SAFE
DRINKING .
WATER H*TLINE
FY 2008
2nd Quarter
Report
SOW Hotline Report
In This Issue
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What's New
Quarterly Trend.
Frequently Asked Qs & As..
Did You Know.
_2
_3
_4
,5
AppendixA 11
Top Ten Caller Topics
Hotline Stats.
Topic
Local Drinking Water
Quality
Tap Water Testing
CCR
Bottled Water
Lead
Home Water
Treatment Units
Coliforms
MCL List
Household Wells
Public Notification
Number of
Questions
340
301**
178
146
136
127
110
107
96
94
Percent of
Total*
Questions
13
12
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
4
"A total of 2,537 questions from callers were
answered by the Hotline in the 2nd Quarter of
FY2008.
"Citizens who obtain their drinking water from
private household wells asked 10 percent of the
tap water testing questions.
Calls and ECSS Questions and
Comments
Calls***
1,993
ECSS Questions****
201
Total
2,194
'"A single call may generate multiple
questions.
**** Questions registered through EPA's
Enterprise Customer Service Solution
knowledge base at the OGWDW Web site.
Published Quarterly
See past reports at
http://intranet.epa.gov/ow/hotline
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: National
Toll-free No.: (800) 426-4791
For More Information Contact:
Harriet Hubbard, EPA Project Officer
(202) 564-4621
Operated by
The Track Group / Booz Allen Hamilton
Under Contract #GS-23F-0135N/1140
Water Lines
What's New
New Publications/Resources:
National Capacity Development Strategic Plan (EPA816-K-07-003) is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/smallsys/ssinfo.htm.
Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Requirements: Community Water
Systems Serving 1,001 - 10,000 People (EPA816-F-08-004) is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Requirements: Community Water
Systems Serving 25 - 1,000 People (EPA816-F-08-005) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Requirements: Noncommunity Water
Systems Serving 1,001 - 10,000 People (EPA816-F-08-006) is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Requirements: Noncommunity Water
Systems Serving 25 - 1,000 People (EPA816-F-08-007) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Surface Water Treatment Rules Monitoring Requirements
(SWTR/LT1ESWTR): Systems Serving Less Than 10,000 People
Using Conventional or Direct Filtration (EPA816-F-08-001) is available
atwww.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Surface Water Treatment Rules Monitoring Requirements
(SWTR/LT1ESWTR) Systems Serving Less Than 10,000 People Using
Slow Sand, Diatomaceous Earth, or Alternative Filtration (EPA816-F-
08-002) is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Surface Water Treatment Rules Monitoring Requirements
(SWTR/LT1 ESWTR): Unfiltered Systems Serving Less Than 10,000
People (EPA816-F-08-003) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Nitrate Monitoring Requirements: Community and A/on Community
Water Systems (EPA816-F-08-008) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal.html.
Fact Sheet: Third Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 3)
(EPA815-F-08-001) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Candidate Contaminant List Microbes: Identifying the Universe
(EPA815-R-08-005) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Candidate Contaminant List 3 Microbes: Screening to the PCCL
(EPA815-R-08-006) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Candidate Contaminant List 3 Microbes: PCCL to CCL Process
(EPA815-R-08-007) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Candidate Contaminant List 3 Chemicals: Identifying the Universe
(EPA815-R-08-002) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
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Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
New Publications/Resources (continued):
Candidate Contaminant List 3 Chemicals: Screening to a PCCL (EPA815-R-08-003) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Candidate Contaminant List 3 Chemicals: Classification of the PCCL to CCL (EPA815-R-08-004) is
available at www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html.
Fact Sheet: Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (EPA816-F-08-011) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/regs.html.
Ground Water Rule Source Water Monitoring Methods Guidance (EPA815-R-07-019) is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/gwr/compliancehelp.html.
Calendar:
Who?
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
DWA
What?
