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Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017) |
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Title 12. Health |
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Agency 5. Department of Health |
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Chapter 590. Waterworks Regulations |
Section 375. Lead and copper monitoring
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A. The owners of all community and nontransient noncommunity waterworks shall monitor for lead and copper in tap water (subsection B of this section), water quality (corrosion) parameters in the distribution system and at entry points (subsection C of this section), and lead and copper in water supplies (subsection D of this section).
B. Monitoring requirements for lead and copper in tap water.
1. Sample site location.
a. By the commissioner determined date for commencement of monitoring under subdivision B 4 a of this section, each owner shall complete a materials evaluation of the distribution system in order to identify a pool of targeted sampling sites that meets the requirements of this subdivision, and that is sufficiently large to ensure that the owner can collect the number of lead and copper tap samples required in subdivision B 3 of this section. All sites from which first draw samples are collected shall be selected from this pool of targeted sampling sites. Sampling sites may not include faucets that have point-of-use or point-of-entry treatment devices designed to remove inorganic contaminants.
b. When the distribution system evaluation required in subdivision B 1 a of this section is insufficient to locate the requisite number of lead and copper sampling sites that meet the targeting criteria of this section, the owner shall review the sources of information listed below in order to identify a sufficient number of sampling sites. In addition, the owner shall seek to collect such information where possible in the course of its normal operations (e.g., checking service line materials when reading water meters or performing maintenance activities):
(1) All plumbing codes, permits, and records in the files of the building department or departments that indicate the plumbing materials that are installed within publicly and privately owned structures connected to the distribution system;
(2) All inspections and records of the distribution system that indicate the material composition of the service connections that connect a structure to the distribution system; and
(3) All existing water quality information, which includes the results of all prior analyses of the waterworks or individual structures connected to the waterworks, indicating locations that may be particularly susceptible to high lead or copper concentrations.
c. The sampling sites selected for a community waterworks' sampling pool (tier 1 sampling sites) shall consist of single family structures that:
(1) Contain copper pipes with lead solder installed between January 1983 and April 1986 or contain lead pipes; or
(2) Are served by a lead service line.
NOTE: When multiple-family residences comprise at least 20% of the structures served by a waterworks, the owner may include these types of structures in the sampling pool.
d. The owner of any community waterworks with insufficient tier 1 sampling sites shall complete the sampling pool with tier 2 sampling sites consisting of buildings, including multiple-family residences that:
(1) Contain copper pipes with lead solder installed between January 1983 and April 1986 or contain lead pipes; or
(2) Are served by a lead service line.
e. The owner of any community waterworks with insufficient tier 1 and tier 2 sampling sites shall complete the sampling pool with tier 3 sampling sites, consisting of single family structures that contain copper pipes with lead solder installed before 1983. The owner of a community waterworks with insufficient tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 sampling sites shall complete the sampling pool with representative sites throughout the distribution system. For the purpose of this subdivision, a representative site is a site in which the plumbing materials used at that site would be commonly found at other sites served by the waterworks.
f. The sampling sites selected for a nontransient noncommunity waterworks (tier 1 sampling sites) shall consist of buildings that:
(1) Contain copper pipes with lead solder installed between January 1983 and April 1986 or contain lead pipes; or
(2) Are served by a lead service line.
g. The owner of a nontransient noncommunity waterworks with insufficient tier 1 sites that meet the targeting criteria in subdivision B 1 f of this section shall complete the sampling pool with sampling sites that contain copper pipes with lead solder installed before 1983. If additional sites are needed to complete the sampling pool, the owner of a nontransient noncommunity waterworks shall use representative sites throughout the distribution system. For the purpose of this subdivision, a representative site is a site in which the plumbing materials used at that site would be commonly found at other sites served by the waterworks.
h. The owner of any waterworks whose distribution system contains lead service lines shall draw 50% of the samples the owner collects during each monitoring period from sites that contain lead pipes, or copper pipes with lead solder, and 50% of the samples the owner collects from sites served by a lead service line. Any owner who cannot identify a sufficient number of sampling sites served by a lead service line shall collect first draw tap samples from all of the sites identified as being served by such lines.
2. Sample collection methods.
a. All tap samples for lead and copper, with the exception of lead service line samples collected under 12VAC5-590-405 C 4 and samples collected under subdivision B 2 e of this section, shall be first draw samples.
b. Each first-draw tap sample for lead and copper shall be one liter in volume and have stood motionless in the plumbing system of each sampling site for at least six hours. First draw samples from residential housing shall be collected from the cold-water kitchen tap or bathroom sink tap. First-draw samples from a nonresidential building shall be one liter in volume and shall be collected at an interior tap from which water is typically drawn for consumption. Non-first-draw samples collected in lieu of first-draw samples pursuant to subdivision B 2 e of this section shall be one liter in volume and shall be collected at an interior tap from which water is typically drawn for consumption. First draw samples may be collected by the owner or the owner may allow residents to collect first draw samples after instructing the residents of the sampling procedures specified in this subdivision. To avoid problems of residents handling nitric acid, acidification of first draw samples may be done up to 14 days after the sample is collected. After acidification to resolubilize the metals, the sample must stand in the original container for the time specified in the approved EPA method before the sample can be analyzed. If an owner allows residents to perform sampling, the owner may not challenge, based on alleged errors in sample collection, the accuracy of sampling results.
