It has been 11 years since the

TNC Facts -n-Figures
It has been 11 years since the
first publication of a special In
The Main newsletter devoted to
transient non-community (TNC)
issues. Over the years we have
heard from several of you that
you find the information useful
and look forward to the issue. We
hope you will find this edition
just as helpful.
There are 948 TNCs registered
as of October 1, 2007. TNCs are
generally privately owned, make
up the majority of public water
systems in the Commonwealth
and include the following service
types:
Type of TNC
Restaurant
Commercial Establishments
Recreation Areas
Summer Camp
Water Vending
Hotel/Motel
Institution
Schools/Daycares
Seasonal Residential Areas
Industrial/Agricultural
Medical Facility
Service Stations/Rest Areas
Bottled Water Companies
Other Transient Facilities
By Yvette DePeiza
#
180
144
130
119
95
72
24
21
19
8
8
7
3
118
How to Maintain Compliance
As an owner/operator of a TNC
public water system, it is your
duty to ensure that your water
system is operating in a way that
protects the health of you, your
employees, and your customers.
To help you provide safe water
and maintain compliance with
MassDEP regulations, make sure
you:
• Hire or become a certified
operator. If you hire a
certified operator to run
your system, you must have
a written contract outlining
minimum responsibilities
and tasks. Go to http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/
approvals/cmplcntc.doc to
obtain the required MassDEP
form, complete the form, and
submit it to MassDEP for
approval.
• Collect samples (nitrate/
nitrite, total coliform, sodium)
and any other special samples
required by MassDEP and
have them analyzed by a
Massachusetts or US EPA
certified laboratory. For a
list of certified labs, go to:
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/
Labcert/Labcert.aspx.
• Install and maintain a master
water meter
• File the Annual Statistics
report on time. For
TNC by Type
Over the last eleven
years our
Restaurant
Commercial
Establishments
Western
and
Northeast
regions
Recreation Areas
Summer Camps
Water Vending
Hotel/Motel
saw
increases in theirSchools/Daycares
numbers of
Institution
Seasonal Residential Areas
Industrial/Agricultural
Medical Facility
Serviceregion
Stations/Rest Areas
TNCs,
with the Western
Bottled Water Companies
Other Transient Facilities
See
“Facts”
- page 9
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
12%
2%
18%
2%
3%
8%
15%
10%
13%
14%
Match the color on the pie chart to the color
to the left to see what type of TNC it is.
By Denise Springborg
information, go to: http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/
approvals/dwsforms.
htm#statrep.
• Develop, file, and keep
updated a cross connection
control plan. For
information, go to: http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/
crosscon.htm.
• Post your Annual Water
Quality Report provided by
MassDEP. For information,
go to: http://www.mass.gov/
dep/water/compliance/tncccr.
htm.
• Pay the Annual Safe Drinking
Water Act assessment fee.
See “Compliance” - page 3
Enhanced Drinking Water eDEP
or after it is signed and submitted by your lab by using the
secure sharing feature
• Eliminate paper and mailing costs for water quality data
• Minimize the most common filing errors
By Andrew Durham
MassDEP has just enhanced Drinking
Water eDEP; an electronic filing tool,
which labs can use to submit drinking
water data to MassDEP on behalf of
public water systems.
The following contaminant groups can
now be filed electronically through
eDEP:
Nitrate, Nitrite, HAA5, TTHM, Lead
& Copper, Inorganics, Radionuclides,
PCE, SOC, Secondary Contaminants,
Bacteria, VOCs, Asbestos, Sodium,
Chlorite, and Chlorine Dioxide.
Filing electronically takes the place of
submitting paper copies and has many
benefits for you and your lab. By using
eDEP, your system can:
• Meet US EPA/MassDEP recordkeeping requirements
• Get immediate confirmation of
receipt upon filing
• View your data on-line before
eDEP is safe, secure, and available 24/7. Using eDEP will save
Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment money because it lessens the
need for manual data entry. Recent enhancements to the system
include:
• Enhanced performance/speed
• Additional Secondary Contaminants (potassium, hardness,
and specific conductance)
• New bacteria rules accommodate both Total Coliform
Rule samples and Surface Water Treatment Rule samples
MassDEP encourages water systems to talk to their laboratories
about using eDEP to file their drinking water data. Paper forms
will still be accepted; however, MassDEP is anticipating that
electronic reporting will be mandatory in the future.
For information on eDEP’s features or to sign up as a registered
user visit www.mass.gov/dep/ and click on eDEP Online Filing.
For more information on Drinking Water eDEP, contact Andrew
Durham at 617-574-6855 or email MassDW.eDEP@state.ma.us.
