For systems using groundwater, compliance with a wellhead protection program developed and implemented under WAC 246-290-135(3).
(d) Corrective action. Systems shall correct sanitary defects found through either a level 1 or level 2 assessment conducted under (b) of this subsection. For corrections not completed by the time of submission of the assessment to the department, the system shall complete the corrective actions in compliance with a timetable approved by the department in consultation with the system under (e) of this subsection. The system shall notify the department when each scheduled corrective action is completed.
(e) Consultation. At any time during the assessment or corrective action phase, the water system may request a consultation with the department to determine the appropriate actions to be taken. The system may consult with the department on all relevant information that may impact the system's ability to comply with the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, including the method of accomplishment, an appropriate time frame, and other relevant information.
(f) A treatment technique violation occurs when a system exceeds a treatment technique trigger specified in subsection (2)(a) of this section and then fails to conduct the required assessment or complete corrective actions within the time frame specified in subsection (2)(b) and (d) of this section.
(3) Inorganic chemical and physical follow-up monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
(a) For nonnitrate/nitrite primary inorganic chemicals, 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (a)(4), 141.23 (b)(8), 141.23 (c)(7), 141.23 (c)(9), 141.23 (f)(1), 141.23(g), 141.23(m) and 141.23(n);
(b) For nitrate, 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (a)(4), 141.23 (d)(2), 141.23 (d)(3), 141.23 (f)(2), 141.23(g), 141.23(m), 141.23(n), and 141.23(o);
(c) For nitrite, 40 C.F.R. 141.23 (a)(4), 141.23 (e)(3), 141.23 (f)(2), and 141.23(g); or
(d) The purveyor of any public water system providing service that has secondary inorganic MCL exceedances shall take follow-up action as required by the department. Follow-up action shall be commensurate with the degree of consumer acceptance of the water quality and their willingness to bear the costs of meeting the secondary standard. For new community water systems and new nontransient noncommunity water systems without active consumers, treatment for secondary contaminant MCL exceedances will be required.
(4) Lead and copper follow-up monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.85(c), 141.86 (d)(2), 141.86 (d)(3), 141.87(c), 141.87(d) and 141.88(b) through 141.88(d).
(5) Turbidity.
Purveyors monitoring turbidity in accordance with Part 6 of this chapter shall provide follow-up under WAC 246-290-634.
(6) Organic chemicals. Follow-up monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
(a) For VOCs, 40 C.F.R. 141.24 (f)(11) through 141.24 (f)(15), and 141.24 (f)(22); or
(b) For SOCs, 40 C.F.R. 141.24 (h)(7) through 141.24 (h)(11), and 141.24 (h)(20).
(7) Radionuclide follow-up monitoring shall be conducted under 40 C.F.R. 141.26 (a)(2)(iv), 141.26 (a)(3)(ii) through (v), 141.26 (a)(4), 141.26 (b)(6), and 141.26 (c)(5).
(8) Organic contaminants with a SAL.
(a) All increased monitoring for organic contaminants will be for the test panel on which the contaminant is listed in WAC 246-390-075.
(b) The purveyor shall monitor quarterly as shown in Table 10 of this section. The number of samples required in the three quarters after the first detection will be determined based on the highest detection in the year of monitoring. For public water systems required to sample for PFAS under the federal Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5), if a detection is reported below the minimum detection limit per UCMR5 and is greater than twenty percent of a SAL, then one additional quarter of follow-up monitoring is required. The samples must be taken:
(i) Beginning in the calendar quarter following the first confirmed detection per WAC 246-290-315 (4)(b); and
(ii) At each sampling point from which the result was equal to or greater than the SDRL under chapter 246-390 WAC.
TABLE 10
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWING THE FIRST DETECTION OF AN ORGANIC CONTAMINANT WITH A SAL
If the highest detection in the first year is:
Total number of additional consecutive quarters.
≤ 20% of the SAL.
1
˃ 20% but < 80% of the SAL.
2
≥ 80% of the SAL.
3
(c) Ongoing monitoring is specified in Table 11 of this section, or as directed by the department. Ongoing monitoring is based upon the results of samples collected in the most recent year of monitoring, or the most recent result for samples collected less frequently than annually.
TABLE 11
ONGOING MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOURCES WITH ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS WITH A SAL
If highest detection being considered is:
Monitoring frequency:
≤ 20% of the SAL.
Every 3 years
˃ 20% but < 80% of the SAL.
Annually
≥ 80% of the SAL.
1. Quarterly, if contaminant is Tier 1, or Tier 2 and bioaccumulative per Table 17 in WAC 246-290-71006.
 
2. Annually if the contaminant is Tier 2 and not bioaccumulative per Table 17 in WAC 246-290-71006.
(d) When the monitoring frequency is less often than quarterly, the purveyor shall collect samples during the quarter assigned by the department.
(e) The department may reduce the annual monitoring frequency to one sample every three years after three consecutive years of results that demonstrate the levels are less than eighty percent of the SAL.
(f) The department may increase the monitoring frequency from once every year or once every three years to once every quarter if results of reduced monitoring are equal to or greater than eighty percent of the SAL.
(9) Inorganic contaminants with a SAL.
(a) The purveyor shall collect quarterly samples at each sampling point beginning in the quarter following a detection greater than the SAL under Table 9 of this section. Increased monitoring for inorganic contaminants will be for a specific contaminant which is detected above the SAL.
(b) The department may reduce the quarterly monitoring frequency when results are reliably and consistently below the SAL. When the monitoring frequency is less often than quarterly, the purveyor shall collect samples during the quarter assigned by the department.
(10) If a contaminant has no MCL, MRDL, TT, or SAL, the department may use an EPA health advisory level to determine subsequent monitoring per this section.
(11) The department shall determine the purveyor's follow-up action when a contaminant not included in this chapter is detected.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-320, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-320, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050(2) and 70.119A.080. WSR 11-17-062, § 246-290-320, filed 8/15/11, effective 10/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-320, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-320, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-320, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-320, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-320, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-320, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-320, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-320, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.20 RCW. WSR 91-07-031 (Order 150B), § 246-290-320, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-320, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-185, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-185, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-185, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-415

Operations and maintenance.

(1) The purveyor shall operate the system in accordance with the operations and maintenance program as established in the approved water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100 or the small water system management program under WAC 246-290-105.
(2) The operations and maintenance program must include the following elements as applicable:
(a) Water system management and personnel;
(b) Operator certification;
(c) Comprehensive monitoring plan for all contaminants under WAC 246-290-300;
(d) Emergency response program;
(e) Cross-connection control program; and
(f) Maintenance of service reliability in accordance with WAC 246-290-420.
(3) Seasonal system startup.
(a) Seasonal systems shall submit a start-up procedure to the department for review and approval.
(b) Seasonal systems shall certify in accordance with WAC 246-290-480 (2)(f)(ii) that a department–approved start-up procedure, which may include a requirement for start-up sampling, was completed prior to serving water to the public.
(c) A treatment technique violation occurs when a seasonal system fails to complete a department-approved start-up procedure prior to serving water to the public.
(4) The purveyor shall operate the system in accordance with good operations procedures such as those available in texts, handbooks, and manuals available from the following sources:
(a) American Water Works Association (AWWA);
(b) American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE);
(c) Ontario Ministry of the Environment;
(d) The Chlorine Institute;
(e) California State University;
(f) Health Research Inc.; and
(g) Any other standards acceptable to the department.
(5) Establishing or maintaining a bypass to divert water around any feature of a treatment process is prohibited, except with written approval from the department.
(6) The purveyor shall take preventive or corrective action as directed by the department when results of an inspection conducted by the department indicate conditions which are currently or may become a detriment to system operation.
(7) The purveyor of a system using surface water or GWI shall meet operational requirements specified in Part 6 of this chapter.
(8) The purveyor shall have a certified operator if required under chapter 70A.120 RCW and chapter 246-292 WAC.
(9) The purveyor shall at all times employ reasonable security measures to assure the raw water intake facilities, water treatment processes, water storage facilities, and the distribution system are protected from possible damage or compromise by unauthorized persons, animals, vegetation, or similar intruding agents. Such measures include elements such as locks on hatches, fencing of facilities, screening of reservoir vents or openings, and other recommendations as may be found in the current edition of the Recommended Standards for Water Works, A Committee Report of the Great Lakes - Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health and Environmental Managers.
(10) All purveyors utilizing groundwater wells shall monitor well levels from ground level to the static water level on a seasonal basis, including low demand and high demand periods, to document the continuing availability of the source to meet projected, long-term demands. Purveyors shall maintain this data and provide it to the department upon request.
(11) All operation and maintenance practices must conform to Part 5 of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-415, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-415, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-415, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-415, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-416

Sanitary surveys.

(1) All public water systems shall submit to a sanitary survey conducted by the department, or the department's designee, based upon the following schedule:
(a) For community water systems, every three years. In accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.21 (d)(3), community water systems may qualify to be surveyed every five years if the system meets the following criteria:
(i) Provides at least 4-log treatment of viruses (using inactivation, removal, or a department-approved combination of 4-log inactivation and removal) before or at the first customer for all its groundwater sources; or
(ii) Has no total coliform or E. coli MCL violations since the last sanitary survey;
(iii) Has no coliform treatment technique violations for failure to conduct the required assessment or complete corrective actions in response to a treatment technique trigger since the last sanitary survey;
(iv) Has no more than one total coliform monitoring violation since the last sanitary survey; and
(v) Has no unresolved significant deficiencies from the current sanitary survey.
(b) For transient noncommunity and nontransient noncommunity water systems, every five years.
(c) For community water systems that use a surface water or GWI source, every three years. Sanitary surveys may be reduced to every five years upon written approval from the department.
(d) The department may schedule a sanitary survey or increases the frequency of surveys if it determines a public health threat exists or is suspected.
(2) All public water system purveyors shall be responsible for:
(a) Ensuring cooperation in scheduling sanitary surveys with the department, or its designee;
(b) At the department's request, provide any existing information that will enable the department to conduct a sanitary survey;
(c) Ensuring the unrestricted availability of all facilities and records at the time of a sanitary survey or special purpose investigation; and
(d) Taking preventive or corrective action as directed by the department when results of a sanitary survey indicate conditions which are currently or may become a detriment to system operation or public health.
(3) All public water systems that use a surface water or GWI source shall, within forty-five days following receipt of a sanitary survey report that identifies significant deficiencies, identify in writing to the department how the system will correct the deficiencies and propose a schedule to complete the corrections. The department may modify the schedule if necessary to protect the health of water system users.
(4) A groundwater system with significant deficiencies must meet the treatment technique requirements of WAC 246-290-453(1) and the special notification requirements under WAC 246-290-71005 (4) and (5) except where the department determines that the significant deficiency is in a portion of the distribution system that is served solely by surface water or GWI.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-416, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-416, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-416, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-416, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-420

Reliability and emergency response.

(1) All public water systems shall provide an adequate quantity and quality of water in a reliable manner at all times consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(2) During normal operating conditions, for both average and peak demand periods, water pressure at the consumer's service meter, or property line if a meter is not used, shall be maintained at the approved design pressure, but in no case be less than 20 psi (140 kPa). Water quality shall be maintained as required in Part 4 and Part 6 of this chapter.
(3) When fire flow is required, 20 psi (140 kPa) at the operating hydrant and at least positive pressure shall be maintained throughout the system under fire flow conditions.
(4) The purveyor shall address abnormal operating conditions, such as those associated with fires, floods, unscheduled power outages, facility failures, and system maintenance, by using measures consistent with applicable regulations and industry standards to ensure the system is constructed, maintained, and operated to protect against the risk of contamination by cross-connections as a result of loss of system pressure.
(5) For operations during abnormal conditions, the purveyor shall establish the level of reliability, in accordance with consumer expectations, to ensure prevention of loss of pressure or prompt restoration of pressure when a loss of pressure has occurred. Consumer expectations may be established by a simple majority of the affected consumers within the system's service area, or within specific, definable pressure zones when different levels of service may be encountered. A simple majority of consumers can be associated with either a vote of the consumers for privately owned and operated systems, or of the system's governing body, such as council, board, or commission, for publicly governed systems. Consumer expectations shall not be used by a purveyor to justify a failure to address routine or repeated loss of pressure within the system, or within specific, definable pressure zones, because of the purveyor's failure to properly construct, maintain, or operate the system. The level of reliability established under this subsection, and measures for achieving such reliability, shall be identified in the operations and maintenance program and incorporated into the water system design, and shall be approved by the department. The level of reliability shall not affect the purveyor's obligations under subsections (1) through (4) of this section.
(6) The purveyor shall implement all appropriate measures necessary to meet the identified level of reliability for normal and abnormal operating conditions. Procedures for system operation during normal and abnormal operating conditions shall be documented in an operations and maintenance and emergency response program in accordance with WAC 246-290-415 and shall be implemented in a timely and reasonable manner.
(7) If a purveyor is unable to satisfactorily address departmental concerns or consumer complaints regarding the level of reliability associated with normal or abnormal operating conditions, the purveyor may be required to prepare a project report pursuant to WAC 246-290-110 that addresses an evaluation of the problem, impacts on affected consumers, and recommended corrective action. Unless the department determines that public health protection requires otherwise, improvements related to abnormal operating conditions described under subsection (5) of this section will be required commensurate with the established level of reliability for abnormal operating conditions.
(8) Restrictions on designed, or historically documented, normal water uses shall not be allowed except under the following conditions:
(a) Whenever there is clear evidence that, unless limitations are imposed, water use at normal levels will lead to a relatively rapid depletion of water source reserves, such as in drought situations or when significant facility failures occur;
(b) Whenever a water system observes that demands for water exceed the available supply, as a result of such events as miscalculated planning, inattentive operation, or unforeseen problems with sources and that limitations would be necessary to insure basic levels of service while additional sources were being sought or developed, or the situation was being otherwise remedied; or
(c) Whenever the water system institutes restrictions as part of a water use efficiency program which has been accepted by the system consumers through appropriate public decision-making processes within existing governance mechanisms, or has been mandated under state regulatory authority.
(9) A purveyor shall provide the department with the current names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owners, operators, and emergency contact persons for the system, including any changes to this information. The purveyor shall also maintain twenty-four-hour phone availability and shall respond to consumer concerns and service complaints in a timely manner.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-420, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-420, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-420, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-420, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-201, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-201, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-451

Disinfection of drinking water.

(1) No portion of a public water system containing potable water shall be put into service, nor shall service be resumed until the facility has been effectively disinfected.
(a) In cases of new construction, drinking water shall not be furnished to the consumer until satisfactory bacteriological samples have been analyzed by a laboratory certified by the state;
(b) In cases of existing water mains, when the integrity of the main is lost resulting in a significant loss of pressure that places the main at risk to contamination, the purveyor shall use standard industry practices to ensure adequate and safe water quality prior to the return of the line to service, including at least one of the following:
(i) Flushing;
(ii) Disinfection; or
(iii) Bacteriological sampling.
(c) If a cross-connection is confirmed, the purveyor shall satisfy the reporting requirements as described under WAC 246-290-490(8).
(2) The procedure used for disinfection shall conform to standards published by the American Water Works Association, or other industry standards acceptable to the department.
(3) The purveyor of a system using surface water or GWI shall meet disinfection requirements specified in Part 6 of this chapter.
(4) If the department determines that any of the following conditions apply, the purveyor shall provide continuous disinfection of the source and meet the requirements under subsection (6) of this section:
(a) A groundwater source is in hydraulic connection to surface water under WAC 246-290-640(4);
(b) A history of unsatisfactory total coliform sampling results for a groundwater source;
(c) A microbial contaminant threat within a groundwater source sanitary control area as defined in WAC 246-290-135;
(d) A microbial contaminant threat to a source, as documented in a susceptibility assessment, a sanitary survey, or a special purpose investigation which also includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following conditions:
(i) A poorly constructed source;
(ii) An inadequate surface seal;
(iii) High groundwater;
(iv) Lack of confining layers in the aquifer;
(v) A shallow well source, with the first open interval fifty feet or less from the ground surface at the wellhead;
(vi) A drilled well in fractured bedrock; or
(vii) A source at risk of flooding.
(e) Desalination of a seawater water source by reverse osmosis.
(5) If the department determines that any of the following conditions apply, the purveyor shall provide continuous disinfection of the distribution system and meet the requirements under subsection (7) of this section:
(a) E. coli MCL violations;
(b) Level 1 or level 2 assessment treatment technique triggers;
(c) Failure to complete level 1 or level 2 assessments as required under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(b);
(d) Failure to complete corrective actions required under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(d); or
(e) Facility failures that threaten to degrade water quality in the distribution system.
(6) If disinfection is required under subsection (4) of this section, the following requirements must be met:
(a) Provide any combination of free chlorine residual concentration (C), measured in mg/L at or before the first customer and contact time (T), measured in minutes between the location of chlorine treatment and residual measurement, that result in a CT product (C x T) of greater than or equal to six without exceeding the chlorine MRDL in WAC 246-290-310(5).
(b) The department may require the purveyor to provide longer contact times, higher chlorine residuals, or additional treatment to protect the health of consumers served by the water system.
(c) To demonstrate the required level of treatment is maintained, the purveyor shall:
(i) Monitor the residual disinfectant concentration at the point of entry to the distribution system, or at a department-approved location, at least once per day, five days per week or each day that water is supplied by the treatment plant if it operates less than daily;
(ii) Identify the number of days each month that the treatment process failed to meet the disinfection treatment requirement in this subsection; and
(iii) Submit monthly water treatment reports to the department using a department-approved form by the tenth day of the following month.
(d) All analyses required in this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with an EPA approved method. A diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) colorimetric field test kit relying on a visual color comparison to a visual standard may not be used by a purveyor to comply with the requirements of this subsection.
(e) The department may require the purveyor to monitor the residual disinfectant concentration each calendar day water is supplied to the distribution system if the department considers source treatment operation unreliable.
(f) The department may require the use of continuous residual analyzers and recorders to assure adequate monitoring of residual concentrations.
(7) A purveyor that adds free chlorine, total chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the distribution system on a continuous basis shall:
(a) Monitor residual disinfectant concentration at:
(i) Representative points in the distribution system at least once per day, five days per week, unless upon written request, the department approves less frequent monitoring; and
(ii) The same time and location of routine and repeat coliform sample collection.
(b) Maintain a detectable residual disinfectant concentration in all active parts of the distribution system, unless the department approves a written request to use a lower value. At a minimum, the request to use a lower value must identify the instrument used to measure the residual disinfectant concentration and include the manufacturer's documentation of the instrument's accuracy to measure the lower value.
(c) Submit monthly water treatment reports to the department using a department-approved form by the tenth day of the following month.
(d) Conduct all analyses required in this subsection:
(i) In accordance with an EPA approved method; or
(ii) Using a diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) colorimetric field test kit unless not allowed by the department.
(e) Colorimetric test strips may not be used by a purveyor to comply with the residual disinfectant concentration monitoring requirements of this subsection.
(f) The department may require the use of continuous residual analyzers and recorders to assure adequate monitoring of residual concentrations.
(g) The department may require the purveyor to provide higher disinfectant residuals, or additional treatment to protect the health of consumers served by the water system.
(h) If a chemical disinfectant is added to the distribution system for purposes other than continuous disinfection and the treatment purposes and procedures are identified in a treatment design approved under WAC 246-290-110 and 246-290-120, the system shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(8) Violations.
(a) Failure to provide treatment that meets the applicable requirements of subsection (6) or (7) of this section in two or more calendar days per month in which residual disinfectant concentration monitoring was conducted is a treatment technique violation;
(b) Failure to perform monitoring that meets the applicable requirements of subsection (6) or (7) of this section is a monitoring violation; or
(c) Failure to submit a monthly water treatment plant report to the department using a department-approved form by the tenth day of the following month in accordance with the requirements of subsection (6) or (7) of this section is a reporting violation.
(9) Purveyors that add free chlorine, total chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to a source or the distribution system for any reason shall, in addition to any other applicable monitoring requirements of this section, measure residual disinfectant concentrations in samples collected at the same time and location that routine or repeat coliform samples are collected, unless the department determines that more frequent monitoring is necessary to protect public health.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-451, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-451, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-451, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-451, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-453

Corrective action under the GWR.

(1) Groundwater systems with significant deficiencies identified under WAC 246-290-416, or source fecal contamination as determined under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(h) must:
(a) Take one or more of the following corrective actions:
(i) Correct all significant deficiencies;
(ii) Provide an alternate source of water;
(iii) Eliminate the source of contamination; or
(iv) Provide treatment that reliably achieves at least 4-log treatment of viruses (using inactivation, removal, or a department-approved combination of 4-log virus inactivation and removal) before or at the first customer for the groundwater source.
(b) Consult with the department regarding appropriate corrective action within thirty days unless otherwise directed by the department to implement a specific corrective action.
(c) Complete corrective action as directed by the department or be in compliance with an approved corrective action plan within one hundred twenty days (or earlier if directed by the department) of receiving written notice from the department of a significant deficiency or source fecal contamination under this subsection. Any modifications of a corrective action plan must be approved by the department.
(2) When treatment is installed to provide at least 4-log treatment of viruses under subsection (1)(a)(iv) of this section, compliance monitoring must be conducted and reported as follows:
(a) For chemical disinfection, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(3)(i).
(i) For groundwater systems serving greater than three thousand three hundred people, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(3)(i)(A).
(ii) For groundwater systems serving three thousand three hundred or fewer people, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(3)(i)(B).
(b) For membrane filtration, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(3)(ii).
(c) For alternative treatment, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(3)(iii).
(d) For new sources, conduct compliance monitoring under 40 C.F.R. 141.403 (b)(2)(i) and (ii).
(e) Submit monthly groundwater treatment plant reports to the department using a department-approved form by the tenth day of the following month in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.31.
(3) A groundwater system may discontinue 4-log treatment of viruses installed under subsection (1)(a)(iv) of this section or WAC 246-290-451(4) if the department determines and documents in writing that 4-log treatment of viruses is no longer necessary for that groundwater source. A system that discontinues 4-log treatment of viruses is subject to the triggered source water monitoring requirements under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(g).
(4) Failure to meet the compliance monitoring requirements under subsection (2) of this section is a monitoring violation and requires Tier 3 public notification under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(5) Failure to submit a monthly groundwater treatment plant report to the department using a department-approved form by the tenth day of the following month is a reporting violation.
(6) Failure to provide 4-log treatment of viruses under subsection (1)(a)(iv) of this section is a treatment technique violation if the failure is not corrected within four hours of the time the purveyor determines that at least 4-log treatment of viruses is not maintained and requires Tier 2 public notification under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(7) Failure to complete corrective action as directed by the department or be in compliance with an approved corrective action plan within one hundred twenty days (or earlier if directed by the department) of receiving notice from the department of a significant deficiency or an E. coli positive groundwater sample that is not invalidated under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(g)(vii) is a treatment technique violation and requires Tier 2 public notification under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-453, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-453, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-453, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10.]


PDF246-290-455

Operation of chemical contaminant treatment facilities.

(1) Finished drinking water from chemical contaminant treatment facilities must comply with the minimum water quality standards established in WAC 246-290-310. This section does not apply to facilities used only for corrosion control treatment purposes.
(a) The purveyor shall collect finished drinking water samples at a point directly downstream of the treatment system prior to the first consumer on a monthly basis.
(i) Finished drinking water samples from treatment systems utilized for removal of contaminants with established primary MCLs shall be submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis of the specific contaminant(s) of concern.
(ii) Finished drinking water samples from treatment systems utilized for removal of contaminants with established secondary MCLs shall be submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis or analyzed for the specific contaminant(s) of concern by the purveyor through department-approved on-site methods.
(iii) Additional finished drinking water monitoring may be required by the department based on the complexity or size of the water system.
(b) If primary MCLs following treatment are exceeded in four or more months of a consecutive twelve-month compliance period, the purveyor shall submit a project report to the department that addresses the failure to maintain compliance. The project report shall include methods and schedules to correct the treatment deficiency and/or indicate schedules for implementing an alternate source of supply or an effective treatment technology.
(c) If secondary MCLs following treatment are exceeded in four or more months of a consecutive twelve-month compliance period, the purveyor shall take action per WAC 246-290-320 (3)(d).
(2) Purveyors that treat to remove or blend to reduce a contaminant that exceeds the SAL shall:
(a) Collect finished drinking water samples at a point downstream of the treatment system prior to the first consumer on a quarterly basis; and
(b) Submit the samples to a certified lab for analysis or analyze the samples using department-approved on-site methods.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-455, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-455, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-460

Fluoridation of drinking water.