c. Each lead service line sample collected pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 C 4 for the purpose of avoiding replacement shall be one liter in volume and have stood motionless in the lead service line for at least six hours. Lead service line samples shall be collected in one of the following three ways:
(1) At the tap after flushing the volume of water between the tap and the lead service line. The volume of water shall be calculated based on the interior diameter and length of the pipe between the tap and the lead service line;
(2) Tapping directly into the lead service line; or
(3) If the sampling site is a building constructed as a single-family residence, allowing the water to run until there is a significant change in temperature that would be indicative of water that has been standing in the lead service line.
d. An owner shall collect each first draw tap sample from the same sampling site from which the owner collected a previous sample. If, for any reason, the owner cannot gain entry to a sampling site in order to collect a follow-up tap sample, the owner may collect the follow-up tap sample from another sampling site in the sampling pool as long as the new site meets the same targeting criteria and is within reasonable proximity of the original site.
e. The owner of a nontransient noncommunity waterworks, or a community waterworks that meets the criteria of 12VAC5-590-405 D 2 e (2) that does not have enough taps that can supply first-draw samples, as defined in subdivision B 2 b of this section, may apply to the district engineer in writing to substitute non-first-draw samples. If approved by the commissioner, such owners shall collect as many first-draw samples from appropriate taps as possible and identify sampling times and locations that would likely result in the longest standing time for the remaining sites.
3. Number of samples.
a. Owners shall collect at least one sample during each monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 of this section from the number of sites listed in the first column (standard monitoring) of the table in subdivision B 3 c of this section. The owner of a waterworks conducting reduced monitoring under subdivision B 4 d of this section shall collect at least one sample from the number of sites specified in the second column (reduced monitoring) of the table in subdivision B 3 c of this section during each monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 d of this section. Such reduced monitoring sites shall be representative of the sites required for standard monitoring. The commissioner may specify sampling locations when an owner is conducting reduced monitoring.
b. The owner of a waterworks that has fewer than five drinking water taps that are normally used for human consumption meeting the sample site criteria of subdivision B 1 of this section to reach the required number of sample sites listed in the table in subdivision B 3 c of this section, shall collect at least one sample from each tap and then shall collect additional samples from those taps on different days during the monitoring period to meet the required number of sites. Alternatively, the commissioner may allow these owners to collect a number of samples less than the number of sites specified in the table in subdivision B 3 c of this section, provided that 100% of all taps that are normally used for human consumption are sampled. The commissioner must approve this reduction of the minimum number of samples in writing based on a request from the owner or onsite verification by the district engineer.
c. The lead and copper tap sample table is as follows:
System Size (Number of People Served)
Number of Sites (Standard Monitoring)
Number of Sites (Reduced Monitoring)
greater than 100,000
100
50
10,001-100,000
60
30
3,301 to 10,000
40
20
501 to 3,300
20
10
101 to 500
10
5
less than or equal to 100
5
5
4. Timing of monitoring.
a. Initial tap sampling. The first six-month monitoring period for small (serving less than 3,300 population), medium-size (serving 3,301 to 50,000 population), and large waterworks (serving greater than 50,000 population) shall be established by the commissioner.
(1) Owners of all large waterworks shall monitor during two consecutive six-month periods.
(2) Owners of all small and medium-size waterworks shall monitor during each six-month monitoring period until the waterworks exceeds the lead or copper action level and is therefore required to implement the corrosion control treatment requirements under 12VAC5-590-405 A 2, in which case the owner shall continue monitoring in accordance with subdivision B 4 b of this section, or the waterworks meets the lead and copper action levels during two consecutive six-month monitoring periods, in which case the owner may reduce monitoring in accordance with subdivision B 4 d of this section.
b. Monitoring after installation of corrosion control and water supply (source water) treatment.
(1) The owner of any large waterworks that installs optimal corrosion control treatment pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 d (4) shall monitor during two consecutive six-month monitoring periods by the date specified in 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 d (5).
(2) The owner of any small or medium-size waterworks that installs optimal corrosion control treatment pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 e (5) shall monitor during two consecutive six-month monitoring periods by the date specified in 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 d (6).
(3) The owner of any waterworks that installs source water treatment pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 c shall monitor during two consecutive six-month monitoring periods by the date specified in 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 d.
c. Monitoring after the commissioner specifies water quality parameter values for optimal corrosion control. After the commissioner specifies the values for water quality control parameters under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f the owner shall monitor during each subsequent six-month monitoring period, with the first monitoring period to begin on the date the commissioner specifies the optimal values.
d. Reduced monitoring.
