NR 809.548(5)(b)2.2. A water supplier for a public water system may reduce the frequency with which they collect tap samples for applicable water quality parameters specified in par. (a) to every 3 years if the public water system demonstrates during 2 consecutive monitoring periods that the public water system’s tap water lead level at the 90th percentile is less than or equal to the practical quantitation limit for lead specified in s. NR 809.541 (4) (a), that its tap water copper level at the 90th percentile is less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L for copper in s. NR 809.54 (3) (b), and that it also has maintained the range of values for the water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the department under s. NR 809.543 (6). Monitoring conducted every three years shall be done no later than every third calendar year. NR 809.548(5)(c)(c) Water suppliers for any public water system that maintains the range of values for the water quality parameters reflecting optimal corrosion control treatment specified by the department under s. NR 809.543 (6) during 3 consecutive years of annual monitoring may reduce the frequency with which they collect the number of tap samples for applicable water quality parameters specified in par. (a) from annually to every 3 years. NR 809.548(5)(d)(d) A water supplier that conducts sampling annually shall collect these samples evenly throughout the year so as to reflect seasonal variability. NR 809.548(5)(e)(e) Any water supplier that has a public water system subject to reduced monitoring frequency that fails to operate within the range of values for the water quality parameters specified by the department under s. NR 809.543 (6) for more than 9 days in any 6-month period specified in s. NR 809.543 (8) shall resume distribution system tap water sampling in accordance with the number and frequency requirements in sub. (4). A water supplier may resume annual monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap at the reduced number of sites specified in par. (a) after they have completed 2 subsequent consecutive 6-month rounds of monitoring that meet the criteria of that paragraph or may resume triennial monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap at the reduced number of sites after the water supplier demonstrates through subsequent rounds or monitoring that the public water system meets the criteria of either par. (b) 1. or 2., or both. Summary of Monitoring Requirements for Water Quality Parameters1
1 Table is for illustrative purposes; consult the text of this section for precise regulatory requirements.
2 Water supplier for small and medium-size systems have to monitor for water quality parameters only during monitoring periods in which the public water system exceeds the lead or copper action level.
3 Orthophosphate must be measured only when an inhibitor containing a phosphate compound is used. Silica must be measured only when an inhibitor containing silicate compound is used.
4 Calcium must be measured only when calcium carbonate stabilization is used as part of corrosion control.
5 Inhibitor dosage rates and inhibitor residual concentrations (orthophosphate or silica) must be measured only when an inhibitor is used.
6 Water supplier for groundwater systems may limit monitoring to representative locations throughout the public water system.
7 Water suppliers for public water systems may reduce frequency of monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap from every 6 months to annually if they have maintained the range of values for water quality parameters in the public water system reflecting optimal corrosion control during 3 consecutive years of monitoring.
8 Water suppliers for public water systems may further reduce the frequency of monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap from annually to once every 3 years if they have maintained the range of values for water quality parameters in the public water system reflecting optimal corrosion control during 3 consecutive years of annual monitoring. Water suppliers for public water systems may accelerate to triennial monitoring for water quality parameters at the tap if the public water system has maintained 90th percentile lead levels less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L, 90th percentile copper levels less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L, and the range of water quality parameters designated by the department under s. NR 809.543 (7) as representing optimal corrosion control during 2 consecutive 6-month monitoring periods. NR 809.548 HistoryHistory: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; corrections in (5) (b) 2. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2010 No. 659; CR 15-049: am. (4) Register March 2016 No. 723, eff. 4-1-16. NR 809.549NR 809.549 Monitoring requirements for lead and copper in source water. NR 809.549(1)(1) Sample location, collection methods and number of samples. NR 809.549(1)(a)(a) The water supplier of a public water system that fails to meet the lead or copper action level on the basis of tap samples collected in accordance with s. NR 809.547 shall collect lead and copper source water samples in accordance with the requirements regarding sample location, number of samples and collection methods: NR 809.549(1)(a)1.1. The water suppliers for groundwater systems shall take a minimum of one sample at every entry point to the distribution system which is representative of each well after treatment. The water supplier shall take one sample at the same sampling location unless conditions make another sampling location more representative of each source or treatment plant. NR 809.549(1)(a)2.2. The water suppliers for