2009 Public Water System Awards

List of 2009 Award Winners. August 2009.
Web page

Public Water System Awards Archive

Awards from previous years.
Web page

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Business Plan for Water Supplies

Water systems developing new public water supplies and infrastructure should complete and return this package to the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office. October 2005.
MS Word 648 KB

Capacity Building PowerPoint Presentations

Joint presentations by the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. November 2006.

Who is RCAP and what do they do?
MS Powerpoint 365 KB | MS Word (no graphics) 142 KB | PDF 644 KB

Assessing Water Systems' Financial Capacity - Part 1
MS Powerpoint 278 KB | MS Word (no graphics) 29 KB | PDF 766 KB

Assessing Water Systems' Financial Capacity - Part 2
MS Powerpoint 289 KB | MS Word (no graphics) 30 KB | PDF 746 KB

Enterprise Funds Manual - Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Link to Massachusetts Department of Revenue publication Enterprise Funds G.L. c. 44, § 53F1/2
Massachusetts DOR Web site

Environmental Placement Partnership Internship Program Application Form

Internship program funded by the EPA - Operator Certification Expense Reimbursement Grant and participating public water systems. Individuals that are invited to participate in the program will be introduced to the water supply field and the responsibilities of certified drinking water operators. The program is designed to increase participant's scientific knowledge, skills and understanding of drinking water and drinking water operations through interaction with industry professionals and hands on experience. The program will assist in the development of the individual as a water supply professional.
MS Word 967 KB | PDF 346 KB

Infrastructure Needs Survey & Assessment

Every four years, EPA conducts a survey of the anticipated costs of water utilities' investments in drinking water infrastructure and reports the results to Congress. The most recent report was published in June 2005.
US EPA Web site

"Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure"

This web presentation, created by Pennsylvania State University, combines a ninety-minute documentary with a community toolkit for facilitating local involvement. "Liquid Assets" explores the history, engineering, and political and economic challenges of our water infrastructure, and engages communities in local discussion about public water and wastewater issues.
PSU Web site

MassDEP Drinking Water System Management Handbook

A tool for public water system owners, officers, and employees to administer their drinking water system through financial, technical, and managerial planning. March 2007.
MS Word 651 KB | PDF 283 KB

The Multiple Barrier Approach to Public Health Protection: a Best Practices Guide

A multiple barrier approach places four types of barriers between possible threats of contamination and consumers. These barriers are risk prevention, risk management, monitoring & compliance, and individual actions on the part of the consumer. December 2007.
Web page

Small Systems Information and Guidance

Tools to help manage small systems, from the US EPA.
US EPA Web site

For more information relating to Small Systems, see below.

Sustainable Infrastructure for Water & Wastewater

Information from US EPA on better management practices for your water utility.
US EPA Web site

US EPA: "Improving Security through Capacity Development"

Information for small system owners and operators, state and tribal agencies, technical assistance providers, and consumers to learn more about helping small water systems provide safe drinking water and protect public health.
US EPA Web site

Water Rates Surveys

Water and sewer rate data in Massachusetts, compiled by Tighe & Bond and posted on the New England Water Works Association website. Tools for analyzing the data are available from Tighe & Bond's website.
NEWWA Web site
Tighe & Bond Web site

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Certified Operator Directory - Contract a Certified Operator

Use this directory if you would like to contract with an individual operator to run your system. April 2007.
MS Excel 127 KB | PDF 112 KB

Certified Operator Directory: Contract Operator Companies

Use this directory if you would like to contract with a company to run your system. August 2007.
Web page

Drinking Water Certified Operator Directory Fact Sheet

Discusses the contract operator program. August 2007.
Web page

Certified Operator Staffing Requirements (Update)

Discusses certified operator requirements for treatment facilities, distribution systems, and very small systems. May 2009.
Web page

Certified Operator Forms

Training approval, compliance notice, directory entries, inspections, and other administrative forms for use by certified operators.
Web page

Education & Experience Requirements for Full Operator Certification

Education and experience prerequisites for different grades of operator certification.
Web page

Forms from Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Facilities

Forms available include emergency certification, provisional certification, reciprocity, and more.
Board of Certification Web site

Rules and Regulations Governing Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities

Massachusetts regulations for drinking water supply facility operators:
236 CMR 2.00, General Provisions
236 CMR 3.00, Classification of Public Water Systems and Public Water Systems Operators
236 CMR 4.00, Certification of Operators of Public Water Systems
236 CMR 5.00, Disciplinary Action
Board of Certification Web site