(1) The owner of a small or medium-size waterworks that meets the lead and copper action levels during each of two consecutive six-month monitoring periods may reduce the number of samples in accordance with subdivision B 3 of this section, and reduce the frequency of sampling to once per year. The owner of a small or medium water system collecting fewer than five samples as specified in subdivision B 3 b of this section, that meets the lead and copper action levels during each of two consecutive six-month monitoring periods may reduce the frequency of sampling to once per year. In no case may the owner reduce the number of samples required below the minimum of one sample per available tap. This sampling shall begin during the calendar year immediately following the end of the second consecutive six-month monitoring period.
(2) The owner of any waterworks that meets the lead action level and maintains the range of values for the water quality control parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f during each of two consecutive six-month monitoring periods may reduce the frequency of monitoring to once per year and to reduce the number of lead and copper samples in accordance with subdivision B 3 of this section if the owner receives written approval from the commissioner. This sampling shall begin during the calendar year immediately following the end of the second consecutive six-month monitoring period. The commissioner must review monitoring, treatment, and other relevant information submitted by the owner in accordance with 12VAC5-590-530 F and must notify the owner in writing when a determination is made that the owner is eligible to commence reduced monitoring pursuant to this subdivision. The commissioner must review, and where appropriate, revise his determination when the owner submits new monitoring or treatment data, or when other data relevant to the number and frequency of tap sampling becomes available.
(3) The owner of a small or medium-size waterworks that meets the lead and copper action levels during three consecutive years of monitoring may reduce the frequency of monitoring for lead and copper from annually to once every three years. The owner of any waterworks that meets the lead action level and maintains the range of values for the water quality control parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f during three consecutive years of monitoring may reduce the frequency of monitoring from annually to once every three years if the owner receives written approval from the commissioner. Samples collected once every three years shall be collected no later than every third calendar year. The commissioner must review monitoring, treatment, and other relevant information submitted by the owner in accordance with 12VAC5-590-530 F and must notify the owner in writing when a determination is made that the owner is eligible to commence reduced monitoring pursuant to this subdivision. The commissioner must review, and where appropriate, revise his determination when the owner submits new monitoring or treatment data, or when other data relevant to the number and frequency of tap sampling becomes available.
(4) The owner of a waterworks that reduces the number and frequency of sampling shall collect these samples from representative sites included in the pool of targeted sampling sites identified in subdivision B 1 of this section. Owners sampling annually or less frequently shall conduct the lead and copper tap sampling during the months of June, July, August, or September. For a nontransient noncommunity waterworks that does not operate during the months of June through September, the commissioner shall designate an alternate monitoring period that represents a time of normal operation for the waterworks. This sampling shall begin in the calendar year immediately following the end of the second consecutive six-month monitoring period of the owners initiating annual monitoring and during the three-year period following the end of the third consecutive calendar year of annual monitoring for the owners initiating triennial monitoring.
(5) The owner of any waterworks that demonstrates for two consecutive six-month monitoring periods that the tap water lead level computed under 12VAC5-590-385 C is less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L and the tap water copper level computed under 12VAC5-590-385 C is less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L may reduce the number of samples in accordance with subdivision B 3 of this section and reduce the frequency of sampling to once every three calendar years.
(6) The owner of a small or medium-size waterworks subject to reduced monitoring that exceeds the lead or copper action level shall resume sampling in accordance with subdivision B 4 c of this section and collect the number of samples specified for standard monitoring under subdivision B 3 of this section. Such owner shall also conduct water quality parameter monitoring in accordance with subdivision C 2, 3, or 4 of this section (as appropriate) during the monitoring period in which the action level is exceeded. The owner of any such waterworks may resume annual monitoring for lead and copper at the tap at the reduced number of sites specified in subdivision B 3 of this section after it has completed two subsequent consecutive six-month rounds of monitoring that meet the criteria of subdivision B 4 d (1) of this section or may resume triennial monitoring for lead and copper at the reduced number of sites after it demonstrates through subsequent rounds of monitoring that it meets the criteria of either subdivision B 4 d (3) or (5) of this section.
(7) The owner of any waterworks subject to the reduced monitoring frequency that fails to meet the lead action level during any four-month monitoring period or that fails to operate at or above the minimum value or within the range of values for the water quality parameters specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f for more than nine days in any six-month period specified in subdivision C 4 of this section shall conduct tap water sampling for lead and copper at the frequency specified in subdivision B 4 c of this section, collect the number of samples specified for standard monitoring under subdivision B 3 of this section, and resume monitoring for water quality parameters within the distribution system in accordance with subdivision C 4 of this section. This standard tap water sampling shall begin no later than the six-month period beginning January 1 of the calendar year following the lead action level exceedance or water quality parameter excursion. The owner of such a waterworks may resume reduced monitoring for lead and copper at the tap and for water quality parameters within the distribution system under the following conditions:
(a) The owner may resume annual monitoring for lead and copper at the tap at the reduced number of sites specified in subdivision B 3 of this section after completion of two subsequent six-month rounds of monitoring that meet the criteria of subdivision B 4 d 2 of this section and the owner has received written approval from the commissioner that it is appropriate to resume reduced monitoring on an annual frequency. This sampling shall begin during the calendar year immediately following the end of the second consecutive six-month monitoring period.
