Water Resource Protection | 2010 Proposed Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule
EPA is proposing revisions to the 1989 Total Coliform Rule (TCR), a national primary drinking water regulation (NPDWR). The purpose of the TCR is to protect public health by ensuring the integrity of the drinking water distribution system and monitoring for the presence of microbial contamination. EPA anticipates greater public health protection under the proposed revised requirements, which are based on recommendations by a federal advisory committee. The proposed revisions to the TCR will:
- require public water systems that are vulnerable to microbial contamination to identify and fix problems, and
- establish criteria for systems to qualify for and stay on reduced monitoring, thereby providing incentives for improved water system operation.
The proposed revisions were published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2010 and can be read here.
Comments on the proposed revisions must be received within 60 days of publication in the Federal Register. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov
A fact sheet on the proposed revisions can be read here.