US EPA: Operator Certification

Overview of the national operator certification initiative and information for states and technical assistance providers.
US EPA Web site

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Consecutive Water Systems Fact Sheet

A general fact sheet about consecutive water systems. Topics covered include: identifying a consecutive water system, how to register a consecutive water system, examples of types of consecutive water systems, and a general template "Memorandum of Understanding for Consecutive Systems". May 2009.
MS Word 307 KB | PDF 67 KB

Consecutive Public Water Systems - Bacterial Contamination Validation Sampling

Link to Drinking Water Policy 88-23. This policy is adopted to provide public water systems and DWP with additional source monitoring data to assist in the determination of cause of and responsibility for bacterial contamination when discovered in a consecutive public water system.
Web page

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Updates for Calendar Year 2008 Consumer Confidence Reports

Regulatory revisions that will affect preparation of the 2009 Consumer Confidence Reports, including disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, surface water treatment, and new required language relating to lead. March 2009.
Web page

Consumer Confidence Reports Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about Consumer Confidence Reports, which are required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. June 2007.
Web page

CCR Certification Form

Use this form to demonstrate compliance with the CCR distribution requirements. December 2001.
Web page

Consumer Confidence Reporting Guidelines (Appendix M of the Guidelines for Public Water Systems)

Reporting requirements from the Massachusetts Guidelines for Public Water Systems, updated to reflect new regulatory requirements regarding surface water treatment, disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, and new required language relating to lead. Revised March 2009.
Web page

Recommended Tips For Preparing User Friendly Consumer Confidence Reports

This document, designed to help water suppliers prepare their CCRs, may be used in conjunction with the Consumer Confidence Reporting Guidelines listed above. October 2006.
MS Word 1.5 MB | PDF 218 KB

Technical Appendices for Preparation of Consumer Confidence Reports

October 2005.
MS Word 835 KB | PDF 299 KB

2008 Transient Non-Community System (TNC) CCRs

The TNC Annual Water Quality Reports were mailed out on August 4, 2009. Reports must be signed and posted by each TNC. August 2009.
Web page

Massachusetts Town & City Web Sites

List of Massachusetts town & city web sites, organized alphabetically.
Web page

U.S. EPA CCR page

EPA's resource page for CCRs.
US EPA Web site

U.S. EPA Catalog of CCRs

Online reporting form to submit your CCR electronically to US EPA.
US EPA Web site

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List of Massachusetts Certified Backflow Testers/Cross-Connection Surveyors

Updated weekly.
MS Excel 115 KB | PDF 44 KB

Cross Connection Forms

Forms for certification, inspection, reporting, and more.
Web page

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Updates for Calendar Year 2008 Emergency Response

Regulatory revisions regarding emergency response. Revisions include specific requirements for emergency response plans (ERPs) and notification requirements for reporting emergencies to MassDEP and the local Board of Health. May 2009.
MS Word 123 KB | PDF 36 KB

Emergency Response Plan Compliance Checklist

Public Water Systems should complete and return this checklist to the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office by December 31, 2009. May 2009.
Web page

Emergency Response Report Guidance

For use by a Public Water System when preparing an Emergency Response Report following an incident, and for MassDEP Drinking Water staff conducting a review of the Report. May 2009.
Web page

Emergency Response Report Form. May 2009.
Web page

Active and Effective Protective Program

The US EPA has developed "Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program" to assist water utility operators in disaster prevention and recovery. This page is a brief summary of the program with a link to EPA's web site. June 2009.
Web page

Annual Emergency Response Planning Requirements Guidelines

Chapter 12 of the Guidelines and Policies for Public Water Supplies. March 2008.
Web page

Annual Emergency Response Training Program Guidance

Public water systems are required to have in place a plan for annually training staff and local partners in emergency response procedures. This is an outline of the elements of a training program. May 2009.
Web page

Chemical Deliveries - Security Guidelines

Security guidelines for the inspection of bulk chemical deliveries, including an inspection form. April 2008.
Web page

Chemical Safety Control Strategy

Requirements for safe, secure handling and storage of treatment chemicals at water and wastewater treatment facilities. March 2009.
Web page | MS Word 109 KB | PDF 27 KB

Emergency Bulk Water Deliveries

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Approved Bulk Tanker Washing Locations
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulates bulk tanker washing stations. For additional information or updates to this list please contact Ellen Fitzgibbons or Kim Foley of DPH at 617-983-6712.
Web page

