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  2. Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems

Ground Water Rule Compliance Help for Primacy Agencies

On this page:
  • The Ground Water Rule Implementation Guidance
  • Ground Water Rule Corrective Action Guidance Manual
  • Sanitary Surveys for Ground Water Systems
  • Source Water Assessment Guidance Manual
  • Ground Water Rule Triggered and Representative Source Water Monitoring Guidance
  • Ground Water Rule Source Water Monitoring Methods Guidance

Primacy agencies and states can use materials below to support compliance with the Ground Water Rule.

The Ground Water Rule Implementation Guidance

This document contains EPA’s current policy recommendations for implementation of the Ground Water Rule (GWR). It is intended for states, tribes, and EPA Regions exercising primary enforcement responsibility under SDWA.

  • The Ground Water Rule Implementation Guidance (PDF)(308 pp, 2500 K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-09-004, January 2009


Ground Water Rule (GWR) Corrective Action Guidance Manual

This manual is an overview of the treatment technique requirements of the GWR. The manual will help determine the information that should be included in a systems corrective action plan. It will also assist states and public water systems in selecting and implementing corrective actions in response to significant deficiencies or fecal contamination.

  • Ground Water Rule Corrective Action Guidance Manual (PDF)(109 pp, 1100 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-08-011


Sanitary Surveys for Ground Water Systems

Sanitary Surveys are a proactive public health measure that assess the capability of public water systems to supply safe drinking water. Sanitary Surveys also provide an opportunity for SDWA primacy agencies to visit water systems and educate operators on proper monitoring and sampling procedures and to provide technical assistance.

Sanitary Surveys are a requirement under the Groundwater Rule and occur, at a minimum, every three years for community water systems.

  • View additional information and Sanitary Survey resources 

Source Water Assessment Guidance Manual

This manual contains a brief review of hydrogeologic sensitivity assessments and an overview of characteristics of sensitive aquifers. The manual includes information about how source water assessments may be used and how to determine if a sensitive aquifer has a hydrogeologic barrier. It is intended for states, tribes, other Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) primacy agencies.

  • Ground Water Rule Source Assessment Guidance Manual (PDF)(88 pp, 806 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-07-023


Ground Water Rule Triggered and Representative Source Water Monitoring Guidance

This document provides guidance in meeting the triggered and representative monitoring requirements under the GWR. Ground water systems that do not provide adequate treatment to control viral pathogens must meet triggered monitoring requirements.

  • Ground Water Rule Triggered and Representative Source Water Monitoring Guidance (PDF)(116 pp, 1600 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-09-003 


Ground Water Rule Source Water Monitoring Methods Guidance

This document describes the analytical methods approved for source water monitoring under the GWR. This guidance manual provides a brief review of the source water monitoring provisions. This manual provides criteria to assist primacy agencies determine which fecal indicator is most appropriate to test for in the geographic region.

  • Ground Water Rule Source Water Monitoring Methods Guidance (PDF)(81 pp, 1500 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-07-019, Revised March 2008


For more information, please see the Ground Water Rule page.

Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems

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Contact us About Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems
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Last updated on June 18, 2024
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