National Drinking Water Week
Meeting of the Total Coliform
Rule Distribution System
Advisory Committee
National Ground Water
Awareness Week
Public Workshop to Discuss
Management of Underground
Injection of Carbon Dioxide for
Geologic Sequestration
Meeting of the Total Coliform
Rule Distribution System
Advisory Committee
Meeting of the Total Coliform
Rule Distribution System
Advisory Committee
Drinking Water Security
Workshops
SOW Regulatory Compliance
Training
Where?
Nationwide
Washington, DC
Nationwide
Arlington, VA
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Various
Various
When?
May 4-10, 2008
April 9-10, 2008
March 9-15,
2008
February 26-27,
2008
February 20-21,
2008
January 16-17,
2008
On-going
On-going
More Information
www.epa.gov/safewater
/waterweek
www . epa. gov/safe water
/groundwaterawareness
www.epa.gov/safewater
/security
www.epa.gov/safewater
/dwa/calendar.html
Quarterly Trend
In February 2008, Reader's Digest magazine published an article looking at the safety of bottled water and
the plastic packaging it comes in. The article also touched on how the use of tap water and transporting it in
reusable containers can be a viable option for reducing the stress placed on the planet through the
manufacture and disposal of plastic water bottles. The Safe Drinking Hotline phone number was included in
this article for those looking for more information on the safety of tap water. Because the article did not
contain any other phone numbers, the Hotline received many calls from citizens who read the article and had
very specific bottled water questions that the Hotline could not answer. Hotline Staff used their public service
skills to offer information concerning the purview of the SOW Hotline, EPA's regulations for tap water, as well
as referrals to the Food and Drug Administration, International Bottle Water Association, and organizations
such as NSF International that perform testing on bottled water.
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Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
This section provides answers to frequently asked
questions not necessarily represented in one of the Top
Ten Topic categories.
Q: Is there a requirement to include Initial Distribution
System Evaluation (IDSE) monitoring results forTTHMs
and HAASs in the CCR?
A: Yes. The system is required to include individual
sample results for the IDSE when determining the range
of TTHM and HAAS results to be reported in the annual
consumer confidence report for the calendar year that
the IDSE samples were taken (40 CFR
141 .153(d)(4)(iv)(C)). However, the IDSE standard
monitoring results are not to be used to determine
compliance with the MCLs (71 FR388, 420; January 4,
2006).
Q: A water system is on reduced monitoring for lead and
copper. If this system adds new or revised treatment,
must the system resume lead and copper sampling as a
new system?
A: The State may require a system to resume sampling
and collect the number of samples specified for standard
monitoring or take other appropriate steps such as
increased water quality parameter monitoring or re-
evaluation of its corrosion control treatment (40 CFR
Q: Does the Lead and Copper: Short-Term Regulatory
Revisions and Clarifications, Final Rule (72 FR 57782;
October 10, 2007) require community water systems
(CWSs) to include an informational statement about lead
in their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)?
A: Yes. EPA is now requiring that all CWSs include an
informational statement about lead in their CCR (40 CFR
141 .154(d)). Previously, only CWSs that detected lead
above the action level in more than five percent of the
homes sampled and up to and including 10 percent of
homes, had to include an informational statement in their
CCRs (72 FR 57782, 57794; October 10, 2007).
Q: What issues did EPA consider before deciding to
require that all water systems include educational lead
information in their CCRs?
A: Because exposure to lead can be a localized
phenomenon the rule was revised based on concerns
that exposure to lead may be taking place, even though
the action level is not exceeded. Consumers may not
have been receiving sufficient information on how to
reduce their exposure to lead. Furthermore, in the
situation where there has been a lead action level
exceedance, public education materials may not be
delivered immediately. Vulnerable populations could
potentially drink water with high levels of lead for months
before knowing of the risk. Previous versions of the
LCMR mandated that all water systems which detected
lead above the action level in more than 5 percent of the
homes sampled had to include a short informational
notice about lead in their CCR. The 2007 revisions
require all CWSs provide information in their CCRs on
lead in drinking water. This short statement will be
educational in nature and help to ensure that all
vulnerable populations or their caregivers receive
information concerning how to reduce their risk to lead in
drinking water. The new language is intended to help
consumers understand the health effects associated with
lead, that lead levels can vary from home to home, that
they can take steps to reduce their exposure, and
provide them with a source for further information (72 FR
57782, 57794; October 10, 2007).