(b) The owner may resume triennial monitoring for lead and copper at the tap at the reduced number of sites after demonstration through subsequent rounds of monitoring that it meets the criteria of either subdivision B 4 d (3) or (5) of this section and the owner has received written approval from the commissioner that it is appropriate to resume triennial monitoring.
(c) The owner may reduce the number of water quality parameter tap water samples required in accordance with subdivision C 5 a of this section and the frequency with which it collects such samples in accordance with subdivision C 5 b of this section. The owner of such a waterworks may not resume triennial monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap until it demonstrates, in accordance with the requirements of subdivision C 5 b of this section, that it has requalified for triennial monitoring.
(8) The owner of any waterworks subject to a reduced monitoring frequency under subdivision B 4 d of this section shall notify the district engineer in writing in accordance with 12VAC5-590-530 F 1 c of any upcoming long-term change in treatment or addition of a new water source as described in this section. The commissioner must review and approve the addition of a new water source or long-term change in water treatment before it is implemented by the owner. The commissioner may require the owner to resume sampling in accordance with subdivision B 4 c of this section and collect the number of samples specified for standard monitoring under subdivision B 3 of this section or take other appropriate steps such as increased water quality parameter monitoring or re-evaluation of its corrosion control treatment given the potentially different water quality considerations.
5. Additional monitoring by owner. The results of any monitoring conducted in addition to the minimum requirements of this section shall be considered by the owner and the commissioner in making any determinations (i.e., calculating the 90th percentile lead or copper level) under 12VAC5-590-385 C.
6. Invalidation of lead or copper tap water samples. A sample invalidated under this subdivision does not count toward determining lead or copper 90th percentile levels under 12VAC5-590-385 C or toward meeting the minimum monitoring requirements of subdivision B 3 of this section.
a. The commissioner may invalidate a lead or copper tap water sample if at least one of the following conditions is met.
(1) The laboratory establishes that improper sample analysis caused erroneous results.
(2) The commissioner determines that the sample was taken from a site that did not meet the site selection criteria of this section.
(3) The sample container was damaged in transit.
(4) There is substantial reason to believe that the sample was subject to tampering.
b. The owner shall report the results of all samples to the district engineer and all supporting documentation for samples the owner believes should be invalidated.
c. To invalidate a sample under subdivision B 6 a of this section, the decision and the rationale for the decision shall be documented in writing. The commissioner may not invalidate a sample solely on the grounds that a follow-up sample result is higher or lower than that of the original sample.
d. The owner shall collect replacement samples for any samples invalidated under this section if, after the invalidation of one or more samples, the owner has too few samples to meet the minimum requirements of subdivision B 3 of this section. Any such replacement samples shall be taken as soon as possible, but no later than 20 days after the date the commissioner invalidates the sample or by the end of the applicable monitoring period, whichever occurs later. Replacement samples taken after the end of the applicable monitoring period shall not also be used to meet the monitoring requirements of a subsequent monitoring period. The replacement samples shall be taken at the same locations as the invalidated samples or, if that is not possible, at locations other than those already used for sampling during the monitoring period.
7. Monitoring waivers for small waterworks. The owner of any small waterworks that meets the criteria of this subdivision may apply to the commissioner to reduce the frequency of monitoring for lead and copper to once every nine years (i.e., a full waiver) if the owner meets all of the materials criteria specified in subdivision B 7 a of this section and all of the monitoring criteria specified in subdivision B 7 b of this section. The owner of any small waterworks that meets the criteria in subdivisions B 7 a and b of this section only for lead, or only for copper, may apply to the commissioner for a waiver to reduce the frequency of tap water monitoring to once every nine years for that contaminant only (i.e., a partial waiver).
a. Materials criteria. The owner shall demonstrate that the distribution system and service lines and all drinking water supply plumbing, including plumbing conveying drinking water within all residences and buildings connected to the waterworks, are free of lead-containing materials or copper-containing materials, as those terms are defined in this subdivision, as follows:
(1) Lead. To qualify for a full waiver, or a waiver of the tap water monitoring requirements for lead (i.e., a lead waiver), the owner shall provide certification and supporting documentation to the commissioner that the waterworks is free of all lead-containing materials, as follows:
(a) It contains no plastic pipes that contain lead plasticizers, or plastic service lines that contain lead plasticizers; and
(b) It is free of lead service lines, lead pipes, lead soldered pipe joints, and leaded brass or bronze alloy fittings and fixtures, unless such fittings and fixtures meet the specifications of any standard established pursuant to 42 USC § 300g-6(e) (SDWA § 1417(e)).
