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Division of Environmental and Community Health

Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention

A Division of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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Assessments and Corrective Actions under the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)

RTCR: Assessments and Corrective Actions



Page Index

Triggering an Assessment

Conducting an Assessment

Corrective Actions

Assessment Forms


The RTCR requires public water systems that have an indication of Total Coliform bacteria contamination (e.g., as a result of TC+ samples, E. coli MCL violations, performance failure) to assess the problem and take corrective action. There are two levels of assessments (Level 1 and Level 2) based on the severity or frequency of the problem.

 

Triggering an Assessment

Level 1 Assessments are triggered by:

  • 2 or more TC+ routine/repeat samples in the same month OR for systems collecting 40 or more samples each month: greater than 5% of routine/repeat samples positive
  • Failure to take required repeat sample(s) after any single TC+

Level 2 Assessments are triggered by:

  • E. coli MCL violation
  • Second trigger of a Level 1 Assessment within a rolling 12 month period
 

Conducting an Assessment

Level 1 Assessments can be performed by:

  • For public water systems NOT required to have a licensed operator: Public water system owner or responsible party or DWP personnel or approved entity.
  • For public water systems required to have a licensed operator: A licensed operator at a grade comparable to or higher than the grade of the public water system or DWP personnel or approved entity.

Level 2 Assessments can be performed by:

  • For public water systems NOT required to have a licensed operator: A licensed operator holding both a Class II Treatment and Class I Distribution license or higher or DWP personnel or approved entity.
  • For public water systems required to have a licensed operator: A licensed operator holding a license with treatment and distribution classes equal to or higher than that of the PWS, at a minimum Class II Treatment and Class I Distribution, or DWP personnel or approved entity.
  • Click here for a list of entities that will perform a Level 2 Assessment for a fee (PDF).
 

Corrective Actions

When sanitary defects are identified during a Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment, they should be corrected as soon as possible to protect public health. The PWS must complete correct actions by one of the following timeframes:

  • No later than the time the assessment form is submitted to State, which must be within 30 days of triggering the assessment, or;
  • Within a state-approved timeframe which was proposed in the assessment form.
 

Assessment Forms

Updated 8/12/2024