Q: The 2007 Lead and Copper revisions require all
community water systems to include lead information in
their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) (72 FR
57782; October 10, 2007). Must a water system use the
lead statement in 40 CFR 141.154(d)(1) in their CCR or
can they incorporate their own language?
A: Systems may write their own educational statements,
but only after consulting with the State (40 CFR
141.154(d)(2).
Q: The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water
Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) requires all public waters
systems that use surface water or ground water under
the direct influence of surface water to monitor their
source water for Cryptosporidium (40 CFR 141.701).
Are community water systems that are monitoring
Cryptosporidium as part of the LT2ESWTR required to
include the results in the Consumer Confidence Report?
A: Yes. Community Water Systems are required to
include the results of source water monitoring for
Cryptosporidium in their Consumer Confidence Report
(Complying with the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule: Small Entity Compliance Guide,
EPA815-R-07-015; February 2007).
Q: Did the Arsenic and Clarifications to Compliance and
New Source Contaminants Monitoring Final Rule (66 FR
6976; January 22,2001) modify compliance
determination protocol for lOCs, SOCs, and VOCs?
A: Yes. The compliance determination protocol was
modified in this rulemaking to provide consistency for all
lOCs, SOCs and VOCs. However, an editorial oversight
in the publication of this rule resulted in the retention of
language for IOC compliance determination in the Code
of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR 141.23(i)(2) that does
not reflect the intentions of the agency. EPA intends to
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
consistently implement compliance determinations for
lOCs, SOCs, and VOCs, as described in the preamble of
the final rule (66 FR 6976, 6990) (Implementation
Guidance for the Arsenic Rule Drinking Water
Regulations for Arsenic and Clarifications to Compliance
and New Source Contaminants Monitoring, EPA816-K-02-
018; August 2002).
May 4-8, 2008 was National Drinking Water Week. Information and
resources about drinking water is available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/waterweek.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report
-------
2nd Quarter FY 2008
Quarterly Summary of
Hotline Service
Total number of calls received 8,323
Total number of calls answered 1 ,993
ECSS comments and questions requiring a
response 201
Average wait time (in seconds) 68
Percent of calls satisfied immediately 99.9%
Percent of all calls answered in < 5 min 96.64%
Percent of callbacks answered in 5 days 1 00%
Number of times callers were transferred to
the WSC Wellcare Hotline 605
Number of times callers listened to recorded
message about CCRs 298
Number of times callers listened to recorded
message about local drinking water quality
for PWS customers 404
Number of times callers listened to recorded
message about tap water testing and quality
for household well owners 288
Number of times callers listened to recorded
message about tap water testing for PWS
customers 591
Comparison to Previous Quarter
Calls ECSS Questions
Answered and Comments
2nd Quarter FY 2008 1,993 201
1st Quarter FY 2008 1,762 157
Top Ten Referrals
Percent of
Inquiry Referred to: ™^[° Total*
Referrals
Local Water System 317 23
State Laboratory
Certificatiion Officer 271 20
NSF/WQA/UL 167 12
State Public Water
System Supervisor 123 9
EPA Internet 116 9
FDA/I BWA 112 8
Other 34 3
Other Hotlines 29 2
Local Public Health 29 2
AGWT/WSC 27 2
*A total of 1,360 referrals to other resources, agencies, and
organizations were provided by the Hotline in the 2nd Quarter
of FY 2008.