(2) Copper. To qualify for a full waiver, or a waiver of the tap water monitoring requirements for copper (i.e., a copper waiver), the owner shall provide certification and supporting documentation to the commissioner that the waterworks contains no copper pipes or copper service lines.
b. Monitoring criteria for waiver issuance. The owner shall have completed at least one six-month round of standard tap water monitoring for lead and copper at sites approved by the commissioner and from the number of sites required by subdivision B 3 of this section and demonstrate that the 90th percentile levels for any and all rounds of monitoring conducted since the owner became free of all lead-containing or copper-containing materials, as appropriate, meet the following criteria:
(1) Lead levels. To qualify for a full waiver, or a lead waiver, the owner shall demonstrate that the 90th percentile lead level does not exceed 0.005 mg/L.
(2) Copper levels. To qualify for a full waiver, or a copper waiver, the owner shall demonstrate that the 90th percentile copper level does not exceed 0.65 mg/L.
c. Commissioner approval of waiver application. The commissioner shall notify the owner of the waiver determination, in writing, setting forth the basis of his decision and any condition of the waiver. As a condition of the waiver, the commissioner may require the owner to perform specific activities (e.g., limited monitoring, periodic outreach to customers to remind them to avoid installation of materials that might void the waiver) to avoid the risk of lead or copper concentration of concern in tap water. The owner of a small waterworks shall continue monitoring for lead and copper at the tap as required by subdivisions B 4 a through d of this section, as appropriate, until it receives written notification from the commissioner that the waiver has been approved.
d. Monitoring frequency for owners with waivers.
(1) An owner with a full waiver shall conduct tap water monitoring for lead and copper in accordance with subdivision B 4 d (4) of this section at the reduced number of sampling sites identified in subdivision B 3 of this section at least once every nine years and provide the materials certification specified in subdivision B 7 a of this section for both lead and copper to the commissioner along with the monitoring results. Samples collected every nine years shall be collected no later than every ninth calendar year.
(2) An owner with a partial waiver shall conduct tap water monitoring for the waived contaminant in accordance with subdivision B 4 d (4) of this section at the reduced number of sampling sites specified in subdivision B 3 of this section at least once every nine years and provide the materials certification specified in subdivision B 7 a of this section pertaining to the waived contaminant along with the monitoring results. Such an owner also shall continue to monitor for the nonwaived contaminant in accordance with requirements of subdivisions B 4 a through d of this section, as appropriate.
(3) Any owner with a full or partial waiver shall notify the district engineer in writing in accordance with 12VAC5-590-530 F 1 c of any upcoming long-term change in treatment or addition of a new source, as described in that section. The commissioner must review and approve the addition of a new source or long-term change in water treatment before it is implemented by the owner. The commissioner has the authority to require the owner to add or modify waiver conditions (e.g., require recertification that the waterworks is free of lead-containing or copper-containing materials; require additional round or rounds of monitoring), if it deems such modifications are necessary to address treatment or source water changes at the waterworks.
(4) If an owner with a full or partial waiver becomes aware that it is no longer free of lead-containing or copper-containing materials, as appropriate, (e.g., as a result of new construction or repairs), the owner shall notify the district engineer in writing no later than 60 days after becoming aware of such a change.
e. Continued eligibility. If the owner continues to satisfy the requirements of subdivision B 7 d of this section, the waiver will be renewed automatically, unless any of the conditions listed in subdivisions B 7 e (1), (2), or (3) of this section occurs. An owner whose waiver has been revoked may reapply for a waiver at such time as it again meets the appropriate materials and monitoring criteria of subdivisions B 7 a and b of this section.
(1) A waterworks with a full waiver or a lead waiver no longer satisfies the materials criteria of subdivision B 7 a (1) of this section or has a 90th percentile lead level greater than 0.005 mg/L.
(2) A waterworks with a full waiver or a copper waiver no longer satisfies the materials criteria of subdivision B 7 a (2) of this section or has a 90th percentile copper level greater than 0.65 mg/L.
(3) The commissioner notifies the owner, in writing, that the waiver has been revoked, setting forth the basis of the decision.
f. Requirements following waiver revocation. A waterworks whose full or partial waiver has been revoked by the commissioner is subject to the corrosion control treatment and lead and copper tap water monitoring requirements, as follows:
(1) If the waterworks exceeds the lead or copper action level, the owner shall implement corrosion control treatment in accordance with the deadlines specified in 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 e and any other applicable requirements of this section.
