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EPA/WATER

RIN: 2040-AD94

Publication ID: Fall 2011

Title: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule
Abstract: EPA is revising the Total Coliform Rule (TCR), which was published in 1989. The original TCR, promulgated in 1989, protects human health by requiring microbial monitoring in drinking water distribution systems. Since then, EPA has gained a better understanding of total coliforms as an indicator of contamination in the distribution system. EPA committed to begin the process of revising the TCR as part of the Six-Year review requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA convened a Federal Advisory Committee to recommend revisions to the TCR. The Advisory Committee included members representing public interest groups, states, local elected officials, Indian tribes, drinking water utilities and EPA. In September 2008, members of the Federal Advisory Committee signed an agreement in principle (AIP), which 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 of microbial drinking water contamination. In accordance with commitments EPA agreed to in the AIP, EPA has proposed a rule that has the same elements and effects as the recommendations in the AIP. The proposed rule requires water systems to find and fix pathways to contamination when monitoring results indicate that microbial contamination is present, develops specific criteria for public water systems to qualify for and stay on reduced monitoring, and aims to improve consumer understanding and confidence by making required public notices about the drinking water quality more meaningful.
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 and 142
Legal Authority: 42 USC 300f et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Notice of Agreement in Principle	01/13/2009	74 FR 1683
NPRM	07/14/2010	75 FR 40926
Notice - Public Meeting	08/16/2010	75 FR 49930
NPRM Extension of Comment Period	08/31/2010	75 FR 53267
Final Action	06/00/2012

Additional Information: EPA publication information: Notice of Agreement in Principle - http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2009/January/Day-13/w469.htm; EPA Docket information: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0878
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: Federal, 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
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