UCMR3 SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

A guide for PWSs on sampling and monitoring requirements for UCMR3

Suzanne Lindblom Laboratory Manager Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, Mobile, AL

Finalized in May of 2012, the presentation will discuss the requirements each PWS must follow, cost burden to systems and what methods and chemical contaminates are involved.

Background purpose of UCMR3 is to provide EPA with scientifically valid data on the occurrence of these contaminants in drinking water and assess the number of people potentially affected and the level of exposure. The EPA uses this data to potentially develop a regulatory decision for these contaminants.

The affect on the water utility will depend on a number of factors: source water type, size, and personnel.

Many of the sampling protocols are complex and require certain set of additional field samples depending on method.1TOPICS COVEREDTimeline SummaryPWSs affected by this RulingContaminate List and MethodsSampling RequirementsFrequency of SamplingSampling LocationsApproved LaboratoriesReporting

Time line Summary - updating sample location and monitoring schedules has passed. After Oct 2012, must contact EPA. SDWARS gives times line of sampling events

Discuss what PWS must adhere to the ruling

Discuss the contaminate list and methods involved

What are the sampling requirements? Are there special instructions for sampling listed in each method? Sometimes, the answer is yes. Go over these requirements.

Frequency of Sampling. Depending on GW or SW, the frequency of sampling is different.

Sample locations depending on list and method, the location samples or samples are taken will vary.

How to find an approved laboratory

How to report data

2TIMELINE SUMMARY

Discuss when each PWS has to sample based on SDWARS3PREVIOUS DEADLINESLetter notifying PWS of monitoring requirements.Mobile Water must Monitor for List 1 & List 2Safe Drinking Water Accession and Review System (SDWARS) registrationJuly 31, 2012 entered Contact info into SDWARSNovember 29, 2012 review and update sample location and if needed, revise monitoring schedule.Questions? Contact CDX Help Desk @ 1-888-890-1995-State should have notified PWS of monitoring requirements.

Contact EPA by mail or email if need to change dates4SCHEDULE ON SDWARS

Mobile water Sample schedule List 1 and list 25UCMR 3 TIMELINE OF EVENTS

From 2013- 2015 PWSs are required to sample and send to an approved laboratory for analysis. This may be a little misleading with the 2016 date listed for Complete reporting and analysis of data. 6TIMELINEMonitoring Data DeadlinesLarge Systems

Laboratory must post data to SDWARS within 120 days after collection

PWS must review, approve and submit data to State and EPA within 60 days of laboratory submittal

2016 allows for systems whose last sampling event was late 2015 to report and approve data.

After samples turned in to approved laboratory, the laboratory has 120 days to report data to7HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?

Depends on size of PWS, source water type, and what list must monitor8APPLICABILITY OF UCMR3 TO PWS BY TYPE AND SIZESYSTEM TYPESERVING >10,000SERVING10,000ASSESSMENT MONITORING (List 1)CWS&NTNCWSAll must monitor800 randomly selected EPA paysTNCWSNo requirementNo requirementSCREENING SURVEY (List 2)CWS&NTNCWS

Systems >100,000 must monitor. 320 randomly selected 10,001-100,000 No requirementsTNCWSNo requirementsNo requirementsPRE-SCREEN TESTING (List 3)CWS, NTNCWS, TNCWSNo requirements800 randomly selected. Non-disinfecting ground water wells. EPA paysCWS = community water system; NTNCWS = non-transient non-community water system; TNCWS = transient non-community water system9COST OF UCMR3Large systems must budget 100% of cost labor, sample collection, analysis and shipping.

Systems serving 10,000 PEOPLE SERVEDThe PWS must coordinate sample analysis with an approved laboratory and is responsible for all costs.

Laboratory sends data to the SDWARS system.

Contact local third party lab who currently does utilities required testing. They may be able to coordinate with an approved lab.

Get quotes from several different labs.

43PWS