Importance
of Training
The Drinking Water Academy provides sanitary survey training to upgrade
and maintain the ability of inspectors to conduct comprehensive, technically
sound sanitary surveys of small water systems.
Sanitary surveys have been a critical component of State drinking
water programs for decades. They are used to prevent and correct
sanitary deficiencies and are indispensable for ensuring the delivery
of safe water on a sustainable basis. When conducted properly and
with appropriate follow-up, sanitary surveys:
- Reduce the risk of waterborne disease;
- Provide an opportunity to educate system operators;
- Identify systems needing technical or capacity development assistance;
and
- Identify candidates for enforcement action.
Goal of Training
The EPA/State Joint Guidance on Sanitary Surveys (December
1995) outlines eight elements as integral components of a sanitary
survey. The DWA's goal is to provide sufficient training to ensure
that all sanitary surveys of small water systems address these eight
elements:
- Water source;
- Treatment;
- Distribution system;
- Finished water storage;
- Pumps, pump facilities and controls;
- Monitoring, reporting and data verification;
- Water system management and operations; and
- Operator compliance with State requirements.
New Regulatory Requirements
These eight components are also reflected in the interim enhanced
surface water treatment rule, which defines a sanitary survey as
"an on-site review of the water source, facilities, equipment,
operation, and maintenance of the public water system for the purpose
of evaluating the adequacy of such source, facilities, equipment,
operation, and maintenance for producing and distributing safe drinking
water." [40 CFR 141.2]
According to the requirements of that rule, States must complete
sanitary surveys for all surface water systems and systems using
ground water under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI)
on the following schedule:
|
Minimum
Frequency
|
Noncommunity water system
|
Every 5 years
|
Community water system
|
Every 3 years
|
Community water system with outstanding
performance based on prior sanitary surveys
|
Every 5 years
|
The proposed ground
water rule would extend these requirements to ground water systems.
|