MassDEP List of Emergency Bulk Water Providers
In the event of a water emergency declaration, Public Water Suppliers may contact these providers for temporary bulk water delivery. MassDEP must approve the use of bulk water.
Web page

Policy 92-07, Bulk Water Suppliers Sampling Requirements and Transport Responsibility
Bulk water suppliers who have received MassDEP approval as public water sources must meet minimum drinking water standards in accordance with 310 CMR 22.00, the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations. This policy explains the responsibilities involved.
Web page

Procedures for Emergency Tank Truck Bulk Water Hauling
When it is necessary to provide emergency water supplies via tank truck, the safety procedures described here should be followed. March 2008.
MS Word 295 KB | PDF 60 KB

Security Guidelines for the Inspection of Emergency Bulk Water Deliveries
Security inspection requireemnts for all emergency bulk water deliveries to water treatment facilities.
Web page

Emergency Planning and Preparedness Tips for WWTP and WTP Operators

Planning for and responding to emergencies at water and wastewater treatment plants. October 2007.
Web page

Emergency Response Planning Guide for Public Drinking Water Systems

Adapted from materials developed by Connecticut and Washington State. To be used in conjunction with the Handbook for Water Supply Emergencies (see below)and the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations. Revised October 2008.
MS Word 437 KB | PDF 144 KB

Emergency Response Planning at Public Surface Water Sources

How to plan, respond, and follow-up at emergencies in your surface drinking water source. November 2006.
Web page

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness at Public Water Systems

"Brainshark" presentation on efforts being taken by the Drinking Water Program to enhance emergency preparedness at public water systems. There is only introductory audio in this presentation; if you have any questions please call the contact listed at the end of the presentation.
Brainshark Web site

Flushing Water Notice

What to do when a water supply has issued a flushing water notice. February 2008.
Web page

Handbook for Water Supply Emergencies

Appendix O of the Combined Drinking Water Policies & Guidelines. November 2007.
MS Word 217 KB | PDF 159 KB

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Water Suppliers

Information adapted from US EPA. October 2005.
Web page

Massachusetts Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN)

The Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) is intended to facilitate a utilities-helping-utilities approach to providing assistance to water and wastewater utilities during times of crisis. August 2009.
Web page

Pandemic & Natural Disasters Notebook: Updating Emergency Response Plans (ERP) for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems

A top 10 list of tips for updating an Emergency Response Plan in the event of a pandemic or natural disaster. May 2009.
PDF 70 KB

Public Water System Response to Loss of Pressure to All or Part of the Distribution System

Flowchart and description of procedures for responding to a pressure loss in water mains. February 2008.
Web page

Recommendations for Private Wells Inundated by Flooding

What to do if a private well has been contaminated by floodwater. February 2008.
Web page

Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002

Guidance on compliance with the Public Health Security & Bioterrorism Preparedness & Response Act of 2002. May 2007.
Web page

Self-Assessment of Your Utility's Emergency Preparedness Program

Self-assessment measures taken from the Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program, to assist owners and operators of drinking water and wastewater utilities  in preventing, detecting, responding to, and recovering from disasters. June 2009.
Web page

US EPA Response Protocol Toolbox

Resources for planning for and responding to contamination threats to drinking water systems
US EPA Web site

US EPA Security Product Guide

Information on physical and electronic security products and monitoring tools to secure drinking water supplies.
US EPA Web site

US EPA: "Improving Security through Capacity Development"

Information for small system owners and operators, state and tribal agencies, technical assistance providers, and consumers to learn more about helping small water systems provide safe drinking water and protect public health.
US EPA Web site

Utilities Helping Utilities: Mutual Aid Networks for Emergency Response

Guidance on Creating and Implementing a Mutual Aid and Assistance Program - from American Water Works Association. March 2007.
MS Word 2.6 MB | PDF 1.2 MB

When to Use Specific Public Health Orders

Guidance on use of Boil, Do Not Drink, and Do Not Use Orders. March 2008.
Web page

Related information:
Renal Dialysis Units During a Boil Water Advisory
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Web site

Issuance and Removal of Boil Water Orders. February 2008.
Web page

Issuance and Removal of Do Not Drink Water Orders. February 2008.
Web page

Issuance and Removal of Do Not Use Water Orders. February 2008.
Web page

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State Revolving Funds

State Revolving Funds provide financing to municipalities for wastewater treatment projects and improving drinking water infrastructure.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Web page

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Web page

Water Conservation Grant Program

Provides funds to public water systems to address drinking water supply and distribution systems water losses.

