Revised Total Coliform Rule (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 (PWSs) to perform assessments to identify sanitary defects and subsequently take action to correct them. EPA will have enforcement authority until LDH/OPH is granted primacy.

Level 1 and 2 Assessments

Level 1 Assessment Triggers - Level 1 Assessment (pdf) to be conducted by water system (Additional signature page)

• A PWS collecting fewer than 40 samples per month has 2 or more TC+ routine/repeat samples in the same month
• A PWS collecting at least 40 samples per month has greater than 5% of the routine/repeat samples in the same month that are TC+.
• Failure to collect every required repeat sample after any TC+

Level 2 Assessment Triggers - Level 2 Assessment to be done by LDH District Office Representative

• A PWS incurs an E. coli MCL Violation
• A PWS has a second Level 1 Assessment within a rolling 12-month period

It is the responsibility of the water system to be aware of when an assessment is triggered and submit assessments to the District Office where the water system is located by the required deadline.

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Additional Materials

EL219 - Maintaining and Achieving RTCR Compliance for Small Systems - This free eLearning course was funded by the EPA and is available to anyone, including operators, State drinking water agency staff, and technical assistance providers.  The course will focus on information relevant for small water systems that serve under 10,000 people. (3 hour course)

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