ITM
Best Tasting Water
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Deval L. Patrick, Governor
Timothy P. Murray, Lt. Governor
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary
Department of Environmental Protection
Laurie Burt, Commissioner
Division of Watershed Management
Glenn Haas, Acting Asst. Commissioner
Drinking Water Program
David Y. Terry, Program Director
Marie Tennant - Editor 617-292-5885
Marie.Tennant-DEP@state.ma.us
Department of Environmental Protection
1 Winter St. - Boston, MA 02108
www.mass.gov/dep
(Washington, D.C.) – If you’re looking for the best tasting water
in the nation, move to Massachusetts. The Three Rivers Fire
District in Palmer, Massachusetts took top honors at the 8th
Annual Great American Water Taste Test. The taste test is held
each year on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the National Rural
Water Association’s Annual Rally in Washington, D.C. NRWA
represents over 25,735 rural and small utilities so you can see
it is a tremendous accomplishment for the Three Rivers Fire
District to win this national competition. They competed against
the top water systems from 48 state rural water associations in
order to secure this award. John Sasur, Water Superintendent,
heads the district. The 964 district connections get their water
from two ground water wells. They entered the water taste test
after winning their state competition at the MASS Rural Water
Association’s Annual Conference.
See next page
2
Training $$$ Available for Small System
Operators
By Dan Laprade
Operators of small water systems (population <
3,300) can get reimbursed for the expenses they
incur in obtaining training contact hours and taking
the operator exam. The money is available through
a cooperative effort between the MassDEP and
the Massachusetts Coalition for Small System
Assistance (MCSSA) and is available on a firstcome first-approved basis. Current funding covers
the period from July 1, 2006 through May 15, 2008.
Eligible expenses include:
Z Half day and full day classes, programs or
seminars
Z Certified Operator
Examination fees
Z Travel ($.40/mile)
to/from trainings
(excluding travel to
exams)
Additional details of
the reimbursement process can be found on the
Reimbursement Application form which is available
from your regional MassDEP office or by going to the
MCSSA website at www.masmallwatersystem.org and
clicking on “Services”. ITM
Compliance - continued from page 1
For information, go to: http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/
laws/9602.doc.
• Prepare for the Ground Rule
- effective 12/1/09.
This new rule will require
systems with groundwater
sources to take source water
samples (install a tap if you
do not already have one)
following a total coliform
detect and participate in
a state sanitary survey
inspection every five years.
For more information, see the
related article in this issue.
To help TNCs and improve
their operations, the MassDEP
has established several on-going
programs:
• Training/Compliance
Assistance – Offered by the
Massachusetts Coalition for
Small System Assistance
- http://www.mass.gov/dep/
water/compliance/ssatrain.htm
• Partnership with the
Massachusetts Department
of Public Health to identify
recalcitrant TNCs and suspend
local Board of Health (BOH)
operating permits for BOH
licensed facilities.
• Bi-annual special TNC
newsletter
• TNC Guide (updated version
will be available on-line
December 2007)
• On-line training and
information http://www.mass.
gov/dep/water/compliance/
certop.htm#train
ity, Pennsylvania; and Stephens
County Rural Water District #5,
Oklahoma. State Rural Water
Associations conduct preliminary
competitions selecting the best
water from small and rural systems to represent their state at the
national finals.
Every spring, the National Rural
Water Association sponsors the
Water Rally and Great American
Taste Test on Capitol Hill to give
utility and state officials an opportunity to visit one-on-one with their
Congressional representatives and
discuss key water and wastewater
issues. ITM
Though most TNCs are in
compliance and recognize
that providing safe water is
an important function of their
business, others may need
assistance. If you have questions
regarding the requirements
listed above, please contact your
regional Drinking Water Program.
See page 8 for the list of ground
water rule contacts. ITM
continued from previous page
Each judge evaluated glasses
of water from the five finalists
measuring them on clarity, bouquet, and taste. The five finalists were: City of Mt. Shasta,
California; Town of Avilla Water
Department, Indiana; Three Rivers Fire District, Massachusetts;
York Springs Municipal Author-
3
Water Conservation Anyone Can Do!
By Brian Thibodeau, City of
Salem Water Department
Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray
or wastebasket; this saves 400
- 600 gal/mo.
In-Doors
The Kitchen:
If you have a double sink fill
one with dish detergent for
washing dishes and fill the other
one for rinsing- this will save
approximately 250 - 500 gallons
per month (gal/mo).
Wash your vegetables in a pot
and rinse them off in a second
pot - this will save over 150 - 250
gal/mo.
Keep a bottle of drinking water
in the refrigerator, so you won’t
have to run the tap until the water
is cold enough. This will save
200 - 300 gal/mo.
The Laundry
Wash only full loads. You’ll save
between 300 - 800 gal/mo.
If you are in the market for a new
washing machine – check out the
new front loaders – they’ll use
17-26 gallons per load instead of
45-60 for tub washers. Save 13
gallons for every load.
The Bathroom
Think about replacing older
toilets, which use 5-7 gallons per
flush, to a newer model which
uses only 1 ½ gallons per flush.