surface water systems shall take a minimum of one sample at every entry point to the distribution system after any application of treatment or in the distribution system at a point which is representative of each source after treatment. The water supplier shall take each sample at the same sampling location unless conditions make another sampling location more representative of each source or treatment plant. For the purposes of this paragraph, surface water systems include public water systems with a combination of surface water and groundwater sources. NR 809.549(1)(a)3.3. If a public water system draws water from more than one source and the sources are combined before distribution, the water supplier shall sample at an entry point to the distribution system during periods of normal operating conditions, and when water is representative of all sources being used. NR 809.549(1)(a)4.4. The department may reduce the total number of samples which are to be analyzed by allowing the use of compositing. Compositing of samples shall be done by certified laboratory personnel. Composite samples from a maximum of 5 samples are allowed, provided that if the lead concentration in the composite sample is greater than or equal to 0.001 mg/L or the copper concentration is greater than or equal to 0.160 mg/ L, one of the following applies: NR 809.549(1)(a)4.a.a. A follow-up sample shall be taken and analyzed within 14 days at each sampling point included in the composite. NR 809.549(1)(a)4.b.b. If duplicates of or sufficient quantities from the original samples from each sampling point used in the composite are available, the water supplier may use these instead of resampling. NR 809.549(1)(b)(b) Where the results of sampling indicate an exceedance of maximum permissible source water levels established under s. NR 809.544 (2) (d), the department may require that one additional sample be collected as soon as possible after the initial sample was taken, but not to exceed 2 weeks, at the same sampling point. If a department-required confirmation sample is taken for lead or copper, then the results of the initial and confirmation sample shall be averaged in determining compliance with the department-specified maximum permissible levels. Any sample value below the detection limit shall be considered to be zero. Any value above the detection limit but below 5 ug/l, shall be considered as the measured value. NR 809.549(2)(2) Monitoring frequency after a public water system exceeds tap water action level. A water supplier for any public water system which exceeds the lead or copper action level at the tap shall collect one source water sample from each entry point to the distribution system no later than six months after the end of the monitoring period during which the lead or copper action level was exceeded. For monitoring periods that are annual or less frequent, the end of the monitoring period is September 30 of the calendar year in which the sampling occurs, or if the department has established an alternate monitoring period, the last day of that period. NR 809.549(3)(3) Monitoring frequency after installation of source water treatment. Any water supplier which installs source water treatment pursuant to s. NR 809.544 (1) (b) shall collect an additional source water sample from each entry point to the distribution system during 2 consecutive 6-month monitoring periods by the deadline specified in s. NR 809.544 (1) (d). NR 809.549(4)(4) Monitoring frequency after department specifies maximum permissible source water levels or determines that source water treatment is not needed. NR 809.549(4)(a)(a) A water supplier shall monitor at the frequency specified below in cases where the department specifies maximum permissible source water levels under s. NR 809.544 (2) (d) or determines that the water supplier is not required to install source water treatment under s. NR 809.544 (2) (b). NR 809.549(4)(a)1.1. A water supplier of a public water system using only groundwater shall collect samples once during the 3-year compliance period in effect when the applicable department determination under par. (a) is made. The water supplier shall collect samples once during each subsequent compliance period. Triennial samples shall be collected every third calendar year. NR 809.549(4)(a)2.2. A water supplier for a public water system using surface water, or a combination of surface and groundwater, shall collect samples once during each calendar year, the first annual monitoring period to begin during the year in which the applicable department determination is made under sub. (4) (a). NR 809.549(4)(b)(b) A water supplier is not required to conduct source water sampling for lead or copper, or both, if the public water system meets the action level for the specific contaminant in tap water samples during the entire source water sampling period applicable to the public water system under par. (a) 1. or 2. NR 809.549(5)(a)(a) A water supplier for a public water system using only groundwater may reduce the monitoring frequency for lead and copper in source water to once during each compliance cycle provided that the samples are collected no later than every ninth calendar year and if the public water system meets one of the following criteria: NR 809.549(5)(a)1.1. The water supplier for a public water system demonstrates that the finished drinking water entering the distribution system has been maintained below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified by the department in s. NR 809.544 (2) (d) during at least 3 consecutive compliance periods under sub. (4) (a). NR 809.549(5)(a)2.2. The department has determined that source water treatment is not needed and the water supplier for a public