§ 22-64426. Significant Rise in Bacterial Count.

(a) Any of the following criteria shall indicate a possible significant rise in bacterial count:

(1) A system collecting at least 40 samples per month has a total coliform-positive routine sample followed by two total coliform-positive repeat samples in the repeat sample set;

(2) A system has a sample which is positive for fecal coliform or E. coli; or

(3) A system fails the total coliform Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) as defined in Section 64426.1.

(b) When the coliform levels specified in subsection (a) are reached or exceeded, the water supplier shall:

(1) Contact the Department by the end of the day on which the system is notified of the test result or the system determines that it has exceeded the MCL, unless the notification or determination occurs after the Department office is closed, in which case the supplier shall notify the Department within 24 hours; and

(2) Submit to the Department information on the current status of physical works and operating procedures which may have caused the elevated bacteriological findings, or any information on community illness suspected of being waterborne. This shall include, but not be limited to:

(A) Current operating procedures that are or could potentially be related to the increase in bacterial count;

(B) Any interruptions in the treatment process;

(C) System pressure loss to less than 5 psi;

(D) Vandalism and/or unauthorized access to facilities;

(E) Physical evidence indicating bacteriological contamination of facilities;

(F) Analytical results of any additional samples collected, including source samples;

(G) Community illness suspected of being waterborne; and

(H) Records of the investigation and any action taken.

(c) Upon receiving notification from the Department of a significant rise in bacterial count, the water supplier shall implement the emergency notification plan required by Section 116460, Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 7-1-92; operative 7-31-92 (Register 92, No. 28).

2. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c) and Note filed 4-21-2011 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2011, No. 16).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 116375 and 131200, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 116460, 131050 and 131051, Health and Safety Code.