Look for leaks; why pay for
water you’re not using? Install
water saving showerheads or flow
constrictors in bathtubs to save up
to 800 gal/mo.
4
Put a plastic bottle or a plastic
bag filled with pebbles in your
toilet tank. Displacing water in
this manner allows you to save
up to 300 gal/mo.
Turn off the water while you
brush your teeth - you’ll save 3
gallons a day, almost 1,000 gal/
mo.
Turn off the water while shaving
– fill the sink with several inches
of water to rinse your razor –
you’ll save another 1,000 gal/mo.
In the shower, if you run the
water until it’s heated, use a
bucket to catch the water. Use
it to water your plants, this will
save you 200 - 300 gal/mo.
Shorten your shower. Even one
or two minute reduction will
save up to 700 gal/mo.
Out-Doors
Garden
Put a layer of mulch around trees
and plants. Bark, peat moss, or
gravel slows down evaporation
and saves 750 to 1,500 gal/mo.
Water plants during the cooler
part of the day. Early morning
is better than dusk since it helps
prevent the growth of fungus.
Saves 300 gallons/mo.
Don’t water on windy days;
it becomes dispersed and
evaporates quicker.
Cut down on watering on cool
days and overcast days and don’t
water when it is raining. Adjust or
deactivate automatic sprinklers.
You can save up to 300 gallons
each time.
Car washing
If you are able to, wash your
car on the lawn. The rinse water
will take the place of that day’s
watering.
Don’t keep the hose running when
you wash your car. Fill a bucket
with detergent and water, wash
your car, and then use a quick hose
rinse. If you wash your car every
week this will save 150 gallons;
for a two-car family that saves up
to 1,200 gal/mo.
Recreation
Ask children to help conserve by
not playing with the garden hose.
This will save up to 10 gallons per
minute.
Use a pool cover to cut down
evaporation, it will also keep your
pool cleaner and reduce the need
for chemicals. Saves 1,000 gal/
mo. ITM
Cross-connection Control Program
By Otavio dePaula-Santos
A well-run TNC water system
includes routine and preventive
maintenance tasks such as inspections of the well and the surrounding water protection area,
water quality monitoring (water
sampling), cross-connection
surveys and backflow device/assemblies testing. This article
will discuss the cross-connection
aspect for TNC systems.
A cross-connection is when
potable drinking water lines are
“crossed” with non-potable water.
This can produce an undesirable
event that could possibly be lifethreatening. A seemingly innocent
cross-connection can be filling
a swimming pool and leaving
the hose under the water. Back
siphonage can pull the pool water
into the drinking water lines. Attaching a lawn insecticide sprayer
onto your hose and spraying the
chemical is another more serious cross-connection. Without
cross-connection protection the
chemical could be siphoned into
the drinking water lines and may
be fatal to humans.
The best approach to deal with
an undesirable cross-connection
event is to be prepared.
The following are some steps to
reduce and prevent cross-connection incidents:
C Adopt only current plumbing
practices according to the state
plumbing code.
C Make sure that a Massachu-
setts Certified Plumber does all
the plumbing work.
C Fully implement all of the
components of the Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP);
in particular having the system
surveyed. A survey will look
for and evaluate cross-connections, devices (Reduced Pressure
Backflow Preventer), and assemblies (Double Check Valve Assemblies) according to the CCCP
Regulations.
What are the steps to take after a
cross-connection incident?
C Isolate the affected plumbing
system and immediately stop the
backflow.
C Notify the users of your system about the event and provide
guidance regarding the consumption and use of water.
C Contact the proper local and
state authorities to report the
incident. Make sure that the
information on your Emergency
Response Plan (ERP) regarding
“Local Authorities Contact List”
is updated and the ERP is posted
or kept in an easily accessible
place.
C Activate the emergency response procedures:
C If the contamination is already
known and if it is restricted to a
facility or a small area of the distribution system: stop the backflow, isolate the site, then flush
and disinfect the domestic line
and any other service lines (such
as fire protection lines).
C If the contamination is unknown and/or if your whole facility was affected: stop the backflow, isolate the area and take
samples. After the contaminant
is known: flush and disinfect your
distribution system.
Continue taking samples for a
period of time to make sure that
the lines are clean and the contaminant has been removed.
C Install a backflow preventer
to assure that backflow will not
reoccur.
C Conduct a new cross-connection survey of your system, or at a
minimum, re-survey the affected
area.
C Notify the users of your
system of the actions that were
taken to control and remediate the
cross-connection incident. Keep
them informed about the water
quality as a way to restore their
confidence in your water system.
Be proactive and do not fear
communicating with your users
or customers. ITM
5
Boil Order - Do Not Drink Order - Do Not Use Order
By Yvette DePeiza
Sometimes, contaminants may
get into a TNC drinking water
source or system. When this
happens MassDEP may issue an
order to protect the public health.