water system demonstrates that, during at least 3 consecutive compliance periods in which sampling was conducted under sub. (4) (a), the concentration of lead in source water was less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L and the concentration of copper in source water was less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L. NR 809.549(5)(b)(b) A water supplier for a public water system using surface water, or a combination of surface water and groundwater may reduce the monitoring frequency in sub. (4) (a) to once during each compliance cycle provided that the samples are collected no later than every ninth calendar year and if the public water system meets one of the following criteria: NR 809.549(5)(b)1.1. The water supplier for the public water system demonstrates that finished drinking water entering the distribution system has been maintained below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified by the department in s. NR 809.544 (2) (d) for at least 3 consecutive years. NR 809.549(5)(b)2.2. The department has determined that source water treatment is not needed and the water supplier for the public water system demonstrates that, during at least 3 consecutive years, the concentration of lead in source water was less than or equal to 0.005 mg/L and the concentration of copper in source water was less than or equal to 0.65 mg/L. NR 809.549(5)(c)(c) A public water system that uses a new source of water is not eligible for reduced monitoring for lead or copper, or both, until concentrations in samples collected from the new source during 3 consecutive monitoring periods are below the maximum permissible lead and copper concentrations specified by the department in s. NR 809.544 (1) (e). NR 809.549 HistoryHistory: CR 09-073: cr. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10. NR 809.55NR 809.55 Reporting requirements for lead and copper. All water suppliers shall report all of the following information to the department in accordance with this section: NR 809.55(1)(1) Reporting requirements for tap water monitoring for lead and copper and for water quality parameter monitoring. NR 809.55(1)(a)(a) All lead samples that are detected shall be quantified. Any sample below the method detection limit shall be calculated at zero for the purposes of determining compliance with s. NR 809.54 (3) (c). NR 809.55(1)(b)(b) All copper samples that are detected shall be quantified. Any sample below the method detection limit shall be calculated as zero for the purposes of determining compliance with s. NR 809.54 (3) (c). NR 809.55(1)(c)(c) Except as provided in subd. 8., a water supplier shall report the following information for all tap water samples specified in s. NR 809.547 and for all water quality parameter samples specified in s. NR 809.548 within the first 10 days following the end of each applicable monitoring period specified in ss. NR 809.547, 809.548 and 809.549, which is 6 months, annually, every 3 years, or every 9 years: NR 809.55(1)(c)1.1. The results of all tap samples for lead and copper including the location of each site and the criteria under s. NR 809.547 (1) (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) under which the site was selected for the public water system’s sampling pool. For monitoring periods with a duration less than six months, the end of the monitoring period is the last date samples can be collected during that period as specified in ss. NR 809.547 and 809.548. NR 809.55(1)(c)3.3. At a time specified by the department, or if no specific time is designated by the department, then as early as possible prior to the addition of a new source or any long-term change in water treatment, a water supplier for a public water system deemed to have optimized corrosion control under s. NR 809.542 (2) (c), a public water system subject to reduced monitoring pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (4) (d), or a public water system subject to a monitoring waiver pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (7) shall submit written documentation to the department describing the change or addition. The department must review and approve the addition of a new source or long-term change in treatment to the public water system before it is implemented by the water supplier. Examples of long-term treatment changes include the addition of a new treatment process or modification of an existing treatment process. Examples of modifications include switching secondary disinfectants, switching coagulants, for example, alum to ferric chloride, and switching corrosion inhibitor products, for example, orthophosphate to blended phosphate. Long-term changes may include dose changes to existing chemicals if the water supplier is planning long-term changes to the public water system finished water pH or residual inhibitor concentration. Long-term treatment changes may not include chemical dose fluctuations associated with daily raw water quality changes. NR 809.55(1)(c)4.4. The 90th percentile lead and copper concentrations measured from among all lead and copper tap water samples collected during each monitoring period, calculated in accordance with s. NR 809.54 (3) (c), unless the department calculates the public water system’s 90th percentile lead and copper levels under sub. (8). NR 809.55(1)(c)5.5. With the exception of initial tap sampling conducted pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (4) (a), the water supplier shall designate any site which was not sampled during previous monitoring periods, and include an explanation of why sampling sites have changed; NR 809.55(1)(c)6.6. The results of all tap samples for pH and, where applicable, alkalinity, calcium, conductivity, temperature