(1) Purveyors shall obtain written department approval of fluoridation treatment facilities before placing them in service and shall notify the department before discontinuing fluoridation.
(2) Where fluoridation is practiced, the optimal fluoride concentration is 0.7 mg/L.
(3) To ensure concentrations remain as close as possible to the optimal fluoride concentration throughout the entire distribution system and fluoridation facilities and monitoring equipment are operating properly, purveyors shall take the following actions:
(a) Monitoring.
(i) Each business day, collect routine monitoring samples downstream from each fluoride injection point at the first sample tap where adequate mixing has occurred.
(ii) Analyze samples in accordance with procedures identified in the 22nd edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, January 2012, or other department-approved procedures.
(iii) Once per month, collect a split sample at the same location routine monitoring samples are collected and process as follows:
(A) Analyze half the sample and record the results on the chain of custody document; and
(B) Submit the other half of the sample for analysis to a drinking water certified laboratory with the chain of custody document.
(b) Reporting.
(i) Record routine analysis results on a monthly report form provided by the department.
(ii) If more than one routine monitoring sample is collected on any given day, average sample results and record the average.
(iii) Submit monthly monitoring reports to the department within the first ten days of the month following the month in which the samples were collected.
(4) If any sample or measurement in subsection (3) of this section is found to be out of operating tolerance or off measure, the purveyor shall take appropriate action to meet the requirements of this section.
(a) Operating tolerance means within the range of 0.5 to 0.9 mg/L.
(b) Off measure means the drinking water certified laboratory result differs by more than 0.2 mg/L from the purveyor's analytical result.
(5) The department may require the purveyor to increase the frequency, or change the location of sampling prescribed in subsection (3) of this section to ensure adequacy and consistency of fluoridation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 16-09-008, § 246-290-460, filed 4/8/16, effective 5/9/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-460, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-460, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-235, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-235, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-470

Uncovered finished water storage facilities.

(1) Existing uncovered finished water storage facilities shall be operated based on a plan of operation approved by the department.
(2) Purveyors with uncovered finished water storage facilities shall have a department-approved plan and schedule to cover all reservoirs on file with the department.
(3) The plan of operation shall address the following elements as a minimum:
(a) Assurance of the means and levels associated with the provision of continuous disinfection at all times water is being delivered to the public, including the reliability provisions outlined in WAC 246-290-420;
(b) Description of the means for control of debris, algal, or other aquatic organism growths, surface water runoff, and atmospheric or avian-borne airborne contamination;
(c) Procedures for ensuring that construction will not lead to reservoir contamination;
(d) Provisions for ensuring adequate security measures are provided; and
(e) Any required, or department-directed, monitoring and reporting.
(4) Systems using uncovered finished water reservoirs must comply with 40 C.F.R. 141.714.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-470, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-470, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-470, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-470, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91; WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-245, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-480

Recordkeeping and reporting.

(1) Records. The purveyor shall keep the following records of operation and water quality analyses:
(a) Bacteriological and turbidity analysis results must be kept for five years. Chemical analysis results must be kept for as long as the system is in operation. Records of source meter readings must be kept for ten years. Other records of operation and analyses required by the department shall be kept for three years. All records must bear the signature of the operator in responsible charge of the water system or his or her representative. Systems must keep these records available for inspection by the department and must send the records to the department if requested. Actual laboratory reports may be kept or data may be transferred to tabular summaries, provided the following information is included:
(i) The date, place, and time of sampling, and the name of the person collecting the sample;
(ii) Identification of the sample type (routine distribution system sample, repeat sample, source or finished water sample, or other special purpose sample);
(iii) Date of analysis;
(iv) Laboratory and person responsible for performing analysis;
(v) The analytical method used; and
(vi) The results of the analysis.
(b) The purveyor shall maintain documentation of any level 1 or level 2 assessment regardless of who conducts the assessment, and documentation of corrective actions completed as a result of the assessments, or other summary documentation of the sanitary defects and corrective actions taken under WAC 246-290-320(2) for department review. The documentation must be maintained by the purveyor for a period of not less than five years after completion of the assessment or corrective action.
(c) For consecutive systems, documentation of notification to the wholesale systems of total coliform-positive samples that are not invalidated under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(d) must be kept for a period of not less than five years.
(d) Records of action taken by the system to correct violations of primary drinking water standards and exceedances of SALs. For each violation of a primary drinking water standard or SAL exceedance, records of actions taken to correct the violations or SAL exceedance, and copies of public notifications must be kept for a period of no less than ten years after the last corrective action taken.
(e) Copies of any written reports, summaries, or communications relating to sanitary surveys or SPI of the system conducted by system personnel, by a consultant or by any local, state, or federal agency, must be kept for ten years after completion of the sanitary survey or SPI involved.
(f) Copies of project reports, construction documents and related drawings, inspection reports and approvals must be kept for the life of the facility.
(g) Where applicable, records of the following must be kept for a minimum of three years:
(i) Chlorine residual;
(ii) Fluoride level;
(iii) Water treatment plant performance including, but not limited to:
(A) Type of chemicals used and quantity;
(B) Amount of water treated;
(C) Results of analyses; and
(iv) Other information as specified by the department.
(h) The purveyor shall retain copies of public notices made under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter and certifications made to the department under 40 C.F.R. 141.33(e) for a period of at least three years after issuance.
(i) Purveyors using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration that recycle spent filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, or liquids from dewatering processes within their treatment plant shall, beginning no later than June 8, 2004, collect and retain on file the following information for review and evaluation by the department:
(i) A copy of the recycle notification and information submitted to the department under WAC 246-290-660 (4)(a)(i).
(ii) A list of all recycle flows and the frequency with which they are returned.
(iii) Average and maximum backwash flow rate through the filters and the average and maximum duration of the filter backwash process in minutes.
(iv) Typical filter run length and a written summary of how filter run length is determined.
(v) The type of treatment provided for the recycle flow.
(vi) Data on the physical dimensions of the equalization and/or treatment units, typical and maximum hydraulic loading rates, type of treatment chemicals used and average dose and frequency of use, and frequency at which solids are removed, if applicable.
(j) Purveyors required to conduct disinfection profiling and benchmarking under 40 C.F.R. 141.530 through 141.544 shall retain the results on file indefinitely.
(k) Copies of monitoring plans developed under this chapter shall be kept for the same period of time as the records of analyses taken under the plan are required to be kept under (a) of this subsection.
(l) Purveyors using surface water or GWI sources must keep the records required by 40 C.F.R. 141.722.
(2) Reporting.
(a) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the purveyor shall report to the department within forty-eight hours the failure to comply with any national primary drinking water regulation or a SAL (including failure to comply with any monitoring requirements) as set forth in this chapter. For violations assigned to Tier 1 in WAC 246-290-71001 or in Table 17 in WAC 246-290-71006, the purveyor shall notify the department as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four hours after the violation or SAL exceedance is known.
(b) The purveyor shall submit to the department reports required by this chapter, including tests, measurements, and analytic reports. Monthly reports are due before the tenth day of the following month, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
(c) The purveyor shall submit to the department copies of any written summaries or communications relating to the status of monitoring waivers during each monitoring cycle or as directed by the department.
(d) Source meter readings must be made available to the department.
(e) Water facilities inventory form (WFI).
(i) Purveyors of community and NTNC systems shall submit an annual WFI update to the department;
(ii) Purveyors of TNC systems shall submit an updated WFI to the department as requested;
(iii) Purveyors shall submit an updated WFI to the department within thirty days of any change in name, category, ownership, or responsibility for management of the water system, or addition of source or storage facilities; and
(iv) At a minimum the completed WFI shall provide the current names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owners, operators, and emergency contact persons for the system.
(f) Bacteriological.
(i) The purveyor shall notify the department of the presence of total coliform in a sample within ten days of notification by the laboratory;
(ii) Prior to serving water to the public, a seasonal system shall submit a certification to the department demonstrating that the system has complied with the department-approved start-up procedure; and
(iii) The system shall report treatment technique violations identified under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(f) to the department no later than the end of the next business day after the violation is known.
(g) Systems monitoring for disinfection byproducts under WAC 246-290-300(6) shall report information to the department as specified in (a) and (b) of this subsection, and 40 C.F.R. 141.134(b).
(h) Systems monitoring for disinfectant residuals under WAC 246-290-300(6) shall report information to the department as specified in (a) and (b) of this subsection, and 40 C.F.R. 141.134(c).
(i) Systems required to monitor for disinfection byproduct precursor removal under WAC 246-290-300(6) shall report information to the department as specified in (a) and (b) of this subsection, and 40 C.F.R. 141.134(d).
(j) Systems required to monitor for disinfection byproducts under WAC 246-290-300(6) shall report information to the department as specified in (a) and (b) of this subsection, and 40 C.F.R. 141.600 - 629.
(k) Systems subject to the enhanced treatment requirements for Cryptosporidium under WAC 246-290-630(4) shall report information to the department as specified in 40 C.F.R. 141.706 and 141.721.
(l) Systems that use acrylamide and epichlorohydrin in the treatment of drinking water, must certify annually in writing to the department that the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified in (l)(i) and (ii) of this subsection. Certifications must reference maximum use levels established by an ANSI-accredited listing organization approved by the department.
(i) Acrylamide = 0.05 percent dosed at 1 ppm (or equivalent); and
(ii) Epichlorohydrin = 0.01 percent dosed at 20 ppm (or equivalent).
(m) Use of products that exceed the specified levels constitutes a treatment technique violation and the public must be notified under the public notice requirements under Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter.
(n) Systems shall submit to the department, in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.31(d), a certification that the system has complied with the public notification regulations (Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter) when a public notification is required. Along with the certification, the system shall submit a representative copy of each type of notice.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-480, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-480, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-480, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-480, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-480, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-480, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-480, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-480, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-480, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-480, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-480, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93; WSR 92-04-070 (Order 241B), § 246-290-480, filed 2/4/92, effective 3/6/92; WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-480, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-265, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-265, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-265, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-485

Recordkeeping and reporting for groundwater systems.

(1) Records. In addition to the requirements of WAC 246-290-480, the purveyor shall keep the following records:
(a) Records of corrective actions. For each action, records shall be kept for at least ten years.
(b) Records of public notification as required under WAC 246-290-71005 (4) and (5) and shall be kept for at least three years.
(c) Records of invalidation of groundwater source samples under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(g)(vii), and shall be kept for at least five years.
(d) For consecutive systems, records of notification to the wholesale system of total-coliform positive routine samples that are not invalidated under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(d), and shall be kept for at least five years.
(e) For all systems that are required to perform compliance monitoring under WAC 246-290-453:
(i) Records of department-specified minimum disinfectant residual, and shall be kept for at least ten years.
(ii) Records of the lowest residual disinfectant concentration, and the date and duration of any failure to maintain the department-prescribed minimum residual disinfectant concentration for a period of more than four hours, and shall be kept for at least five years.
(iii) Records of department-specified compliance requirements for membrane filtration and of department-specified parameters for department-approved alternative treatment, and shall be kept for at least five years.
(iv) Records of the date and duration of any failure to meet the membrane operating, membrane integrity, or alternative treatment operating requirements for more than fours hours, and shall be kept for at least five years.
(2) Reporting. In addition to the requirements of WAC 246-290-480:
(a) Systems conducting compliance monitoring under WAC 246-290-453(2) must notify the department any time the system fails to meet department-specified requirements as soon as possible, but no later than the next business day, for the following requirements:
(i) Minimum residual disinfectant concentration;
(ii) Membrane operating criteria or membrane integrity; and
(iii) Alternative treatment operating criteria, if operation in accordance with the criteria or requirements is not restored within four hours.
(b) The system must notify the department within thirty days of completing corrective action under WAC 246-290-453(1).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-485, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10.]


PDF246-290-490

Cross-connection control.

(1) Applicability, purpose, and responsibility.
(a) All community water systems shall comply with the cross-connection control requirements specified in this section.
(b) All noncommunity water systems shall apply the principles and provisions of this section, including subsection (4)(b) of this section, as applicable to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections. Noncommunity systems that comply with subsection (4)(b) of this section and the provisions of WAC 51-56-0600 of the UPC (which addresses the installation of backflow preventers at points of water use within the potable water system) shall be considered in compliance with the requirements of this section.
(c) The purpose of the purveyor's cross-connection control program shall be to protect the public water system, as defined in WAC 246-290-010, from contamination via cross-connections.
(d) The purveyor's responsibility for cross-connection control shall begin at the water supply source, include all the public water treatment, storage, and distribution facilities, and end at the point of delivery to the consumer's water system, which begins at the downstream end of the service connection or water meter located on the public right of way or utility-held easement.
(e) Under this section, purveyors are not responsible for eliminating or controlling cross-connections within the consumer's water system. Under chapter 19.27 RCW, the responsibility for cross-connection control within the consumer's water system, i.e., within the property lines of the consumer's premises, lies with the authority having jurisdiction.
(2) General program requirements.
(a) The purveyor shall develop and implement a cross-connection control program that meets the requirements of this section, but may establish a more stringent program through local ordinances, resolutions, codes, bylaws, or operating rules.
(b) Purveyors shall ensure that good engineering and public health protection practices are used in the development and implementation of cross-connection control programs. Department publications and the most recently published editions of references, such as, but not limited to, those listed below, may be used as guidance for cross-connection program development and implementation:
(i) Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California (USC Manual);
(ii) Cross-Connection Control Manual, Accepted Procedure and Practice published by the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association (PNWS-AWWA Manual); or
(iii) Guidance document: Cross-Connection Control for Small Water Systems published by the department.
(c) The purveyor may implement the cross-connection control program, or any portion thereof, directly or by means of a contract with another agency or party acceptable to the department.
(d) The purveyor shall coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction in all matters concerning cross-connection control. The purveyor shall document and describe the coordination, including delineation of responsibilities, in the written cross-connection control program required in (e) of this subsection.
(e) The purveyor shall include a written description of the cross-connection control program in the water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100 or the small water system management program required under WAC 246-290-105. The cross-connection control program must include the minimum program elements described in subsection (3) of this section.
(f) The purveyor shall ensure that cross-connections between the distribution system and a consumer's water system are eliminated or controlled by the installation of an approved backflow preventer commensurate with the degree of hazard. This can be accomplished by implementation of a cross-connection program that relies on:
(i) Premises isolation as defined in WAC 246-290-010; or
(ii) Premises isolation and in-premises protection as defined in WAC 246-290-010.
(g) Purveyors with cross-connection control programs that rely both on premises isolation and in-premises protection:
(i) Shall comply with the premises isolation requirements specified in subsection (4)(b) of this section; and
(ii) May reduce premises isolation requirements and rely on in-premises protection for premises other than the type addressed in subsection (4)(b) of this section, only if the following conditions are met:
(A) The in-premises backflow preventers provide a level of protection commensurate with the purveyor's assessed degree of hazard;
(B) Backflow preventers which provide the in-premises backflow protection meet the definition of approved backflow preventers as described in WAC 246-290-010;
(C) The approved backflow preventers are installed, inspected, tested (if applicable), maintained, and repaired in accordance with subsections (6) and (7) of this section;
(D) Records of the backflow preventers are maintained in accordance with subsections (3)(j) and (8) of this section; and
(E) The purveyor has reasonable access to the consumer's premises to conduct an initial hazard evaluation and periodic reevaluations to determine whether the in-premises protection is adequate to protect the purveyor's distribution system.
(h) The purveyor shall take appropriate corrective action as authorized by the legal instrument required by subsection (3)(b) of this section, when:
(i) A cross-connection exists that is not controlled commensurate to the degree of hazard assessed by the purveyor; or
(ii) A consumer fails to comply with the purveyor's requirements regarding the installation, inspection, testing, maintenance or repair of approved backflow preventers required by this chapter.
(i) The purveyor's corrective action may include, but is not limited to:
(i) Denying or discontinuing water service to a consumer's premises until the cross-connection hazard is eliminated or controlled to the satisfaction of the purveyor;
(ii) Requiring the consumer to install an approved backflow preventer for premises isolation commensurate with the degree of hazard; or
(iii) The purveyor installing an approved backflow preventer for premises isolation commensurate with the degree of hazard.
(j) Except in the event of an emergency, purveyors shall notify the authority having jurisdiction prior to denying or discontinuing water service to a consumer's premises for one or more of the reasons listed in (h) of this subsection.
(k) The purveyor shall prohibit the intentional return of used water to the purveyor's distribution system. Used water includes, but is not limited to, water used for heating, cooling, or other purposes within the consumer's water system.
(3) Minimum elements of a cross-connection control program.
(a) To be acceptable to the department, the purveyor's cross-connection control program must include the minimum elements identified in this subsection.
(b) Element 1: The purveyor shall adopt a local ordinance, resolution, code, bylaw, or other written legal instrument that:
(i) Establishes the purveyor's legal authority to implement a cross-connection control program;
(ii) Describes the operating policies and technical provisions of the purveyor's cross-connection control program; and
(iii) Describes the corrective actions required of consumers to comply with the purveyor's cross-connection control requirements.
(c) Element 2: The purveyor shall develop and implement procedures and schedules for evaluating new and existing service connections to assess the degree of hazard posed by the consumer's premises to the purveyor's distribution system and notifying the consumer within a reasonable time frame of the hazard evaluation results. At a minimum, the program shall meet the following:
(i) For connections made on or after April 9, 1999, procedures shall ensure that an initial evaluation is conducted before water service is provided;
(ii) For all other connections, procedures shall ensure that an initial evaluation is conducted in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the department; and
(iii) For all service connections, once an initial evaluation has been conducted, procedures shall ensure that periodic reevaluations are conducted in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the department and whenever there is a change in the use of the premises.
(d) Element 3: The purveyor shall develop and implement procedures and schedules for ensuring that:
(i) Cross-connections are eliminated whenever possible;
(ii) When cross-connections cannot be eliminated, they are controlled by installation of approved backflow preventers commensurate with the degree of hazard; and
(iii) Approved backflow preventers are installed in accordance with the requirements of subsection (6) of this section.
(e) Element 4: The purveyor shall ensure that personnel, including at least one person certified as a CCS, are provided to develop and implement the cross-connection control program.
(f) Element 5: The purveyor shall develop and implement procedures to ensure that approved backflow preventers relied upon to protect the public water system are inspected and/or tested (as applicable) under subsection (7) of this section.
(g) Element 6: The purveyor shall develop and implement a backflow prevention assembly testing quality control assurance program including, but not limited to, documentation of BAT certification and test kit calibration, test report contents, and time frames for submitting completed test reports.
(h) Element 7: The purveyor shall develop and implement (when appropriate) procedures for responding to backflow incidents.
(i) Element 8: The purveyor shall include information on cross-connection control in the purveyor's existing program for educating consumers about water system operation. The public education program may include periodic bill inserts, public service announcements, pamphlet distribution, notification of new consumers and consumer confidence reports.
(j) Element 9: The purveyor shall develop and maintain cross-connection control records including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) A master list of service connections and/or consumer's premises where the purveyor relies upon approved backflow preventers to protect the public water system from contamination, the assessed hazard level of each, and the required backflow preventer(s);
(ii) Inventory information on backflow preventers that protect the public water system including:
(A) Approved air gaps installed in lieu of approved assemblies including exact air gap location, assessed degree of hazard, installation date, history of inspections, inspection results, and person conducting inspections;
(B) Approved backflow assemblies including exact assembly location, assembly description (type, manufacturer, model, size, and serial number), assessed degree of hazard, installation date, history of inspections, tests and repairs, test results, and person performing tests; and
(C) Approved AVBs used for irrigation system applications including location, description (manufacturer, model, and size), installation date, history of inspection(s), and person performing inspection(s).
(iii) Cross-connection program summary reports and backflow incident reports required under subsection (8) of this section.
(k) Element 10: Purveyors who distribute and/or have facilities that receive reclaimed water within their water service area shall meet any additional cross-connection control requirements imposed by the department in a permit issued under chapter 90.46 RCW.
(4) Approved backflow preventer selection.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that a CCS:
(i) Assesses the degree of hazard posed by the consumer's water system upon the purveyor's distribution system; and
(ii) Determines the appropriate method of backflow protection for premises isolation as described in Table 12 of this section.
TABLE 12
APPROPRIATE METHODS OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION FOR PREMISES ISOLATION
Degree of Hazard
Application Condition
Appropriate Approved Backflow Preventer
High health cross-connection hazard
Backsiphonage or backpressure backflow
AG, RPBA, or RPDA
Low cross-connection hazard
Backsiphonage or backpressure backflow
AG, RPBA, RPDA, DCVA, or DCDA
(b) Premises isolation requirements.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that an approved air gap, RPBA, or RPDA is installed for premises isolation for service connections to premises posing a high health cross-connection hazard including, but not limited to, those premises listed in Table 13 of this section, except those premises identified as severe in (b)(ii) of this subsection.
(ii) For service connections to premises posing a severe health cross-connection hazard including wastewater treatment plants, radioactive material processing plants, and nuclear reactors, the purveyor shall ensure that either an:
(A) Approved air gap is installed for premises isolation; or
(B) Approved RPBA or RPDA is installed for premises isolation in combination with an in-plant approved air gap.
(iii) If the purveyor's CCS determines that no hazard exists for a connection serving premises of the type listed in Table 13 of this section, the purveyor may grant an exception to the premises isolation requirements of (b)(i) of this subsection.
(iv) The purveyor shall document, on a case-by-case basis, the reasons for granting an exception under (b)(i) of this subsection and include the documentation in the cross-connection control program annual summary report required in subsection (8) of this section.
TABLE 13 (formerly codified as TABLE 9)
SEVERE* AND HIGH HEALTH CROSS-CONNECTION HAZARD PREMISES REQUIRING PREMISES ISOLATION BY AG OR RPBA
Agricultural (farms and dairies)
Beverage bottling plants
Car washes
Chemical plants
Commercial laundries and dry cleaners
Premises where both reclaimed water and potable water are provided
Film processing facilities
Food processing plants
Hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, veterinary, medical and dental clinics, and blood plasma centers
Premises with separate irrigation systems using the purveyor's water supply and with chemical addition+
Laboratories
Metal plating industries
Mortuaries
Petroleum processing or storage plants
Piers and docks
Radioactive material processing plants or nuclear reactors*
Survey access denied or restricted
Wastewater lift stations and pumping stations
Wastewater treatment plants*
Premises with an unapproved auxiliary water supply interconnected with the potable water supply
+
For example, parks, playgrounds, golf courses, cemeteries, estates, etc.
*
RPBAs for connections serving these premises are acceptable only when used in combination with an in-plant approved air gap; otherwise, the purveyor shall require an approved air gap at the service connection.
(c) Backflow protection for single-family residences.
(i) For single-family residential service connections, the purveyor shall comply with the premises isolation requirements of (b) of this subsection when applicable.
(ii) If the requirements of (b) of this subsection do not apply and the requirements specified in subsection (2)(g)(ii) of this section are met, the purveyor may rely on backflow protection provided at the point of hazard in accordance with WAC 51-56-0600 of the UPC for hazards such as, but not limited to:
(A) Irrigation systems;
(B) Swimming pools or spas;
(C) Ponds; and
(D) Boilers.
For example, the purveyor may accept an approved AVB on a residential irrigation system, if the AVB is properly installed under the UPC.
(d) Backflow protection for fire protection systems.
(i) Backflow protection is not required for residential flow-through or combination fire protection systems constructed of potable water piping and materials.
(ii) For service connections with fire protection systems other than flow-through or combination systems, the purveyor shall ensure that backflow protection consistent with WAC 51-56-0600 of the UPC is installed. The UPC requires minimum protection as follows:
(A) An RPBA or RPDA for fire protection systems with chemical addition or using unapproved auxiliary water supply; and
(B) A DCVA or DCDA for all other fire protection systems.
(iii) For connections made on or after April 9, 1999, the purveyor shall ensure that backflow protection is installed before water service is provided.
(iv) For existing fire protection systems:
(A) With chemical addition or using unapproved auxiliary supplies, the purveyor shall ensure that backflow protection is installed within ninety days of the purveyor notifying the consumer of the high health cross-connection hazard or in accordance with an alternate schedule acceptable to the purveyor.
(B) Without chemical addition, without on-site storage, and using only the purveyor's water (i.e., no unapproved auxiliary supplies on or available to the premises), the purveyor shall ensure that backflow protection is installed in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the purveyor or at an earlier date if required by the code official administering the State Building Code as defined in chapter 51-04 WAC.
(C) When establishing backflow protection retrofitting schedules for fire protection systems that have the characteristics listed in (d)(iv)(B) of this subsection, the purveyor may consider factors such as, but not limited to, impacts of assembly installation on sprinkler performance, costs of retrofitting, and difficulty of assembly installation.
(e) Purveyors may require approved backflow preventers commensurate with the degree of hazard as determined by the purveyor to be installed for premises isolation for connections serving premises that have characteristics such as, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Complex plumbing arrangements or plumbing potentially subject to frequent changes that make it impracticable to assess whether cross-connection hazards exist;
(ii) A repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished; or
(iii) Cross-connection hazards are unavoidable or not correctable, such as, but not limited to, tall buildings.
(5) Approved backflow preventers.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that all backflow prevention assemblies relied upon by the purveyor are models included on the current list of backflow prevention assemblies approved for use in Washington state. The current approved assemblies list is available from the department upon request.
(b) The purveyor may rely on testable backflow prevention assemblies that are not currently approved by the department, if the assemblies:
(i) Were included on the department or USC list of approved backflow prevention assemblies at the time of installation;
(ii) Have been properly maintained;
(iii) Are commensurate with the purveyor's assessed degree of hazard; and
(iv) Have been inspected and tested at least annually and have successfully passed the annual tests.
(c) The purveyor shall ensure that an unlisted backflow prevention assembly is replaced by an approved assembly commensurate with the degree of hazard, when the unlisted assembly:
(i) Does not meet the conditions specified in (b)(i) through (iv) of this subsection;
(ii) Is moved; or
(iii) Cannot be repaired using spare parts from the original manufacturer.
(d) The purveyor shall ensure that AVBs meet the definition of approved atmospheric vacuum breakers as described in WAC 246-290-010.
(6) Approved backflow preventer installation.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that approved backflow preventers are installed in the orientation for which they are approved (if applicable).
(b) The purveyor shall ensure that approved backflow preventers are installed in a manner that:
(i) Facilitates their proper operation, maintenance, inspection, in-line testing (as applicable), and repair using standard installation procedures acceptable to the department such as those in the USC Manual or PNWS-AWWA Manual;
(ii) Ensures that the assembly will not become submerged due to weather-related conditions such as flooding; and
(iii) Ensures compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
(c) The purveyor shall ensure that approved backflow assemblies for premises isolation are installed at a location adjacent to the meter or property line or an alternate location acceptable to the purveyor.
(d) When premises isolation assemblies are installed at an alternate location acceptable to the purveyor, the purveyor shall ensure that there are no connections between the point of delivery from the public water system and the approved backflow assembly, unless the installation of the connection meets the purveyor's cross-connection control requirements and is specifically approved by the purveyor.
(e) The purveyor shall ensure that approved backflow preventers are installed in accordance with the following time frames:
(i) For connections made on or after April 9, 1999, the following conditions shall be met before service is provided:
(A) The provisions of subsection (3)(d)(ii) of this section; and
(B) Satisfactory completion of the requirements of subsection (7) of this section.
(ii) For existing connections where the purveyor identifies a high health cross-connection hazard, the provisions of (3)(d)(ii) of this section shall be met:
(A) Within ninety days of the purveyor notifying the consumer of the high health cross-connection hazard; or
(B) In accordance with an alternate schedule acceptable to the purveyor.
(iii) For existing connections where the purveyor identifies a low cross-connection hazard, the provisions of subsection (3)(d)(ii) of this section shall be met in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the purveyor.
(f) The purveyor shall ensure that bypass piping installed around any approved backflow preventer is equipped with an approved backflow preventer that:
(i) Affords at least the same level of protection as the approved backflow preventer that is being bypassed; and
(ii) Complies with all applicable requirements of this section.
(7) Approved backflow preventer inspection and testing.
(a) For backflow preventers that protect the public water system, the purveyor shall ensure that:
(i) A CCS inspects backflow preventer installations so that protection is provided commensurate with the assessed degree of hazard;
(ii) Either a BAT or CCS inspects:
(A) Air gaps installed in lieu of approved backflow prevention assemblies for compliance with the approved air gap definition; and
(B) Backflow prevention assemblies for correct installation and approval status.
(iii) A BAT tests approved backflow prevention assemblies for proper operation.
(b) The purveyor shall ensure that inspections and/or tests of approved air gaps and approved backflow assemblies that protect the public water system are conducted:
(i) When any of the following occur:
(A) Upon installation, repair, reinstallation, or relocation of an assembly;
(B) Upon installation or replumbing of an air gap;
(C) After a backflow incident involving the assembly or air gap; and
(ii) Annually thereafter, unless the purveyor requires more frequent testing for high hazard premises or for assemblies that repeatedly fail.
(c) The purveyor shall ensure that inspections of AVBs installed on irrigation systems are conducted:
(i) At the time of installation;
(ii) After a backflow incident; and
(iii) After repair, reinstallation, or relocation.
(d) The purveyor shall ensure that approved backflow prevention assemblies are tested using procedures acceptable to the department, such as those specified in the most recently published edition of the USC Manual. When circumstances, such as, but not limited to, configuration or location of the assembly, preclude the use of USC test procedures, the purveyor may allow, on a case-by-case basis, the use of alternate (non-USC) test procedures acceptable to the department.
(e) The purveyor shall ensure that results of backflow prevention assembly inspections and tests are documented and reported in a manner acceptable to the purveyor.
(f) The purveyor shall ensure that an approved backflow prevention assembly or AVB, whenever found to be improperly installed, defective, not commensurate with the degree of hazard, or failing a test (if applicable) is properly reinstalled, repaired, overhauled, or replaced.
(g) The purveyor shall ensure that an approved air gap, whenever found to be altered or improperly installed, is properly replumbed or, if commensurate with the degree of hazard, is replaced by an approved RPBA.
(8) Recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) Purveyors shall keep cross-connection control records for the following time frames:
(i) Records pertaining to the master list of service connections or consumer's premises required in subsection (3)(j)(i) of this section shall be kept as long as the premises pose a cross-connection hazard to the purveyor's distribution system;
(ii) Records regarding inventory information required in subsection (3)(j)(ii) of this section shall be kept for five years or for the life of the approved backflow preventer whichever is shorter; and
(iii) Records regarding backflow incidents and annual summary reports required in subsection (3)(j)(iii) of this section shall be kept for five years.
(b) Purveyors may maintain cross-connection control records in original form or transfer data to tabular summaries.
(c) Purveyors may maintain records or data in any media, such as paper, film, or electronic format.
(d) The purveyor shall complete the cross-connection control program summary report annually. Report forms and guidance on completing the report are available from the department.
(e) The purveyor shall make all records and reports required in subsection (3)(j) of this section available to the department or its representative upon request.
(f) The purveyor shall notify the department, authority having jurisdiction, and local health jurisdiction as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day, when a backflow incident is known by the purveyor to have:
(i) Contaminated the public water system; or
(ii) Occurred within the premises of a consumer served by the purveyor.
(g) The purveyor shall:
(i) Document details of backflow incidents contaminating the public water system on a backflow incident report form available from the department; and
(ii) Include all backflow incident report(s) in the annual cross-connection program summary report referenced in (d) of this subsection, unless otherwise requested by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-490, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-490, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-490, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-490, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-490, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: P.L. 99-339. WSR 89-21-020 (Order 336), § 248-54-285, filed 10/10/89, effective 11/10/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-285, filed 2/17/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 83-19-002 (Order 266), § 248-54-285, filed 9/8/83.]


