Section 64426 - Significant Rise in Bacterial Count(a) A public water system shall determine whether a possible significant rise in bacterial count has occurred for each month in which it is required to monitor for total coliforms. Results of all samples collected in a calendar month pursuant to Sections 64423, 64424, and 64425 that are not invalidated by the State Board or the laboratory shall be included in determining a possible significant rise in bacterial count. Special purpose samples such as those listed in Section 64421(b) and special purpose samples collected by a public water system during special investigations shall also be included to determine a possible significant rise in bacterial count.(b) Any of the following criteria shall indicate a possible significant rise in bacterial count: (1) A public water system collecting at least 40 samples per month has a total coliform-positive routine sample followed by two total coliform-positive repeat samples in the repeat sample set;(2) A public water system has a sample which is positive for E. coli; or(3) A system fails the E. coli Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) as defined in Section 64426.1.(c) When the coliform criteria specified in subsection (b) are reached or exceeded, the public water system shall: (1) Contact the State Board by the end of the day on which the system is notified of the test result(s); and(2) Within 24 hours on which the system is notified of the test result(s), conduct an investigation and submit to the State Board information on the current status of physical works and operating procedures which may have caused the elevated bacteriological findings, or any information on community illness suspected of being waterborne. This shall include, but not be limited to: (A) Current operating procedures that are or could potentially be related to the increase in bacterial count;(B) Any interruptions in the treatment process;(C) System pressure loss to less than 5 psi;(D) Vandalism and/or unauthorized access to facilities;(E) Evidence indicating bacteriological contamination of facilities;(F) Analytical results of any additional samples collected, including source samples;(G) Community illness suspected of being waterborne; and(H) Records of the investigation and any action taken.(d) As soon as possible within 24 hours of receiving notification from the State Board determining there is a significant rise in bacterial count, based on the information submitted under subsection (c)(2), the public water system shall implement the emergency notification plan required by Section 116460, Health and Safety Code.(e) Within 30 days on which the system is notified of the test result(s) indicating a possible significant rise in bacterial count, submit to the State Board a report on the investigation, sanitary defects detected (and if applicable, may note no sanitary defects were detected), corrective actions completed, and a proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed. The system shall notify the State Board within five business days when each scheduled corrective action is completed.(f) A public water system in violation of the reporting requirement in subsection (c)(1) to notify the State Board when a routine or repeat sample is E. coli-positive shall notify the public pursuant to Sections 64463, 64463.7, and 64465.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, § 64426
1. New section filed 7-1-92; operative 7-31-92 (Register 92, No. 28).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c) and NOTE filed 4-21-2011 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2011, No. 16).
3. Change without regulatory effect amending subsections (b)(1)-(2) and (c) and amending NOTE filed 6-2-2015 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2015, No. 23).
4. Amendment of section and NOTE filed 5-28-2021; operative 7-1-2021 (Register 2021, No. 22). Note: Authority cited: Sections 116271 and 116375, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 116275(m), 116450 and 116460, Health and Safety Code.
1. New section filed 7-1-92; operative 7-31-92 (Register 92, No. 28).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c) and Note filed 4-21-2011 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2011, No. 16).
3. Change without regulatory effect amending subsections (b)(1)-(2) and (c) and amending Note filed 6-2-2015 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2015, No. 23).
4. Amendment of section and Note filed 5-28-2021; operative 7/1/2021 (Register 2021, No. 22).