Customer
Profiles
Customer
Analytical Laboratories
Citizen - Private Well
Citizen - PWS
Consultants/lndustry/Trade (DW)
Consultants/1 ndustry/Trade (Other)
Environmental Groups
EPA
Other Federal Agency
Government, Local
Government, State
Government, Tribal
Spanish Speaking
International
Media
Medical Professional
Public Water System
Schools/University
Other
TOTALS
Calls
10
142
1,329
86
34
9
12
0
12
26
2
63
2
4
7
186
15
54
1,993
ECSS Activities
T . Number of Questions
plc and Comments
Arsenic
Bottled Water
Compliance/Issues (PWS)
Consumer Concerns
Contaminants and Standards
Definitions
Facts, Figures, and Databases
Household Wells
Other
Local Drinking Water Quality
Long Term 2 ESWT Rule
Source Water Protection
Stage 2 D/DBP Rule
Tap Water Testing
TOTALS
3
8
16
27
33
1
6
23
50
14
3
4
9
4
201
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
Caller Question Topics
Topics
Number of
Questions
Microbials/Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorine
Coliforms
Cryptosporidium
Disinfection/Disinfection
Byproducts (Other)
Long Term 2 ESWTR
Other Microbials
Stage 2 D/DBPR
Surface Water Treatment (SWTR,
ESWTR, LT1FBR)
Trihalomethane (THM)
Home Water Disinfection
Home Water Storage
Inorganic Chemicals (IOC)/Synthetic
Organic Chemicals (SOC)
Arsenic
Fluoride
Methyl-te/fe?/y-butyl-ether (MTBE)
Perchlorate
Phase I, II &V
Sodium Monitoring
Sulfate
Lead and Copper
Copper
Lead
Lead Contamination Control Act
(LCCA)/Lead Ban
Radionuclides
Radionuclides (Other)
Radionuclides (Radon)
Secondary DW Regulations
Secondary DW Regulations
SDWA Background/Overview
Definitions & Applicability
MCL List
Other Background
SDWA
29
110
14
30
35
59
11
37
24
17
14
20
136
21
50
46
13
107
57
72
Topics
Water on Tap
Number of
Questions
0
Other DW Regulations
Analytical Methods (DW)
Contaminant Candidate List/
Drinking Water Priority List
Consumer Confidence Report (DW)
DW Primacy (PWS)
Operator (PWS) Certification
Other Drinking Water Security
Public Notification (PWS)
Security Planning Grants
State Revolving Fund (DW)
Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
13
7
178
5
2
4
94
0
2
30
Other Drinking Water
Additives Program
Bottled Water
Complaints about PWS
Compliance & Enforcement
(PWS)
Home Water Treatment Units
Infrastructure/Cap. Development
Local DW Quality
Tap Water Testing
Treatment/BATs (DW)
8
146
63
53
127
9
340
301
4
Drinking Water Source Protection
Ground Water Rule
Sole Source Aquifer
Source Water/Wellhead Protection
UIC Program
1
2
14
11
Out of Purview
Household Wells
Non-Environmental
Non-EPA Environmental
Other EPA (Programs)
TOTALS
96
21
43
31
2,537
EPA DISCLAIMER
Answers to questions in the Safe Drinking Water Hotline quarterly report are intended to be purely informational and are based on SDWA provisions, EPA regulations,
guidance, and established policy effective at the time of publication. The answers given reflect EPA staffs best judgment at the time and do not represent a final or
official EPA interpretation. This report does not substitute for the applicable provisions of statutes and regulations, guidance, etc., nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it
does not impose legally-binding requirements on EPA, States, or the regulated community. An answer to a question in this report may be revised at any time to reflect
EPA's revisions to existing regulations, changes in EPA's approach to interpreting its regulations or statutory authority, or for other reasons. EPA may provide a
different answer to a question in this report in the future.
Also, an answer provided in this report may not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances. Any decisions regarding a particular case will be made
based on the applicable statutes and regulations. Therefore, interested parties are free to raise questions and objections about the appropriateness of the application of
an answer in this report to a particular situation, and EPA will consider whether or not the recommendations or interpretations in the answer are accurate and
appropriate in that situation. The information in this report is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the
United States.