and orthophosphate or silica collected under s. NR 809.548 (2) to (5); NR 809.55(1)(c)7.7. The results of all samples collected at the entry points to the distribution system for applicable water quality parameters under s. NR 809.548 (2) to (5). NR 809.55(1)(c)8.8. A water supplier shall report the results of all water quality parameter samples collected under s. NR 809.548 (3) to (5) during each 6-month monitoring period specified in s. NR 809.548 (4) within the first 10 days following the end of the monitoring period unless the department has specified a more frequent reporting requirement. NR 809.55(1)(d)(d) For the water supplier of a non-transient non-community water system, or the water supplier of a community water system meeting the criteria of s. NR 809.546 (2) (g) 1. and 2., that does not have enough taps that can provide first-draw samples, the water supplier shall complete one of the following: NR 809.55(1)(d)1.1. Provide written documentation to the department identifying standing times and locations for enough non-first-draw samples to make up its sampling pool under s. NR 809.547 (1) by the start of the first applicable monitoring period under s. NR 809.547 (4) that commences after April 11, 2000, unless the department has waived prior departmental approval of non-first-draw sample sites selected by the water supplier pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (2) (e). NR 809.55(1)(d)2.2. If the department has waived prior approval of non-first-draw sample sites selected by the water supplier, identify, in writing, each site that did not meet the 6-hour minimum standing time and the length of standing time for that particular substitute sample collected pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (2) (e) and include this information with the lead and copper tap sample results required to be submitted pursuant to par. (c) 1. NR 809.55(1)(e)(e) No later than 60 days after the addition of a new source or any change in water treatment, unless the department requires earlier notification, a water supplier for a public water system deemed to have optimized corrosion control under s. NR 809.542 (2) (c), a public water system subject to reduced monitoring pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (4) (d), or a public water system subject to a monitoring waiver pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (7), shall send written documentation to the department describing the change. NR 809.55 NoteNote: In those instances where prior department approval of the treatment change or new source is not required, the water supplier are encouraged to provide the notification to the department beforehand to minimize the risk the treatment change or new source will adversely affect optimal corrosion control.
NR 809.55(1)(f)(f) The water supplier of any small water system applying for a monitoring waiver under s. NR 809.547 (7) or subject to a waiver granted pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (7) (c), shall provide the following information to the department in writing by the specified deadline: NR 809.55(1)(f)1.1. By the start of the first applicable monitoring period in s. NR 809.547 (4), the water supplier of any small water system applying for a monitoring waiver shall provide the documentation required to demonstrate that the public water system meets the waiver criteria of s. NR 809.547 (7) (a) and (b). NR 809.55(1)(f)3.3. No later than 60 days after the water supplier becomes aware that the public water system is no longer free of lead-containing or copper-containing material, as appropriate, the water supplier of each small water system with a monitoring waiver shall provide written notification to the department, setting forth the circumstances resulting in the lead-containing and copper-containing materials being introduced into the public water system and what corrective action, if any, the water supplier plans to remove these materials. NR 809.55(1)(f)4.4. The water supplier of any small water system with a waiver granted prior to April 11, 2000 and that has not previously met the requirements of s. NR 809.547 (7) (b) shall provide the information required by that paragraph as required by the department. NR 809.55(1)(g)(g) The water supplier for each groundwater system that limits water quality parameter monitoring to a subset of entry points under s. NR 809.548 (3) (c) shall provide, by the commencement of the monitoring, written correspondence to the department that identifies the selected entry points and includes information sufficient to demonstrate that the sites are representative of water quality and treatment conditions throughout the public water system. NR 809.55(2)(2) Source water monitoring reporting requirements. NR 809.55(2)(a)(a) A water supplier shall report the sampling results for all source water samples collected in accordance with s. NR 809.549 within the first 10 days following the end of each source water monitoring period, i.e., annually, per compliance period, per compliance cycle specified in s. NR 809.549. NR 809.55(2)(b)(b) With the exception of the first round of source water sampling conducted pursuant to s. NR 809.549 (2), the water supplier shall specify any site which was not sampled during previous monitoring periods, and include an explanation of why the sampling point has changed. NR 809.55(3)(3) Corrosion control treatment reporting requirements. By the applicable dates under s. NR 809.542, the water supplier shall report the following information: NR 809.55(3)(a)(a) For water supplier of public water systems demonstrating that they have already optimized corrosion control, information required in s. NR 809.542 (2) (b) or (c). NR 809.55(3)(b)(b) For water