1. Gary Carlson Drinking Water Program EPA Region 8
Sanitary Surveys
Gary Carlson
Drinking Water Program
EPA Region 8

2. Sanitary Surveys
Who
What
When
Why
Typical Findings

3. Sanitary Surveys Who conducts sanitary surveys?
- State Program staff or an agent or contractor approved by the regulator (40 CFR (d)(2))

4. Sanitary Surveys The Surveyor should have:
- experience or knowledge about the operation and maintenance of public water systems
- a sound understanding of public health principles and waterborne diseases
- a thorough understanding of applicable regulations

5. Sanitary Surveys A Sanitary Survey is an on-site evaluation of:
- the system’s water source(s)
- treatment
- storage and distribution facilities and equipment
- the operation and maintenance practices for each

6. Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done?
- Before doing a survey: Surveyors need to do a thorough review of existing monitoring data, past surveys, and well logs
- Survey visit must be coordinated with manager or operator

7. Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done?
- During a survey: look for key problems; walk through entire facility; thorough interview of operator; use standard format
- take pictures, sketch the entire water system
- get latitude and longitude or township range information on key features of the water system

8. Sanitary Surveys How are Sanitary Surveys done?
After survey is complete:
- write complete report and highlight problems that need correction

9. Sanitary Surveys When are Sanitary Surveys done?
- An initial survey by June 29, 1999 of all non-community systems that do not collect at least 5 or more routine samples for bacteriological analyses each month, and
- once every five years thereafter except that,...

10. Sanitary Surveys When are Sanitary Surveys done? (40 CFR 141.21(d))
- non-community water systems using only protected and disinfected groundwater must undergo a sanitary survey at least once every ten years following the initial survey
(40 CFR (d))

11. Sanitary Surveys Why are Sanitary Surveys necessary?
- to identify deficiencies in a water system before they become a threat to public health
- to help operators develop a better understanding of the importance of their duties
- to help operators improve their operations so that they stay in compliance with the regulations

12. Sanitary Surveys Typical findings during Sanitary Surveys:
- unprotected hose bibs; threaded spigot with no anti-siphon device
- no locks on storage tanks, collection vaults, treatment facilities, outside electrical panels
- tank covers that allow entrance of contaminants; holes, bad fit, rotting wood

13. Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued:
storage of fuel and/or flammables, chemicals in well houses, water treatment buildings or vaults
sanitary wellhead seals compromised by open holes through seal for electrical service and/or open hole for vent

14. Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued:
- well vaults that flood above the height of the well casing
- leaky vault toilets within the recharge area of the well or spring
- damaged facilities, tanks, equipment that has not been repaired

15. Sanitary Surveys Typical findings, continued:
- spring developments with no fence to keep livestock, wildlife, people and development away from the recharge and collection areas
- springs with no surface drainage up-gradient of collection area; no screens on overflow, drain and vents