In accordance with Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 111,
Section 160, MassDEP “may
…make rules and regulations and
issue such orders as in its opinion
may be necessary to prevent
the pollution and to secure the
sanitary protection of all such
waters used as sources of water
Type of
Order
When Order is
Used
Boil
Water
Microbiological
contamination
when there is no
identified risk due
to inhalation, skin
irritation, or flammability
supply and to ensure the delivery
of a fit and pure water supply to
all consumers.”
There are 3 types of public
health protection orders used by
MassDEP; Boil Order, Do Not
Drink Order, and Do Not Use
Order. For detailed information
on how MassDEP uses these
orders read MassDEP policy 8706, located at http://www.mass.
MassDEP Region
During Business Hours
Western
413-784-1100
Central
508-792-7650
Northeast
978-694-3200
Southeast
508-946-2700
What to do
Boil water at a rolling boil for 1
minute before using for any human consumption1 purpose
Use bottled water or water
from an alternative source
You may bathe with this water
but when bathing do not swallow water (sponge bathe kids).
You may flush toilets.
Do Not
Drink
Do Not
Use
Chemical or
radiological
contamination
when there is no
identified risk due
to inhalation, skin
irritation or flammability. Bacteria
contamination
when boiling or
disinfection is
not available or
practical.
Do not use water for human
consumption1 purposes.
Use bottled water from an
alternative source.
Chemical or
radiological or
unknown contamination when
there is a risk
from inhalation,
skin irritation, or
flammability.
Do not use the water for any
purpose.
You may bathe with this water
but when bathing do not swallow the water (sponge bathe
kids).
gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm.
One of the most important things
to remember when you exceed
a maximum contaminant level
or suspect contamination is to
contact your regional MassDEP
office and your local board
of health. MassDEP staff are
available to help you address
your water supply problem and
notify your consumers. ITM
After Business Hours / Weekend or Holidays
Examples of What to do
Do not flush toilets or other
units until MassDEP has determined it is safe to do so.
Procedures for
Food Establishments
Boil your water or if you cannot boil use bottled
water, or water from an alternate source for the following human consumption purposes:
• Brushing teeth
• Washing hands
• Washing cuts, bruises, etc
• Cooking
• Washing vegetables
• Washing eating/cooking utensils
• Pets (water, food, bathe)
Food establishments must
follow MA DPH procedures
and the direction of their local
board of health (LBH).
Use bottled water or water from an alternate source
for the following human consumption purposes:
• Brushing teeth
• Washing hands
• Washing cuts, bruises, etc
• Cooking
• Washing vegetables
• Washing eating/cooking utensils
• Pets (water, food, bathe)
Food establishments must
follow the DPH guide and the
directions of their LBH.
You may flush toilets.
Use bottled water or water
from an alternate source.
888-304-1133
Use bottled water or an alternate source for all human consumption purposes including showering.
Discard any products prepared with the water
collected during the period of concern e.g. baby
formulas, foods, ice cubes, etc.
Do not use the shower or flush toilets until approved
to do so by MassDEP. Showering and flushing may
present a risk from inhalation.
When or if flushing is allowed or required by MassDEP flush all pipes and units e.g. hot and cold water
taps, toilets, humidifiers, dishwashers, washing
machines, etc3.
See pg. 18 of the DPH guide2
for procedures to follow during
a Boil Order.
LBH may be more stringent
than the DPH guide.
See pg. 15 of the DPH guide2
for procedures to follow during
a water interruption incident.
LBH may be more stringent
than the DPH guide.
Food establishments must
follow the DPH guide and the
directions of their LBH.
See pg. 15 of the DPH guide2
for procedures to follow during
a water interruption incident.
LBH may be more stringent
than the DPH guide.
1 On 2/26/88, the US District Court settled the US vs. Midway Heights case in part by claiming “human consumption includes drinking, bathing, showering, cooking, dishwashing, and maintaining oral hygiene.”
2 For DPH’s guide visit http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/environmental/foodsafety/emergency_action_plans.pdf
3 For more information read MassDEP’s flushing fact sheet at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#dwguid
Registered TNCs Are Improving Compliance
By Yvette DePeiza
•
There has been a steady and
significant increase in the number
of TNCs that understand the
routine monitoring and reporting
requirements. This is a significant
achievement and has resulted in
better than 95% compliance in
fiscal year 2007. TNCs are staying
clear of violations and penalties
and have taken the provision of
water as an important function of
their business.