PDF246-290-496

Metering requirements.

(1) Production:
(a) The volume of water produced or purchased must be measured using a source meter or other meter installed upstream of the distribution system.
(b) The requirements of this section do not alter any source metering regulations adopted by either the department of health or the department of ecology.
(c) The requirements of this section do not apply to volumes of water delivered to a public water system through an emergency intertie.
(2) Consumption:
(a) The requirements of this section apply to public water systems that supply water for municipal water supply purposes.
(b) Except as provided in (g) of this subsection, the volume of water delivered to consumers must be measured by meters installed on all direct service connections.
(c) Meters must be installed on all existing direct service connections and clustered entities as provided in (g) of this subsection within ten years of the effective date of this rule.
(d) Meters must be installed on all new direct service connections when the service connection is activated.
(e) Meters must be installed on all interties used as permanent or seasonal sources within ten years of the effective date of this rule.
(f) If a system is not fully metered, the municipal water supplier shall complete the following:
(i) Develop a meter installation schedule consistent with this section.
(A) For systems serving one thousand or more total connections, submit the schedule to the department by July 1, 2008.
(B) For systems serving less than one thousand total connections, submit the schedule to the department by July 1, 2009.
(C) The schedule must include milestones demonstrating steady and continuous progress toward compliance with the requirements of this section.
(ii) Implement activities to ensure distribution system leakage is minimized (e.g., periodic leak detection and repair) until the system is fully metered.
(iii) Report the status of meter installation and all actions taken to minimize leakage in annual performance reports developed under WAC 246-290-840 and water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810.
(g) The volume of water may be measured through a single meter for the following clustered entities:
(i) A campground;
(ii) A recreational vehicle park;
(iii) A designated mobile home park;
(iv) A building with multiple units; and
(v) A complex with multiple buildings served as a single connection.
(3) Meters must be selected, installed, operated, calibrated, and maintained following generally accepted industry standards and information from the manufacturer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-496, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]


PDF246-290-500

Severability.

If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-290-500, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.04.045. WSR 88-05-057 (Order 307), § 248-54-291, filed 2/17/88.]


PDF246-290-601

Purpose of surface water treatment.

(1) Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC establishes filtration and disinfection as treatment technique requirements for water systems using surface or GWI sources. The Part 6 treatment technique requirements are established in lieu of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for the following contaminants:
(a) Giardia lamblia;
(b) Viruses;
(c) Heterotrophic plate count bacteria;
(d) Legionella;
(e) Cryptosporidium; and
(f) Turbidity.
(2) For water systems using unfiltered surface sources, in whole or part, and that have been required to install, but have yet to complete the installation and operation of, filtration facilities, the turbidity levels at entry points to distribution and sampling/analytical requirements shall be under 40 C.F.R. 141.13 and 40 C.F.R. 141.22, respectively.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-601, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-601, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-601, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-601, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-601, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-620

Applicability of surface water treatment requirements.

(1) The requirements of Part 6 of this chapter apply to water systems that:
(a) Use surface sources or groundwater sources under the direct influence of surface water (GWI); or
(b) Purchase surface or GWI water from an approved public water system or other entity acceptable to the department.
(2) The requirements of Part 6 of this chapter do not apply to water systems that use unfiltered surface or GWI sources as emergency sources, provided the source is physically disconnected from the system at all times until it is needed, and the purveyor meets the following conditions:
(a) Has a department-approved emergency response plan; and
(b) Provides disinfection treatment that meets the requirements under WAC 246-290-662 (2)(d).
(3) The requirements of WAC 246-290-640 apply to Group A systems that use sources potentially under the influence of surface water as determined by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-620, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-620, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-620, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-630

General requirements.

(1) The purveyor shall provide treatment for surface and GWI sources consistent with the treatment technique requirements specified in Part 6 of this chapter.
(2) The purveyor shall install and properly operate water treatment processes to achieve at least:
(a) 99.9 percent (3-log) removal and/or inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts;
(b) 99.99 percent (4-log) removal and/or inactivation of viruses; and
(c) 99 percent (2-log) removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts if required to filter.
(3) The purveyor shall ensure that the requirements of subsection (2) of this section are met between a point where the source water is not subject to contamination by untreated surface water and a point at or before the first consumer.
(4) The department may require higher levels of removal and/or inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts, and viruses than specified in subsection (2) of this section if deemed necessary to protect the health of consumers served by the system.
(5) The purveyor shall ensure that personnel operating a system subject to Part 6 of this chapter meet the requirements under chapter 70A.120 RCW and chapter 246-292 WAC.
(6) The purveyor of a Group A community system serving water from a surface or GWI source to the public before January 1, 1991, shall comply with applicable minimum treatment requirements. The purveyor shall meet either:
(a) The filtration and disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-660 and 246-290-662 respectively;
(b) The criteria to remain unfiltered under WAC 246-290-690 and the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692; or
(c) The criteria to provide a limited alternative to filtration under WAC 246-290-691 and the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(7) The purveyor of a Group A noncommunity system serving water from a surface or GWI source, shall meet either:
(a) The filtration and disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-660 and 246-290-662, respectively; or
(b) The criteria to provide a limited alternative to filtration under WAC 246-290-691 and the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(8) The purveyor of a Group A system first serving water from a surface or GWI source to the public after December 31, 1990, shall meet either:
(a) The filtration and disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-660 and 246-290-662, respectively; or
(b) The criteria to provide a limited alternative to filtration under WAC 246-290-691 and the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(9) The purveyor of a system required to install filtration may choose to provide a limited alternative to filtration or abandon the surface or GWI source as a permanent or seasonal source and develop an alternate, department-approved source. Purveyors that develop alternate groundwater sources or purchase water from a department-approved public water system using a groundwater source shall no longer be subject to Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC, once the alternate source is approved by the department and is on line.
(10) A purveyor that chooses to provide a limited alternative to filtration shall submit an application to the department that contains the information necessary to determine whether the source can meet the criteria.
(11) If a limited alternative to filtration is provided, then the purveyor shall install and properly operate treatment processes for greater removal and/or inactivation efficiencies of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, or other pathogenic organisms of public health concern (including Cryptosporidium oocysts) than would be achieved by the combination of filtration and chlorine disinfection.
(12) Systems that were required to develop a disinfection profile under 40 C.F.R. 141.172 shall provide that profile and a calculated disinfection benchmark, as described in 40 C.F.R. 141.172 (c)(2) and (3), along with other project information specified in WAC 246-290-110, when proposing any change to the disinfection treatment system. The proposal for change must include an analysis of how the proposed change will affect the current level of disinfection. The profile must also be available for inspection during routine sanitary surveys conducted under WAC 246-290-416.
(13) Community and nontransient noncommunity systems serving less than ten thousand persons must meet the disinfection profiling and benchmarking provisions required under 40 C.F.R. 141.530 through 141.544.
(14) Systems required to develop a disinfection profile under 40 C.F.R. 141.530 shall provide that profile and a calculated disinfection benchmark, as described in 40 C.F.R. 141.543 along with other project information specified in WAC 246-290-110, when proposing any change to the disinfection treatment system. The proposal for change must include an analysis of how the proposed change will affect the current level of disinfection. The profile must also be available for inspection during routine sanitary surveys conducted under WAC 246-290-416.
(15) A system using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration that must arrange for the conduct of a CPE, under 40 C.F.R. 141.175 (b)(4) or 40 C.F.R. 141.563, may be required to arrange for CTA. The department will determine the need for CTA on a case-by-case basis.
(16) Water systems subject to the requirements of Part 6 of this chapter must also comply with the enhanced treatment requirements for Cryptosporidium under 40 C.F.R. Subpart W. The requirements are in addition to the requirements of Part 6 of this chapter and include:
(a) General requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.700;
(b) Source monitoring requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.701-707;
(c) Disinfection profiling and benchmarking requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.708-709;
(d) Treatment technique requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.710-714;
(e) Requirements for microbial toolbox components under 40 C.F.R. 141.715-720; and
(f) Reporting and recordkeeping requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.721-722.
(17) Water systems using UV reactors to obtain treatment credit for Cryptosporidium inactivation must:
(a) Validate the reactors using the validation testing procedures specified under 40 C.F.R. 141.720 (d)(2); or
(b) Validate the reactor under Austrian ONORM Standards or German DVGW Standards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-630, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-630, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-630, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-630, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-630, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-630, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 99-07-021 and 99-10-076, § 246-290-630, filed 3/9/99 and 5/4/99, effective 4/9/99 and 6/4/99; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-630, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-632

Treatment technique violations.

(1) A treatment technique violation shall be considered a violation of a primary drinking water standard and in the case of an unfiltered system, may result in the purveyor of an unfiltered system being required to install filtration.
(2) A treatment technique violation occurs when a system using a surface or GWI source is identified by the department as the source of a waterborne disease outbreak or any of the following occur as applicable:
(a) The purveyor providing filtration delivers unfiltered water or fails to meet one or more of the following requirements:
(i) Filtration treatment in accordance with WAC 246-290-660; or
(ii) Disinfection treatment in accordance with WAC 246-290-662.
(b) The purveyor required to install filtration:
(i) Fails to meet the interim disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-672 or as otherwise directed by the department; or
(ii) Fails to install filtration or develop an alternate source by the applicable time lines specified in WAC 246-290-670.
(c) The purveyor of an unfiltered surface water, or GWI source, meeting the criteria to remain unfiltered:
(i) Delivers water with a turbidity level exceeding 5.0 NTU measured at a point immediately prior to the point of primary disinfection; or
(ii) Fails to meet one or more of the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692 after the dates specified in WAC 246-290-686.
(d) The purveyor of an unfiltered source meeting the criteria to provide a limited alternative to filtration:
(i) Delivers water with a turbidity level exceeding 5.0 NTU measured at a point immediately prior to the point of primary disinfection; or
(ii) Fails to meet one or more of the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(e) A purveyor supplies water from an unfiltered source that has not been previously approved by the department.
(f) A purveyor of a department approved unfiltered source that fails to meet the on-going criteria to remain unfiltered:
(i) Delivers water with a turbidity level exceeding 5.0 NTU measured at a point immediately prior to the point of primary disinfection; or
(ii) Fails to meet one or more of the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(g) A purveyor of a department approved unfiltered source that has failed to meet the criteria to provide a limited alternative to filtration:
(i) Delivers water with a turbidity level exceeding 5.0 NTU measured at a point immediately prior to the point of primary disinfection; or
(ii) Fails to meet one or more of the disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-692.
(h) A purveyor fails to meet the enhanced Cryptosporidium treatment requirements under 40 C.F.R. 141.711 or 141.712.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-632, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-632, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-632, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-632, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-634

Follow-up to treatment technique violations.

When a treatment technique violation occurs, the purveyor:
(1) Shall report to the department in accordance with:
(a) WAC 246-290-666 for purveyors providing filtration or required to filter;
(b) WAC 246-290-674 for purveyors installing filtration; or
(c) WAC 246-290-696 for purveyors meeting the criteria to remain unfiltered or providing a limited alternative to filtration;
(2) Shall notify the public in accordance with Part 7, Subpart A of this chapter;
(3) Shall determine the cause of the violation;
(4) Shall take action as directed by the department which may include conducting a CCP. A CCP may include both a CPE and CTA;
(5) Shall identify and systematically address plant-specific factors identified in the CPE during the CTA, if required; and
(6) May be subject to enforcement under WAC 246-290-050.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-634, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-634, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-634, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-634, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-636

Determination of disinfectant contact time (T).

(1) The purveyor shall calculate T at peak hourly flow for each surface or GWI source.
(2) For pipelines, the purveyor shall calculate T by dividing the internal volume of the pipe by the peak hourly flow rate through that pipe.
(3) For all other system components used for inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, and other microorganisms of public health concern, the purveyor shall use tracer studies or empirical methods to determine T.
(4) The purveyor shall use the T10 value determined by tracer studies or other methods acceptable to the department as T in all CT calculations.
(5) Tracer studies.
(a) The purveyor shall conduct field tracer studies on all system components with configurations (geometry and/or baffling) for which analogous contact times are not documented.
(b) Before conducting tracer studies, the purveyor shall obtain the department's approval of a tracer study plan. The plan shall identify at a minimum:
(i) How the purveyor will conduct the study;
(ii) The tracer material to be used;
(iii) Flow rates to be used; and
(iv) The names, titles, and qualifications of the persons conducting the study.
(c) A professional engineer registered in the state of Washington shall direct the conduct of all tracer studies.
(d) Tracer studies shall be conducted in accordance with good engineering practices using methods acceptable to the department such as those described in department guidance on surface water treatment.
(e) The department may require the purveyor to conduct additional tracer studies when:
(i) Modifications impacting flow distribution or T are made; or
(ii) Increases in flow exceed the conditions of the previous tracer studies.
(6) Empirical methods.
(a) Empirical methods may be used to calculate T10, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that system components have configurations analogous to components on which tracer studies have been conducted and results have been documented.
(b) The purveyor shall submit to the department for review and approval engineering justification for determining T10 using empirical methods. As-built drawings of system components in their current configurations shall be submitted with the engineering justification.
(c) A professional engineer registered in the state of Washington shall prepare the engineering justification for determining T10 using empirical methods.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-636, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-636, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-638

Analytical requirements.

(1) The purveyor shall ensure that only qualified persons conduct measurements for pH, temperature, turbidity, and residual disinfectant concentrations. In this section, qualified means:
(a) A person certified under chapter 246-292 WAC;
(b) An analyst, with experience conducting these measurements, from the state public health laboratory or another laboratory certified by the department;
(c) A state or local health jurisdiction professional experienced in conducting these measurements; or
(d) For the purpose of monitoring distribution system residual disinfectant concentration only, a person designated by and under the direct supervision of a waterworks operator certified under chapter 246-292 WAC.
(2) The purveyor shall ensure that measurements for temperature, turbidity, pH, and residual disinfectant concentration are made in accordance with "standard methods," or other EPA approved methods.
(3) The purveyor shall ensure that samples for coliform and HPC analysis are:
(a) Collected and transported in accordance with department-approved methods; and
(b) Submitted to the state public health laboratory or another laboratory certified by the department to conduct the analyses.
(4) Turbidity monitoring.
(a) The purveyor shall equip the system's water treatment facility laboratory with a:
(i) Bench model turbidimeter; and
(ii) Continuous turbidimeter and recorder if required under WAC 246-290-664 or 246-290-694.
(b) The purveyor shall ensure that bench model and continuous turbidimeters are:
(i) Designed to meet the criteria in "standard methods," approved methods under 40 C.F.R. 141.74 (a)(1), or alternative testing methods under Appendix A to Subpart C of 40 C.F.R. Part 141; and
(ii) Properly operated, calibrated, and maintained at all times in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(c) The purveyor shall validate continuous turbidity measurements for accuracy as follows:
(i) Calibrate turbidity equipment using a primary standard on at least a quarterly basis for instruments using an incandescent light source and on at least an annual basis for instruments using an LED or laser light source; and
(ii) Verify continuous turbidimeter performance on a weekly basis, not on consecutive days, with grab sample measurements made using either a properly calibrated bench model turbidimeter or a secondary standard as specified by the manufacturer.
(d) When continuous turbidity monitoring equipment fails, the purveyor shall measure turbidity on grab samples collected at least every four hours from the combined filter effluent and individual filters while the system serves water to the public and the equipment is being repaired or replaced. The purveyor shall have continuous monitoring equipment online within five working days of failure.
(5) Purveyors shall verify instruments used for continuous monitoring of free and total chlorine residual with a grab sample measurement at least every five days, or with a protocol approved by the department as required under 40 C.F.R. 141.74 (a)(2).
(6) Purveyors monitoring for Cryptosporidium or E. coli as required under 40 C.F.R. 141.701 shall collect samples and have them analyzed under 40 C.F.R. 141.704 and 141.705.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-638, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 34.05.365, and 70.119A.080. WSR 19-07-063, § 246-290-638, filed 3/19/19, effective 4/19/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-638, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-638, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-638, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-638, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-638, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-639

SWTR records.

(1) Purveyors using surface or GWI sources shall maintain accurate and complete operations records.
(2) Operations records shall include, but not be limited to, the following as applicable:
(a) Results of all monitoring conducted under Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC;
(b) Quantity of water produced, plant flow rates, and hours of operation;
(c) Types and quantities of chemicals used;
(d) Dates and information pertaining to filter and/or disinfection system maintenance;
(e) Dates and results of filter and/or disinfection system inspections including records of filtration and backwash rates;
(f) Dates and descriptions of major equipment and/or treatment process failures and corrective actions taken; and
(g) The information and data specified under 40 C.F.R. 141.721 related to enhanced treatment for Cryptosporidium.
(3) Operations records not reported to the department under WAC 246-290-666 or 246-290-696 shall be maintained at the purveyor's treatment facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-639, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-639, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-640

Determination of GWI sources.

