Total Coliform Rule (TCR) Sampling Procedures. The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate...

Total Coliform Rule (TCR) Total Coliform Rule (TCR) SamplingSampling ProceduresProcedures

The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate recommended sampling techniques. This recommended sampling techniques. This presentation includes:presentation includes: supplies neededsupplies needed sample tap selectionsample tap selection collection; and collection; and shipping. shipping.

Total Coliform Rule SamplingTotal Coliform Rule Sampling

We know and recognize that there are numerous We know and recognize that there are numerous techniques and methods for collecting drinking techniques and methods for collecting drinking water samples. The idea of this presentation is to water samples. The idea of this presentation is to demonstrate the general method used while demonstrate the general method used while providing some helpful suggestions for sample providing some helpful suggestions for sample collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or trainee.trainee.

This presentation is in no way to be considered a This presentation is in no way to be considered a substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act

and amendmentsand amendments

Total Coliform Rule SamplingTotal Coliform Rule Sampling

What is the Total Coliform Rule (TCR)?What is the Total Coliform Rule (TCR)?

The Total Coliform Rule, or TCR, is a rule The Total Coliform Rule, or TCR, is a rule established by the Safe Drinking Water Act established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) with sample requirements primarily (SDWA) with sample requirements primarily based on the presence or absence of total based on the presence or absence of total

coliform bacteria rather than on the number of coliform bacteria rather than on the number of coliforms detected in the samples.coliforms detected in the samples.


The TCR, exists to protect public health by The TCR, exists to protect public health by monitoring for fecal and other disease causing monitoring for fecal and other disease causing

pathogens in drinking water. Each month Public pathogens in drinking water. Each month Public Water Systems must collect a designated number of Water Systems must collect a designated number of

total coliform samples. total coliform samples.


By referencing the following charts, public By referencing the following charts, public water systems, by population size served, can water systems, by population size served, can locate their required number of samples and locate their required number of samples and

their frequency as required by the SDWA.their frequency as required by the SDWA.

Minimum Number of Routine Minimum Number of Routine Bacteriological Samples Required Bacteriological Samples Required

Type of SystemType of System Population Population ServedServed

Minimum # of Minimum # of Routine Routine SamplesSamples

Ground Water Ground Water (GW)(GW)

25 – 1,00025 – 1,000 1 sample per 1 sample per month or quarter month or quarter

1,001 – 2,5001,001 – 2,500 2 samples per 2 samples per month or quartermonth or quarter


Minimum Number of Routine Minimum Number of Routine Bacteriological Samples Required Bacteriological Samples Required

Type of SystemType of System Population Population ServedServed

Minimum # of Minimum # of Routine Routine SamplesSamples

Surface Water Surface Water (SW) or Ground (SW) or Ground Water Under the Water Under the Direct Influence Direct Influence of Surface Water of Surface Water (GWUDI) (GWUDI)

25 – 1,00025 – 1,000 1 sample per 1 sample per month or quarter month or quarter




Compliance with the TCR is based on the Compliance with the TCR is based on the presence or absence of total coliform bacteria. presence or absence of total coliform bacteria. If all routine samples tested negative (absent) If all routine samples tested negative (absent)

for the presence of total coliforms, no for the presence of total coliforms, no additional testing is required for that additional testing is required for that

monitoring period. Whether you sample monitoring period. Whether you sample monthly, quarterly, or annually. monthly, quarterly, or annually.


However, the rule requires that total coliform However, the rule requires that total coliform positive samples (presence) be further tested for positive samples (presence) be further tested for

fecal coliform or fecal coliform or Escherichia Coli (E. ColiEscherichia Coli (E. Coli) and ) and that a set of three repeat samples be collected for that a set of three repeat samples be collected for

each total coliform positive sample. each total coliform positive sample.


Repeat samples must be collected within 24 hours Repeat samples must be collected within 24 hours after the Water system officials are notified of the after the Water system officials are notified of the routine positive coliform result. Furthermore, if routine positive coliform result. Furthermore, if

coliforms were detected, the water system will be coliforms were detected, the water system will be required to collect a minimum of five (5) additional required to collect a minimum of five (5) additional

routine samples the following month.routine samples the following month.

