Revised Total Coliform Rule
On February 13, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made revisions to the 1989 Total Coliform Rule in an effort to provide greater public health protection. The revisions, based on recommendations from a federal advisory committee, are known as the Revised Total Coliform Rule or RTCR.
The RTCR establishes a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for E. Coli and uses E. Coli and total coliforms to initiate a "find and fix" approach to address fecal contamination that could enter into the distribution system. It requires public water systems to perform assessments to identify sanitary defects and subsequently take action to correct them.
All public water systems must comply with the requirements of the RTCR beginning April 1, 2016.
Training
The DW Program developed short training presentations on various topics related to the Revised Total Coliform Rule.
- How to fill out the Level 1 Assessment form [Length: 21 min]
- How to develop a Sample Siting Plan [Length: 22 min]
- How to complete Seasonal Start Up Procedures [Length: 16 min]
Level 2 Assessment Information
If your system has triggered a Level 2 Assessment, it must be conducted by the state or a party approved by the state. Level 2 Assessment Certified Inspector List.
Resources
- RTCR Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
- EPA RTCR Homepage
- RTCR Guide for Small Public Water Systems (PDF 1.1MB)
- RTCR Assessment and Corrective Action Guide (PDF)
Small System Factsheets
Forms
Seasonal Systems Start Up Procedures
- Ground Water Systems (PDF)
- Surface Water Systems (PDF)
- Rain catchment systems (PDF)
- Shutdown procedures (PDF)
Assessments
RTCR Sample Siting Plan Templates
Quarterly Monitoring
NOTE: NTNC or TNC groundwater systems serving 1,000 or fewer may be eligible for quarterly monitoring
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