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Sanitary Survey Training for Inspecting Small Drinking Water Systems
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.
Note: The Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water offers training and other resources for States and for sanitary surveyors.
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.
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:
| System Type | 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 ground water rule extends these requirements to ground water systems.