(2) If the waterworks meets both the lead and the copper action level, the owner shall monitor for lead and copper at the tap no less frequently than once every three years using the reduced number of sample sites specified in subdivision B 3 of this section.
g. Pre-existing waivers. Waivers for small waterworks approved by the commissioner in writing prior to April 11, 2000, shall remain in effect under the following conditions:
(1) If the waterworks has demonstrated that it is both free of lead-containing and copper-containing materials, as required by subdivision B 7 a of this section and that its 90th percentile lead levels and 90th percentile copper levels meet the criteria of subdivision B 7 b of this section, the waiver remains in effect so long as the owner continues to meet the waiver eligibility criteria of subdivision B 7 e of this section. The first round of tap water monitoring conducted pursuant to subdivision B 7 d of this section shall be completed no later than nine years after the last time the owner has monitored for lead and copper at the tap.
(2) If the waterworks has met the materials criteria of subdivision B 7 a of this section but has not met the monitoring criteria of subdivision B 7 b of this section, the owner shall conduct one six-month round of standard tap water monitoring for lead and copper at sites approved by the commissioner demonstrating that it meets the criteria of subdivision B 7 b of this section. Thereafter, the waiver shall remain in effect as long as the owner meets the continued eligibility criteria of subdivision B 7 e of this section. The first round of tap water monitoring conducted pursuant to subdivision B 7 d of this section shall be completed no later than nine years after the round of monitoring conducted pursuant to subdivision B 7 b of this section.
C. Monitoring requirements for water quality parameters. The owners of all large waterworks and all small and medium-size waterworks that exceed the lead or copper action level shall monitor water quality parameters in addition to lead and copper in accordance with this section.
1. General requirements.
a. Sample collection methods.
(1) Tap samples shall be representative of water quality throughout the distribution system taking into account the number of persons served, the different sources of water, the different treatment methods employed by the waterworks, and seasonal variability. Tap sampling under this section is not required to be conducted at taps targeted for lead and copper sampling under subdivision B 1 of this section. Owners may find it convenient to conduct tap sampling for water quality parameters at sites approved for coliform sampling.
(2) Samples collected at the entry point or points to the distribution system shall be from locations representative of each source after treatment. If a waterworks draws water from more than one source and the sources are combined before distribution, the owner shall sample at an entry point to the distribution system during periods of normal operating conditions (i.e., when water is representative of all sources being used).
b. Number of samples.
(1) Owners shall collect two tap samples for applicable water quality parameters during each monitoring period specified under subdivision C 2 through 5 of this section from the following number of sites.
System Size (Number of People Served)
Number of Sites for Water Quality Parameters
greater than 100,000
25
10,001-100,000
10
3,301 to 10,000
3
501 to 3,300
2
101 to 500
1
less than or equal to 100
1
(2) Except as provided in subdivision C 3 c of this section, owners shall collect two samples for each applicable water quality parameter at each entry point to the distribution system during each monitoring period specified in subdivision C 2 of this section. During each monitoring period specified in subdivision C 3 through 5 of this section, owners shall collect one sample for each applicable water quality parameter at each entry point to the distribution system.
2. Initial sampling. The owners of all large waterworks shall measure the applicable water quality parameters as specified below at taps and at each entry point to the distribution system during each six-month monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 a of this section. The owners of all small and medium-size waterworks shall measure the applicable water quality parameters at the locations specified below during each six-month monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 a of this section during which the waterworks exceeds the lead or copper action level.
a. At taps:
(1) pH;
(2) Alkalinity;
(3) Orthophosphate, when an inhibitor containing a phosphate compound is used;
(4) Silica, when an inhibitor containing a silicate compound is used;
(5) Calcium;
(6) Conductivity; and
(7) Water temperature.
b. At each entry point to the distribution system: all of the applicable parameters listed in subdivision C 2 a of this section.
3. Monitoring after installation of corrosion control. The owner of any large waterworks which installs optimal corrosion control treatment pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 A 2 d (4) shall measure the water quality parameters at the locations and frequencies specified below during each six-month monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 b (1) of this section. The owner of any small or medium-size waterworks that installs optimal corrosion control treatment shall conduct such monitoring during each six-month monitoring period specified in subdivision B 4 b (2) of this section in which the waterworks exceeds the lead or copper action level.
a. At taps, two samples for:
(1) pH;
(2) Alkalinity;
(3) Orthophosphate, when an inhibitor containing a phosphate compound is used;
(4) Silica, when an inhibitor containing a silicate compound is used; and
(5) Calcium, when calcium carbonate stabilization is used as part of corrosion control.
b. Except as provided in subdivision C 3 c of this section, at each entry point to the distribution system, at least one sample no less frequently than every two weeks (bi-weekly) for:
(1) pH;
(2) When alkalinity is adjusted as part of optimal corrosion control, a reading of the dosage rate of the chemical used to adjust alkalinity, and the alkalinity concentration; and
(3) When a corrosion inhibitor is used as part of optimal corrosion control, a reading of the dosage rate of the inhibitor used, and the concentration of orthophosphate or silica (whichever is applicable).
c. The owner of any groundwater waterworks may limit entry point sampling described in subdivision C 3 b of this section to those entry points that are representative of water quality and treatment conditions throughout the waterworks. If water from untreated ground water sources mixes with water from treated ground water sources, the owner shall monitor for water quality parameters both at representative entry points receiving treatment and representative entry points receiving no treatment. Prior to the start of any monitoring under this subdivision, the owner shall provide to the commissioner written information identifying the selected entry points and documentation, including information on seasonal variability, sufficient to demonstrate that the sites are representative of water quality and treatment conditions throughout the waterworks.