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
Statistical Trends
Safe Drinking Water Hotline Call Volume
2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008
Time Period
-Calls Received During Operating Hours
-Calls Answered
-Calls Received During Closed Hours
The above graph shows the number of calls received during operating hours, the number of calls received during closed
hours, and the number of calls answered by Hotline Information Specialists. The difference in the number of calls
received during operating hours and the calls that were not answered by Information Specialists can be attributed to
several reasons. In the 2nd Quarter of 2008 for example, just over 4,000 callers called the Hotline during operating hours
and the Hotline answered approximately half of those calls. The remaining callers may have received the information they
needed from one of the recorded messages on the phone tree and then ended the call. Others may have elected to be
transferred to the Water Systems Council (WSC) directly before speaking with a Hotline Information Specialists. During
the 2nd Quarter of 2008, 605 callers chose to be transferred directly to the WSC and phone tree messages were listened
to over 1,500 times. Finally, callers may have just ended the call before speaking with an Information Specialist.
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
Safe Drinking Water ECSS Interface Sessions
to en nnn .
g
<2 An nnn -
0
CO
u_ on nnn .
k.
9* 9n nnn .
E
2 10 000 •
n .
*
A /
/ \ /
/ \ /
^s* \^^ ~~~~* — *
« — •"
2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008
Time Period
• ECSS Sessions
Over the last two years, the number of ECSS sessions per quarter has leveled off to around 20,000 sessions per quarter.
A session is defined as, "the use of the end-user pages. A session ends when the end-user, submits an Ask a Question
request, leaves the end-user pages, or a two-hour period of time has elapsed, whichever comes first". There have been
two noticeable spikes; the 1st Quarter of 2007 and the 2nd Quarter of 2008. During the first spike, the number of sessions
each day of that quarter was higher than normal, but it is difficult to determine the cause for this increase. The Hotline did
not receive a spike in the number of incoming ECSS questions and comments and the Hotline call volume for that period
was lower than other quarters, which is typical during these months. The second spike may not be accurate as over
27,000 sessions occurred on March 28, 2008 (see ECSS Service Summary). ECSS developers do not have logs to
determine if the surge is an accurate representation of actual customers using ECSS.
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
ECSS Service Summary
Date
1/1/2008
1/2/2008
1/3/2008
1/4/2008
1/5/2008
1/6/2008
1/7/2008
1/8/2008
1/9/2008
1/10/2008
1/11/2008
1/12/2008
1/13/2008
1/14/2008
1/15/2008
1/16/2008
1/17/2008
1/18/2008
1/19/2008
1/20/2008
1/21/2008
1/22/2008
1/23/2008
1/24/2008
1/25/2008
1/26/2008
1/27/2008
1/28/2008
1/29/2008
1/30/2008
1/31/2008
2/1/2008
2/2/2008
2/3/2008
2/4/2008
2/5/2008
2/6/2008
2/7/2008
2/8/2008
2/9/2008
2/10/2008
2/11/2008
2/12/2008
2/13/2008
2/14/2008
2/15/2008
2/16/2008
2/17/2008
2/18/2008
2/19/2008
2/20/2008
2/21/2008
Searches
23
39
62
37
54
5
42
31
99
40
75
9
9
112
55
19
52
78
24
2
23
40
144
46
25
3
55
62
33
74
31
83
74
21
46
35
32
61
23
11
26
55
52
64
62
52
20
41
47
54
82
28
Answers
Viewed
96
504
296
1,823
67
47
3,215
1,056
73
56
74
47
26
200
268
106
98
84
68
71
1,106
1,380
784
97
44
22
109
1,520
1,998
101
1,517
1,560
63
60
95
81
66
108
545
33
53
1,009
128
72
58
568
47
526
265
124
100
59
Sessions
329
118
158
262
97
103
344
202
112
78
96
56
73
321
577
168
197
142
159
121
293
265
241
176
110
46
145
211
259
163
215
220
98
106
117
148
123
121
145
67
71
173
204
145
131
228
59
132
487
141
160
