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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AD94 Publication ID: 2012 
Title: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule 
Abstract: EPA is finalizing revisions to the Total Coliform Rule (TCR), which was published in 1989. The Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) targets public water systems (PWSs) that have distribution system microbial monitoring results that indicate a potential pathway for fecal contamination to enter the distribution system. The occurrence of indicators of contamination in the distribution system is an indication that waterborne pathogens may also be present. The RTCR provisions require systems that reach specified levels of contaminant indicators in the distribution system to conduct an assessment to determine if sanitary defects exist and, if found, correct them. The final RTCR will maintain or improve public health protection, a requirement for all revisions to NPDWRs under SDWA. EPA convened a Federal advisory committee to give the Agency advice on how to revise the TCR. In September 2008 all advisory committee members agreed to and signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that documented their recommendations. As part of the advisory committee's AIP, EPA committed to write a proposed rule that has the same substance and effect as the AIP. On July 14, 2010, EPA published proposed revisions to the TCR (75 FR 40926) that were consistent with the letter and spirit of this commitment. The final RTCR reflects consideration of the AIP and public comments. In the preamble to the July 2010 proposed RTCR, EPA requested comment on the value and cost of storage facility inspection and cleaning. EPA received comments regarding unsanitary conditions and contamination that can be found in finished water storage facilities that are not routinely inspected and cleaned, including breaches and accumulation of sediment, animals, insects, and other contaminants. While EPA could finalize such requirements based on the comments received on RTCR, the Agency is considering a proposed rule in order to allow interested parties to comment and provide relevant information. Any potential requirements would apply to all public water systems. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 141    40 CFR 142   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 300f et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Notice  01/13/2009  74 FR 1683   
NPRM  07/14/2010  75 FR 40926   
Notice  08/16/2010  75 FR 49930   
NPRM Comment Period Extended  08/31/2010  75 FR 53267   
Final Rule  12/00/2012 
Additional Information: Docket #:EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0878
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/tcr/regulation_revisions.html   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0878-0001  
Sectors Affected: 2213 Water, Sewage and Other Systems 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sean Conley
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4607M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-1781
Fax:202 564-3767
Email: conley.sean@epa.gov

Thomas Grubbs
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4607M, 4607M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-5262
Fax:202 564-3767
Email: Grubbs.Thomas@epamail.epa.gov