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Compliance Help
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- On this page
Quick Reference Guides
- Total Coliform Rule: A Quick Reference Guide PDF (2 pp, 114 K)
EPA 816-F-01-035, September 2001
- For other quick reference guides visit the drinking water standards - quick reference guides page.
Guidance on the Total Coliform Rule
A Small Systems Guide to the Total Coliform Rule PDF (64 pp, 5.6 M)
EPA 816-R-01-017a, June 2001
This guide provides information for community water systems that serve fewer than 3,300 people. The guide describes the importance of monitoring drinking water to ensure its quality and protect public health and the monitoring that is required under the Total Coliform Rule. It outlines the steps water systems must take if their samples indicate the presence of coliform bacteria and a worksheet to help keep track of monitoring and follow-up actions.
Total Coliform Rule: A Handbook for Small Noncommunity Water Systems serving less than 3,300 persons: One of the Simple Tools for Effective Performance (STEP) Guide Series PDF (52 pp, 643 K)
This guide provides information for non-community water systems that serve fewer than 3,300 people. The guide describes the monitoring that is required under the Total Coliform Rule. It outlines the steps water systems must take if their samples indicate the presence of coliform bacteria and a worksheet to help keep track of monitoring and follow-up actions.
EPA’s Interactive Sampling Guide for Drinking Water System Operators
This interactive CD-Rom and web site can help drinking water system owners and operators better understand the general procedures involved in collecting Safe Drinking Water Act samples, including those collected for the Total Coliform Rule.
Small System Compliance Technology List for the Surface Water Treatment Rule and Total Coliform Rule PDF (58 pp, 188 K)
EPA-815-R-98-001, September 1998
This 1998 guidance describes various technologies that small public water systems can use to comply with requirements of the TCR and Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Guidance on Distribution System Issues
Distribution Systems: A Best Practices Guide PDF (2 pp, 166 K)
EPA 816-F-06-038, September 2006
This short guide provides information on the critical maintenance tasks that small systems should regularly practice to ensure the integrity of their distribution system.
Cross-Connection Control: A Best Practices Guide PDF (4 pp, 177 K)
EPA 816-F-06-035, September 2006
This short guide provides information on the importance of controlling cross-connections and preventing backflow conditions into the distribution system.
Cross-Connection Control Manual
EPA 816-R-03-002, February 2003
This Cross-Connection Control Manual has been designed as a tool for health officials, waterworks personnel, plumbers, and any others involved directly or indirectly in water supply distribution systems. It provides examples of types of cross-connections, methods to prevent backsiphonage into the distributions system, and elements of an effective cross-connection management program.