126
Hits
403
655
525
2,107
218
132
3,608
1,270
275
186
256
123
105
569
665
285
350
299
247
188
1,364
1,658
1,132
301
181
71
283
1,794
2,314
312
1,724
1,871
227
160
267
250
206
308
723
126
160
1,254
339
281
255
813
147
717
642
342
341
216
Web
Questions
1
0
1
4
0
1
2
1
1
2
3
0
0
3
1
3
7
4
3
3
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
0
3
1
0
5
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
5
3
3
1
1
3
1
4
5
3
1
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
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2nd Quarter FY 2008
Date
2/22/2008
2/23/2008
2/24/2008
2/25/2008
2/26/2008
2/27/2008
2/28/2008
2/29/2008
3/1/2008
3/2/2008
3/3/2008
3/4/2008
3/5/2008
3/6/2008
3/7/2008
3/8/2008
3/9/2008
3/10/2008
3/11/2008
3/12/2008
3/13/2008
3/14/2008
3/15/2008
3/16/2008
3/17/2008
3/18/2008
3/19/2008
3/20/2008
3/21/2008
3/22/2008
3/23/2008
3/24/2008
3/25/2008
3/26/2008
3/27/2008
3/28/2008
3/29/2008
3/30/2008
3/31/2008
Total
Searches
41
35
70
87
27
81
111
41
9
11
109
69
46
64
77
22
20
114
92
46
93
144
16
13
75
100
197
117
36
16
27
114
1,072
75
81
27,542
1,589
62
92
35,005
Answers
Viewed
97
57
139
617
555
102
133
599
188
58
144
112
117
128
579
73
69
174
212
104
145
2,027
63
69
124
138
514
512
534
26
68
119
122
68
93
524
29
27
536
32,568
Sessions
182
209
208
191
331
304
367
365
622
231
161
145
140
217
136
108
86
206
258
216
222
360
113
123
155
188
328
250
166
85
83
157
1,108
168
131
27,654
1,633
144
199
46,989
Hits
284
281
376
887
895
510
621
948
600
306
408
344
278
371
784
185
174
567
542
355
459
2,473
193
190
360
444
860
813
747
132
206
380
1,345
262
332
28,217
1,714
159
808
83,055
Web
Questions
1
1
1
0
1
4
5
1
0
1
3
3
1
2
1
1
0
10
6
4
6
5
5
1
5
5
1
0
3
1
2
4
2
1
4
1
3
0
3
201
Searches: The number of searches performed.
Answers Viewed: The total number of times Answers were viewed. This represents the number of Answer pages viewed. That is, if only one
Answer was selected, but it was viewed ten times, the Answers Viewed value would be ten.
Sessions: The number of sessions for the time unit specified. A session is use of the end-user pages. A session ends when the end-user submits
an Ask a Question request, leaves the end-user pages, or a two-hour period of time has elapsed, whichever comes first.
Hits: The number of page turns during the time period selected for the report.
Web Questions: The number of questions generated from an Ask a Question request.
,nd
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2 Quarter Report
10
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SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE QUARTERLY REPORT
Second Quarter FY 2008
APPENDIX A: FEDERAL REGISTER SUMMARIES
NOTICES
"Determination of Sole Source Aquifer Petition"
January 22, 2008 (73 FR 3723)
EPA provided notice that it approves the petition to designate the Espantildeola Basin Aquifer
System a Sole Source Aquifer. The aquifer is eligible for designation because it is the principal
source of drinking water for the area covered by the petition.
"Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request;
Coalbed Methane Extraction Sector Questionnaire (New)"
January 25, 2008 (73 FR 4556)
Coalbed methane (CBM) extraction requires removal of large amounts of water from
underground coal seams before CBM can be released. CBM wells have a distinctive production
cycle characterized by an early stage when large amounts of water are produced to reduce
reservoir pressure which in turn encourages release of gas; a stable stage when quantities of
produced gas increase as the quantities of produced water decrease; and a late stage when the
amount of gas produced declines and water production remains low. Pollutants often found in
these wastewaters include chloride, sodium, sulfate, bicarbonate, fluoride, iron, barium,
magnesium, ammonia, and arsenic.