Program description:
Web page
Project summaries:
Web page

Drinking Water Supply Source Protection Grant

Funds for land purchases and water conservation restrictions to protect water supplies.
Web page

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Triggered Source Water Monitoring Requirements Flowchart

MS Word 122 KB | PDF 51.8 KB

Notice to all Public Water Suppliers Using Ground Water

Informational notice to public water suppliers about implementation of the Ground Water Rule. August 2009.
Web page

Regional Contact Information

Regional contacts for questions pertaining to the Ground Water Rule
Web page

New Regulation Notice: Ground Water Rule

Overview of the new federal Ground Water Rule (GWR)
Web page

Ground Water Rule Forms

Form GWR A, with instructions, for public water systems with gaseous or liquid chlorine disinfection to determine the viral log inactivation currently achieved at their system and the additional log treatment required to meet 4-log virus treatment; Form GWR B, for systems to determine their capacity to respond to fecal contamination incidents; and OPTIONAL Form GWR C, for systems with multiple wells to reduce the number of wells sampled through "representative" monitoring. All forms must be filled out and submitted to MassDEP by September 1, 2009; Form GWR D, with instructions, for all public water systems wishing to obtain MassDEP certification for 4-log virus treatment.  This form is only for those PWS' who believe their existing chlorination systems and contact time can achieve 4-log treatment for viruses.
Cover letter to Transient Non-Community Systems (Small Systems): Web page
Forms: Web page

EPA's Ground Water Rule

Links to the rule, fact sheets as well as general information about the history of the rulemaking.
US EPA Web site

Ground Water Rule Compliance Help

Quick reference guides and fact sheets on the Ground Water Rule on EPA's Website.
US EPA Web site

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Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (DOS)

The mission of the MassDOS is to promote and protect workers' safety and health, wages, and working conditions.
DOS Web site

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA assists state governments in providing safe and healthy work environments for all.
OSHA Web site

American Water Works Association (AWWA): How to Establish and Operate a Safety Program

AWWA brochure on setting up and maintaining a safety program at a drinking water utility.
Web page

AWWA Safety & Security Publications

Books and videos available for purchase from AWWA's online catalog.

Safety First: Eye Protection
AWWA Web site

Safety First: Safety and Security Practices for Contractors
AWWA Web site

Chlorine Safety
AWWA Web site

Safety First: Hot Work
AWWA Web site

Safety First: Laboratory Safety for Water Professionals
AWWA Web site

Excavation Safety
AWWA Web site

Safety First: Respirator Safety
AWWA Web site

Safety First: Lockout/Tagout of Electrical Equipment
AWWA Web site

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Drinking Water forms

Forms for laboratory analysis, certified operators, cross connections, monthly and daily reporting, new source approvals, statistical reporting, underground injection control, and much more.
Web page

eDEP

eDEP enables the filing of certain permits, certifications, and reports online.
Web page

Transmittal Form

Many permit applications require a transmittal number, available from this page.
Web page

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US EPA Public Notification Handbook

Public Notification (PN) is intended to ensure that consumers always know if there's a problem with their drinking water. Basic information and guidance regarding PN can be found on US EPA's web site as well as the PN Handbook.
US EPA Web site | Public Notification Handbook

Fact Sheet - Public Notification

The public notification process and requirements. October 2007.
Web page

Public Notification Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about the public notification process. June 2007.
Web page

Public Notification Contact Numbers

MassDEP emergency contact information. Updated July 2008.
Web page

310 CMR 22.16: Table 6, Violations and Other Situations that Require Public Notice

Excerpt from 310 CMR 22.16, the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, giving public notification requirements and regulatory authority. October 2005.
MS Word 209 KB | PDF 32 KB

The following templates are provided for use in notification of types of violations listed in these tables:

Public Notification Templates for Tier 1 violations of drinking water regulations. October 2005.
MS Word 197 KB | PDF 141 KB

Public Notification Template for Tier 2 violations of drinking water regulations. October 2005.
MS Word 130 KB | PDF 68 KB

Public Notification Template for Tier 3 violations of drinking water regulations. October 2005.
MS Word 48 KB | PDF 30 KB

Public Notification Templates for Non-Community Public Water Systems. October 2005.
MS Word 107 KB | PDF 68 KB

Public Notification Certification Form for Tier 1-3 violations. October 2005.
MS Word 42 KB | PDF 45 KB