•
These good results are a reflection
of the effort and good work of
TNCs and MassDEP, and its
partners all working together. The
majority of TNCs have taken the
following actions:
•
Hired or became a certified
operator
•
Collected and had their
Massachusetts or US EPA
certified laboratories analyze
their drinking water samples as
required
•
Filed Annual Statistical reports
on time
•
Developed and filed a cross
connection control plan
Posted their Annual Water
Quality Report provided by
MassDEP
Paid their annual Safe
Drinking Water Act
Assessment
MassDEP has also instituted
several programs that have
helped TNCs to improve. These
programs included the following:
•
Training/compliance
assistance – This was initially
via MassDEP circuit riders
and after 2003 via the
Massachusetts Coalition for
Small System Assistance
•
Enforcement priority for
TNCs lacking certified
operators
•
Partnership with
Massachusetts Department of
Public Health to initiate the
suspension of local Board of
Health (LBOH) license for
recalcitrant TNC facilities
with LBOH permits.
# of TNCs with no M/R
(monitoring and
reporting) violations
TNC with no M/R violations
1000
800
600
400
200
0
FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY FFY
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)
With the focus on training and
enforcement and also ensuring
that all TNCs have a certified
operator many TNCs have
become more professional in how
they deal with the drinking water
requirements.
Even though we are pleased
with the progress that we are
seeing there is more that can be
done. TNCs have high rates of
ownership changes that result in
periods of time when new owners
have compliance problems as
they learn about the drinking
water requirements.
In addition, each year MassDEP
has identified more than 50
unregistered TNCs that are
operating without MassDEP
approval. MassDEP has stepped
up its enforcement in this area to
make sure that when a consumer
enters a TNC they can be assured
that the facility is registered with
MassDEP and that MassDEP is
tracking the quality of the water.
We are encouraging the LBOH,
certified operators, and others
to keep us informed whenever
they are aware of changes in
ownership or of any new TNCs.
We are also working with local
permitting authorities to identify
and refer all public water systems
to MassDEP for approval. If you
know of any facilities that meet
the definition of a TNC but are
not registered with MassDEP
encourage them to contact
the local MassDEP office for
approval. ITM
7
Regional and Boston Contact Names and Phone Numbers
Post near your phone
Topic
Annual
Statistical
Reports
Assessment
Fee (SDWA)
Bacteria
Monitoring
Bottled
Water
Certified
Operator
Cross
Connection
Daycares
(Childcares)
Disinfection
By-products
Rule
Emergency
Plans
Enforcement
Ground
Water Rule
Lead and
Copper
NONs
New Source
Approval
New System
Registration
Region
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
Contact Person
Paula Caron
Bill Zahoruiko
Dan Disalvio
Deirdre Cabral
Mark Bolivar
Phone
508-767-2719
978-694-3232
508-946-2793
413-755-2148
617-292-5527
BOSTON
Kathy Romero
617-292-5727
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
Paula Caron
Bill Zahoruiko
Karen Dube
Dede Cabral
Denise Springborg
Paula Caron
Jim Dillon
Chuck Shurtlef
Rick Larson
Otavio Paula-Santos
Bob Bostwick
Hilary Jean
Chuck Shurtleff
Doug Paine
Paul Niman
Lynda Laine
Anita Wolovick
Alyse Ayler
Dede Cabral
Otavio Paula-Santos
Bob Bostwick
Jim Dillon
Rick Rondeau
Doug Paine
Ken Pelletier
Kelly Momberger
Jim Dillon
Dan Disalvio
Dan Laprade
Nick Anastas
Marielle Stone
Hilary Jean
Rick Rondeau
Bill Prendergast
Paul Niman
Bob Bostwick
Tatyana Karpenko
Chuck Shurtleff
Doug Paine
Yvette DePeiza
Kelly Momberger
Jim Dillon
Kermit Studley
Jim Bumgardner
Steve Hallem
Andrea Lemerise
Tatyana Karpenko
Giliane Tardieu
Bill Prendergast
Paul Niman
Paula Caron
Kelley Michael
Terry Martin
Deirdre Cabral
Mark Bolivar
Barbara Kickham
Jim Persky
Kermit Studley
Catherine Skiba
Bruce Bouck
Kelly Momberger
Jim Dillon
Chuck Shurtleff
Jim Gibbs
Mark Bolivar
508-767-2719
978-694-3232
508-946-2762
413-755-2148
617-574-6879
508-767-2719
978-694-3231
508-946-2879
413-755-2207
617-556-1085
508-849-4036
978-694-3229
508-946-2879
413-755-2281
617-556-1166
508-849-4027
978-694-3228
617-292-5701
413-755-2148
617-556-1085
508-849-4036
978-694-3231
508-946-2816
413-755-2281
617-348-4014
508-849-4023
978-694-3231
508-946-2793
413-755-2289
617-556-1157
508-767-2827
978-694-3229