Population ServedPopulation Served

# of Repeat Samples # of Repeat Samples required per Positive required per Positive

Routine SampleRoutine Sample

25 – 1,00025 – 1,000 44

1,001 – 2,5001,001 – 2,500 33

2,501 – 3,3002,501 – 3,300 33


It is important to note that, initially, each water It is important to note that, initially, each water system must have an approved sampling plan that system must have an approved sampling plan that lists the frequencies and locations of samples to lists the frequencies and locations of samples to be collected. This plan may be reviewed, revised, be collected. This plan may be reviewed, revised, or modified by your State or tribal drinking water or modified by your State or tribal drinking water

program office .program office .

As an example of a compliance requirement for public water As an example of a compliance requirement for public water systems serving under 1000 population, only one (1) sample per systems serving under 1000 population, only one (1) sample per

month may be positive for total coliform. month may be positive for total coliform.

Only one (1) sample perOnly one (1) sample per

month may be positivemonth may be positive

for total coliform.for total coliform.


If a system exceeds this maximum contaminant level, or MCL, it must If a system exceeds this maximum contaminant level, or MCL, it must let the water consumers know through requirements established in let the water consumers know through requirements established in

another federal rule called the public notification rule. another federal rule called the public notification rule.

If this MCL is exceeded: The If this MCL is exceeded: The Public MUST BE NOTIFIED.Public MUST BE NOTIFIED.


State Guidelines – Rules – Sample State Guidelines – Rules – Sample

RequirementsRequirements

Be sure to check with Be sure to check with your state or tribal your state or tribal drinking water program drinking water program office for additional office for additional guidelines, rules and/or guidelines, rules and/or sample requirements sample requirements since they may be more since they may be more stringent than those stringent than those required by the federal required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Safe Drinking Water Act.

TCR Sampling SuppliesTCR Sampling Supplies

Before you begin sampling, it is important to have Before you begin sampling, it is important to have all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the

suggested supplies you may need:suggested supplies you may need:

Cooler for shipping and storage of your sampleCooler for shipping and storage of your samplewhile in transit between collection point and lab.while in transit between collection point and lab.


Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler. Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler.


PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves which are PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves which are necessary to keep your hands safe from sample necessary to keep your hands safe from sample

container preservative chemicals.container preservative chemicals.


Sample ContainerSample Container


Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample containerLab slips, labels, and markers for sample containeridentificationidentification


Additional Recommended Items are:Additional Recommended Items are:

Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample container after sampling.container after sampling.


Plastic storage baggies for ice andPlastic storage baggies for ice and

sample container sample container


Sample preparation instructionsSample preparation instructions

Although different Although different sizes and types of sizes and types of sampling containers sampling containers may be used for may be used for collecting coliform collecting coliform samples, most samples, most laboratories supply laboratories supply 125mL sterilized, 125mL sterilized, plastic bottles. A few plastic bottles. A few laboratories may laboratories may furnish single furnish single service, sterilized service, sterilized glass bottles. glass bottles.

As a general rule, As a general rule, proper washing of proper washing of hands is highly hands is highly recommended for recommended for the sample the sample collector.collector.


Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette smoke should never come into contact with the smoke should never come into contact with the sample or its containers. These foreign objects sample or its containers. These foreign objects have been suspected of causing false results in have been suspected of causing false results in

samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample collection procedures.collection procedures.


It is recommended that It is recommended that you not sample with you not sample with any containers that any containers that appear to have been appear to have been tampered with since tampered with since this may cause an this may cause an undesirable sample undesirable sample result. result.


Sampling InstructionsSampling Instructions

The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers may provide instruction with the kit for the type of may provide instruction with the kit for the type of

monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those instructions when provided.instructions when provided.

Sampling ProceduresSampling Procedures

Important NoticeImportant Notice

Follow the laboratory instructions if Follow the laboratory instructions if provided.provided.

If no instructions are provided – the If no instructions are provided – the following are general sampling following are general sampling procedures.procedures.

Assemble all of the sampling supplies before Assemble all of the sampling supplies before beginning. Your sample bottle may have Sodium beginning. Your sample bottle may have Sodium thiosulfate, a small white tablet or powder in the thiosulfate, a small white tablet or powder in the sample container, which is used for chlorinated sample container, which is used for chlorinated waters (such as those found in most distribution waters (such as those found in most distribution systems). Handle the containers carefully as systems). Handle the containers carefully as they are sterilized. Do not rinse out or dispose of they are sterilized. Do not rinse out or dispose of any liquids, powders or tablets inside the any liquids, powders or tablets inside the containers. containers.


