Seasonal Public Water Systems are water systems that operate for only a portion of the calendar year. These systems generally shut down at the end of each operating season. Examples include campgrounds, country clubs, sporting lodges and camps, marinas, golf courses, and ski areas.
Sampling
Seasonal facilities that are open for any portion of a calendar quarter are responsible for all water tests required in that quarter.
Sampling quarters follow standard calendar time periods:
- First quarter: January 1st thru March 31st
- Second quarter: April 1st thru June 30th
- Third quarter: July 1st thru September 30th
- Fourth quarter: October 1st thru December 31st
A sample may be collected on any day during a given quarter.
If you are operating a seasonal facility, the DWP waives any quarterly water-testing requirement for a quarter if a business closes on or before the 15th of the first month of that quarter. Please note that this waiver applies only to quarterly water tests.
| System Closing Date | Quarterly Tests Waived |
|---|---|
| January 1 - 15 | January 1 - March 31 |
| April 1 - 15 | April 1 - June 30 |
| July 1 - 15 | July 1 - September 30 |
| October 1 - 15 | October 1 - December 31 |
Water System Startup and Shutdown
Forms and Guidance
The Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) requires all seasonal public water systems to follow a set start-up procedure before resuming operations and serving water to the public. Completion of start-up procedures must be reported to the DWP within 30 days of opening.
Select one submittal method for your system's seasonal start-up certification - online or paper/PDF. Do not submit both. The DWP strongly urges Public Water Systems to submit their seasonal start-up procedures and certifications using the online certification form. This will ensure immediate confirmation of receipt and reduce the possibility of incorrect or illegible data. If your system opts to download and print the paper/PDF version, please allow ten days for mailing and processing at the DWP.
- Approved Online Seasonal Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems (both Groundwater and Surface Water). Maine’s public water system startup procedure approved for compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR).
- Paper/PDF Seasonal Startup Forms for surface water and groundwater system startup procedures, approved for compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR).
Important: Never send your only copy of a paper form. If you are using a paper form, be sure to save the original for your records and email or mail a copy to the Drinking Water Program.- Approved Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems using Groundwater (water coming from a well).
Download and Print the SSUP Form for Groundwater Systems (PDF) - Approved Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems Using Surface Water (water coming from a surface water source such as a lake, river, etc., or a well influenced by surface water).
Download and Print the SSUP form for Surface Water Systems (PDF) - If you are unsure of your source type, or require additional assistance, please contact Mackenzie Bardelli (email Mackenzie.Bardelli@maine.gov or phone (207) 441-9244) or your Public Water System Inspector.
- Approved Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems using Groundwater (water coming from a well).
- Opening Your Water System for the Season (PDF)
- Preparing Your Seasonal Water System for Winter (PDF)
Additional Resources
- Well Shocking Guidance
- Total Coliform Bacteria Sampling Instructions
- Maine Laboratory Accreditation
- Disinfection Equations for Water Pipes and Tanks (PDF)
- Guidance for Small Water Systems with Continuous Chlorination Disinfection (PDF)
- Guidebook for Transient Public Water Systems (PDF)
- Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Flushing Drinking Water Storage Tanks at Small Public Water Systems (PDF)