(1) Until the department has made a source GWI determination, the purveyor shall monitor in accordance with the requirements for groundwater sources in WAC 246-290-300 or as directed by the department and provide follow-up in accordance with WAC 246-290-320.
(2) The purveyor, after being notified by the department that one or more of the system sources have been classified as potential GWI, may elect to seek approval from the department to modify the potential GWI source to mitigate surface water influences prior to compliance with subsection (3) of this section, and if so, shall:
(a) Complete a project report, for departmental approval, that describes the proposed source-related modifications, including the schedule for their completion and an explanation of why the source should be reclassified upon completion of the source modifications; and
(b) Demonstrate compliance, if directed by the department, with the requirements of subsection (3) of this section upon completion of the source-related modifications.
(3) The purveyor using a source identified as a potential GWI shall provide to the department all information necessary to determine whether the source is under direct surface water influence. Information shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Site-specific source water quality data, including temperature, conductivity, or other appropriate parameters as determined by the department;
(b) Documentation of source construction characteristics;
(c) Documentation of hydrogeology;
(d) Distance to surface water; and
(e) Water quality results from nearby surface water(s), including temperature, conductivity, and/or other appropriate parameters as determined by the department.
(4) Upon a determination by the department that one or more potential GWI source(s) being used are in hydraulic connection to a surface water, the purveyor shall:
(a) Secure the services of a professional engineer to direct further evaluation and actions regarding the source;
(b) Provide disinfection treatment of the source in accordance with WAC 246-290-451; and
(c) Provide microscopic particulate analyses (MPA) results for review by the department based upon a sampling plan approved by the department.
(5) A purveyor notified by the department that one or more GWI sources are in use shall:
(a) Within ninety days of notification submit a project report to the department that includes an implementation schedule for compliance with the treatment techniques specified in Part 6 of this chapter;
(b) Notify consumers served by the system; and
(c) Comply with the applicable requirements of WAC 246-290-670.
(6) After completion of the requirements in subsection (3) of this section, the purveyor may modify a GWI source to mitigate direct surface influence. In such cases, the purveyor shall:
(a) Include in a project report, for submittal to the department for approval, a description of the proposed approaches and schedule for source modification; and
(b) Comply again with subsection (3) of this section upon completion of source modifications to be considered for source reclassification.
(7) The department may reevaluate a groundwater source for direct surface influence, if conditions impacting source classification have changed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-640, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-640, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-640, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


Subpart B - Requirements for Filtered Systems

PDF246-290-650

Compliance requirements for filtered systems.

(1) In addition to the requirements of Parts 1 through 5 of chapter 246-290 WAC, Subpart B of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC applies to purveyors of systems using surface or GWI sources and providing filtration, including:
(a) Systems with water treatment facilities that produced water served to the public before January 1, 1991;
(b) Unfiltered systems installing filtration, once the new water treatment facilities are online; and
(c) New systems using surface or GWI sources. For the purpose of the Part 6 chapter 246-290 WAC requirements, new systems are defined as systems first serving water to the public after December 31, 1990.
(2) The purveyor of a new system using a surface or GWI source shall comply with the requirements of Part 6 subparts A and B chapter 246-290 WAC and be subject to the treatment technique violations specified in WAC 246-290-632 beginning when the system first serves water to the public and thereafter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-650, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-650, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-652

Filtration technology and design criteria for existing filtered systems.

(1) The purveyor shall treat all surface and GWI sources using one of the following filtration technologies unless another technology is acceptable to the department:
(a) Conventional;
(b) Direct;
(c) Diatomaceous earth; or
(d) Slow sand.
(2) Purveyors not using one of the filtration technologies in subsection (1) of this section or not complying with the design criteria specified in WAC 246-290-676 shall submit a project report to the department that demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the existing water treatment facility can be operated to reliably produce, by June 29, 1993, water meeting the operating and performance requirements of WAC 246-290-654 and 246-290-660, respectively. The project report shall comply with the requirements of WAC 246-290-110.
(3) The purveyor shall make the demonstration required under subsection (2) of this section using the latest twelve months of operating data, results of special studies conducted to test the performance of the water treatment facility under adverse water quality conditions or other means acceptable to the department.
(4) For water treatment facilities currently unable to meet the performance and operation requirements, the project report shall specify the modifications needed to upgrade the facility. Purveyors upgrading existing water treatment facilities shall comply with the design and reliability requirements under WAC 246-290-676 and 246-290-678, respectively.
(5) The purveyor of a new system using a surface or GWI source shall be subject to the:
(a) Design and reliability requirements under WAC 246-290-676 and 246-290-678, respectively; and
(b) Operating criteria for new water treatment facilities under WAC 246-290-654.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-652, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-652, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-654

Treatment criteria for filtered systems.

(1) The purveyor shall operate filters so that maximum flow rates do not exceed those specified in Table 14 of this section. The purveyor may operate filters at higher flow rates, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that filtration at the higher rate consistently achieves at least 99 percent (2-log) removal of Giardia lamblia cysts and 99 percent (2-log) removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts and meets the turbidity performance requirements of Table 15.
Table 14
FILTRATION OPERATION CRITERIA
filtration technology/media
maximum
filtration rate
(gpm/ft2)
Conventional, Direct and In-Line
Gravity Filters with Single Media
3
Gravity Filters with Deep Bed, Dual or Mixed Media
6
Pressure Filters with Single Media
2
Pressure Filters with Deep Bed, Dual or Mixed Media
3
Slow Sand
0.1
Diatomaceous Earth
1.0
(2) The purveyor using conventional, direct or in-line filtration shall ensure that effective coagulation is in use at all times the water treatment facility produces water served to the public.
(3) The purveyor using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration shall demonstrate treatment effectiveness for Giardia lamblia cyst and Cryptosporidium oocyst removal by one of the following methods:
(a) Turbidity reduction method.
(i) The purveyor shall make source and filtered water turbidity measurements in accordance with WAC 246-290-664 (2) and (3) respectively.
(ii) The purveyor shall achieve:
(A) The turbidity performance requirements specified in WAC 246-290-660(1) and at least an eighty percent reduction in source turbidity based on an average of the daily turbidity reductions measured in a calendar month; or
(B) An average daily filtered water turbidity less than or equal to 0.1 NTU.
(b) Particle counting method. The purveyor shall:
(i) Use a particle counting protocol acceptable to the department; and
(ii) Demonstrate at a frequency acceptable to the department at least the following log reduction of particles in the size range of five to fifteen microns (Giardia lamblia cyst-sized particles) and three to five microns (Cryptosporidium oocyst-sized particles), as applicable:
(A) 2.5-log reduction in Giardia lamblia cyst-sized particles and a 2-log reduction in Cryptosporidium particles for systems using conventional filtration; or
(B) 2.0 log reduction for systems using direct or in-line filtration.
(c) Microscopic particulate analysis method. The purveyor shall:
(i) Use a protocol acceptable to the department; and
(ii) Demonstrate at a frequency acceptable to the department at least the following log reduction of Giardia lamblia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia lamblia cyst and Cryptosporidium oocyst surrogate indicators as applicable:
(A) 2.5-log reduction in Giardia lamblia cysts or surrogates and a 2-log reduction in Cryptosporidium oocyst or surrogates for systems using conventional filtration; and
(B) 2.0 log reduction for systems using direct or in-line filtration.
(d) Other methods acceptable to the department.
(4) The purveyor shall provide continuous disinfection of all water delivered to the public and shall:
(a) Maintain an adequate supply of disinfection chemicals and keep back-up system components and spare parts on hand;
(b) Develop, maintain, and post at the water treatment facility a plan detailing:
(i) How water delivered to the public will be continuously and adequately disinfected; and
(ii) The elements of an emergency notification plan to be implemented whenever the residual disinfectant concentration at entry to distribution falls below 0.2 mg/L for more than one hour.
(c) Implement the plan during an emergency affecting disinfection.
(5) Operations program.
(a) For each water treatment facility treating a surface or GWI source, the purveyor shall develop an operations program and make it available to the department for review upon request.
(b) The program shall be submitted to the department as an addendum to the purveyor's water system plan (WAC 246-290-100) or small water system management program (WAC 246-290-105).
(c) The program shall detail how the purveyor will produce optimal filtered water quality at all times the water treatment facility produces water to be served to the public.
(d) The purveyor shall operate the water treatment facility in accordance with the operations program.
(e) The operations program shall include, but not be limited to, a description of:
(i) For conventional, direct or in-line filtration, procedures used to determine and maintain optimized coagulation as demonstrated by meeting the requirements of WAC 246-290-654(3);
(ii) Procedures used to determine chemical dose rates;
(iii) How and when each unit process is operated;
(iv) Unit process equipment maintenance program;
(v) Treatment plant performance monitoring program;
(vi) Laboratory procedures;
(vii) Records;
(viii) Reliability features; and
(ix) Response plans for water treatment facility emergencies, including disinfection failure and watershed emergencies.
(f) The purveyor shall ensure the operations program is:
(i) Readily available at the water treatment facility for use by operators and for department inspection;
(ii) Consistent with department guidelines for operations procedures such as those described in department guidance on surface water treatment and water system planning; and
(iii) Updated as needed to reflect current water treatment facility operations.
(6) Pressure filters. Purveyors using pressure filters shall:
(a) Inspect and evaluate the filters, at least every six months, for conditions that would reduce their effectiveness in removing Giardia lamblia cysts;
(b) Maintain, and make available for department review, a written record of pressure filter inspections; and
(c) Be prepared to conduct filter inspections in the presence of a department representative, if requested.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-654, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-654, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-654, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-654, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-654, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-654, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-654, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-660

Filtration.

(1) Turbidity performance requirements.
(a) The turbidity level of representative filtered water samples must:
(i) Comply with the performance standards in Table 15 of this section;
(ii) Never exceed 5.0 NTU for any system using slow sand, diatomaceous earth;
(iii) Never exceed 1.0 NTU for any system using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration; and
(iv) Never exceed the maximum allowable turbidity determined by the department on a case-by-case basis for any system using an alternative filtration technology approved under WAC 246-290-676 (2)(b).
Table 15
TURBIDITY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Filtration Technology
Filtered water turbidity (in NTUs) shall be less than or equal to this value in at least 95% of the measurements made each calendar month
Conventional, Direct and In-line
 
0.30
Slow Sand
 
1.0
Diatomaceous Earth
 
1.0
Alternative Technology
As determined by the department through case-by-case approval of technology, under WAC 246-290-676 (2)(b).
(b) The department may allow the turbidity of filtered water from a system using slow sand filtration to exceed 1.0 NTU, but never 5.0 NTU, if the system demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the higher turbidity level will not endanger the health of consumers served by the system. As a condition of being allowed to produce filtered water with a turbidity exceeding 1.0 NTU, the purveyor may be required to monitor one or more parameters in addition to the parameters specified under WAC 246-290-664. The department shall notify the purveyor of the type and frequency of monitoring to be conducted.
(2) Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and virus removal credit.
(a) The department shall notify the purveyor of the removal credit granted for the system's filtration process. The department shall specify removal credit for:
(i) Existing filtration facilities based on periodic evaluations of performance and operation; and
(ii) New or modified filtration facilities based on results of pilot plant studies or full scale operation.
(b) Conventional, direct, and in-line filtration.
(i) The removal credit the department may grant to a system using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration and demonstrating effective treatment is as follows:
Percent Removal Credit (log)
Filtration Technology
Giardia
Virus
Cryptosporidium
 
Percent
log
Percent
log
Percent
log
Conventional
99.7
2.5
99
2.0
99
2.0
Direct and in-line
99
2.0
90
1.0
99
2.0
(ii) A system using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration shall be considered to provide effective treatment, if the purveyor demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that the system meets the:
(A) Turbidity performance requirements under subsection (1) of this section; and
(B) Operations requirements of WAC 246-290-654.
(iii) The department shall not grant removal credit to a system using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration that:
(A) Fails to meet the minimum turbidity performance requirements under subsection (1) of this section; or
(B) Fails to meet the operating requirements under WAC 246-290-654.
(c) Slow sand filtration.
The department may grant a system using slow sand filtration 99 percent (2-log) Giardia lamblia cyst and Cryptosporidium oocyst removal credit and 99 percent (2-log) virus removal credit, if the system meets the department design requirements under WAC 246-290-676 and meets the minimum turbidity performance requirements in subsection (1) of this section.
(d) Diatomaceous earth filtration.
The department may grant a system using diatomaceous earth filtration 99 percent (2-log) Giardia lamblia cyst and Cryptosporidium oocyst removal credit and 90 percent (1 log) virus removal credit, if the system meets the department design requirements under WAC 246-290-676 and meets the minimum turbidity performance requirements in subsection (1) of this section.
(e) Alternative filtration technology.
The department shall grant, on a case-by-case basis, Giardia lamblia cyst, Cryptosporidium oocyst, and virus removal credit for systems using alternative filtration technology based on results of product testing acceptable to the department.
(f) The purveyor granted no Giardia lamblia cyst removal credit and no Cryptosporidium oocyst removal credit shall:
(i) Provide treatment under WAC 246-290-662 (2)(d); and
(ii) Within ninety days of department notification regarding removal credit, submit an action plan to the department for review and approval. The plan shall:
(A) Detail how the purveyor plans to comply with the turbidity performance requirements in subsection (1) of this section and operating requirements of WAC 246-290-654; and
(B) Identify the proposed schedule for implementation.
(iii) Be considered in violation of the treatment technique specified in WAC 246-290-632 (2)(a)(i) and shall take follow-up action specified in WAC 246-290-634.
(g) Higher level removal credit.
(i) The department may grant a higher level of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and virus removal credit than listed under (b) through (e) of this subsection, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the higher level can be consistently achieved.
(ii) As a condition of maintaining the maximum removal credit, purveyors may be required to periodically monitor one or more parameters not routinely monitored under WAC 246-290-664. The department shall notify the purveyor of the type and frequency of monitoring to be conducted.
(3) Disinfection byproduct precursor removal requirements.
(a) Conventional systems using sedimentation shall meet the treatment technique requirements for control of disinfection byproduct precursors specified in 40 C.F.R. 141.135.
(i) Applicability of this requirement shall be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.135(a).
(ii) Enhanced coagulation and enhanced softening shall be provided in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.135(b), if applicable.
(iii) Compliance with the treatment technique requirements for control of disinfection byproduct precursors shall be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.135(c).
(b) For the purposes of compliance with (a) of this subsection, sedimentation shall be considered applicable when:
(i) Surface overflow rates and other design parameters are in conformance with traditionally accepted industry standards and textbook values, such as those prescribed in nationally accepted standards, including the most recent version of the Recommended Standards for Water Works, A Committee Report of the Great Lakes - Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health and Environmental Managers; and
(ii) The system has received pathogen removal credit for the sedimentation basin.
(4) Filter backwash recycling requirements.
(a) Purveyors using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration must report to the department, in writing, whether they recycle spent filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, or liquids from dewatering processes within the treatment plant. Purveyors that do recycle spent filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, or liquids from dewatering processes must also report the following information:
(i) A plant schematic showing the origin of all flows that are recycled (including, but not limited to, spent filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, and liquids from dewatering processes), the hydraulic conveyance (i.e., pipe, open channel) used to transport them, and the location where they are reintroduced back into the treatment plant.
(ii) Typical recycle flow in gallons per minute (gpm), the highest observed plant flow experienced in the previous year (gpm), design flow for the treatment plant (gpm), and the approved operating capacity for the plant.
(b) Purveyors using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration that recycle spent filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, or liquids from dewatering processes within the treatment plant shall:
(i) Return the recycled flow prior to, or concurrent with the location where primary coagulant is introduced into the flow stream.
(ii) By no later than June 8, 2006, complete any capital improvements (physical modifications requiring engineering planning, design, and construction) necessary to meet the requirements of (b)(i) of this subsection.
(iii) On a case-by-case basis, the department may approve an alternate location for the return of recycle flows.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-660, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-660, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-660, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-660, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-660, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-660, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-660, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-660, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-662

Disinfection for filtered systems.

(1) General requirements.
(a) The purveyor shall provide continuous disinfection to ensure that filtration and disinfection together achieve, at all times the system serves water to the public, at least the following:
(i) 99.9 percent (3-log) inactivation and removal of Giardia lamblia cysts; and
(ii) 99.99 percent (4-log) inactivation and/or removal of viruses.
(b) Where sources receive sewage discharges and/or agricultural runoff, purveyors may be required to provide greater levels of removal and inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and viruses to protect the health of consumers served by the system.
(c) Regardless of the removal credit granted for filtration, purveyors shall, at a minimum, provide continuous disinfection to achieve at least 68 percent (0.5-log) inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and 99 percent (2-log) inactivation of viruses.
(2) Establishing the level of inactivation.
(a) The department shall establish the level of disinfection (log inactivation) to be provided by the purveyor.
(b) The required level of inactivation shall be based on source quality and expected levels of Giardia lamblia cyst and virus removal achieved by the system's filtration process.
(c) Based on periodic reviews, the department may adjust, as necessary, the level of disinfection the purveyor shall provide to protect the health of consumers served by the system.
(d) Systems granted no Giardia lamblia cyst removal credit and no Cryptosporidium oocyst removal credit shall:
(i) Unless directed otherwise by the department, provide interim disinfection to:
(A) Ensure compliance with the monthly coliform MCL under WAC 246-290-310;
(B) Achieve at least 99.9 percent (3-log) inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts; and
(C) Maintain a detectable residual disinfectant concentration, or an HPC level less than 500 organisms/ml, within the distribution system in accordance with subsection (6) of this section. The department may approve a written request to use a lower value. At a minimum, the request to use a lower value must identify the instrument used to measure the residual disinfectant concentration and include the manufacturer's documentation on the instrument's accuracy to measure the lower value.
(ii) Comply with the interim disinfection requirements until the system can demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that it complies with the operating requirements and turbidity performance requirements under WAC 246-290-654 and 246-290-660(1), respectively.
(3) Determining the level of inactivation.
(a) Unless the department has approved a reduced CT monitoring schedule for the system, each day the system serves water to the public, the purveyor, using procedures and CT values acceptable to the department such as those presented in department guidance of surface water treatment, shall determine:
(i) CTcalc values using the system's treatment parameters and calculate the total inactivation ratio achieved by disinfection; and
(ii) Whether the system's disinfection process is achieving the minimum levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and viruses required by the department.
(b) The department may allow a purveyor to determine the level of inactivation using lower CT values than those specified in (a) of this subsection, provided the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the required levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and viruses can be achieved.
(4) Determining compliance with the required level of inactivation.
(a) A purveyor shall be considered in compliance with the inactivation requirement when a total inactivation ratio equal to or greater than 1.0 is achieved.
(b) Failure to provide the required level of inactivation on more than one day in any calendar month shall be considered a treatment technique violation.
(5) Residual disinfectant concentration entering the distribution system.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that all water entering the distribution system contains a residual disinfectant concentration, measured as free or combined chlorine, of at least 0.2 mg/L at all times the system serves water to the public; and
(b) Failure to provide a 0.2 mg/L residual at entry to distribution for more than four hours on any day shall be considered a treatment technique violation.
(6) Residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that the residual disinfectant concentration in the distribution system, measured as total chlorine, free chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide, is detectable in at least ninety-five percent of the samples taken each calendar month.
(b) Water in the distribution system with an HPC less than or equal to 500 organisms/ml is considered to have a detectable residual disinfectant concentration for the purposes of compliance with WAC 246-290-662 (6)(a).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-662, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-662, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-662, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-662, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-662, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-664

Monitoring for filtered systems.

(1) Source coliform monitoring.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that source water samples of each surface or GWI source are:
(i) Collected before the first point of disinfectant application and before coagulant chemical addition; and
(ii) Analyzed for fecal coliform density in accordance with methods acceptable to the department.
(b) At a minimum, the purveyor shall ensure source samples are collected for fecal coliform analysis at a frequency equal to ten percent of the number of routine coliform samples collected within the distribution system each month under WAC 246-290-300, or once per calendar month, whichever is greater up to a maximum of one sample per day.
(c) With written approval from the department, purveyors of filtered water systems serving less than ten thousand people may collect twenty-six consecutive monthly fecal coliform samples instead of collecting E. coli samples every two weeks for twelve months as specified in 40 C.F.R. 141.701 (a)(3)(i). The fecal coliform levels that will trigger Cryptosporidium monitoring will be the same as the E. coli levels specified in 40 C.F.R. 141.701 (a)(4)(i), (ii), or (iv).
(2) Source turbidity monitoring.
(a) The purveyor using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration shall measure source turbidity at least once per day on a representative sample collected before disinfection and coagulant addition.
(b) Grab sampling or continuous turbidity monitoring and recording may be used to meet the requirement specified in (a) of this subsection.
(c) Purveyors using continuous turbidity monitoring shall record continuous turbidity measurements at equal intervals, at least every four hours, in accordance with a department-approved sampling schedule.
(d) Purveyors using an approved alternative filtration technology may be required to monitor source water turbidity at least once per day on a representative sample as determined by the department.
(3) Filtered water turbidity monitoring.
(a) The purveyor using direct, conventional, or in-line filtration shall:
(i) Continuously monitor turbidity on representative samples from each individual filter unit and from the system's combined filter effluent, prior to clearwell storage;
(ii) For systems serving at least ten thousand people, record continuous turbidity measurements from each individual filter unit at equal intervals of at least every fifteen minutes, and for all systems, from the combined filter effluent at equal intervals of at least every four hours, in accordance with a department-approved sampling schedule;
(iii) Systems serving less than ten thousand people shall record continuous turbidity measurements from each individual filter unit at equal intervals of at least every fifteen minutes;
(iv) Systems serving less than ten thousand people and consisting of two or fewer filters may record continuous turbidity measurements from the combined filter effluent at equal intervals of at least fifteen minutes in lieu of recording individual filter turbidity measurements; and
(v) Conduct monitoring in accordance with the analytical techniques under WAC 246-290-638.
(b) The purveyor using slow sand or diatomaceous earth filtration shall:
(i) Continuously monitor turbidity on representative samples from each individual filter unit and from the system's combined filter effluent, prior to clearwell storage;
(ii) Record continuous turbidity measurements from the combined filter effluent at equal intervals of at least every four hours in accordance with a department-approved sampling schedule; and
(iii) Conduct monitoring in accordance with the analytical techniques under WAC 246-290-638.
(c) Purveyors using an alternative filtration technology approved under WAC 246-290-676 shall provide monitoring in accordance with the technology-specific approval conditions determined by the department.
(d) Purveyors using slow sand filtration or an alternative filtration technology may reduce filtered water turbidity monitoring to one grab sample per day with department approval. Reduced turbidity monitoring shall be allowed only where the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that a reduction in monitoring will not endanger the health of consumers served by the water system.
(4) Monitoring the level of inactivation and removal.
(a) Each day the system is in operation, the purveyor shall determine the total level of inactivation and removal of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, and Cryptosporidium oocysts achieved.
(b) The purveyor shall determine the total level of inactivation and removal based on:
(i) Giardia lamblia cyst, Cryptosporidium oocyst, and virus removal credit granted by the department for filtration; and
(ii) Level of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and viruses achieved through disinfection.
(c) At least once per day, purveyors shall monitor the following to determine the level of inactivation achieved through disinfection:
(i) Temperature of the disinfected water at each residual disinfectant concentration sampling point used for CT calculations; and
(ii) If using chlorine, pH of the disinfected water at each chlorine residual disinfectant concentration sampling point used for CT calculations.
(d) Each day during peak hourly flow (based on historical information), the purveyor shall:
(i) Determine disinfectant contact time, T, to the point at which C is measured; and
(ii) Measure the residual disinfectant concentration, C, of the water at the point for which T is calculated. The C measurement point shall be located before or at the first consumer.
(e) The department may reduce CT monitoring requirements for purveyors that demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that the required levels of inactivation are consistently exceeded. Reduced CT monitoring shall only be allowed where the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that a reduction in monitoring will not endanger the health of consumers.
(5) Monitoring the residual disinfectant concentration entering the distribution system.
(a) Systems serving more than thirty-three hundred people per month.
(i) The purveyor shall continuously monitor and record the residual disinfectant concentration of water entering the distribution system and report the lowest value each day.
(ii) If the continuous monitoring equipment fails, the purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration on grab samples collected at least every four hours at the entry to the distribution system while the equipment is being repaired or replaced. The purveyor shall have continuous monitoring equipment back online within five working days following failure.
(b) Systems serving thirty-three hundred or less people per month.
(i) The purveyor shall collect grab samples or use continuous monitoring and recording to measure the residual disinfectant concentration entering the distribution system.
(ii) Purveyors of community systems choosing to take grab samples shall collect:
(A) Samples at the following minimum frequencies:
Population Served
Number/day
25
-
500
 
1
501
-
1,000
 
2
1,001
-
2,500
 
3
2,501
-
3,300
 
4
(B) At least one of the grab samples at peak hourly flow; and
(C) The remaining samples evenly spaced over the time the system is disinfecting water that will be delivered to the public.
(iii) Purveyors of noncommunity systems choosing to take grab samples shall collect samples for disinfectant residual concentration entering the distribution system as directed by the department.
(iv) When grab samples are collected and the residual disinfectant concentration at the entry to distribution falls below 0.2 mg/L, purveyors shall collect a grab sample every four hours until the residual disinfectant concentration is 0.2 mg/L or more.
(6) Monitoring residual disinfectant concentrations within the distribution system.
(a) The purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration at representative points within the distribution system on a daily basis or as otherwise approved by the department.
(b) At a minimum, the purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system at the same time and location that a routine or repeat coliform sample is collected under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e) through (g).
(c) The purveyor may measure HPC within the distribution system in lieu of measuring the residual disinfectant concentration under this subsection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-664, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-664, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-664, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-664, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-664, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-664, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-664, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-666

Reporting for filtered systems.