Select an approved sampling location if any Select an approved sampling location if any have been designated. Normally, the sampling have been designated. Normally, the sampling location (s) is specified in the approved location (s) is specified in the approved sampling plan as reviewed by your state sampling plan as reviewed by your state drinking water program. Each representative drinking water program. Each representative sampling location is usually located in the sampling location is usually located in the distribution system and is usually considered distribution system and is usually considered accessible during the day.accessible during the day.


Examples include hospitals, Examples include hospitals, city buildings, pump city buildings, pump stations, restaurants, and stations, restaurants, and dedicated sampling stations. dedicated sampling stations. Sampling sites specified in Sampling sites specified in the sampling plan should be the sampling plan should be selected carefully selected carefully throughout the distribution throughout the distribution system to represent the system to represent the varying conditions that varying conditions that occur throughout your occur throughout your system or plumbing. system or plumbing.


It is especially important to It is especially important to identify and include in the identify and include in the sampling site selection those sampling site selection those areas that areas that may adversely may adversely affectaffect the microbiological the microbiological quality of the water. These quality of the water. These include high use areas such include high use areas such as taps serving wait staff as taps serving wait staff servicing stations, bathroom servicing stations, bathroom taps where consumers make taps where consumers make contact with the water, and contact with the water, and taps in food preparation areas. taps in food preparation areas.


Sampling sites should also Sampling sites should also consider cross connections, consider cross connections, varying population densities, varying population densities, low-pressure zones, sites of low-pressure zones, sites of deteriorating water lines, deteriorating water lines, shared connections, dead shared connections, dead ends, areas of low-velocity ends, areas of low-velocity water movement, and other water movement, and other trouble spots in the trouble spots in the distribution system. distribution system.


Faucets and specially-installed sampling taps are the Faucets and specially-installed sampling taps are the two most common types of sampling sites. If faucets two most common types of sampling sites. If faucets

are to be used, each faucet should be examined are to be used, each faucet should be examined carefully to ensure its suitability. Poor faucet design carefully to ensure its suitability. Poor faucet design or placement may contribute to invalid sample results or placement may contribute to invalid sample results or fail to identify problems within your water system. or fail to identify problems within your water system.


Some examples of undesirable faucet conditions are: Some examples of undesirable faucet conditions are: Swivel-type faucets that have a single valve for hot and cold water.Swivel-type faucets that have a single valve for hot and cold water. Faucets that have leaky packing material around the stem.Faucets that have leaky packing material around the stem. Faucets that supply areas where bacterial contamination is likely, such as janitorial or Faucets that supply areas where bacterial contamination is likely, such as janitorial or

commercial sinks.commercial sinks. Faucets close to or below ground level.Faucets close to or below ground level. Faucets that point upward (such as drinking fountains).Faucets that point upward (such as drinking fountains). Faucets that have threads on the inside of their spouts.Faucets that have threads on the inside of their spouts. Faucets that have aerators. (If such faucets are to be used, the aerators must be removed before Faucets that have aerators. (If such faucets are to be used, the aerators must be removed before

a sample is collected.)a sample is collected.)


To avoid the problems To avoid the problems

inherent with faucets, some inherent with faucets, some water suppliers collect water water suppliers collect water samples for coliform analysis samples for coliform analysis from special taps connected from special taps connected directly to distribution piping. directly to distribution piping. These special taps can be These special taps can be simply a faucet at the end of a simply a faucet at the end of a riser pipe connected to the riser pipe connected to the distribution line or a more distribution line or a more sophisticated manufactured sophisticated manufactured sampling station device.sampling station device.


If possible, remove any aerator, strainer, or hose If possible, remove any aerator, strainer, or hose that is present, as any of these many harbor that is present, as any of these many harbor bacteria and cause a false coliform positive bacteria and cause a false coliform positive

sample result. sample result.


OPTIONAL STEPS:OPTIONAL STEPS:

Some sampling practices involve spraying the tap with a chlorine Some sampling practices involve spraying the tap with a chlorine solution, or even flaming the tap. (This step is optional since many solution, or even flaming the tap. (This step is optional since many people believe this practice does not kill attached bacteria and is not people believe this practice does not kill attached bacteria and is not necessary if the sampling tap is selected carefully.) Keep in mind that necessary if the sampling tap is selected carefully.) Keep in mind that the average consumer will not perform such practices and could be the average consumer will not perform such practices and could be argued that doing so would not properly represent the water quality at argued that doing so would not properly represent the water quality at the point where the consumer will use it. the point where the consumer will use it.