310 CMR 22.16: Table 7, Standard Health Effects Language

Excerpt from 310 CMR 22.16, the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, providing standard descriptive language for the health effects associated with contaminants in drinking water.
MS Word 154 KB | PDF 43 KB

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Notice to all Public Water Suppliers Using Ground Water

Informational notice to public water suppliers about implementation of the Ground Water Rule. August 2009.
Web page

Public Hearing Notice on Proposed Revisions to 310 CMR 22.00: Drinking Water

The DWP is proposing changes to 310 CMR 22.00 Drinking Water Regulations. Public hearings will be held on August 31 and September 1. The public comment period will end on September 11.
Web page

Rate Setting Letter for FY2010

This letter advises public water systems of the Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment rate for FY2010. October 2008.
Web page

Annual Notice to Local Boards of Health

Notification to boards of health regarding inventory of public water supplies. June 22, 2009.
MS Word 250 KB | PDF 90 KB

Recreational Camp Form

Annual report form to be filed by campground owners/operators. July 2009.
MS Word 53 KB | PDF 19 KB

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Regulations & Standards

Massachusetts regulations governing operator certification, the administration, safety, and maintenance of water systems, and more.
Web page

Policies & Guidance

MassDEP's guidelines and policies for the maintenance of water systems and the health of water supplies.
Web page

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Rate Setting Letter for FY2011

This letter advises public water systems of the Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment rate for FY2011. October 2009.
Web page

Safe Drinking Water Act Annual Compliance Report

Report of public water system compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, generated by US EPA.
PDF 477 KB

Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment Advisory Committee Annual Report to the Legislature for 2008

This report summarizes the Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment Program for 2008. March 2009.
MS Word 189 KB | PDF 164 KB

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2008 Transient Non-Community System (TNC) CCRs

The TNC Annual Water Quality Reports were mailed out on August 4, 2009. Reports must be signed and posted by each TNC. August 2009.
Web page

"In the Main" - Special TNC Issue

Special edition of MassDEP's "In the Main" newsletter, targeting small public water systems. Fall 2007.
Web page

A Business Owner's Guide to Complying with Massachusetts State Drinking Water Rules

A guide for small public water systems, with definitions, requirements, how-to's, and more information. May 2008.
Web page

Cross Connection Control: A Best Practices Guide for Small Systems

This guide discusses the importance of controlling cross-connections and preventing backflow occurrences in small drinking water systems. December 2007.
Web page

Distribution Systems: A Best Practices Guide for Small Systems

This guide discusses the importance of maintaining your small distribution system. December 2007.
Web page

Emergency Response

Planning and preparedness, boil-order templates, and other resources for responding to water system emergencies.
Web page

Ground Water Rule

How the new federal Ground Water Rule will impact small systems.
Web page

Managing Your TNC Drinking Water System

This guide contains information on initial and routine testing, treatment devices, sample reporting forms, and the regulations that apply to TNCs. June 1998.
PDF 1.6 MB

Masachusetts Coalition for Small Systems Assistance (MCSSA)

MCSSA offers training in the financial, managerial, and technical elements of operating small water systems.
MCSSA Web site

Factsheet from MCSSA about the Coalition and its services:
Web page

Preventive Maintenance Card File for Small Public Water Systems Using Ground Water (Guide Booklet & Log Cards)

The guide booklet instructs operators on how to use the log cards to prevent problems with their systems. January 2008.

Guide Booklet:
MS Word 312 KB | PDF 100 KB
Log Cards:
MS Word 788 KB | PDF 268 KB

Point of Entry/Point of Use Devices

Point of Entry/Point of Use Regulation: Section of the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.00, governing the use of POEs/POUs. October 2007.
Web page

Fact sheet about POEs/POUs. Revised June 2008.
Web page

Preparing for a Sanitary Survey

Tips for the Small System operator. January 2006.
Web page

Record Keeping Rules: A Quick Reference Guide

This guide is to help small systems better understand the benefits of good record keeping. December 2007.
MS Word 319 KB | PDF 47 KB

Safe Drinking Water & Your Campground

Most campgrounds meet the definition of small public water systems. This factsheet explains how campground operators can ensure that drinking water stays clean and that the facility complies with regulations.
Web page

Small Systems Information and Guidance

Tools to help manage small systems from the US EPA.
US EPA Web site

Sodium in Public Drinking Water

This file includes sodium guidance, regulations, fact sheet, and notification form. October 2006.
Web page