(1) The purveyor shall notify the department, as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four hours after the purveyor learns of the following events:
(a) A waterborne disease outbreak potentially attributable to the water system occurs;
(b) The turbidity of the combined filter effluent exceeds 5.0 NTU at any time for any system using slow sand, diatomaceous earth, or for any system serving less than ten thousand people and using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration;
(c) The turbidity of the combined filter effluent:
(i) Exceeds 1.0 NTU at any time for a system serving at least ten thousand people and using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration;
(ii) Beginning January 14, 2005, the turbidity of the combined filter effluent exceeds 1.0 NTU at any time for a system serving less than ten thousand people using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration;
(d) The turbidity of the combined filter effluent exceeds the maximum specified level for an alternative filtration technology approved by the department;
(e) The residual disinfection concentration falls below 0.2 mg/L at the entry point to the distribution system. The purveyor shall also report whether the residual was restored to 0.2 mg/L or more within four hours; or
(f) An event occurs that may affect the ability of the water treatment facility to produce drinking water that complies with this chapter including, but not limited to:
(i) Spills of hazardous materials in the watershed; and
(ii) Treatment process failures.
(2) The purveyor shall report results of monitoring conducted in accordance with WAC 246-290-664 to the department. Monthly report forms shall be submitted within ten days after the end of each month the system served water to the public.
(3) The purveyor shall report, at a minimum, all the information requested by the department using a department-approved form or format including:
(a) Water treatment facility operations information;
(b) Turbidity monitoring results, including:
(i) Source monitoring, if required under WAC 246-290-664(2);
(ii) Combined filter effluent. Continuous measurements shall be reported at equal intervals, at least every four hours, in accordance with a department-approved schedule;
(iii) Individual filter turbidity monitoring results. Systems serving at least ten thousand people and using conventional, direct, or in-line filtration shall report and take follow-up action as prescribed in 40 C.F.R. 141.175(b). Beginning January 14, 2005, systems serving less than ten thousand people shall report and take follow-up action as prescribed by 40 C.F.R. 141.563 and 141.570. Required follow-up action may include development of a filter profile, a filter self-assessment, as described in 40 C.F.R. 141.175 (b)(3) and 141.563(b), or the completion of a comprehensive performance evaluation (CPE).
(c) Disinfection monitoring information including:
(i) Level of inactivation achieved;
(ii) Residual disinfectant concentrations entering the distribution system; and
(iii) Residual disinfectant concentrations within the distribution system.
(d) Total level of removal and inactivation; and
(e) A summary of water quality complaints received from consumers served by the water system.
(4) A person certified under chapter 246-292 WAC shall complete and sign the monthly report forms required in this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-666, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-666, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-666, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-666, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-666, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-668

Watershed control.

(1) The purveyor shall, to the extent possible, exercise surveillance over conditions and activities in the watershed affecting source water quality. The purveyor shall develop and implement a department-approved watershed control program.
(2) The purveyor shall include a current evaluation of the watershed as part of the watershed control program within the water system plan under WAC 246-290-100 or small water system management program under WAC 246-290-105, whichever is applicable.
(3) The watershed evaluation must include a description of:
(a) Conditions/activities in the watershed that are adversely affecting source water quality;
(b) Changes in the watershed that could adversely affect source water quality that have occurred since the last watershed evaluation;
(c) Sample results from the monitoring program the purveyor uses to assess the adequacy of watershed protection; and
(d) Recommendations for improved watershed control.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-668, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-668, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-668, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


Subpart C - Requirements for Systems Installing
Filtration Facilities

PDF246-290-670

Compliance requirements for existing unfiltered systems installing filtration.

(1) The purveyor of an existing unfiltered system shall:
(a) Install filtration within eighteen months after department notification; and
(b) Be subject to the interim compliance requirements as determined by the department and in conformance with 40 C.F.R. 141.13 and WAC 246-290-632.
(2) The purveyor under an enforcement action or compliance agreement that is dated prior to the effective date of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC, shall adhere to the compliance schedule for installation of filtration established in the departmental order or bilateral compliance agreement in lieu of the dates specified in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The purveyor required to install filtration shall submit an action plan and schedule to the department for review and approval. The plan shall:
(a) Be submitted within ninety days of departmental notification; and
(b) Document the purveyor's plan and implementation schedule to comply with one of the following:
(i) Subparts A and B of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC, if continuing to use the surface or GWI source as a permanent source and installing filtration;
(ii) Subparts A and D of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC, if abandoning the surface or GWI source and purchasing completely treated water from a department-approved public water system using surface or GWI water; or
(iii) All other applicable sections of this chapter, if abandoning the surface or GWI source and developing an alternate department-approved groundwater source.
(4) Between written departmental notification of the filtration requirement and installation of filtration, the purveyor shall meet:
(a) The interim disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-672 or as otherwise directed by the department;
(b) The interim monitoring and reporting requirements under WAC 246-290-674; and
(c) All other applicable requirements of this chapter.
(5) The purveyor installing filtration shall ensure that when completed, the final treatment processes, consisting of filtration and disinfection, will comply with the requirements under WAC 246-290-660 and 246-290-662, respectively.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-670, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-670, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-670, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-670, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-672

Interim treatment requirements.

(1) Purveyors of existing unfiltered systems installing filtration shall provide interim disinfection treatment to:
(a) Ensure compliance with the monthly coliform MCL under WAC 246-290-310;
(b) Achieve inactivation levels of Giardia lamblia cysts on a daily basis each month the system serves water to the public as directed by the department; and
(c) Maintain a detectable residual disinfectant concentration in the distribution system, measured as total chlorine, free chlorine, or combined chlorine in 95 percent or more of the samples taken each calendar month. The department may approve a written request to use a lower value. At a minimum, the request to use a lower value must identify the instrument used to measure the residual disinfectant concentration and include the manufacturer's documentation on the instrument's accuracy to measure the lower value.
(d) Water in the distribution system with an HPC level less than or equal to 500 organisms/ml is considered to have a detectable residual disinfectant concentration for the purposes of compliance with this subsection.
(2) Failure to provide the required level of inactivation in subsection (1)(b) of this section on more than one day in any calendar month shall be considered a treatment technique violation.
(3) The department may require the purveyor to provide higher levels of treatment than specified in subsection (1)(b) of this section when necessary to protect the health of consumers served by the public water system.
(4) Interim treatment requirements shall be met in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-672, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-672, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-672, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-672, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-674

Interim monitoring and reporting.

(1) Monitoring. Unless directed otherwise by the department, the purveyor of an existing unfiltered system installing filtration shall:
(a) Conduct interim monitoring in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.22;
(b) Measure the residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system at the same time and location that a routine or repeat sample is collected in accordance with WAC 246-290-300(3) or 246-290-320(2); and
(c) Measure residual disinfection concentrations at entry to the distribution system on a daily basis, or as directed by the department.
(2) Reporting.
(a) The purveyor installing filtration shall report to the department as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four hours after the purveyor learns of any of the following events:
(i) A waterborne disease outbreak potentially attributable to the water system occurs;
(ii) The turbidity of water delivered to the public exceeds 5.0 NTU; or
(iii) The interim disinfection requirements under WAC 246-290-672 are not met.
(b) The purveyor shall report results of monitoring to the department. Monthly report forms shall be submitted within ten days after the end of each month the system served water to the public.
(c) The purveyor shall report, at a minimum, all the information requested by the department using a department-approved form or format including:
(i) Water quality information, including results of monitoring in accordance with WAC 246-290-300 and 246-290-320;
(ii) Disinfection monitoring information;
(iii) A summary of water quality complaints received from consumers served by the system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-674, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-674, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-674, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-676

Filtration technology and design criteria.

(1) General.
(a) The purveyor proposing to construct new water treatment facilities or to make additions to existing water treatment facilities for surface and GWI sources shall ensure that the facilities comply with the treatment, design, and reliability requirements of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC.
(b) The purveyor shall submit an engineering report to the department describing how the treatment facilities will be designed to comply with the requirements specified in Subparts A, B, and C of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC.
(2) Filtration technology.
(a) The purveyor shall select a filtration technology acceptable to the department using criteria such as those outlined in department guidance on surface water treatment. The following filtration technologies are considered acceptable:
(i) Conventional;
(ii) Direct;
(iii) Diatomaceous earth; and
(iv) Slow sand.
(b) In addition to the technologies specified in subsection (2)(a) of this section, alternative filtration technologies may be acceptable, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction all of the following:
(i) Through acceptable third party testing, that system components do not leach or otherwise add substances to the finished water that would violate drinking water standards, or otherwise pose a threat to public health;
(ii) The technology's effectiveness in achieving at least 99 percent (2-log) removal of Giardia lamblia cysts or cyst surrogate particles, and at least 99 percent (2-log) removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts or oocyst surrogate particles. The purveyor shall further demonstrate the technology's removal capability through research conducted:
(A) By a party acceptable to the department; and
(B) In accordance with protocol and standards acceptable to the department.
(iii) Through on-site pilot plant studies or other means, that the filtration technology:
(A) In combination with disinfection treatment consistently achieves 99.9 percent (3-log) removal and inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and 99.99 percent (4-log) removal and inactivation of viruses; and
(B) Meets the applicable turbidity performance requirements as determined by the department for the specific treatment process being considered, but in no case to exceed 1.0 NTU for the finished water.
(3) Pilot studies.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure pilot studies are conducted for all proposed filtration facilities, except where waived based on engineering justification acceptable to the department.
(b) The purveyor shall obtain department approval for the pilot study plan before the pilot filter is constructed and before the pilot study is undertaken.
(c) The pilot study plan shall identify at a minimum:
(i) Pilot filter design;
(ii) Water quality and operational parameters to be monitored;
(iii) Type of data to be collected, frequency of data collection, and length of pilot study; and
(iv) Pilot plant operator qualifications.
(d) The purveyor shall ensure that the pilot study is:
(i) Conducted to simulate proposed full-scale design conditions;
(ii) Conducted over a time period that will demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed treatment system during changes in seasonal and climatic conditions; and
(iii) Designed and operated in accordance with good engineering practices and that ANSI/NSF standards 60 and 61 are considered.
(e) When the pilot study is complete, the purveyor shall submit a project report to the department for approval under WAC 246-290-110.
(4) Design criteria.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that water treatment facilities for surface and GWI sources are designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practices documented in references such as those identified in WAC 246-290-200.
(b) Filtration facilities.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that all new filtration facilities and improvements to any existing filtration facilities (excluding disinfection) are designed to achieve at least 99 percent (2-log) removal of Giardia lamblia cysts, and 99 percent (2-log) removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts; and
(ii) The purveyor shall ensure that all new filtration facilities contain provisions for filtering to waste with appropriate measures for backflow prevention.
(c) The purveyor shall ensure that disinfection systems for new filtration facilities or improvements to existing disinfection facilities are designed to meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-662.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-676, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-676, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-676, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-676, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-676, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-678

Reliability for filtered systems.

(1) The purveyor shall ensure that reliability features are included in all water treatment facilities used to treat surface or GWI sources.
(2) Reliability features shall include but not be limited to:
(a) Alarm devices to provide warning of treatment process failures including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. Alarm devices shall warn individuals responsible for taking corrective action and/or provide for automatic plant shutdown until corrective action can be taken;
(b) Standby replacement equipment available to assure continuous operation and control of coagulation, clarification, filtration and disinfection processes;
(c) Multiple filter units that provide redundant capacity when filters are out of service for backwash or maintenance, except where waived based on engineering justification acceptable to the department.
(3) The department may accept alternatives to the requirements specified in subsection (2) of this section, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the proposed alternative will assure an equal degree of reliability.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-678, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-678, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


Subpart D - Requirements for Other Unfiltered Systems

PDF246-290-686

Compliance requirements for unfiltered systems.

(1) The purveyor using an unfiltered surface or GWI source shall comply with:
(a) Subparts A and D of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC; and
(b) All other applicable sections of this chapter.
(2) The purveyor purchasing water from a system using a surface or GWI source shall comply with:
(a) The applicable requirements of Subpart A of Part 6 of chapter 246-290 WAC;
(b) The disinfection, monitoring and reporting requirements under WAC 246-290-692 (5)(b), 246-290-694 (8)(b) and 246-290-696(4) respectively when purchasing completely treated surface or GWI water; or
(c) The treatment technique, monitoring and reporting requirements as directed by the department when the purveyor is purchasing incompletely treated surface or GWI water.
(3) The purveyor using an unfiltered GWI source shall be subject to the effective dates, compliance requirements, and violations specified in Table 16 of this section.
Table 16
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SYSTEMS USING UNFILTERED GWI SOURCES
REQUIRE-
MENTS
BECOME
EFFECTIVE
APPLICABLE
PART 6
REQUIREMENTS
VIOLATION TYPE
Turbidity
MCL
Treatment
Technique
Six months after GWI determination
Only Analytical, Monitoring and Reporting Requirements (WAC 246-290-638, 246-290-694 and 246-290-696 respectively)
Refer to 40 C.F.R. 141.13 and 141.22
Not in effect yet
Eighteen months after GWI determination
Subparts A and D
No longer in effect
In effect as defined in WAC 246-290-632
(4) Purveyors of community systems using surface water sources had the option to remain unfiltered if they demonstrated compliance with the department's criteria to remain unfiltered by December 30, 1991.
(5) A purveyor that served water to the public before January 1, 1991, using a GWI source may have that source remain unfiltered, if, within eighteen months of GWI determination, the purveyor complies with Part 6 of this chapter and, the source water quality and site-specific conditions under WAC 246-290-690 or 246-290-691 as demonstrated through monitoring conducted in accordance with WAC 246-290-694.
(6) The purveyor with sources that are approved to remain unfiltered shall comply with the source water quality and site-specific conditions under WAC 246-290-690 or 246-290-691 as demonstrated through monitoring conducted in accordance with WAC 246-290-694.
(7) The purveyor shall install filtration when the system fails to meet one or more of the source water quality and site-specific conditions under WAC 246-290-690 and 246-290-691, or the department determines that installation of filtration is necessary to protect the health of consumers served by the water system.
(8) The purveyor, in response to a written notification by the department, shall install filtration within eighteen months.
(9) The purveyor may comply with the requirements to install filtration by:
(a) Constructing a water treatment facility that is designed, operated, and maintained in accordance with Subparts A, B, and C of Part 6 of this chapter;
(b) Satisfying the source water quality and site-specific criteria specified in WAC 246-290-691 and constructing treatment facilities that are designed, operated, and maintained to provide a limited alternative to filtration in accordance with WAC 246-290-692; or
(c) Abandoning the surface water or GWI source, and:
(i) Developing an alternate, department-approved groundwater source; or
(ii) Purchasing completely treated water from a department-approved public water system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-686, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-686, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-686, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-686, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-686, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-690

Criteria to remain unfiltered.

(1) For a system not using the "limited alternative to filtration" option to remain unfiltered, the purveyor using a surface water or GWI source shall meet the source water quality and site-specific conditions under this section, as demonstrated through monitoring conducted in accordance with WAC 246-290-694.
(2) Source water quality conditions necessary to remain unfiltered.
(a) Coliform limits.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that representative source water samples taken before the first point of disinfection have a fecal coliform density less than or equal to 20/100 ml in ninety percent or more of all samples taken during the six previous calendar months the system served water to the public. Samples collected on days when source water turbidity exceeds 1.0 NTU shall be included when determining compliance with this requirement.
(ii) The purveyor shall submit a written report to the department if no source fecal coliform data has been submitted for days when source turbidity exceeded 1.0 NTU. The report shall document why sample results are not available and shall be submitted with the routine monitoring reports for the month in which the sample results are not available.
(b) Turbidity limits.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that the turbidity level in representative source water samples taken before primary disinfection does not exceed 5.0 NTU.
(ii) A system failing to meet the turbidity requirements in (b)(i) of this subsection may remain unfiltered, if:
(A) The purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the most recent turbidity event was caused by unusual and unpredictable circumstances; and
(B) Including the most recent turbidity event, there have not been more than:
(I) Two turbidity events in the twelve previous calendar months the system served water to the public; or
(II) Five turbidity events in the one-hundred-twenty previous calendar months the system served water to the public.
(iii) The purveyor of a system experiencing a turbidity event shall submit a written report to the department documenting why the turbidity event(s) occurred. The purveyor shall submit the report with the routine monitoring reports for the month in which the turbidity event(s) occurred.
(iv) The purveyor of a system with alternate, department-approved sources or sufficient treated water storage may avoid a turbidity event by implementing operational adjustments to prevent water with a turbidity exceeding 5.0 NTU from being delivered to consumers.
(v) When an alternate source or treated water storage is used during periods when the turbidity of the surface or GWI source exceeds 5.0 NTU, the purveyor shall not put the surface or GWI source back online, until the source water turbidity is 5.0 NTU or less.
(3) Site-specific conditions to remain unfiltered.
(a) Level of inactivation.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that the Giardia lamblia cyst and virus inactivation levels required under WAC 246-290-692(1) are met in at least eleven of the twelve previous calendar months that the system served water to the public.
(ii) A system failing to meet the inactivation requirements during two of the twelve previous calendar months that the system served water to the public may remain unfiltered, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that at least one of the failures was caused by unusual and unpredictable circumstances.
(iii) To make a demonstration, the purveyor shall submit to the department a written report documenting the reasons for the failure. The purveyor shall submit the report with the routine monitoring reports for the month in which the failure occurred.
(b) Redundant disinfection components or automatic shutoff.
The purveyor shall ensure that the requirement for redundant disinfection system components or automatic shutoff of water to the distribution system under WAC 246-290-692(3) is met at all times the system serves water to the public.
(c) Disinfectant residual entering the distribution system.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that the requirement for having a residual entering the distribution system under WAC 246-290-692(4) is met at all times the system serves water to the public.
(ii) A system failing to meet the disinfection requirement under (c)(i) of this subsection may remain unfiltered, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the failure was caused by unusual and unpredictable circumstances.
(iii) To make a demonstration, the purveyor shall submit to the department a written report documenting the reasons for the failure. The purveyor shall submit the report with the routine monitoring reports for the month in which the failure occurred.
(d) Disinfectant residuals within the distribution system.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that the requirement for maintaining a residual within the distribution system under WAC 246-290-692(5) is met on an ongoing basis.
(ii) A system failing to meet the disinfection requirements under (d)(i) of this subsection may remain unfiltered, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the failure was caused by something other than a deficiency in source water treatment.
(iii) To make a demonstration, the purveyor shall submit to the department a written report documenting the reasons for the failure. The purveyor shall submit the report with the routine monitoring reports for the month in which the failure occurred.
(e) Watershed control.
(i) The purveyor shall develop and implement a department-approved watershed control program.
(ii) The purveyor shall monitor, limit, and control all facilities and activities in the watershed affecting source quality to preclude degradation of the physical, chemical, microbiological (including viral contamination and contamination by Cryptosporidium oocysts), and radiological quality of the source. The purveyor shall demonstrate, through ownership and/or written agreements acceptable to the department, control of all human activities that may adversely impact source quality.
(iii) At a minimum, the purveyor's watershed control program shall:
(A) Characterize the watershed hydrology and land ownership;
(B) Identify watershed characteristics and activities that may adversely affect source water quality; and
(C) Monitor the occurrence of activities that may adversely affect source water quality.
(iv) If the department determines significant changes have occurred in the watershed, the purveyor shall submit, within ninety days of notification, an updated watershed control program to the department for review and approval.
(v) The department may require an unfiltered system to conduct additional monitoring to demonstrate the adequacy of the watershed control program.
(vi) A purveyor shall be considered out of compliance when failing to:
(A) Have a department-approved watershed control program;
(B) Implement the watershed control program to the satisfaction of the department; or
(C) Conduct additional monitoring as directed by the department.
(f) On-site inspections.
(i) The department shall conduct on-site inspections to assess watershed control and disinfection treatment.
(ii) The department shall conduct annual inspections unless more frequent inspections are deemed necessary to protect the health of consumers served by the system.
(iii) For a system to remain unfiltered, the on-site inspection shall indicate to the department's satisfaction that the watershed control program and disinfection treatment comply with (e) of this subsection and WAC 246-290-692, respectively.
(iv) The purveyor with unsatisfactory on-site inspection results shall take action as directed by the department in accordance with a department-established schedule.
(g) Waterborne disease outbreak.
(i) To remain unfiltered, a system shall not have been identified by the department as the cause of a waterborne disease outbreak attributable to a failure in treatment of the surface or GWI source.
(ii) The purveyor of a system identified by the department as the cause of a waterborne disease outbreak may remain unfiltered, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that system facilities and/or operations have been sufficiently modified to prevent another waterborne disease outbreak.
(h) E. coli MCL.
(i) For a system to remain unfiltered, the purveyor shall ensure that the MCL for E. coli under WAC 246-290-310 is met in at least eleven of the twelve previous calendar months the system served water to the public.
(ii) A system failing to meet the criteria in (i) of this subsection, may remain unfiltered, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the E. coli MCL violations were not caused by a deficiency in source water treatment.
(iii) The department shall determine the adequacy of source water treatment based on results of total coliform monitoring at the entry to the distribution system in accordance with WAC 246-290-694(3).
(i) Disinfectant residuals MRDL and disinfection byproducts MCLs - Monitoring and compliance.
For a system to remain unfiltered, the purveyor shall comply with the monitoring and MCL requirements under WAC 246-290-300(6) and 246-290-310 (5) and (6), respectively.
(j) Laboratory services.
(i) For a system to remain unfiltered, the purveyor shall retain the services of the public health laboratory or another laboratory certified by the department to analyze samples for total and fecal coliform. Laboratory services shall be available on an as needed basis, seven days a week, including holidays. The purveyor shall identify in the annual comprehensive report required under WAC 246-290-696 the certified laboratory providing these services.
(ii) The department may waive this requirement, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that an alternate, department-approved source is used when the turbidity of the surface or GWI source exceeds 1.0 NTU.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-690, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-690, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-690, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-690, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-690, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-691

Criteria for unfiltered systems with a "limited alternative to filtration" to remain unfiltered.

(1) For a system providing a limited alternative to filtration, the purveyor using a surface water or GWI source shall meet the source quality and site-specific conditions under this section.
(2) Source water turbidity requirements.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that the turbidity level in representative source water samples taken before primary disinfection does not exceed 5.0 NTU.
(b) A system with more than two turbidity events in the twelve previous calendar months the water was served to the public or more than five turbidity events in the one hundred twenty previous calendar months the water was served to the public shall expand the scope of its next annual comprehensive report required under WAC 246-290-696(6) to include:
(i) A description of the events;
(ii) A summary of previous turbidity events;
(iii) A proposed plan of corrective action; and
(iv) A schedule for implementing the action plan.
(3) Site-specific requirements.
(a) Level of inactivation.
(i) The purveyor shall ensure that the removal and/or inactivation levels required under WAC 246-290-630(11) are met in at least eleven of the twelve previous calendar months that the system served water to the public.
(ii) A system failing to meet the inactivation requirements in (a)(i) of this subsection in two or more months of the previous twelve calendar months the system served water to the public shall expand the scope of its annual comprehensive report required under WAC 246-290-696(6) to include:
(A) A description of the failure(s);
(B) A summary of previous inactivation failures;
(C) A proposed plan of corrective action; and
(D) A schedule for implementing the action plan.
(b) Watershed control.
(i) The watershed must not be allowed to be inhabited, except for those designated individuals and for those periods of time each year that would be directly associated with the protection of the watershed.
(ii) The purveyor shall develop and implement a department-approved watershed control program.
(iii) The purveyor shall monitor, limit, and control all facilities and activities in the watershed affecting source quality to preclude degradation of the physical, chemical, microbiological (including viral and Cryptosporidium oocysts contamination), and radiological quality of the source. The purveyor shall demonstrate, through ownership and/or written agreements acceptable to the department, control of all human activities that may adversely impact source quality.
(iv) At a minimum, the purveyor's watershed control program shall:
(A) Characterize the watershed hydrology and land ownership;
(B) Identify watershed characteristics and activities that may adversely affect source water quality; and
(C) Monitor the occurrence of activities that may adversely affect source water quality.
(v) If the department determines significant changes have occurred in the watershed, the purveyor shall submit, within ninety days of notification, an updated watershed control program to the department for review and approval.
(vi) The purveyor may be required to conduct additional monitoring to demonstrate the adequacy of the watershed control program.
(vii) A purveyor shall be considered out of compliance when failing to:
(A) Have a department-approved watershed control program;
(B) Implement the watershed control program to the satisfaction of the department;
(C) Conduct additional monitoring as directed by the department; or
(D) Prevent the human inhabitation of the watershed, except during the periods of time when conducting watershed protection activities as provided in (b)(i) of this subsection.
(c) On-site inspections.
(i) The purveyor shall submit to on-site inspections by the department to assess watershed control and disinfection treatment.
(ii) The purveyor shall submit to annual inspections by the department unless more frequent inspections are deemed necessary to protect the health of consumers served by the system.
(iii) The purveyor with unsatisfactory on-site inspection results shall take action as directed by the department in accordance with a department-established schedule.
(d) Waterborne disease outbreak.
(i) The system shall not be identified by the department as the cause of a waterborne disease outbreak attributable to a failure in treatment of the surface or GWI source.
(ii) A system identified by the department as the cause of a waterborne disease in (d)(i) of this subsection shall expand the scope of its annual comprehensive report required under WAC 246-290-696(6) to include:
(A) A description of the outbreak;
(B) A summary of previous waterborne disease outbreaks attributed to the system;
(C) A proposed plan of corrective action; and
(D) A schedule for implementing the action plan.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-691, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-691, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99.]