508-946-2816
413-755-2269
617-556-1166
508-849-4036
978-694-3233
518-946-2879
413-755-2281
617-292-5857
508-849-4023
978-694-3231
508-946-2803
413-755-2270
617-292-5681
508-767-2723
978-694-3233
508-946-2805
413-755-2269
617-556-1166
508-767-2719
978-694-3401
508-946-2765
413-755-2148
617-292-5527
508-767-2724
978-694-3227
508-946-2803
413-755-2119
617-556-1055
508-849-4023
978-694-3231
508-946-2879
413-755-2299
617-292-5527
Topic
Organics
Monitoring
(VOC /
SOC)
Perchlorate
POU / POE
Public
Notification
Resource
Protection
(SWAP and
IWPA)
Sampling
Schedules
Sanitary
Surveys
TNCs
Training and
Outreach
Treatment
Turbidity
(SWTR and LT2)
UIC
(Underground
Injection Control)
Vending
Machines
Water
Quality
Report
Region
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
Contact Person
Kristin Divris
Jim Persky
Terry Martin
Rick Larson
Nick Anastas
Kelly Momberger
Jim Persky
Terry Martin
Mike McGrath
Damon Guterman
Phone
508-849-4028
978-694-3227
508-946-2765
413-755-2207
617-556-1157
508-849-4023
978-694-3227
508-946-2765
413-755-2202
617-574-6811
BOSTON
Frank Niles
617-574-6871
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
Paula Caron
Tatyana Karpenko
Karen Dube
Kim Longridge
Marie Tennant
Josephine Yemoh-Ndi
Anita Wolovick
Terry Martin
Catherine Skiba
Kathy Romero
Catherine Hamilton
Bruce Bouck
Paula Caron
Jim Persky
Terry Martin
Jim Gibbs
Mark Bolivar
Bob Bostwick
Hilary Jean
Dan Disalvio
Bill Prendergast
Mike Maynard
Yvette DePeiza
Liz Kotowski
Hilary Jean
Terry Martin
Dan Laprade
Marie Tennant
Purna Rao
Hilary Jean
Mike Quink
Dan Laprade
Frank Niles
Nora Hanley
Hilary Jean
Chuck Shurtleff
Dan Laprade
Frank Niles
Bob Bostwick
Ron Stelline
Chuck Shurtleff
Rick Larson
Ken Pelletier
508-767-2719
978-694-3233
508-946-2720
413-755-2215
617-292-5885
508-849-4030
978-694-3228
508-946-2765
413-755-2119
617-292-5727
617-556-1070
617-556-1055
508-767-2719
978-694-3227
508-946-2765
413-755-2299
617-292-5527
508-849-4036
978-694-3229
508-946-2793
413-755-2269
508-767-2735
617-292-5857
508-767-2779
978-694-3229
508-946-2765
413-755-2289
617-292-5885
508-767-2784
978-694-3229
508-946-2766
413-755-2289
617-574-6871
508-767-2720
978-694-3229
508-946-2879
413-755-2289
617-574-6871
508-849-4036
978-694-3252
508-946-2879
413-755-2207
617-348-4014
BOSTON
Otavio Paula-Santos
617-556-1085
Marie Tennant
617-292-5885
Mark Bolivar
617-292-5527
508-767-2719
508-767-2722
978-694-3227
508-946-2803
413-755-2119
617-556-1055
508-767-2827
978-694-3226
508-946-2816
413-755-2148
617-292-5529
BOSTON
BOSTON
CERO
Director
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
CERO
NERO
SERO
WERO
BOSTON
Emergency
MassDEP
Zone I, II
Approvals
Drinking
Water Chiefs
Paula Caron (Zone 1)
Barbra Kickham (Zone II)
Jim Persky
Kermit Studley
Catherine Skiba
Bruce Bouck
Marielle Stone
Tom Mahin
Rick Rondeau
Deirdre Cabral
David Terry
After hours or
holidays
1-888-304-1133
5-Steps to Respond to an Emergency
By Yvette DePeiza
G Consider what can be saved, what can be
sacrificed.
G If applicable, assess any damage to sewer system
that could contaminate water supplies.
G Secure well houses against unauthorized entry and
possible contamination.
All water suppliers, including transient noncommunity (TNC) systems, must have an
emergency response plan and annually update
MassDEP on any changes in the plan. The plan may
be as simple as a plan to shut down the facility until
the problem is repaired or provide bottled water for
all human consumption purposes until the problem
is resolved. However, at a minimum, a TNC must
do the following when there is a problem that
impacts the water quality.
4. Isolate areas that will take the longest to restore
service and arrange for emergency
water distribution in those areas.
G Establish collection points and
ration water.
G Locate source of water
containers (plastic bottles, jerry
cans, etc.).
G Spot containers at locations to
serve immediate needs.
G Locate trucks with watercarrying capabilities.
G If needed, provide information to the public on
emergency disinfection of drinking water.
1. Act to protect life. Implement your emergency
response plan to ensure the safety of employees and
families.
2. Notify employees, MassDEP, local board of
health and any other local/state officials of the
implementation of your Emergency Response Plan
G Maintain, to a practical extent, records and
logs of actions taken and ask all supervisors to do
the same.
G Coordinate efforts with MassDEP, local board
of health and other regulatory agencies.
