In the Main - A technical assistance newsletter for Public Water Suppliers
August 2009

By Denise Springborg

MassDEP is in the process of updating the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) and anticipates the following changes effective December 1, 2009.  Public water suppliers are encouraged to speak with their laboratories to ensure that the laboratories are using appropriate TCR methods as described below.  If you have any questions about the Total Coliform Rule methods, please contact the MassDEP Wall Experiment Station Laboratory Certification Office at 978-682-5237.

Elimination of Fecal Coliform

The TCR requires water systems to routinely test their finished water for the presence of total coliform.  If a sample tests positive for total coliform, the water supplier must also determine if fecal coliforms or E. coli are present.  Because E. coli is a more reliable bacterial indicator of drinking water quality than fecal coliform, MassDEP is withdrawing fecal coliform as a bacterial indicator.  All future total coliform positive samples must only be tested for E. coli.  This decision is supported by members of the national TCR/Distribution System Advisory Committee, who on September 18, 2008, signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that recommends removing all fecal coliform provisions in the upcoming federal revisions to the TCR.

Elimination of Slower Confirming TCR Methods

The MassDEP Laboratory Certification Office will cease offering certification for certain microbiological methods used to analyze samples under the Total Coliform Rule that can require a lengthy time for completion.  These analytes/methods for the analysis of finished drinking water (indicated on the certified parameter lists as WTD, Water Treatment and Distribution) are listed below.  Note:  Laboratory certification for these methods is still available for the analysis of source water.

Total Coliform - MTF-SM 9221B
Total Coliform - P/A-SM 9221D
Fecal Coliform - EC-SM9221E
E. coli - EC-MUG-SM9221F  

Given the public health urgency of quickly knowing if a water supply is contaminated with E. coli, delays due to laboratory analysis are not desirable especially when there are rapid cost-effective tests available for confirming the presence of E. coli in a water sample.  This decision was reviewed during several meetings with the MassDEP Laboratory Advisory Committee.  

In The Main index

Maintaining Consistency & Credibility

Is SRF Financing for You?

In Brief: Drinking Water Operator Licenses Expire; Preparation Materials for Exams; Massachusetts Receives State Fluoridation Quality Award; Staff Spotlight: Melissa Privetera

Self Assess Your Emergency Response

Ground Water Rule Questions & Answers

Financial Assistance for Local Water Conservation

MWWA Meeting & Education Seminars

Consultant's Chemical Checklist

Patrick Administration Honors 25 Public Water Systems

Changes to the Total Coliform Rule