PDF246-290-692

Disinfection for unfiltered systems.

(1) General requirements.
(a) The purveyor without a limited alternative to filtration shall:
(i) Provide continuous disinfection treatment to ensure at least 99.9 percent (3-log) inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and 99.99 percent (4-log) inactivation of viruses at all times the system serves water to the public.
(ii) Failure to provide the required inactivation level on more than one day in any calendar month shall be considered a treatment technique violation.
(b) The purveyor with a limited alternative to filtration shall meet the treatment requirements in WAC 246-290-630(11) at all times the system serves water to the public.
(c) The purveyor may be required to provide greater levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, other pathogenic microorganisms of public health concern, and viruses to protect the health of consumers.
(2) Determining the level of inactivation.
(a) Each day the system without a limited alternative to filtration serves water to the public, the purveyor, using procedures and CT99.9 values specified in 40 C.F.R. 141.74, Vol. 54, No. 124, (published June 29, 1989), shall determine:
(i) CT values using the system's treatment parameters and calculate the total inactivation ratio achieved by disinfection; and
(ii) Whether the system's disinfection treatment process is achieving the minimum levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts and viruses required by the department. For purposes of determining compliance with the inactivation requirements specified in subsection (1) of this section, no credit shall be granted for disinfection applied to a source water with a turbidity greater than 5.0 NTU.
(b) Each day the system with a limited alternative to filtration serves water to the public, the purveyor, using appropriate guidance, shall determine:
(i) CT values using the system's treatment parameters and calculate the total inactivation ratio achieved by disinfection; and
(ii) Whether the system's treatment process is achieving the minimum levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, or other pathogenic organisms of health concern including Cryptosporidium oocysts that would be greater than what would be expected from the combination of filtration plus chlorine disinfection.
(c) The purveyor shall be considered in compliance with the daily inactivation requirement when a total inactivation ratio equal to or greater than 1.0 is achieved.
(d) The purveyor of a system using a disinfectant or combination of disinfectants may use CT values lower than those specified in (a) of this subsection, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the required levels of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, and, if providing a limited alternative to filtration, any other pathogenic organisms of public health concern including Cryptosporidium oocysts, can be achieved using the lower CT values.
(e) The purveyor of a system using preformed chloramines or adding ammonia to the water before chlorine shall demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that the system achieves at least 99.99 percent (4-log) inactivation of viruses.
(3) The purveyor using either unfiltered or "limited alternative to filtration" treated sources shall ensure that disinfection facilities provide either:
(a) Redundant components, including an auxiliary power supply with automatic start up and alarm, to ensure continuous disinfection. Redundancy shall ensure that both the minimum inactivation requirements and the requirement for a 0.2 mg/L residual disinfectant concentration at entry to the distribution system are met at all times water is delivered to the distribution system; or
(b) Automatic shutoff of delivery of water to the distribution system when the residual disinfectant concentration in the water is less than 0.2 mg/L. Automatic shutoff shall be allowed only in systems where the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that automatic shutoff will not endanger health or interfere with fire protection.
(4) Disinfectant residual entering the distribution system.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that water entering the distribution system contains a residual disinfectant concentration, measured as free or combined chlorine, of at least 0.2 mg/L at all times the system serves water to the public; and
(b) Failure to provide a 0.2 mg/L residual at entry to distribution for more than four hours on any day shall be considered a treatment technique violation.
(5) Disinfectant residuals within the distribution system.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that the residual disinfectant concentration in the distribution system, measured as total chlorine, free chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide, is detectable in at least ninety-five percent of the samples taken each calendar month. The department may approve a written request to use a lower value. At a minimum, the request to use a lower value must identify the instrument used to measure the residual disinfectant concentration and include the manufacturer's documentation on the instrument's accuracy to measure the lower value.
(b) The purveyor of a system that purchases completely treated surface or GWI water as determined by the department shall comply with the requirements specified in (a) of this subsection.
(c) Water in the distribution system with an HPC level less than or equal to 500 organisms/ml is considered to have a detectable residual disinfectant concentration.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-692, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-692, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-692, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-692, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-692, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-692, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-694

Monitoring for unfiltered systems.

(1) Source coliform monitoring for systems without a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that source water samples of each surface or GWI source are representative and:
(i) Collected before the first point of disinfectant application; and
(ii) Analyzed for fecal coliform density in accordance with methods acceptable to the department.
(b) The purveyor shall ensure source samples are collected for fecal coliform analysis each week the system serves water to the public based on the following schedule:
Population
Served
Minimum
Number/week*
25
-
500
1
501
-
3,300
2
3,301
-
10,000
3
10,001
-
25,000
4
˃25,000
 
5
*Must be taken on separate days.
(c) Each day the system serves water to the public and the turbidity of the source water exceeds 1.0 NTU, the purveyor shall ensure one representative source water sample is collected before the first point of disinfectant application and analyzed for fecal coliform density. This sample shall count toward the weekly source coliform sampling requirement.
(d) The purveyor using a surface water or GWI source and that meets the criteria to remain unfiltered under WAC 246-290-690, shall collect at least one routine sample near the first service connection each day the turbidity level of the source water, measured as specified under WAC 246-290-694, exceeds 1 NTU. This sample must be analyzed for the presence of total coliform. When one or more turbidity measurements in any day exceed 1 NTU, the system must collect this coliform sample within twenty-four hours of the first exceedance, unless the department determines that the system, for logistical reasons outside the system's control, cannot have the sample analyzed within thirty hours of collection. Sample results from this coliform monitoring must be included in determining compliance with the E. coli MCL under WAC 246-290-310 (2)(b) and exceeding treatment technique triggers under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(a).
(e) A purveyor shall not be considered in violation of (c) of this subsection, if the purveyor demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that, for valid logistical reasons outside the purveyor's control, the additional fecal coliform sample could not be analyzed within a time frame acceptable to the department.
(2) Source coliform monitoring for systems with a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) The purveyor shall ensure that source water samples of each surface or GWI source are:
(i) Collected before the first point of primary disinfection; and
(ii) Analyzed for fecal coliform density in accordance with methods acceptable to the department.
(b) At a minimum, the purveyor shall ensure source samples are collected for fecal coliform analysis at a frequency equal to ten percent the number of routine coliform samples collected within the distribution system each month under WAC 246-290-300, or once per calendar month, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of one sample per day.
(3) Coliform monitoring at entry to distribution for systems without a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) The purveyor shall collect and have analyzed one coliform sample at the entry point to the distribution system each day that a routine or repeat coliform sample is collected within the distribution system under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e) through (g).
(b) The purveyor shall use the results of the coliform monitoring at entry to distribution along with inactivation ratio monitoring results to demonstrate the adequacy of source treatment.
(4) Source turbidity monitoring for systems without a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) The purveyor shall continuously monitor and record turbidity:
(i) On representative source water samples before the first point of primary disinfectant application; and
(ii) In accordance with the analytical techniques in WAC 246-290-638.
(b) If source water turbidity is not the same as the turbidity of water delivered to consumers, the purveyor shall continuously monitor and record turbidity of water delivered.
(5) Source turbidity monitoring for systems with a limited alternative to filtration. The purveyor shall:
(a) Continuously monitor turbidity on representative source samples before the first point of primary disinfection application;
(b) Record continuous turbidity measurements at equal intervals, of at least four hours, in accordance with a department-approved sampling schedule; and
(c) Conduct monitoring in accordance with the analytical techniques under WAC 246-290-638.
(6) Monitoring the level of inactivation.
(a) Each day the system is in operation, the purveyor shall determine the total level of inactivation of Giardia lamblia cysts, viruses, and, if providing a limited alternative to filtration, any other pathogenic organisms of health concern including Cryptosporidium oocysts, achieved through disinfection.
(b) At least once per day, the purveyor shall monitor the following parameters to determine the total inactivation ratio achieved through disinfection:
(i) Temperature of the disinfected water at each residual disinfectant concentration sampling point used for CT calculations; and
(ii) If using chlorine, pH of the disinfected water at each chlorine residual disinfectant concentration sampling point used for CT calculations.
(c) Each day during peak hourly flow, the purveyor shall:
(i) Determine disinfectant contact time, T, to the point at which C is measured; and
(ii) Measure the residual disinfectant concentration, C, of the water at the point for which T is calculated. The C measurement point must be before or at the first consumer.
(7) Monitoring the residual disinfectant concentration entering the distribution system for either unfiltered systems, or systems using a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) Systems serving more than thirty-three hundred people.
(i) The purveyor shall continuously monitor and record the residual disinfectant concentration of water entering the distribution system and report the lowest value each day.
(ii) If the continuous monitoring equipment fails, the purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration on grab samples collected at least every four hours at the entry to the distribution system while the equipment is being repaired or replaced. The purveyor shall have continuous monitoring equipment back online within five working days following failure.
(b) Systems serving thirty-three hundred or less people.
(i) The purveyor shall collect grab samples or use continuous monitoring and recording to measure the residual disinfectant concentration entering the distribution system.
(ii) A purveyor choosing to take grab samples shall collect:
(A) Samples at the following minimum frequencies:
 
Population
Served
Number/day
25
-
500
1
501
-
1,000
2
1,001
-
2,500
3
2,501
-
3,300
4
(B) At least one of the grab samples at peak hourly flow based on historical flows for the system; and
(C) The remaining sample or samples at intervals evenly spaced over the time the system is disinfecting water that will be delivered to the public.
(iii) When grab samples are collected and the residual disinfectant concentration at the entry to distribution falls below 0.2 mg/L, the purveyor shall collect a grab sample every four hours until the residual disinfectant concentration is 0.2 mg/L or more.
(8) Monitoring residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system for either unfiltered systems, or systems using a limited alternative to filtration.
(a) The purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system at the same time and location that a routine or repeat coliform sample is collected under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e) through (g) or once per day, whichever is greater.
(b) The purveyor of a system that purchases completely treated surface or GWI water as determined by the department shall comply with the requirements of (a) of this subsection or as otherwise directed by the department under WAC 246-290-300(2). At a minimum, the purveyor shall measure the residual disinfectant concentration within the distribution system at the same time and location that a routine or repeat coliform sample is collected under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e) through (g).
(c) The purveyor may measure HPC within the distribution system in lieu of measuring the residual disinfectant concentration under this subsection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-694, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-694, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-694, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-694, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-694, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-694, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-694, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-696

Reporting for unfiltered systems.

(1) The purveyor shall report to the department as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four hours after the purveyor learns of any of the following events:
(a) A waterborne disease outbreak potentially attributable to the water system occurs;
(b) The turbidity of water delivered to the public exceeds 5.0 NTU;
(c) The minimum level of inactivation required by the department is not met;
(d) The residual disinfectant concentration falls below 0.2 mg/L at the entry point to the distribution system. The purveyor shall also report whether the residual was restored to 0.2 mg/L or more within four hours; or
(e) The surface or GWI source is taken off-line due to an emergency.
(2) The purveyor shall report results of monitoring conducted in accordance with WAC 246-290-694 to the department. Monthly report forms shall be submitted within ten days after the end of each month the system served water to the public.
(3) The purveyor shall report, at a minimum, all the information requested by the department using a department-approved form or format including:
(a) Water quality information, including the results of both:
(i) Source coliform monitoring; and
(ii) Source turbidity monitoring.
(b) Disinfection monitoring information, including:
(i) Level of inactivation achieved;
(ii) Residual disinfectant concentrations entering the distribution system; and
(iii) Residual disinfectant concentrations within the distribution system.
(c) A summary of water quality complaints received from consumers served by the water system.
(4) The purveyor of a system that purchases completely treated water shall:
(a) Report results of distribution system residual disinfectant concentration monitoring to the department using department-approved forms or format; and
(b) Submit forms to the department in accordance with subsection (2) of this section or as otherwise directed by the department.
(5) A person certified under chapter 246-292 WAC shall complete and sign the monthly report forms required in this section.
(6) Beginning in 1992, by October 10th of each year, the purveyor shall submit to the department an annual comprehensive report that summarizes the:
(a) Effectiveness of the watershed control program and identifies, at a minimum, the following:
(i) Activities in the watershed that are adversely affecting source water quality;
(ii) Changes in the watershed that have occurred within the previous year that could adversely affect source water quality;
(iii) Activities expected to occur in the watershed in the future and how the activities will be monitored and controlled;
(iv) The monitoring program the purveyor uses to assess the adequacy of watershed protection including an evaluation of sampling results; and
(v) Special concerns about the watershed and how the concerns are being addressed;
(b) System's compliance with the criteria to remain unfiltered under WAC 246-290-690, or, when applicable, the criteria required if the system provides a limited alternative to filtration under WAC 246-290-691; and
(c) Significant changes in system design and/or operation that have occurred within the previous year that impact the ability of the system to comply with the criteria to remain unfiltered, or, if applicable, the ability of the system to provide a limited alternative to filtration in accordance with WAC 246-290-692.
(7) The purveyor of a system attempting to remain unfiltered or to remain with a limited alternative to filtration shall submit a Filtration Decision Report at the request of the department. The report shall:
(a) Provide the information by which the department may determine whether a system continues to meet the criteria to remain unfiltered or, if applicable, the criteria allowing the provision of a limited alternative to filtration; and
(b) Be submitted on a schedule as specified by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-696, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.02.050 [43.20.050]. WSR 99-07-021, § 246-290-696, filed 3/9/99, effective 4/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 94-14-001, § 246-290-696, filed 6/22/94, effective 7/23/94; WSR 93-08-011 (Order 352B), § 246-290-696, filed 3/25/93, effective 4/25/93.]


PDF246-290-71001

Public notification.

(1) The purveyor shall notify the water system users and the owner or operator of any consecutive water system served in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.201 through 208. Notice is to be provided when the system violates a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation and when any of the situations listed in Table 1 of 40 C.F.R. 141.201 occur, except for (a)(3)(ii). Public notifications for violations and other situations are categorized into the following Tiers:
(a) Tier 1 as described in Table 1 of 40 C.F.R. 141.202(a);
(b) Tier 2 as described in Table 1 of 40 C.F.R. 141.203(a); or
(c) Tier 3 as described in Table 1 of 40 C.F.R. 141.204(a).
(2) The purveyor shall initiate consultation with the department as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four hours after they learn their system has a Tier 1 violation or situation in order to determine if additional public notice is required. The purveyor shall comply with any additional public notification requirements established as a result of the consultation.
(3) The purveyor shall notify the water system users when the system:
(a) Is issued a department order;
(b) Fails to comply with a department order; or
(c) Is issued a category red operating permit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-71001, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-71001, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71001, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71002

Public notice content.

(1) Public notices required under WAC 246-290-71001(1) must contain the elements and standard language required under 40 C.F.R. 141.205 (a), (b), and (d) and be presented in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.205 (c), except that notification of the availability of results required per 40 C.F.R. 141.40 and notification of an exceedance of the secondary MCL for fluoride must be in accordance with WAC 246-290-71005.
(2) Public notices required under WAC 246-290-71001 (3)(a) and (c) for the issuance of a departmental order or category red operating permit must include:
(a) A clear, concise, and simple explanation of the violation;
(b) Discussion of potential adverse health effects and any segments of the population that may be at higher risk;
(c) Mandatory health effects information in accordance with WAC 246-290-71004(2);
(d) A list of steps the purveyor has taken or is planning to take to remedy the situation;
(e) A list of steps the consumer should take, including advice on seeking an alternative water supply if necessary;
(f) The purveyor's name and telephone number; and
(g) When appropriate, notices must be bilingual or multilingual.
Note:
The purveyor may provide additional information to further explain the situation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-71002, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71002, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71003

Public notification distribution.

(1) Purveyors must provide public notice as required under WAC 246-290-71001(1) according to Tier designation generally described in 40 C.F.R. 141.201. The form, manner, timing and frequency for each Tier of public notice, as defined in Table 2 of 40 C.F.R. 141.201 shall be in accordance with:
(a) 40 C.F.R. 141.202 for Tier 1 public notice.
(b) 40 C.F.R. 141.203 for Tier 2 public notice.
(c) 40 C.F.R. 141.204 for Tier 3 public notice.
(2) In addition, notice to new billing units and consumers must be given in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.206.
(3) Purveyors of community, NTNC and TNC systems shall provide notice as described in this subsection, or as described in a departmental order within three months of receipt of a departmental order, or a category red operating permit. The purveyor shall provide the department with a copy of the notice at the time the purveyor notifies the public.
(a) Purveyors of community and NTNC systems shall provide newspaper notice to water system users.
(i) "Newspaper notice," as used above, means publication in a daily newspaper of general circulation or in a weekly newspaper of general circulation if a daily newspaper does not serve the area. The purveyor may substitute a community or homeowner's association newsletter or similar periodical publication if the newspaper reaches all affected consumers within the specified time.
(ii) The purveyor shall substitute a posted notice in the absence of a newspaper of general circulation or homeowner's association newsletter or similar periodical publication. The purveyor shall post the notice within the time frame specified in this subsection.
(b) Purveyors of TNC systems shall post a notice or notify consumers by other methods authorized by the department for receipt of a red operating permit.
(c) The purveyor shall place posted notices in conspicuous locations and present the notices in a manner making them easy to read. Notices shall remain posted until the violation is corrected.
(d) The purveyor of a community or NTNC water system shall give a copy of the most recent public notice for all outstanding violations to all new billing units or new hookups before or at the time water service begins.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71003, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71004

Public notification mandatory language.

(1) Public notice required under WAC 246-290-71001(1) must contain any specific health effects language set forth in WAC 246-290-72012 in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.205 (d)(1) and other standard language in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.205 (d)(2) and (3), except that notification of the availability of results required per 40 C.F.R. 141.40 and notification of the exceedance of the secondary MCL for fluoride must be in accordance with WAC 246-290-71005.
(2) The purveyor shall provide specific mandatory language, contained in department guidance, in its notification when the purveyor is issued a category red operating permit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-71004, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71004, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71005

Special public notification requirements.

(1) The purveyor of community or NTNC water systems required to monitor under 40 C.F.R. 141.40 shall notify the water system users of the availability of the results of monitoring for unregulated contaminants no later than twelve months after the monitoring results are known. The form and manner of the public notice to the water system users shall be in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.204 (c), (d)(1), and (d)(3). The notice must also identify a person and provide the telephone number to contact for information on the monitoring results.
(2) The purveyor of a community water system that exceeds the fluoride secondary MCL of 2.0 mg/L but does not exceed the fluoride primary MCL of 4.0 mg/L shall provide notice, in accordance with the form, manner, timing, distribution, and content requirements of 40 C.F.R. 141.208.
(3) The purveyor of a water system using surface water or GWI sources that repeatedly fails to monitor for Cryptosporidium or determine the bin classification or mean Cryptosporidium level, must notify the public under 40 C.F.R. 141.211.
(4) The purveyor of a community groundwater system that receives notice from the department of a significant deficiency or an E. coli positive groundwater source sample that is not invalidated by the department, must notify the public under WAC 246-290-72013.
(5) The purveyor of a noncommunity groundwater system with a significant deficiency that has not been corrected within twelve months of being notified or earlier if directed must notify the public under WAC 246-290-72013. The system must continue to notify the public annually until the significant deficiency is corrected. The information must include:
(a) The nature of the significant deficiency and the date it was identified by the department;
(b) A department-approved plan and schedule for correcting the significant deficiency including interim measures, progress to date, and which interim measures have been completed;
(c) In communities with a large proportion of non-English speaking consumers, the notice must contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice or contain a telephone number or address where the consumers may contact the system to obtain a translated copy of the notice or assistance with the appropriate language; and
(d) If directed by the department, a system with significant deficiencies that have been corrected must inform its customers of the significant deficiencies, how the deficiencies were corrected, and the date(s) of correction under (a) through (c) of this subsection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-71005, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-71005, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71005, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71006

Public notice for contaminants with a SAL and other unregulated contaminants.

(1) The purveyor shall provide public notice to the water system users when the department determines that a contaminant exceeds a SAL listed in WAC 246-290-315, Table 9.
(2) The public notice must be in conformance with the requirements under WAC 246-290-71001 through 246-290-71004 and based upon the public notice tier designation of the contaminant or group of contaminants in Table 17 of this section.
TABLE 17
PUBLIC NOTICE TIER DESIGNATION FOR CONTAMINANTS WITH A SAL
Contaminant or Group of Contaminants
Public Notice Tier
Bioaccumulative
PFOA
Tier 2
Yes
PFOS
Tier 2
Yes
PFHxS
Tier 2
Yes
PFNA
Tier 2
Yes
PFBS
Tier 2
Yes
(a) The purveyor shall complete public notice for an initial exceedance of a Tier 1 designated SAL within twenty-four hours of confirmation, and for every subsequent quarter in which analytical results exceed a SAL.
(b) The purveyor shall complete public notification for an initial exceedance of a Tier 2 designated SAL as soon as practical, but no less than within thirty days of exceeding the SAL per Table 9 in WAC 246-290-315, and every three months thereafter as long as the results continue to exceed the SAL per Table 9 in WAC 246-290-315, or as directed by the department.
(3) The department may require public notice for other unregulated contaminants that are reported per requirements in WAC 246-390-075.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-71006, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71006, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-71007

Public notification special provisions.

(1) When circumstances dictate, the purveyor shall give a broader or more immediate notice to protect public health. The department may require the purveyor's notification by whatever means necessary.
(2) When the state board of health grants a public water system a waiver, the purveyor shall notify consumers and new billing units or new customers before water service begins. The purveyor shall provide a notice annually and send a copy to the department.
(3) The department may give notice to the water system users and the owner or operator of any consecutive water system served as required by this section on behalf of the water purveyor. However, the purveyor remains responsible for ensuring Part 7, Subpart A requirements are met.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-71007, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03.]


PDF246-290-72001

Purpose and applicability of the consumer confidence report requirements.

WAC 246-290-72001 through 246-290-72012 establishes minimum requirements for the content of annual reports that community water systems must deliver to their customers. WAC 246-290-72013 establishes additional requirements for the content of annual reports that community water systems using groundwater must deliver to their customers. These reports must contain information on the quality of the water delivered by the systems and characterize the risks (if any) from exposure to contaminants detected in the drinking water in an accurate and understandable manner.
(1) This section applies only to community water systems.
(2) For the purpose of WAC 246-290-72001 through 246-290-72013:
(a) "Customers" means billing units or service connections to which water is delivered by a community water system.
(b) "Detected" means at or above the SDRLs under chapter 246-390 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-72001, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-72001, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-72001, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72001, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-72001, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72001, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72002

Reporting dates.

(1) Each existing community water system must deliver its report by July 1 annually. Each annual report must contain data collected during, or prior to, the previous calendar year as required by WAC 246-290-72005(3).
(2) A new community water system must deliver its first report by July 1 of the year after its first full calendar year in operation and annually thereafter.
(3) A community water system that sells water to another community water system must deliver the applicable information required in WAC 246-290-72003 through 246-290-72009 to the buyer system:
(a) No later than April 1 annually; or
(b) On a date mutually agreed upon by the seller and the purchaser, and specifically included in a contract between the parties.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72002, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72003

Report contents—Source water.

Information on the source of the water delivered:
(1) Each report must identify the source(s) of the water delivered by the community water system by providing information on:
(a) The type of the water, for example, surface water, groundwater, spring water, or purchased water; and
(b) The commonly used name (if any) and location of the body (or bodies) of water.
(2) If a source water assessment has been completed, the report must notify consumers of the availability of this information and the means to obtain it. In addition, systems are encouraged to highlight in the report significant sources of contamination in the source water area if they have readily available information.
(3) Where a system has received a source water assessment from the department, the report must include a brief summary of the system's susceptibility to potential sources of contamination, using language provided by the department or written by the purveyor.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-72003, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72003, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72004

Report contents—Definitions.