5. Set priorities on repair work
G Get input from MassDEP and other appropriate
agencies on essential uses.
G Plan to restore service by area.
G Prepare and keep current a plan to restore service.
3. Preserve water or food in storage if possible
G For water storage follow MassDEP guidance
G For food storage follow your board of health
guidance. See MA DPH guide http://www.mass.
For more information on emergency response planning
visit http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/emerresp.htm
gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/environmental/foodsafety/
emergency_action_plans.pdf
ITM
Facts - continued from page 1
SERO
SERO
WERO
WERO
1996
CERO
CERO
1996
2007
1996
2007
1996
2007
1996
TNCs continue to provide water
to millions of residents, workers,
visitors and tourists each day. The
water supply provided by these
facilities is vital to the public
health of the Commonwealth and
any deterioration in the water
quality will have a significant
impact on many consumers.
400
400
350
350
300
300
250
250
200
200
150
150
100
100
5050
00
2007
# of TNCs
experiencing the largest increase
of 80 TNCs. Southeast and Central saw a decrease in their number of TNCs.
NERO
NERO
2007
MassDEP has been working with
TNCs owners and operators to
help them understand and comply
with the drinking water requirements. Some of the programs
that TNCs find helpful include
the contract certified operator
program; technical assistance
from the MassDEP funded Massachusetts Coalition for Small
System Assistance (MCSSA);
complimentary sampling schedules; sanitary surveys; and a
host of training information and
training opportunities. Together,
our efforts have resulted in many
well operated TNCs. If you have
any questions on this information
contact Yvette DePeiza at 617292-5857 or at Yvette.DePeiza@
state.ma.us . ITM
9
Self Survey to be at your Best
In addition to monitoring your water quality, one of
the best ways for a TNC owner to make sure that
their facility is operating at its best is to perform
periodic sanitary surveys of the facility. MassDEP
regulations require each TNC’s certified operator
to perform a survey/audit of its system every five
years and to report the result to MassDEP. In addition, MassDEP staff will go to each facility and
perform a survey approximately every five years.
This state-performed survey should be supplemented
by the TNC annually doing its own surveys at least
to locate, identify, and correct any health hazards
that might exist. To help TNCs prepare for the state
survey or its own certified operator survey, MassDEP
has developed a very useful booklet, “Preparing for
a Sanitary Survey.” This booklet is located at http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/compliance/training.htm.
The booklet includes information on the following
By Yvette DePeiza
topics:
-Minimum components of a routine sanitary survey;
-Self-inspection checklist;
-Common deficiencies surveyors hope NOT to find;
-Information to help you operate and maintain your
water system.
Regular use of the self-inspection checklist will insure
that TNCs comply with all of the requirements. If
a TNC finds any problems, the facility should correct them immediately, or if they are costly begin the
process to get them corrected as soon as possible. Do
not wait for MassDEP staff to identify your problems.
If you do, you may find yourself facing significant
enforcement and fines. If you have any questions on
this information please use the contact list on page 8
to call your local MassDEP office. ITM
Changes or Upgrades in Your System
By Yvette DePeiza
Yesterday’s gas stations...
TNC systems have to be very
careful when there are changes
at their facilities. Owners and
operators must be sure that any
changes made do not affect their
MassDEP approval.
If a TNC facility wishes to
change its current function or
expand its facility or operations it
10
must contact its MassDEP regional office. MassDEP staff will
help you determine if the changes
you are proposing will require
submittal of a permit to MassDEP
for source or system modifications.
e.g. changing from a small office
or gas station to a daycare, coffee
shop, restaurant, or other facility
that may serve beverages, handle
food, require food permits, or
supply water to 25 or more persons on average per day.
If a facility that is currently
classified as a TNC proposes or
initiates any changes in the use
of the establishment that would
cause the system to be classified as another type of PWS, the
facility must meet all applicable
MassDEP standards, and obtain
the proper MassDEP permits and
approvals. Some examples of
changes that may affect drinking
water status include: a change in
the type of permitted occupancy
Please use the contact list on page
8 if you have any questions. ITM
Today’s gas stations...
License Renewal Requirements for
Drinking Water Operators
By Paul S. Niman
All current drinking water
licenses in Massachusetts expire
on December 31, 2007. By the
end of October 2007, the Division
of Professional Licensure (DPL)
expects to mail out renewal
notices to all operators who
have up-to-date addresses on file
with the Board of Certification
of Operators of Drinking Water
Supply Facilities (Board). Each
Massachusetts licensed drinking
water operator should take steps
now to insure that they have
completed the necessary Training
Contact Hours (TCHs) and have
the necessary documentation
to prove it. Failure to get the
necessary TCHs in a timely
manner may result in a fine,
late fee, or the need to re-take
the exam. TCH requirements
are based on the highest level
of license that an operator
holds in accordance with the
following schedule: Grade VSS
or VND needs 5 TCHs; Grade
1 or 2 needs 10 TCHs; Grade 3
needs 15 TCHs; Grade 4 needs
20 TCHs. These are minimum
requirements and the Board
strongly encourages operators
to get more than the minimum.