supplier of public water systems required to optimize corrosion control, their recommendation regarding optimal corrosion control treatment under s. NR 809.543 (1). NR 809.55(3)(c)(c) For water supplier of public water systems required to evaluate the effectiveness of corrosion control treatments under s. NR 809.543 (3), the information required by that section. NR 809.55(3)(d)(d) For water supplier of public water systems required to install optimal corrosion control approved by the department under s. NR 809.543 (4), a letter certifying that the water supplier has completed installing that treatment. NR 809.55(4)(4) Source water treatment reporting requirements. By the applicable dates in s. NR 809.544, water supplier shall provide the following information to the department: NR 809.55(4)(b)(b) For water suppliers required to install source water treatment under s. NR 809.544 (2) (b), a letter certifying that the water supplier has completed installing the treatment approved by the department within 24 months after the department approved the treatment. NR 809.55(5)(5) Lead service line replacement reporting requirements. Water suppliers shall report the following information to the department to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of s. NR 809.545: NR 809.55(5)(a)(a) No later than 12 months after the end of a monitoring period in which a public water system exceeds the lead action level in sampling referred to in s. NR 809.545 (1), the water supplier must submit written documentation to the department of the material evaluation conducted as required in s. NR 809.547 (1), identify the initial number of lead service lines in the distribution system of the public water system at the time the public water system exceeded the lead action level, and provide the public water system’s schedule for annually replacing at least 7% of the initial number of lead service lines in its distribution system. NR 809.55(5)(b)(b) No later than 12 months after the end of a monitoring period in which a public water system exceeds the lead action level in sampling referred to in s. NR 809.545 (1), and every 12 months thereafter, the water supplier shall demonstrate to the department in writing that the public water system has done one of the following: NR 809.55(5)(b)1.1. Replaced in the previous 12 months at least 7% of the initial lead service lines, or a greater number of lines specified by the department under s. NR 809.545 (6), in the distribution system of the public water system. NR 809.55(5)(b)2.2. Conducted sampling which demonstrates that the lead concentration in all service line samples from an individual line, taken pursuant to s. NR 809.547 (2) (c), is less than or equal to 0.015 mg/L. In such cases, the total number of lines replaced or which meet the criteria in s. NR 809.545 (3), or both, shall equal at least 7% of the initial number of lead lines identified under sub. (5) (a), or the percentage specified by the department under s. NR 809.545 (5). NR 809.55(5)(c)(c) The annual letter submitted to the department under par. (b) shall contain all of the following information: NR 809.55(5)(c)1.1. The number of lead service lines scheduled to be replaced during the previous year of the water supplier’s replacement schedule. NR 809.55(5)(c)2.2. The number and location of each lead service line replaced during the previous year of the water supplier‘s replacement schedule. NR 809.55(5)(c)3.3. If measured, the water lead concentration and location of each lead service line sampled, the sampling method and the date of sampling. NR 809.55(5)(d)(d) The water supplier for any public water system which collects lead service line samples following partial lead service line replacement required by s. NR 809.545 shall report the results to the department within the first 10 days of the month following the month in which the water supplier receives the laboratory results, or as specified by the department. The department may waive this requirement to report these monitoring results. Water suppliers shall also report any additional information as specified by the department, and in a time and manner prescribed by the department, to verify that all partial lead service line replacement activities have taken place. NR 809.55(6)(6) Public education program reporting requirements. By December 31st of each year, the water supplier for any public water system that is subject to the public education requirements in s. NR 809.546 shall submit a letter to the department demonstrating that the water supplier has delivered the public education materials that meet the content requirements in s. NR 809.546 (1) and (2) and the delivery requirements in s. NR 809.546 (3). This information shall include a list of all the newspapers, radio stations, television stations, facilities and organizations to which the water supplier delivered public education materials during the previous year. The water supplier shall submit the letter required by this subsection annually for as long as the public water system exceeds the lead action level. NR 809.55(6)(a)(a) The water supplier for any public water system that is subject to the public education requirements in s. NR 809.546 shall, within ten days after the end of each period in which the public water system is required to perform public education in accordance with s. NR 809.546 (2), send written documentation to the department that contains all of the following: NR 809.55(6)(a)2.2. A list of all the newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and facilities and organizations to which the water supplier delivered public education materials during the period in which the public water system was required to perform public education tasks.