(1) Each report must include the following definitions:
(a) Maximum contaminant level goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
(b) Maximum contaminant level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
(2) A report for a community water system operating under a variance or an exemption issued under WAC 246-290-060 must include the following definition: Variances and exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.
(3) A report that contains data on contaminants that the Environmental Protection Agency regulates using any of the following terms must include the applicable definitions:
(a) Treatment technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
(b) Action level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
(c) Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or MRDLG: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
(d) Maximum residual disinfectant level or MRDL: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
(4) A report that contains level 1 or level 2 assessment information must include the applicable definitions:
(a) Level 1 assessment: A level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine, if possible, why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
(b) Level 2 assessment: A level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine, if possible, why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and, if applicable, why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
(5) A report that contains information regarding a detection of a contaminant with a SAL must include the following definition: State action level (SAL) means the concentration of a contaminant or group of contaminants, without an MCL, in drinking water established to protect public health and which, if exceeded, triggers actions a water system purveyor must take. SALs are established for contaminants without an MCL, federal action level, or treatment technique.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-72004, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-72004, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72004, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72005

Report contents—Information on detected contaminants.

(1) This section specifies the requirements for information to be included in each report for contaminants subject to mandatory monitoring. It applies to:
(a) Contaminants subject to an MCL, federal action level, SAL, TT, or MRDL (regulated contaminants); and
(b) Detected contaminants without an MCL, federal action level, SAL, TT, or MRDL for which monitoring is required.
(2) The data relating to these contaminants must be displayed in one table or in several adjacent tables. Any additional monitoring results which a community water system chooses to include in its report must be displayed separately.
(3) The data must be derived from data collected to comply with EPA and state monitoring and analytical requirements during the previous calendar year except where a system is allowed to monitor for regulated contaminants less than once a year, the table(s) must include the date and results of the most recent sampling and the report must include a brief statement indicating that the data presented in the report are from the most recent testing done in accordance with the regulations. No data older than five years need be included.
(4) For detected regulated contaminants listed in WAC 246-290-72012, the table(s) must contain:
(a) The MCL or SAL for that contaminant expressed as a number equal to or greater than 1.0 (as provided in WAC 246-290-72012);
(b) The MCLG for that contaminant expressed in the same units as the MCL;
(c) If there is no MCL or SAL for a detected contaminant, the table must indicate that there is a treatment technique, or specify the action level, applicable to that contaminant, and the report must include the definitions for treatment technique and/or action level, as appropriate, specified in WAC 246-290-72004;
(d) For contaminants with a SAL, or contaminants with an established MCL, except turbidity, and E. coli, the highest contaminant level used to determine compliance with a SAL or a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation and the range of results, as follows:
(i) When compliance with the MCL or SAL is determined annually or less frequently: The highest detected level at any sampling location and the range of results expressed in the same units as the MCL or SAL.
(ii) When compliance with the MCL or SAL is determined by calculating a running annual average of all samples taken at a sampling location: The highest average of any of the sampling locations and the range of all sampling locations expressed in the same units as the MCL or SAL. For the TTHM and HAA5 MCLs determined on the basis of the LRAA, systems must include the highest LRAA for TTHM and HAA5 and the range of individual sample results for all monitoring locations expressed in the same units as the MCL. If more than one location exceeds the TTHM or HAA5 MCL, the system must include the LRAA for all locations that exceed the MCL.
(iii) When compliance with the MCL is determined on a system-wide basis by calculating a running annual average of all samples at all sampling points: The average and range of detection expressed in the same units as the MCL. The system is required to include individual sample results for the IDSE conducted under WAC 246-290-300 (6)(b)(i)(F) when determining the range of TTHM and HAA5 results to be reported in the annual consumer confidence report for the calendar year that the IDSE samples were taken.
(iv) Note to WAC 246-290-72005 (4)(d): When rounding of results to determine compliance with the MCL or SAL is allowed by the regulations, rounding should be done prior to multiplying the results by the factor listed in WAC 246-290-72012;
(e) For turbidity.
(i) When it is reported under chapter 246-290 WAC Part 6, Subpart C: The highest average monthly value.
(ii) When it is reported under the requirements of chapter 246-290 WAC Part 6, Subpart D: The highest monthly value. The report should include an explanation of the reasons for measuring turbidity.
(iii) When it is reported under chapter 246-290 WAC Part 6, Subpart B: The highest single measurement and the lowest monthly percentage of samples meeting the turbidity limits specified in chapter 246-290 WAC Part 6, Subpart B for the filtration technology being used. The report should include an explanation of the reasons for measuring turbidity;
(f) For lead and copper: The 90th percentile value of the most recent round of sampling and the number of sampling sites exceeding the action level;
(g) For E. coli analytical results under WAC 246-290-300 (3)(e) through (g): The total number of positive samples; and
(h) The likely source(s) of detected contaminants to the best of the purveyor's knowledge. Specific information regarding contaminants may be available in sanitary surveys and source water assessments, and should be used when available to the purveyor. If the purveyor lacks specific information on the likely source, the report must include one or more of the typical sources for that contaminant listed in WAC 246-290-72012 which are most applicable to the system.
(5) If a community water system distributes water to its customers from multiple hydraulically independent distribution systems that are fed by different raw water sources, the table should contain a separate column for each service area and the report should identify each separate distribution system. Alternatively, systems could produce separate reports tailored to include data for each service area.
(6) The table(s) must clearly identify any data indicating violations of MCLs, MRDLs, or treatment techniques and the report must contain a clear and readily understandable explanation of the violation including: The length of the violation, the potential adverse health effects, and actions taken by the system to address the violation. To describe the potential health effects, the system must use the relevant language of WAC 246-290-72012.
(7) Detected contaminants without an MCL, SAL, federal action level, TT or MRDL for which monitoring is required, the table must contain the average and range at which the contaminant was detected. The report may include a brief explanation of the reasons for monitoring for unregulated contaminants.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-72005, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-72005, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 09-21-045, § 246-290-72005, filed 10/13/09, effective 1/4/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72005, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-72005, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72005, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72006

Report contents—Information on Cryptosporidium, radon, and other contaminants.

(1) If the system has performed any monitoring for Cryptosporidium, and the results indicate that Cryptosporidium may be present in the source water or the finished water, the report must include:
(a) A summary of the results of the monitoring; and
(b) An explanation of the significance of the results.
(2) If the system has performed any monitoring for radon which indicates that radon may be present in the finished water, the report must include:
(a) The results of the monitoring; and
(b) An explanation of the significance of the results.
(3) If the system has performed additional monitoring which indicates the presence of other contaminants in the finished water, the department strongly encourages systems to report any results which may indicate a health concern. To determine if results may indicate a health concern, the department recommends that systems find out if EPA has proposed a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation or issued a health advisory for that contaminant by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 800-426-4791). EPA considers detects above a proposed MCL or health advisory level to indicate possible health concerns. For the contaminants, the department recommends that the report include:
(a) The results of the monitoring; and
(b) An explanation of the significance of the results noting the existence of a health advisory or a proposed regulation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72006, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72006, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72007

Report contents—Compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

In addition to the requirements of WAC 246-290-72005(6), the report must note any violation that occurred during the year covered by the report of a requirement listed below, and include a clear and readily understandable explanation of the violation, any potential adverse health effects, and the steps the system has taken to correct the violation.
(1) Monitoring and reporting of compliance data;
(2) Filtration and disinfection prescribed by chapter 246-290 WAC, Part 6. For systems which have failed to install adequate filtration or disinfection equipment or processes, or have had a failure of the equipment or processes which constitutes a violation, the report must include the following language as part of the explanation of potential adverse health effects: Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
(3) Lead and copper control requirements prescribed by WAC 246-290-025, specifically 40 C.F.R. 141.80 through 141.91: For systems which fail to take one or more actions prescribed by WAC 246-290-025, specifically 40 C.F.R. 141.80 through 141.84, the report must include the applicable language of WAC 246-290-72012 for lead, copper, or both.
(4) Treatment techniques for Acrylamide and Epichlorohydrin prescribed by WAC 246-290-480 (2)(k). For systems which violate the requirements of WAC 246-290-480 (2)(k), the report must include the relevant language from WAC 246-290-72012.
(5) Recordkeeping of compliance data.
(6) Special monitoring requirements prescribed under WAC 246-290–310(3); and
(7) Violation of the terms of a variance, an exemption, or an administrative or judicial order.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-72007, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72007, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-72007, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72007, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72008

Report contents—Variances and exemptions.

If a system is operating under the terms of a variance or an exemption issued under WAC 246-290-060, the report must contain:
(1) An explanation of the reasons for the variance or exemption;
(2) The date on which the variance or exemption was issued;
(3) A brief status report on the steps the system is taking to install treatment, find alternative sources of water, or otherwise comply with the terms and schedules of the variance or exemption; and
(4) A notice of any opportunity for public input in the review, or renewal, of the variance or exemption.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72008, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72009

Report contents—Additional information.

(1) The report must contain a brief explanation regarding contaminants which may reasonably be expected to be found in drinking water including bottled water. This explanation may include the language of (a) through (c) of this subsection or systems may use their own comparable language. The report also must include the language of (d) of this subsection.
(a) The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
(b) Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
(i) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
(ii) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
(iii) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
(iv) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
(v) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
(c) In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency and/or the Washington state board of health prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration and/or the Washington state department of agriculture regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.
(d) Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 800-426-4791).
(2) The report must include the telephone number of the owner, operator, or designee of the community water system as a source of additional information concerning the report.
(3) In communities with a large proportion of non-English speaking residents, the report must contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the report or contain a telephone number or address where such residents may contact the system to obtain a translated copy of the report or assistance in the appropriate language.
(4) The report must include information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water, such as the time and place of meetings.
(5) The systems may include such additional information as they deem necessary for public education consistent with, and not detracting from, the purpose of the report.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72009, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72010

Report contents—Required additional health information.

All reports must prominently display the following language: Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Environmental Protection Agency/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 800-426-4791).
(1) Beginning in the report due by July 1, 2002, a system which detects arsenic levels above 0.005 mg/L and up to and including 0.010 mg/L:
(a) Must include in its report a short informational statement about arsenic, using language such as: While your drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA's standard balances the current understanding of arsenic's possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
(b) May write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the department.
(2) A system which detects nitrate at levels above 5 mg/l, but below the MCL:
(a) Must include a short informational statement about the impacts of nitrate on children using language such as: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue-baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.
(b) May write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the department.
(3) All reports must include a short informational statement about lead in drinking water and its effects on children.
(a) The statement must include the following information: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. (name of utility) is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for thirty seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
(b) A system may write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050(2) and 70.119A.080. WSR 12-08-044, § 246-290-72010, filed 3/30/12, effective 4/30/12; WSR 11-17-062, § 246-290-72010, filed 8/15/11, effective 10/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72010, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-72010, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-72010, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72010, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72011

Report delivery and recordkeeping.

Each community water system must mail or otherwise directly deliver one copy of the report to each customer.
(1) The system must make a good faith effort to reach consumers who do not get water bills. The department expects that an adequate good faith effort will be tailored to the consumers who are served by the system but are not bill-paying customers, such as renters or workers. A good faith effort to reach consumers would include a mix of methods appropriate to the particular system such as: Posting the reports on the internet; mailing to postal patrons in metropolitan areas; advertising the availability of the report in the news media; publication in a local newspaper; posting in public places such as cafeterias or lunch rooms of public buildings; delivery of multiple copies for distribution by single-biller customers such as apartment buildings or large private employers; delivery to community organizations.
(2) No later than the date the system is required to distribute the report to its customers, each community water system must submit a copy of the report to the department, followed within three months by a certification that the report has been distributed to customers, and that the information is correct and consistent with the compliance monitoring data previously submitted to the department.
(3) No later than the date the system is required to distribute the report to its customers, each community water system must deliver the report to any other agency or clearinghouse identified by the department.
(4) Each community water system must make its reports available to the public upon request.
(5) Each community water system serving one hundred thousand or more persons must post its current year's report to a publicly accessible site on the internet.
(6) Any system subject to WAC 246-290-72001 through 246-290-72012 must retain copies of its consumer confidence report for no less than three years.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72011, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72011, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]


PDF246-290-72012

Regulated contaminants.

Contaminant
MCL or SAL
(units match lab results)
To convert
lab results
for CCR,
multiply by
MCL or
SAL in
CCR units
MCLG in CCR units
Major Sources in
Drinking Water
Health Effects Language
Microbiological Contaminants
Total Coliform Bacteria
TT
-
TT
0
Naturally present in the environment
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments.
E. coli
Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.
-
Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli-positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.
0
Human and animal fecal waste
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.
Fecal indicators (E. coli)
TT
-
TT
0
Human and animal fecal waste
Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Total organic carbon
TT
-
TT
N/A
Naturally present in the environment
Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, total organic carbon provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.
Turbidity
TT
-
TT
N/A
Soil runoff
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
Giardia lamblia Viruses Cryptosporidium
TT
-
TT
0
Human and animal fecal waste
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria
TT
-
TT
N/A
HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Legionella
TT
-
TT
0
Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Radioactive Contaminants
Beta/photon emitters
4 mrem/yr
-
4 mrem/yr
0
Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Alpha emitters [gross alpha excluding uranium and radon]
15 pCi/l
-
15 (pCi/L)
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Combined radium [226 & 228]
5 pCi/l
-
5 (pCi/L)
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Uranium
30 ppb
-
30 ppb
0
Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity.
Inorganic Contaminants
Antimony
.006 ppm
1000
6 ppb
6 ppb
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
Some people who drink water containing antimony well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience increases in blood cholesterol and decreases in blood sugar.
Arsenic
0.010 ppm
1000
10 ppb
0
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Asbestos
7 MFL
-
7 MFL
7 MFL
Decay of asbestos cement water mains; Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
Barium
2 ppm
-
2 ppm
2 ppm
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.
Beryllium
.004 ppm
1000
4 ppb
4 ppb
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; Discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.
Cadmium
.005 ppm
1000
5 ppb
5 ppb
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from metal refineries; Runoff from waste batteries and paints
Some people who drink water containing cadmium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.
Chromium
.1 ppm
1000
100 ppb
100 ppb
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits
Some people who use water containing chromium well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience allergic dermatitis.
Copper
TT
AL = 1.3 ppm
-
TT
AL = 1.3 ppm
1.3 ppm
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor.
Cyanide
.2 ppm
1000
200 ppb
200 ppb
Discharge from steel/metal factories; Discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.
Fluoride
4 ppm
-
4 ppm
4 ppm
Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water at half the MCL or more may cause mottling of children's teeth, usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums.
Lead
TT
AL = .015 ppm
1000
TT
AL = 15 ppb
0
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Mercury [inorganic]
.002 ppm
1000
2 ppb
2 ppb
Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from refineries and factories; Runoff from landfills; Runoff from cropland
Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience kidney damage.
Nitrate
 
-
10.0 ppm
10.0 ppm
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.
Nitrite
1.0 ppm
-
1.0 ppm
1.0 ppm
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.
Selenium
.05 ppm
1000
50 ppb
50 ppb
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines
Selenium is an essential nutrient. However, some people who drink water containing selenium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation.
Thallium
.002 ppm
1000
2 ppb
0.5 ppb
Leaching from ore-processing sites; Discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
Some people who drink water containing thallium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver.
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
Bromate
.010 ppm
1000
10 ppb
0
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Chloramines
MRDL = 4 ppm
-
MRDL = 4 ppm
MRDLG = 4 ppm
Water additive used to control microbes
Some people who use drinking water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramines well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort or anemia.
Chlorine
MRDL = 4 ppm
-
MRDL = 4 ppm
MRDLG = 4 ppm
Water additive used to control microbes
Some people who use drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.
Chlorite
1 ppm
-
1 ppm
0.8 ppm
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant mothers who drink water containing chlorite in excess of the MCL. Some people may experience anemia.
Chlorine dioxide
MRDL =
.8 ppm
1000
MRDL = 800 ppb
MRDLG = 800 ppb
Water additive used to control microbes
Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant mothers who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may experience anemia.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
60 ppb
-
60 ppb
N/A for combined dichloroacetic acid = 0; monochloroacetic acid = 70 ppb; trichloroacetic acid = 20 ppb
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Total Trihalomethanes [TTHMs]
80 ppb
-
80 ppb
N/A
(chloroform = 70 ppb; dibromochloromethane = 60 ppb; bromoform = 0; bromodichloromethane = 0)
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Synthetic Organic Contaminants including Pesticides and Herbicides
2,4-D
70 ppb
-
70 ppb
70 ppb
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing the weed killer 2,4-D well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands.
2,4,5-TP [Silvex]
50 ppb
-
50 ppb
50 ppb
Residue of banned herbicide
Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
Alachlor
2 ppb
-
2 ppb
0
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing alachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Atrazine
3 ppb
-
3 ppb
3 ppb
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Some people who drink water containing atrazine well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their cardiovascular system or reproductive difficulties.
Benzo(a)pyrene [PAH]
.2 ppb
1000
200 ppt
0
Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines
Some people who drink water containing benzo(a)pyrene in excess of the MCL over many years may experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Carbofuran
40 ppb
-
40 ppb
40 ppb
Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa
Some people who drink water containing carbofuran in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood, or nervous or reproductive systems.
Chlordane
2 ppb
-
2 ppb
0
Residue of banned termiticide
Some people who drink water containing chlordane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dalapon
200 ppb
-
200 ppb
200 ppb
Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way
Some people who drink water containing dalapon well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience minor kidney changes.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
400 ppb
-
400 ppb
400 ppb
Discharge from chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience toxic effects or reproductive difficulties.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
6 ppb
-
6 ppb
0
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate well in excess of the MCL over many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dibromochloropropane [DBCP]
.2 ppb
1000
200 ppt
0
Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
Some people who drink water containing DBCP in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Dinoseb
7 ppb
-
7 ppb
7 ppb
Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables
Some people who drink water containing dinoseb well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.
Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD]
.03 ppt
1,000
30 ppb
0
Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; Discharge from chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing dioxin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Diquat
.02 ppb
1000
20 ppt
20 ppt
Runoff from herbicide use
Some people who drink water containing diquat in excess of the MCL over many years could get cataracts.
Endothall
100 ppb
-
100 ppb
100 ppb
Runoff from herbicide use
Some people who drink water containing endothall in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their stomach or intestines.
Endrin
2 ppb
-
2 ppb
2 ppb
Residue of banned insecticide
Some people who drink water containing endrin in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.
Ethylene dibromide
.05 ppb
1000
50 ppt
0
Discharge from petroleum refineries
Some people who drink water containing ethylene dibromide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Glyphosate
700 ppb
-
700 ppb
700 ppb
Runoff from herbicide use
Some people who drink water containing glyphosate in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or reproductive difficulties.
Heptachlor
.4 ppb
1000
400 ppt
0
Residue of banned pesticide
Some people who drink water containing heptachlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Heptachlor epoxide
.2 ppb
1000
200 ppt
0
Breakdown of heptachlor
Some people who drink water containing heptachlor epoxide in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver damage, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Hexachlorobenzene
1 ppb
-
1 ppb
0
Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing hexachlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, or adverse reproductive effects, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
50 ppb
-
50 ppb
50 ppb
Discharge from chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing hexachlorocyclopentadiene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or stomach.
Lindane
.2 ppb
1000
200 ppt
200 ppt
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens
Some people who drink water containing lindane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their kidneys or liver.
Methoxychlor
40 ppb
-
40 ppb
40 ppb
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor in excess of the MCL over many years could experience reproductive difficulties.
Oxamyl [Vydate]
200 ppb
-
200 ppb
200 ppb
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes and tomatoes
Some people who drink water containing oxamyl in excess of the MCL over many years could experience slight nervous system effects.
PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls]
.5 ppb
1000
500 ppt
0
Runoff from landfills; Discharge of waste chemicals
Some people who drink water containing PCBs in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their skin, problems with their thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Pentachlorophenol
1 ppb
-
1 ppb
0
Discharge from wood preserving factories
Some people who drink water containing pentachlorophenol in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
PFOA
10 ppt
-
10 ppt
N/A
Run-off or leaching from firefighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants
Some people who drink water containing PFOA in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cholesterol, liver, thyroid or immune system; have high blood pressure during pregnancy, have babies with lower birthweights; and be at higher risk of getting certain types of cancers.
PFOS
15 ppt
-
15 ppt
N/A
Run-off or leaching from firefighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants
Some people who drink water containing PFOS in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cholesterol, liver, thyroid, kidney, or immune systems; or have children with lower birthweights.
PFHxS
65 ppt
-
65 ppt
N/A
Run-off or leaching from firefighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants
Some people who drink water containing PFHxS in excess of the SAL over many years may experience liver or immune problems, or thyroid hormone problems during pregnancy and infancy. It is possible that exposed children may have increased risk of abnormal behavior.
PFNA
9 ppt
-
9 ppt
N/A
Run-off or leaching from firefighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants
Some people who drink water containing PFNA in excess of the SAL over many years may experience cholesterol, immune, liver or reproductive problems. Children exposed prenatally may have lower birthweights and increased risk of abnormal development.
PFBS
345 ppt
-
345 ppt
N/A
Run-off or leaching from firefighting foam, industrial discharge, and landfills; wastewater treatment plants
Some people who drink water containing PFBS in excess of the SAL may experience higher risk of cholesterol, liver, kidney or thyroid problems. Early life is the most sensitive period for altered thyroid hormone; sensitive populations include persons who are pregnant, nursing or less than a year old.
Picloram
500 ppb
-
500 ppb
500 ppb
Herbicide runoff
Some people who drink water containing picloram in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
Simazine
4 ppb
-
4 ppb
4 ppb
Herbicide runoff
Some people who drink water containing simazine in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their blood.
Toxaphene
3 ppb
-
3 ppb
0
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle
Some people who drink water containing toxaphene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their kidneys, liver, or thyroid, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Volatile Organic Contaminants
Benzene
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from factories; Leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills
Some people who drink water containing benzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Carbon tetrachloride
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities
Some people who drink water containing carbon tetrachloride in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Chlorobenzene
100 ppb
-
100 ppb
100 ppb
Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing chlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
o-Dichlorobenzene
600 ppb
-
600 ppb
600 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing o-dichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory systems.
p-Dichlorobenzene
75 ppb
-
75 ppb
75 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing p-dichlorobenzene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience anemia, damage to their liver, kidneys, or spleen, or changes in their blood.
1,2-Dichloroethane
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,1-Dichloroethylene
7 ppb
-
7 ppb
7 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,1-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
70 ppb
-
70 ppb
70 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing cis-1,2-dichloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
100 ppb
-
100 ppb
100 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing trans-1,2-dichloroethylene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver.
Dichloromethane
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from pharmaceutical and chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have liver problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,2-Dichloropropane
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Ethylbenzene
700 ppb
-
700 ppb
700 ppb
Discharge from petroleum refineries
Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.
Styrene
100 ppb
-
100 ppb
100 ppb
Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; Leaching from landfills
Some people who drink water containing styrene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or circulatory system.
Tetrachloroethylene
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
0
Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
Some people who drink water containing tetrachloroethylene in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
70 ppb
-
70 ppb
70 ppb
Discharge from textile-finishing factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene well in excess of the MCL over many years could experience changes in their adrenal glands.
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
200 ppb
-
200 ppb
200 ppb
Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, nervous system, or circulatory system.
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
5 ppb
-
5 ppb
3 ppb
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing 1,1,2-trichloroethane well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or immune systems.
Toluene
1000 ppm
-
1000 ppm
1000 ppm
Discharge from petroleum factories
Some people who drink water containing toluene well in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their nervous system, kidneys, or liver.
Vinyl Chloride
2 ppb
-
2 ppb
0
Leaching from PVC piping: Discharge from plastics factories
Some people who drink water containing vinyl chloride in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Xylenes
10,000 ppb
-
10,000 ppb
10,000 ppb
Discharge from petroleum factories; Discharge from chemical factories
Some people who drink water containing xylenes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience damage to their nervous system.
Treatment Technique Violations
Acrylamide
TT
-
TT
0
Added to water during sewage/ wastewater treatment
Some people who drink water containing high levels of acrylamide over a long period of time could have problems with their nervous system or blood, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Epichlorohydrin
TT
-
TT
0
Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals
Some people who drink water containing high levels of epichlorohydrin over a long period of time could experience stomach problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Groundwater rule TT violations
TT
-
TT
N/A
-
Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches.
Key
 
AL = Action Level
 
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
 
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
 
MFL = million fibers per liter
 
MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
 
MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal
 
mrem/year = millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)
 
N/A = Not Applicable
 
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units (a measure of water clarity)
 
pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
 
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
 
ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/L)
 
ppt = parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
 
ppq = parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter (pg/L)
 
SAL = state action level
 
TT = Treatment Technique
 
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-72012, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-72012, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17; WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-72012, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-72012, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 04-04-056, § 246-290-72012, filed 1/30/04, effective 3/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2) and (3) and 70.119A.080. WSR 03-08-037, § 246-290-72012, filed 3/27/03, effective 4/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-15-080, § 246-290-72012, filed 7/19/00, effective 8/19/00.]
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency.