This will help you avoid any last
minute problems with insufficient
TCHs.
The Board also now recommends
relevancy requirements for
TCHs for license renewal. No
less than 50% of the TCHs
required for renewal should be
directly related to the operation
of distribution or treatment
systems (i.e. operation and
maintenance of pumps, chlorine
and disinfection, instrumentation
and measurement, etc.). No more
than 50% of the TCHs required
for renewal should be indirectly
related to the operation of
distribution or treatment systems
(i.e. safety and administration).
To assist operators in obtaining
TCHs, be advised that the Board
grants TCHs for the following:
• Taking and passing a
Board exam for a higher
grade – Maximum 7 TCH
• Memberships – Maximum
3 TCH per renewal period
Y AWWA, NEWWA,
MWWA – 1 TCH
for each year of
membership.
Y Local organizations
recognized by Board
– 0.5 TCH for each
year of membership.
• Attending approved
training – TCH as
awarded
• Attending training
by Board approved
organization – TCH as
awarded
• Attending approved inhouse training – TCH as
awarded
• Attending First Aid or
CPR course from Board
recognized organization
– Maximum 3 TCH per
renewal period
• Attending relevant
courses granting CEUs
– 1 CEU = 10 TCH
• College credit for
applicable courses – 1
Credit Hour = 15 TCH
• Teaching courses
approved for TCH
– Grade 3 and Grade 4
operators are allowed
1 TCH for each hour
of teaching, up to a
maximum of 40% of TCHs
required for renewal
• Relevant training
given by Federal (EPA,
DHS, FEMA, etc.), a
Massachusetts State
Agency (MEMA, DPH,
DCR, etc.), or any other
state’s drinking water
certification program
(NH, NY, VT, CA, etc.)
- The Board will not
accept training that is
only approved by these
agencies. It must be given
or co-sponsored by the
agency.
Additional information on TCHs:
• The Board Policy on
Training Renewal Courses
is available on Board
website at: http://www.
mass.gov/dpl/boards/dw/
misc/tch_policy.pdf
• A list of Board approved
training is available at:
http://www.mass.gov/dpl/
boards/dw/conedu/dw_
tch.htm
Questions regarding TCHs can
be directed to Paul Niman at 617556-1166 or by email to Paul.
Niman@state.ma.us . ITM
11
In The Main
Photo by Carlos Fragata
MassDEP Drinking Water Program
1 Winter Street - 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Rockport, MA
Printed by MassDEP Operations on recycled paper.
What’s in Your WHPP?
By Catherine Hamilton
A Wellhead Protection Plan
(WHPP) is an excellent source
protection tool for TNCs to use.
Unlike large community systems
that benefit from municipal
wellhead protection, small water
systems must rely solely on their
own actions to protect their wells
from contaminants. A WHPP
is a document that public water
systems (PWS) can develop
and use to ensure the long-term
protection of their drinking water
sources.
A WHPP begins with identifying
the threats to the water supply.
This information can be found
in the PWS’s Source Water
Assessment and Protection
(SWAP) report, inspection
reports, and MassDEP sanitary
surveys and correspondence.
The WHPP should include water
quality concerns and threats
along with a description of the
strategies and tasks for addressing
12
them. The WHPP should also
include a timeline for completion
of the activities involved; for
instance, post protection signs
by Dec. 08, remove underground
storage tank from the Zone I by
Oct. 08, distribute water supply
protection information to land
owners in the Zone I by Nov. 08,
practice good housekeeping skills
monthly, etc.
The WHPP should also state if
the Zone I is owned or controlled
by the PWS. For small systems
that do not own or control
the Zone I, Best Management
Practices (BMPs) are often the
primary tool for protecting the
well. These BMPs should be
included in the WHPP as tasks
or strategies. BMPs focus
on spill prevention, proper
storage, secondary containment,
and operational practices that
eliminate or reduce hazardous
material releases in the Zone I.
PWSs should also determine if
they are located in the Zone II of
a larger community water system.
Because the majority of Zone IIs
in Massachusetts are protected
by municipal controls, a TNC
located in one of these Zone IIs
is also protected. TNCs that have
local protection should include a
copy of the municipal protection
controls (bylaws, ordinances,
health regulations, etc.) in their
WHPP.
Lastly, the WHPP should be
reviewed every few months to
ensure tasks and strategies are
on schedule. WHPP should be
updated every 3 years.
WHPP plans are strongly
recommended by MassDEP.
Source Protection Guidance
documents are available on
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/
drinking/sourcewa.htm. If you
have questions on your WHPP
contact Catherine Hamilton at
617-556-1070. ITM