Turn on the cold water Turn on the cold water and run the water to flush and run the water to flush the tap. This typically the tap. This typically takes 2-3 minutes. Then takes 2-3 minutes. Then reduce the flow so that reduce the flow so that the stream is no greater the stream is no greater than ¼ inch in diameter, than ¼ inch in diameter, or the width of a pencil. or the width of a pencil. Check for steady flow. Check for steady flow.


While the water is running, fill out the labels, tags, and laboratory While the water is running, fill out the labels, tags, and laboratory forms. Apply the labels to the containers. Do not change the water forms. Apply the labels to the containers. Do not change the water

flow once the sampling has started as that could dislodge flow once the sampling has started as that could dislodge microbial growth. microbial growth.

Test for both the chlorine and the pH of the water and place the Test for both the chlorine and the pH of the water and place the results on your lab slip.results on your lab slip.


Remove the bottle cap. Be careful not to Remove the bottle cap. Be careful not to contaminate the sample by touching the inside of contaminate the sample by touching the inside of the cap or the inside of the sample container with the cap or the inside of the sample container with

your fingers. your fingers.


Then position the bottle under the water flow. Hold the Then position the bottle under the water flow. Hold the bottle in one hand and the cap in the other. bottle in one hand and the cap in the other. Do not lay Do not lay the cap down or put it in your pocket!the cap down or put it in your pocket! Water dripping Water dripping from your hands may also cause contamination of the from your hands may also cause contamination of the sample so extra care should be taken when collecting sample so extra care should be taken when collecting

this sample. this sample.


Fill the bottle to the shoulder or to about ¼ inchFill the bottle to the shoulder or to about ¼ inch

from the top. Many bottles have a 100ml fill line. from the top. Many bottles have a 100ml fill line.


The sample container should be tightly capped. Blot The sample container should be tightly capped. Blot the sample container with a paper towel to dry it off. the sample container with a paper towel to dry it off.



Since Ice is sometimes recommended for use in Since Ice is sometimes recommended for use in shipping, it is recommended that it be bagged shipping, it is recommended that it be bagged

separately to eliminate any contamination of the separately to eliminate any contamination of the sample. sample.

Turn the tap off. Replace the aerator, strainer, or Turn the tap off. Replace the aerator, strainer, or hose. hose.

Check that the information on the label is correct (or check the Check that the information on the label is correct (or check the laboratory form and attach it to the bottle with a rubber laboratory form and attach it to the bottle with a rubber

band). band).

Complete any additional laboratory forms that came with the Complete any additional laboratory forms that came with the sample bottle, including chain-of-custody form (if sample bottle, including chain-of-custody form (if

necessary). necessary).


The samples must reach the laboratory and the The samples must reach the laboratory and the analysis must begin within analysis must begin within 30 hours30 hours of collection. of collection. It is recommended that all samples be refrigerated It is recommended that all samples be refrigerated or cooled to 4 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius (39 or cooled to 4 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius (39

degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). If the degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). If the laboratory is nearby, refrigerate with ice packs, laboratory is nearby, refrigerate with ice packs,

and deliver the samples there directly. If not send and deliver the samples there directly. If not send the samples overnight by US mail or by an the samples overnight by US mail or by an

overnight courier. overnight courier.


IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:

Taping of the chest prior to shipping is also Taping of the chest prior to shipping is also

recommended since the container could be recommended since the container could be

mistakenly opened during shipment. mistakenly opened during shipment.

Also be sure to tape the sample forms Also be sure to tape the sample forms

and any other sample documentation either inside and any other sample documentation either inside

or the outside of the lid. or the outside of the lid.


RECOMMENDED:RECOMMENDED:

If the laboratory has any additional shipping If the laboratory has any additional shipping recommendations or requirements, they should recommendations or requirements, they should

be read and followed closely.be read and followed closely.


If you have any additional questions, please If you have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance. program office for assistance.

Following the proper drinking water sample Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isn’t our goal to ensure . . .all, isn’t our goal to ensure . . .


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