4. Monitoring after the commissioner specifies water quality parameter values for optimal corrosion control. After the commissioner specifies the values for applicable water quality control parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f, the owners of all large waterworks shall measure the applicable water quality parameters in accordance with subdivision C 3 of this section and determine compliance with the requirements of 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 g every six months with the first six-month period to begin on either January 1 or July 1, whichever comes first, after the commissioner specifies the optimal values under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f. The owner of any small or medium-size waterworks shall conduct such monitoring during each six-month monitoring period specified in this subdivision in which the waterworks exceeds the lead or copper action level. For the owner of any such small and medium-size waterworks that is subject to a reduced monitoring frequency pursuant to subdivision B 4 d of this section at the time of the action level exceedance, the start of the applicable six-month period under this subdivision shall coincide with the start of the applicable monitoring period under subdivision B 4 d of this section. Compliance with the commissioner-designated optimal water quality parameter values shall be determined as specified under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 g.
5. Reduced monitoring.
a. The owner of any waterworks that maintains the range of values for the water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment during each of two consecutive six-month monitoring periods under subdivision C 4 of this section shall continue monitoring at the entry point or points to the distribution system as specified in subdivision C 3 b of this section. The owner of such waterworks may collect two tap samples for applicable water quality parameters from the following reduced number of sites during each six-month monitoring period.
Size of Water System (Number of People Served)
Reduced Number of WQP Monitoring Sites
greater than 100,000
10
10,001 to 100,000
7
3,301 to 10,000
3
501 to 3,300
2
101 to 500
1
less than or equal to 100
1
b. The owner of any waterworks that maintains the range of values for the water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f during three consecutive years of monitoring may reduce the frequency with which the owner collects the number of tap samples for applicable water quality parameters specified in subdivision C 5 of this section from every six months to annually. This sampling begins during the calendar year immediately following the end of the monitoring period in which the third consecutive year of six-month monitoring occurs. The owner of any waterworks that maintains the range of values for the water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f during three consecutive years of annual monitoring under this subdivision may reduce the frequency with which it collects the number of tap samples for applicable water quality parameters specified in subdivision C 5 a of this section from annually to every three years. This sampling begins during the calendar year immediately following the end of the monitoring period in which the third consecutive year of six-month monitoring occurs.
c. The owner of a waterworks may reduce the frequency with which tap samples are collected for applicable water quality parameters specified in subdivision C 5 a of this section to every three years if the owner demonstrates during two consecutive monitoring periods that the tap water lead level at the 90th percentile is less than or equal to the PQL for lead (0.005 mg/L), that the tap water copper level at the 90th percentile is less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L for copper, and that the owner also has maintained the range of values for water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f. Monitoring conducted every three years shall be done no later than every third calendar year.
d. The owner of a waterworks that conducts sampling annually shall collect these samples evenly throughout the year so as to reflect seasonal variability.
e. The owner of any waterworks subject to the reduced monitoring frequency that fails to operate at or above the minimum value or within the range of values for the water quality parameters specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 f for more than nine days in any six-month period specified in 12VAC5-590-405 A 1 g shall resume distribution system tap water sampling in accordance with the number and frequency requirements in subdivision C 4 of this section. Such an owner may resume annual monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap at the reduced number of sites specified in subdivision C 5 of this section after completion of two subsequent consecutive six-month rounds of monitoring that meet the criteria of that subdivision or may resume triennial monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap at the reduced number of sites after demonstration through subsequent rounds of monitoring that the criteria of either subdivision C 5 b or c of this section has been met.
6. Additional monitoring by owners. The results of any monitoring conducted in addition to the minimum requirements of this section shall be considered by the owner and the commissioner in making any determinations under this section or 12VAC5-590-405 A 1.
D. Monitoring requirements for lead and copper in water supplies (source water).
1. Sample location, collection methods, and number of samples.
a. The owner of a waterworks that fails to meet the lead or copper action level on the basis of tap samples collected in accordance with subsection A of this section shall collect lead and copper water supply samples in accordance with the following requirements regarding sample location, number of samples, and collection methods:
(1) The owner of a waterworks served by groundwater sources shall take a minimum of one sample at every entry point to the distribution system that is representative of each well after treatment (hereafter called a sampling point). The owner shall take one sample at the same sampling point unless conditions make another sampling point more representative of each source or treatment plant.
(2) The owner of a waterworks served by surface water sources shall take a minimum of one sample at every entry point to the distribution system after any application of treatment or in the distribution system at a point that is representative of each source after treatment (hereafter called a sampling point). The owner shall take each sample at the same sampling point unless conditions make another sampling point more representative of each source or treatment plant. Note that for the purpose of this subdivision, a waterworks served by a surface water source includes waterworks served by a combination of surface and ground sources.
