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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AD94 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Revisions to the Total Coliform Monitoring and Analytical Requirements and Consideration of Distribution System Issues 
Abstract: EPA is revising the Total Coliform Rule (TCR), which was published in 1989. On July 18, 2003, EPA published a Federal Register (68 FR 42907) Notice of Intent to revise the TCR. EPA intends revisions to the TCR to maintain or provide for greater human health protection than under the existing TCR while improving system efficiency. A Federal Advisory Committee recommended that EPA, as part of the TCR 6-year review process, "initiate a process for addressing cross-connection control and backflow prevention requirements and consider additional distribution system requirements related to significant health risks."The original TCR, promulgated in 1989, protects human health by requiring microbial monitoring in drinking water distribution systems. The TCR does not include distribution system corrective or protective requirements to reduce contamination from coliforms and other contaminants. Since then, EPA has gained a better understanding of distribution system impacts on human health and, therefore, intends to strengthen the TCR and to consider how to address distribution system contamination issues. The process to do so involves a performance evaluation, development of issue papers on both distribution systems and total coliform, stakeholders meetings, and proposed and final rules. In September 2008, members of a Federal Advisory Committee signed an agreement in principle (AIP) that recommended revisions to the TCR, as well as research and information collection needed to better understand potential public health impacts from conditions in the distribution system and control microbial drinking water contamination. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 141 and 142   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 300f et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  08/00/2010    
Final Action  11/00/2012    
Additional Information: SAN No. 4775
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.epa.gov/safewater/tcr/tcr.html  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Kenneth Rotert
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 4607M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-5280
Fax:202 564-3767
Email: rotert.kenneth@epa.gov

Yu-Ting Guilaran
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4607M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-1154
Fax:202 564-3767
Email: guilaran.yu-ting@epamail.epa.gov