PDF246-290-72013

Report contents—Groundwater systems.

(1) This section specifies the requirements for information to be included in each report for groundwater systems. It applies to the following situations:
(a) A significant deficiency that is uncorrected at the time of the report;
(b) An E. coli positive groundwater sample that is not invalidated under WAC 246-290-320 (2)(g)(vii) at the time of the report.
(2) The system must report annually the information in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section until the department determines the significant deficiency or E. coli positive groundwater sample is addressed under WAC 246-290-453(1).
(3) Each report must include:
(a) The nature of the significant deficiency or the source of the fecal contamination and the date the significant deficiency was identified by the department or the dates of the E. coli positive source water samples;
(b) If the fecal contamination has been addressed under WAC 246-290-453(1) and the date of such action;
(c) For each significant deficiency or fecal contamination that has not been addressed under WAC 246-290-453(1), the department-approved plan and schedule for correction, including interim measures, progress to date, and any interim measures completed;
(d) If the system receives notice as described in subsection (1)(b) of this section, the potential health effects language in WAC 246-290-72012, regulated contaminants.
(4) If directed by the department, a system with significant deficiencies that have been corrected before the next report must inform its customers of:
(a) The significant deficiency;
(b) How the significant deficiency was corrected; and
(c) The date of correction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 10-20-068, § 246-290-72013, filed 9/29/10, effective 11/1/10.]


PART 8.
WATER USE EFFICIENCY

PDF246-290-800

Purpose and applicability.

(1) The purpose of Part 8 is to:
(a) Define requirements for water use efficiency programs in water system plans developed under WAC 246-290-100 and small water systems management programs developed under WAC 246-290-105.
(b) Establish a water distribution system leakage standard.
(c) Define process requirements for water use efficiency goal setting.
(d) Establish water use efficiency performance reporting requirements.
(2) The requirements of Part 8 of this chapter apply to public water systems that supply water for municipal water supply purposes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-800, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]


PDF246-290-810

Water use efficiency program.

(1) Water system plans and small water system management programs submitted for approval for the first year after January 22, 2007, must describe the municipal water supplier's existing water use efficiency program. The municipal water supplier must continue existing levels of water use efficiency.
(2) Subsections (3) and (4) of this section apply to:
(a) Water system plans submitted to the department for approval under WAC 246-290-100 one year after the effective date of this rule.
(b) Small water system management programs developed and implemented or submitted to the department for approval one year after the effective date of this rule.
(3) Municipal water suppliers shall develop and implement a water use efficiency program which includes sufficient cost-effective water use efficiency measures to meet the water use efficiency goals developed under WAC 246-290-830.
(4) Municipal water suppliers shall complete the following items in the water use efficiency program:
(a) Describe the current water use efficiency program;
(b) For systems serving one thousand or more total connections, estimate the amount of water saved through implementation of the water use efficiency program over the prior six or more years; the estimate may include the entire approval period of the most recent water system plan required under WAC 246-290-100;
(c) Describe the chosen water use efficiency goals and document the goals were established in accordance with WAC 246-290-830;
(d) Evaluate water use efficiency measures to determine if they are cost-effective as follows:
(i) Evaluate or implement, at a minimum, the number of water use efficiency measures specified in Table 18 of this section based on the system's total number of connections.
(ii) Evaluate or implement water use efficiency measures from the following categories of measures if they are applicable: Indoor residential, outdoor, and industrial/commercial/institutional.
(iii) For systems serving less than one thousand total connections, describe the evaluation process used to select water use efficiency measures.
(iv) For systems serving one thousand or more total connections, include the following criteria when evaluating water use efficiency measures:
(A) Quantitatively evaluate water use efficiency measures to determine if they are cost-effective from the system's perspective including the marginal costs of producing water.
(B) Address whether the water use efficiency measures are cost-effective if the costs are shared with other entities.
(C) Quantitatively or qualitatively evaluate water use efficiency measures to determine if they are cost-effective from the societal perspective.
Table 18
Number of connections
Less than 500
500-999
1,000-2,499
2,500-9,999
10,000-49,999
50,000 or more
Water use efficiency measures
1
4
5
6
9
12
(e) Describe all water use efficiency measures to be implemented over the next six or more years, including a schedule and a budget that demonstrates how the water use efficiency measures will be funded. Purveyors may submit a schedule and budget for the entire water system plan approval period, if the approval period is longer than six years;
(f) Describe how consumers will be educated on water use efficiency practices;
(g) Estimate projected water savings from selected water use efficiency measures;
(h) Describe how the water use efficiency program will be evaluated for effectiveness;
(i) Evaluate water distribution system leakage as follows:
(i) Include distribution system leakage annual totals in accordance with WAC 246-290-820 for each of the past six or more years. Purveyors shall submit distribution system leakage annual totals for the entire water system plan approval period if the approval period was longer than six years.
(ii) If necessary, include a copy of the water loss control action plan in accordance with WAC 246-290-820(4).
(iii) If all or portions of transmission lines are excluded when determining distribution system leakage, estimate the amount of leakage from the excluded portion of the transmission mains and describe how it is maintained to minimize leakage.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70A.125.080, and 70A.130.010. WSR 21-23-097, § 246-290-810, filed 11/17/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-810, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-810, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]


PDF246-290-820

Distribution system leakage standard.

(1) Municipal water suppliers shall determine distribution system leakage annually under subsection (2) of this section or an alternative methodology under subsection (3) of this section.
(a) Municipal water suppliers shall include (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection in water use efficiency performance reports developed under WAC 246-290-840 and water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810:
(i) Distribution system leakage totals calculated under subsection (2) of this section shall be recorded in annual percent and volume;
(ii) Distribution system leakage totals calculated under subsection (3) of this section shall include annual figures and the approved alternative methodology's numerical standard(s); and
(iii) For systems not fully metered, the status of meter installation and any actions taken to minimize leakage.
(b) Municipal water suppliers will be considered in compliance with this section if any of the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) Distribution system leakage calculated in accordance with subsection (2) of this section is ten percent or less for the last three-year average;
(ii) Distribution system leakage calculated under subsection (3) of this section meets the numerical standards for the approved alternative methodology for the last three-year average;
(iii) For systems serving less than five hundred total connections, distribution system leakage calculated in accordance with subsection (2) of this section is twenty percent or less for the last three-year average and the steps outlined in subsection (5) of this section are completed; or
(iv) A water loss control action plan has been developed and implemented under subsection (4) of this section and the system is meeting the implementation schedule.
(2) Calculate the percent of distribution system leakage annually using the following equation:
DSL = [(TP - AC)/(TP)] x 100
Where:
 
DSL
=
Percent of Distribution System Leakage (%)
 
TP
=
Total Water Produced and Purchased
 
AC
=
Authorized Consumption
(a) Total water produced and purchased, and authorized consumption must be calculated using data from meters installed under WAC 246-290-496. Elements of authorized consumption that cannot be metered, such as fire flow, must be estimated.
(b) All or portions of transmission lines may be excluded when determining distribution system leakage.
(c) Any water that cannot be accounted for shall be considered distribution system leakage.
(3) Municipal water suppliers may use an alternative methodology to calculate distribution system leakage if both (a) and (b) of this subsection are satisfied.
(a) The alternative methodology is contained in published standards or specifications of the department, Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, American Public Works Association, or American Society of Civil Engineers.
(b) The alternative methodology is approved for statewide use by the department, to provide a better evaluation of distribution system leakage than percent of total water produced and purchased, is appropriate for the system requesting to use it, and uses numerical standards so that compliance and action levels can be determined.
(4) If the average distribution system leakage for the last three years does not meet the standard calculated under subsection (1)(b)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section, the municipal water supplier shall develop and implement a water loss control action plan. Municipal water suppliers shall submit the water loss control action plan to the department as part of a water use efficiency program under WAC 246-290-810 and upon request by the department. The control methods described in a water loss control action plan shall be commensurate with the level of leakage reported. The following items shall be included in the water loss control action plan:
(a) The control methods necessary to achieve compliance with the distribution system leakage standard;
(b) An implementation schedule;
(c) A budget that demonstrates how the control methods will be funded;
(d) Any technical or economic concerns which may affect the system's ability to implement a program or comply with the standard including past efforts and investments to minimize leakage;
(e) If the average distribution system leakage calculated under subsection (2) of this section is greater than ten and less than twenty percent of total water produced and purchased, the water loss control action plan must assess data accuracy and data collection;
(f) If the average distribution system leakage calculated under subsection (2) of this section is between twenty and twenty-nine percent of total water produced and purchased, the water loss control action plan must include elements listed under (e) of this subsection and implementation of field activities such as actively repairing leaks or maintaining meters within twelve months of determining standard exceedance;
(g) If the average distribution system leakage calculated under subsection (2) of this section is at thirty percent or above the total water produced and purchased, the water loss control action plan must include elements listed under (e) and (f) of this subsection and include implementation of additional control methods to reduce leakage within six months of determining standard exceedance; and
(h) If the average distribution system leakage calculated under subsection (3) of this section is over the approved alternative methodology's numerical standard, the department will take appropriate compliance actions and work collaboratively with the municipal water supplier to ensure the control methods and level of activity are commensurate with the level of leakage.
(5) Systems serving less than five hundred total connections may submit a request to the department for approval of an average distribution system leakage up to twenty percent. The following information must be submitted to the department with the request:
(a) Production volume;
(b) Distribution system leakage volume;
(c) Evidence documenting that:
(i) A leak detection survey using best available technologies has been completed on the system within the past six years for purveyors required to develop a small water system management program under WAC 246-290-105 or within the approval period of the most recent water system plan for purveyors required to submit a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100;
(ii) All leaks found have been repaired;
(iii) The system is unable to locate additional leaks; and
(iv) Ongoing efforts to minimize leakage are included as part of the system's water use efficiency program; and
(d) Any technical concerns or economic concerns, or other system characteristics justifying the higher distribution system leakage.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-820, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180 and 43.20.050. WSR 08-03-061, § 246-290-820, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-820, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency.


PDF246-290-830

Water use efficiency goal setting.

(1) The elected governing board or governing body of the public water system shall establish water use efficiency goals within one year of the effective date of this rule for systems serving one thousand or more total connections, and within two years of the effective date of this rule for systems serving less than one thousand total connections.
(2) Water use efficiency goals must be designed to enhance the efficient use of water by the water system's consumers.
(3) If a municipal water supplier determines that further reductions over current consumption levels are not reasonably achievable, the municipal water supplier shall provide justification that considers historic water use efficiency performance and investment and any other factors that support that determination. Justification must be provided in water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810 and in water use efficiency performance reports developed under WAC 246-290-840.
(4) Municipal water suppliers must provide documentation when requested by the department and in water use efficiency programs developed under WAC 246-290-810 that demonstrates the following goal setting requirements have been met:
(a) Goals shall be set in a public forum that provides opportunity for consumers and the public to participate and comment on the water use efficiency goals;
(b) Public notice must occur at least two weeks prior to the public forum. Public notice must include the purpose, date, time, and place of the forum, and where materials supporting the rationale for the proposed goals can be reviewed;
(c) The elected governing board or governing body of the public water system shall review and consider all comments received;
(d) The following must be made available to the public for the purpose of fully documenting the basis for each goal:
(i) The information listed under WAC 246-290-810(4);
(ii) Annual water use efficiency performance reports prepared under WAC 246-290-840;
(iii) Water supply characteristics description in accordance with WAC 246-290-100 (4)(f)(iii)(B) or source description in accordance with WAC 246-290-105 (4)(f); and
(iv) A summary of the comments received and how they were considered.
(5) Existing public processes may be used if all requirements listed under subsection (4) of this section are met.
(6) Water use efficiency goals must include:
(a) Consideration of the system's forecasted demand and water supply characteristics;
(b) Measurable outcomes in terms of reduced or maintained water production or usage. Outcomes may be expressed on a per capita, per connection, total system, or other basis as deemed appropriate by the municipal water supplier;
(c) A schedule for achieving the water use efficiency goals; and
(d) Implementation schedule for each water use efficiency measure selected under WAC 246-290-810(4).
(7) The elected governing board or governing body of the public water system shall evaluate and reestablish water use efficiency goals following the process identified in subsection (4) of this section at least every six years for purveyors required to develop a small water system management program under WAC 246-290-105 or as part of developing or updating a water system plan for purveyors required to submit a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100.
(8) Water use efficiency goals may be changed at any time in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. Changes to goals must be identified in the next performance report.
(9) Water use efficiency programs must be modified if any water use efficiency goal is not met. Program modifications must be designed to achieve the system's water use efficiency goals.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.119A.080. WSR 17-01-062, § 246-290-830, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 08-12-019, § 246-290-830, filed 5/28/08, effective 7/1/08; WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-830, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]


PDF246-290-840

Water use efficiency performance reports.

(1) Municipal water suppliers shall develop an annual water use efficiency performance report and must:
(a) Send the water use efficiency performance reports to the department and the consumers by July 1st of each year for the previous year and make them available to the public;
(b) For systems serving one thousand or more total connections, develop the first water use efficiency performance report by July 1, 2008;
(c) For systems serving less than one thousand total connections, develop the first water use efficiency performance report by July 1, 2009; and
(d) Municipal water suppliers shall submit performance reports in a manner specified by the department.
(2) Water use efficiency performance reports shall include:
(a) Total annual production. Systems with multiple sources may provide aggregate data;
(b) Annual water distribution system leakage totals in accordance with WAC 246-290-820;
(c) A description of the system's water use efficiency goals set in accordance with WAC 246-290-830;
(d) A schedule for achieving the goals;
(e) A narrative description of progress toward achieving the goals; and
(f) Report the status of meter installation and all actions taken to minimize leakage.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-840, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07.]


PDF246-290-990

Water system evaluation and project review and approval fees.

(1) The fees for the review and approval of water system plans, project reports, construction documents, existing systems, and related evaluations required under chapters 246-290, 246-291, 246-293, 246-294, and 246-295 WAC are:
(a) Water system plans required under WAC 246-290-100, 246-290-105, 246-291-140, 246-293-220, and 246-293-230.
 
 
——————————————— Group A —————————————
 
Project Type
Group B
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
Water system plan (New and Updated)
$138
 
$491
 
$1,206
 
$2,280
 
$3,705
 
$5,484
 
Minor water system plan alteration
$31
 
$115
 
$293
 
$565
 
$919
 
$1,349
 
(b) Satellite management agency (SMA) plans for Group A and Group B water systems required under WAC 246-295-040.
 
————— Total Active or Approved Services —————
 
Project Type
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
SMA plan for ownership (New and Updated)
$491
 
$1,206
 
$2,280
 
$3,705
 
$5,484
 
SMA approval amendment
 
$102 per hour or appropriate fee from category above, whichever is less
 
SMA plan for operation only (New and Updated)
$1,206
 
$1,206
 
$1,206
 
$1,206
 
$1,206
 
Note:
SMAs owning water systems and submitting planning documents to the department for review shall be charged only the SMA fee.
(c) New plan elements required under WAC 246-290-100, 246-290-105, 246-290-125, 246-290-132, 246-290-135, 246-290-691, and 246-291-140 including:
(i) Water use efficiency; and
(ii) Wellhead protection, shall be reviewed separately by the department and the fee assessed shall reflect the time spent for this review and shall be calculated based on $102 per hour. After the initial submittal, updated information shall be reviewed as part of the updated water system plan and the review fee shall be included in the applicable updated plan review fee listed under (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(d) Project reports required under WAC 246-290-110 and design reports required under WAC 246-291-120.
 
 
——————————————— Group A —————————————
 
Project Type
Group B
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
All types of filtration or other complex treatment processes
$348
 
$710
 
$1,103
 
$1,598
 
$2,204
 
$2,922
 
Chemical addition only, such as ion exchange, hypochlorination, or fluoridation
$102
 
$205
 
$348
 
$525
 
$743
 
$994
 
Complete water system (an additional fee shall be assessed for review of treatment facility, if any)
$205
 
$491
 
$778
 
$1,137
 
$1,564
 
$2,061
 
System modifications requiring a detailed evaluation to determine whether the system, as modified, will comply with regulations (an additional fee shall be assessed for review of treatment facility, if any)
$138
 
$348
 
$565
 
$851
 
$1, 206
 
$1,626
 
Note:
In accordance with WAC 246-290-125, project reports are not required for minor projects that are described in sufficient detail in an approved water system plan, and have been reviewed as part of the process for approving the water system plan.
(e) Special reports or plans required under WAC 246-290-230, 246-290-235, 246-290-250, 246-290-470, 246-290-636, 246-290-640, 246-290-654, 246-290-676, 246-291-230 including:
(i) Corrosion control recommendation report;
(ii) Corrosion control study;
(iii) Plan to cover uncovered reservoirs;
(iv) Predesign study;
(v) Uncovered reservoir plan of operation;
(vi) Tracer study plan;
(vii) Surface water or GWI treatment facility operations plan;
(viii) Filtration pilot study; or
(ix) GWI determination reports, shall be reviewed by the department and the fee assessed shall reflect the time spent for this review and shall be calculated based on $102 per hour.
(f) Construction documents required under WAC 246-290-120 and design reports required under WAC 246-291-120.
 
 
——————————————— Group A —————————————
 
Project Type
Group B
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
All types of filtration or other complex treatment processes
$348
 
$710
 
$1,103
 
$1,598
 
$2,204
 
$2,922
 
Chemical addition only, such as ion exchange, hypochlorination, or fluoridation
$102
 
$205
 
$348
 
$525
 
$743
 
$994
 
Complete new water system except treatment (an additional fee shall be assessed for review of treatment facility, if any)
$281
 
$633
 
$919
 
$1,279
 
$1,709
 
$2,204
 
New source only (an additional fee shall be assessed for review of treatment facility, if any)
$205
 
$382
 
$525
 
$710
 
$919
 
$1,172
 
One or more of the following submitted as a package and not requiring a detailed evaluation as determined by the department: Water line installation, booster pump station, modifications to source pumping, piping-valving, controls or storage reservoir (an additional fee shall be assessed for review of treatment facility, if any)
$138
 
$241
 
$382
 
$565
 
$778
 
$1,027
 
Documents submitted for projects such as water line installation, booster pump stations, modifications to source pumping, piping/valving, controls or storage reservoirs as determined by the department where such projects:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comply with design standards established by the department;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Are prepared by a professional engineer in accordance with WAC 246-290-040; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Do not require a detailed evaluation by the department.
$64
 
$118
 
$198
 
$281
 
$389
 
$512
 
(g) Existing system approval required under WAC 246-290-140 and 246-291-130. For the purpose of this subsection the department shall determine whether a system is expanding or nonexpanding.
 
 
———————————————— Group A —————————————
 
Project Type
Group B
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
NONEXPANDING system not requiring a detailed evaluation by the department
$268
 
$539
 
$811
 
$1,083
 
$1,355
 
$1,626
 
NONEXPANDING system requiring a detailed evaluation as determined by the department
$404
 
$811
 
$1,229
 
$1,626
 
$2,034
 
$2,441
 
EXPANDING system not requiring a detailed evaluation by the department
$539
 
$1,083
 
$1,626
 
$2,169
 
$2,714
 
$3,256
 
EXPANDING system requiring a detailed evaluation as determined by the department
$676
 
$1,355
 
$2,034
 
$2,714
 
$3,391
 
$4,072
 
(h) Other evaluations and approvals. As applicable, these fees will be charged in addition to the basic fees assessed under (a) through (h) of this subsection.
 
 
——————————————— Group A———————————————
Project Type
Group B
<100
Services
100 to 500
Services
501 to 999
Services
1,000 to
9,999
Services
10,000
or more
Services
Well-site evaluation and approval including the site inspection and hydrogeologic information review.
$205
 
$309
 
$363
 
$451
 
$565
 
$710
 
Regulatory monitoring plan1
No plan
required
$198
 
$268
 
$337
 
$404
 
$471
 
Unfiltered system annual comprehensive report
Not
applicable
$404
 
$676
 
$947
 
$1,218
 
$1,489
 
1A comprehensive document containing coliform, inorganic chemical and organic chemical monitoring plans in accordance with WAC 246-290-300.
 
Water system compliance report
$115
 
$115
 
$115
 
$115
 
$115
 
$115
 
(2) To determine the appropriate fee for a noncommunity system, calculate the service equivalent by taking the average population served each day of operation and dividing by 25 for a transient noncommunity (TNC) system and two and one-half for nontransient noncommunity (NTNC) system. Use the number of service equivalents to find out what Group A size category to look under and submit the appropriate fee. (All noncommunity systems are Group A systems as described in WAC 246-290-020.)
(3) Additional review and approval fees may be assessed as follows:
(a) The basic fee covers an evaluation, or the review of an initial submittal and one resubmittal if required. If additional resubmittals are required, an additional 25 percent of the original fee will be assessed for each additional resubmittal. For water system plan and SMA plan preparation the basic fee also covers a preplanning conference;
(b) Fees for department project approval based on local technical review will be determined on a case-by-case basis as outlined in the applicable memorandum of understanding between the department and the respective local agency;
(c) Fees may be assessed for services which the department determines are not described under subsection (1) of this section. If assessed, the fees will be calculated based on a rate of $102 per hour.
Examples of these services include, but are not limited to:
(i) Collection of water quality samples requested by purveyor;
(ii) Review of alternate technologies requested by purveyor, manufacturer or authorized representative;
(iii) Sanitary surveys, including the time spent as part of the annual on-site inspections for systems under WAC 246-290-690(3) that is in addition to the time necessary to assess watershed control and disinfection treatment;
(iv) Well field designations; or
(v) Transfers of ownership under WAC 246-290-035 or 246-294-060.
(d) Additional fees assessed by the department shall be billed to the purveyor using an itemized invoice.
(4) If the legislature revises the water system operating permit fee under RCW 70A.125.100 to incorporate into it one or more fees for service currently assessed separately under this section, and the purveyor has paid that consolidated fee, the department shall not assess or collect a separate fee under this section for any such service.
(5) All fees required under this section except as noted in subsection (3) of this section, shall be submitted prior to the department's approval. Payment of fees shall be in the form of a check or money order made payable to: The Department of Health, P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, Washington 98507-1099. Payment of a fee shall not guarantee approval of the submitted document or evaluation request.
(6) Purveyors unable to determine the appropriate fee payment to submit should contact the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040 and 2020 c 20. WSR 22-07-025, § 246-290-990, filed 3/9/22, effective 4/9/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.110. WSR 12-05-079, § 246-290-990, filed 2/16/12, effective 3/18/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, 43.20B.020, and 2010 c 37. WSR 10-16-108, § 246-290-990, filed 8/2/10, effective 9/2/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250 and 43.20B.020. WSR 07-14-128, § 246-290-990, filed 7/3/07, effective 8/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.180. WSR 07-02-025B, § 246-290-990, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250 and 70.119.160. WSR 04-12-123, § 246-290-990, filed 6/2/04, effective 7/3/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, 43.20B.020, and 70.119.160. WSR 03-13-028, § 246-290-990, filed 6/10/03, effective 7/11/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250 and 70.119.160. WSR 02-01-065, § 246-290-990, filed 12/14/01, effective 1/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 00-02-015, § 246-290-990, filed 12/27/99, effective 1/27/00; WSR 99-12-022, § 246-290-990, filed 5/24/99, effective 6/24/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20B.020. WSR 98-11-068, § 246-290-990, filed 5/19/98, effective 6/19/98; WSR 97-12-032, § 246-290-990, filed 5/30/97, effective 6/30/97; WSR 95-20-079, § 246-290-990, filed 10/4/95, effective 11/4/95; WSR 93-01-006 (Order 315), § 246-290-990, filed 12/3/92, effective 1/3/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-290-990, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20A.055. WSR 87-14-066 (Order 2493), § 440-44-048, filed 7/1/87; WSR 83-14-038 (Order 1980), § 440-44-048, filed 6/30/83.]