"Notice of Public Workshop To Discuss Management of Underground Injection of Carbon
Dioxide for Geologic Sequestration Under the Safe Drinking Water Act"
January 30, 2008 (73 FR 5563)
EPA held a second public workshop to discuss the development of proposed regulations for the
underground injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) for geologic sequestration under the SDWA.
The SDWA requires EPA to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination
due to underground injection activities. The Underground Injection Control Program works with
States and Tribes to oversee underground injection activities and prevent endangerment of
drinking water sources. This public workshop will provide an opportunity for dialogue with
representatives from industry, government, public interest groups, and the general public on
geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.
The workshop was held on February 26, 2008, in Arlington, VA.
"Meeting of the Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Advisory Committee—Notice of
Public Meeting"
February 4, 2008 (73 FR 6501)
EPA gave notice of a public meeting to discuss the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) revision and
information about distribution systems issues that may impact water quality.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report 11
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The TCRDSAC advises and makes recommendations to the Agency on revisions to the TCR,
and on what information should be collected, research conducted, and/or risk management
strategies evaluated to better inform distribution system contaminant occurrence and associated
public health risks.
Topics discussed in the meeting included possible options for revising the Total Coliform Rule,
performance of analytical methods, EPA's plans for compliance with the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and topics for upcoming TCRDSAC meetings.
The meeting was held February 20 and 21, 2008, in Washington, DC.
"Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request;
Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts, Chemical and Radionuclides Rules Renewal
Information Collection Request"
February 15, 2008 (73 FR 8865)
The Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts, Chemical and Radionuclides Rules ICR examines
PWS, primacy agency and EPA burden and costs for recordkeeping and reporting requirements
in support of the chemical drinking water regulations. These recordkeeping and reporting
requirements are mandatory for compliance. The following chemical regulations are included:
The Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 1 DBPR), the Stage 2
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR), the Chemical Phase Rules
(Phases II/IIB/V), the 1976 Radionuclides Rule and 2000 Radionuclides Rule, the Total
Trihalomethanes (TTFDVI) Rule, the Disinfectant Residual Monitoring and Associated Activities
under the Surface Water Treatment Rule, the Arsenic Rule, and the Short-Term Revisions to the
Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Future chemical-related rulemakings, such as Radon, will be
added to this consolidated ICR after the regulations are finalized and the initial, rule-specific,
ICRs are due to expire.
"Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 3~Draft; Notice"
February 21, 2008 (73 FR 9627)
EPA published for public review and comment a draft list of contaminants that are currently not
subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulations, that are
known or anticipated to occur in public water systems, and which may require regulations under
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA). This is the third Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 3)
published by the Agency since the SDWA amendments of 1996.
This draft CCL 3 includes 93 chemicals or chemical groups and 11 microbiological
contaminants. The EPA seeks comment on the draft CCL 3, the approach used to develop the
list, and other specific contaminants. Comments must be received on or before May 21, 2008.
"Public Water System Supervision Program Variance and Exemption Review for the State
of Colorado"
February 21, 2008 (73 FR 9567)
EPA Region 8 has completed its statutory review of variances and exemptions issued by the
State of Colorado under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Public Water System Supervision
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report 12
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(PWSS) program. This review was announced in the Federal Register published on September
25, 2008, (72 FR 54445), and provided the public with an opportunity to comment. No
comments related to Variances and/or Exemptions issued or proposed by the State of Colorado
were received. Region 8 determined as a result of this review that Colorado did not abuse its
discretion on any variance or exemption granted or proposed as of the date of the on site review
on September 25, 2008.