(3) If a waterworks draws water from more than one source and the sources are combined before distribution, the owner shall collect samples at an entry point to the distribution system during periods of normal operating conditions (i.e., when water is representative of all sources being used).
(4) The commissioner may reduce the total number of samples that must be analyzed by allowing the use of compositing. Compositing of samples shall be done by certified laboratory personnel. Composite samples from a maximum of five samples are allowed, provided that if the lead concentration in the composite sample is greater than or equal to 0.001 mg/L or the copper concentration is greater than or equal to 0.160 mg/L, then either a follow-up sample shall be collected and analyzed within 14 days at each sampling point included in the composite or if duplicates of or sufficient quantities from the original samples from each sampling point used in the composite are available, the owner may use these instead of resampling.
b. Where the results of sampling indicate an exceedance of maximum permissible water supply levels established under 12VAC5-590-405 B 4, the commissioner may require that one additional sample be collected as soon as possible after the initial sample was taken (but not to exceed two weeks) at the same sampling point. If a commissioner required confirmation sample is taken for lead or copper, then the results of the initial and confirmation sample shall be averaged in determining compliance with the commissioner-specified maximum permissible levels. Any sample value below the method detection limit shall be considered to be zero. Any value above the method detection limit but below the PQL shall either be considered as the measured value or be considered one-half the PQL. The PQL for lead is equal to 0.005 mg/L and the PQL for copper is equal to 0.050 mg/L.
2. Monitoring frequency after waterworks exceeds tap action level. The owner of any waterworks which exceeds the lead or copper action level at the tap shall collect one water supply sample from each entry point to the distribution system no later than six months after the end of the monitoring period during which the lead or copper action level was exceeded. For monitoring periods that are annual or less frequent, the end of the monitoring period is September 30 of the calendar year in which the sampling occurs, or if the commissioner has established an alternate monitoring period, the last day of that period.
3. Monitoring frequency after installation of water supply treatment. The owner of any waterworks that installs water supply treatment pursuant to 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 c shall collect an additional water supply sample from each entry point to the distribution system during two consecutive six-month monitoring periods by the deadline specified in 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 d.
4. Monitoring frequency after the commissioner specifies maximum permissible water supply lead and copper levels or determines that water supply treatment is not needed.
a. An owner shall monitor at the frequency specified below in cases where the commissioner specifies maximum permissible water supply lead and copper levels under 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 e or determines that the owner is not required to install water supply treatment under 12VAC5-590-405 B 2 b.
(1) The owner of a waterworks using only groundwater shall collect samples once during the three-year compliance period in effect when the applicable commissioner determination under subdivision D 4 a of this section is made. Owners of such waterworks shall collect samples once during each subsequent compliance period. Triennial samples shall be collected every third calendar year.
(2) The owner of a waterworks using surface water (or a combination of surface and groundwater) shall collect samples once during each year, the first annual monitoring period to begin during the year in which the applicable commissioner determination is made under subdivision D 4 a of this section.
b. An owner is not required to conduct water supply sampling for lead or copper if the waterworks meets the action level for the specific contaminant in tap water samples during the entire water supply sampling period applicable to the waterworks under subdivision D 4 a (1) or (2) of this section.
5. Reduced monitoring frequency.
a. The owner of a waterworks using only groundwater may reduce the monitoring frequency for lead and copper in water supplies to once during each nine-year compliance cycle provided that the samples are collected no later than every ninth calendar year and if the owner meets one of the following criteria:
(1) The owner demonstrates that finished drinking water entering the distribution system has been maintained below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 e during at least three consecutive compliance periods under subdivision D 4 a of this section; or
(2) The commissioner has determined that water supply treatment is not needed and the owner demonstrates that, during the last three consecutive compliance periods in which sampling was conducted under subdivision D 4 a of this section, the concentration of lead in the water supply was less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L and the concentration of copper in the water supply was less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L.
b. The owner of a waterworks using surface water (or a combination of surface and ground waters) may reduce the monitoring frequency for lead and copper in water supplies to once during each nine-year compliance cycle provided that the samples are collected no later than every ninth calendar year and if the owner meets one of the following criteria:
(1) The owner demonstrates that finished drinking water entering the distribution system has been maintained below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified by the commissioner under 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 e for at least three consecutive years; or
(2) The commissioner has determined that water supply treatment is not needed and the owner demonstrates that, during the last three consecutive years, the concentration of lead in the water supply was less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L and the concentration of copper in the water supply was less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L.
c. Owners of a waterworks that uses a new water supply is not eligible for reduced monitoring for lead or copper until concentrations in samples collected from the new supply during three consecutive monitoring periods are below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified in 12VAC5-590-405 B 1 e.
Historical Notes
Derived from Volume 27, Issue 01, eff. October 13, 2010.