"Public Water System Supervision Program Variance and Exemption Review for the State
of Montana"
February 21, 2008 (73 FR 9567)
Region 8 conducted a statutory review of variances and exemptions issued by the State of
Montana under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA) Public Water System Supervision (PWSS)
program. The SDWA requires that EPA periodically review variances and exemptions issued by
states with primary enforcement authority to determine compliance with requirements of the
statute. In accordance with these provisions in the SDWA, and its regulations, EPA is giving
public notice that Region 8 will conduct a review of the variances and exemptions issued by MT
to water systems under its jurisdiction. The review will be conducted during February, 2008.
The public is invited to submit comments on any or all variances and/or exemptions issued by
the State of Montana, and on the need for continuing them, by March 15, 2008. Results of this
review will be published in the Federal Register.
"Public Water System Supervision Program Revisions for the State of North Carolina"
February 22, 2008 (73 FR 9801)
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has adopted drinking water
regulations for the Public Notification Rule. EPA has determined that these revisions are no less
stringent than the corresponding federal regulations. Therefore, EPA intends to approve North
Carolina's PWSS program for this rule.
The effective date for this action was March 22, 2008.
"Public Water System Supervision Program Revisions for the State of Tennessee"
February 22, 2008 (73 FR 9801)
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has adopted drinking water regulations
for the Long Term 2 Surface Water Treatment and the Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Rules.
EPA has determined that these revisions are no less stringent than the corresponding federal
regulations. EPA will approve these programs.
The effective date for this action was March 22, 2008.
"Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; EPA
Strategic Plan Information on Source Water Protection"
February 29, 2008 (73 FR 11108)
The EPA Strategic Plan 2006-2011 (www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm) provides an overview of
the voluntary programs and measures taken by States to ensure minimal health risks to the public
by protecting source water and preventing contamination. The information collection request
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report 13
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supports the EPA Strategic Plan by gathering information on protective actions for sources of
water used for public water supplies, and to measure progress towards the Strategic Target SP-4-
-public health risks minimized in 50% of community water systems and the related 62% of the
population served by those community water systems by 2011. EPA is collecting data from
States, on a voluntary basis, concerning the number of community water systems (CWS) in
localities that have substantially implemented source water protection programs according to that
State's definition, and the population served by those community water systems. The Safe
Drinking Water Act, while authorizing the generation of this data, does not require the
implementation of source water protection programs by States.
"Public Water System Supervision Program Revisions for the State of South Carolina"
March 6, 2008 (73 FR 12172)
South Carolina is revising their Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program to meet the
requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA). South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control adopted drinking water regulations for the Long Term 2 Surface
Water Treatment and the Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Rules. EPA has determined that
these revisions are no less stringent than the corresponding federal regulations. Therefore, EPA
intends to approve South Carolina's PWSS program for these rules.
The effective date for this action is April 5, 2008.
"Meeting of the Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Advisory Committee-Notice of
Public Meeting"
March 26, 2008 (73 FR 16010)
EPA gave notice of a meeting of the Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Advisory
Committee (TCRDSAC). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Total Coliform Rule
(TCR) revision and information about distribution systems issues that may impact water quality.
The TCRDSAC advises and makes recommendations to the Agency on revisions to the TCR,
and on what information should be collected, research conducted, and/or risk management
strategies evaluated to better inform distribution system contaminant occurrence and associated
public health risks. Topics to be discussed in the meeting include options for revising the Total
Coliform Rule, for example, rule construct, monitoring provisions, system categories, action
levels, investigation and follow-up, public notification, and other related topics. In addition, the
Committee discussed possible recommendations for research and information collection needs
concerning distribution systems and topics for upcoming TCRDSAC meetings. The public
meeting was to take place in Washington, D.C., on April 9 and 10, 2008.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report 14
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SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE QUARTERLY REPORT
Second Quarter FY 2008
APPENDIX B: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
Internet Activities
The SDW Hotline reported that the link for the Underground Injection Control Inspection
Manual on the Underground Injection Control Program publications page,
www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/publications.html, was not working. The issue has been resolved.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 2nd Quarter Report 15
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