Talking to Your Decision Makers: A Best Practices Guide for Small Systems

This guide will help small water systems better understand the roles of the person or group who oversees the system and how to communicate with them. December 2007.
Web page

EPA Technical Assistance Center Network (TACNET)

A network of programs providing training and other resources for small systems to protect public health, improve system sustainability, and enhance compliance.
TACNET Web site

US EPA: "Improving Security through Capacity Development"

Information for small system owners and operators, state and tribal agencies, technical assistance providers, and consumers to learn more about helping small water systems provide safe drinking water and protect public health.
US EPA Web site

Vending Machines

Information for small system owners and operators on the approval and use of water vending machines, which may be regulated as small public water systems if they meet the criteria of the Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.00, defining a public water supply.
Web page

Water System Operator Roles and Responsibilities: A Best Practices Guide for Small Systems

This guide will help small water systems better understand the roles and responsibilities operators have in delivering safe drinking water. December 2007.
Web page

Wellhead Protection Tips for Small Systems

Advice for small public water systems on protecting their water sources. May 2007.
Web page

Zone I Notification Letter

A sample public notification letter for use by water suppliers to inform their customers about the need to protect their water supplies. October 2005.
MS Word 38 KB

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Drinking Water Monthly Planning Calendar

Calendar of testing dates and other information for water system operators. Updated monthly.
Web page

Certification of Chemicals and Products for Purity, ANSI/NSF 60 and 61

Owners or operators of public water systems in Massachusetts are responsible for ensuring that chemicals and other products in contact with drinking water are certified in accordance with NSF Standards 60 or 61 as appropriate. This fact sheet explains this certification. December 2007.
Web page

Contacts

MassDEP and other contact information for water system operators. Updated July 2008.
Web page

In the Main

A quarterly newsletter for water system operators. April 2008.
Web page

Massachusetts Rural Water Association

The Massachusetts Rural Water Association is a non-profit trade association of rural water and wastewater system and provides training and on-site assistance for small systems in Massachusetts.
MassRWA Web site

Technical Tools

MassDEP's Nitrogen Loading Computer Model
This planning tool helps water systems assess how land-use decisions impact water quality near groundwater supplies (the well recharge area).
Notice on use: Web page | Model to download: Zip file 130 KB

MassDEP Nitrogen Loading Computer Model Guidance
This guidance accompanies the model above.
MS Word 204 KB

Source Approval Tools
MassDEP's Water Management and Site Screening Tools. These tools are used to evaluate water sources as part of the Water Management Act permitting process.
Web page

Source Approval Permits
Forms for siting and developing a new water supply source.
Web page

USGS Tools
Hydrogeologic Information Matrix has current information on the geology and hydrology of Massachusetts. Contains bedrock and surficial geology information, unconsolidated materials drainage, hydrologic data, groundwater availability and quality, and related reports.
MS Word 2 MB | PDF 929 KB
USGS Quadrangle Map is used in conjunction with the above matrix to identify town, city, and regional hydrogeological information in targeted quadrants.
Web page

Surface Water Filtration
EPA's Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule eProfiler
brochure: PDF 319 KB
EPA link: US EPA Web site

New Technologies

List of MassDEP-approved technologies for use by drinking water systems. Most recent update March 2007.
MS Word 133 KB | PDF 38 KB

Forms for approval of new technologies.
Web page

Training

Water Sector Incident Command System (ICS) & National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training. A 1-day workshop on October 8th in Grafton, MA, sponsored by the EPA Water Security Division. Registration for this training is being organized by the Horsley Witten Group.
Horsely Witten Group Web site

2009 MassDEP Regulations Update Training Sessions for Public Water Suppliers: The annual Drinking Water Regulation Updates training sessions recently took place for all state Public Water Suppliers. Below are the handouts for all the updates as well as a version of the slides used in the workshops.
Regulation changes handouts:
Operator staffing requirements: MS Word 109 KB | PDF 22 KB
Consumer confidence reporting changes: MS Word 121 KB | PDF 30 KB
Chemical safety strategy: Web page
Emergency response updates: MS Word 123 KB | PDF 36 KB
Ground Water rule: MS Word 132 KB | PDF 40 KB  Forms: Web page Log Credit: MS Word 49 KB | PDF 24 KB
Lead & Copper rule changes: MS Word 115 KB | PDF 24 KB

2009 MassDEP Annual Public Water Suppliers Training Sessions PDF 1 MB

EPA Drinking Water Academy
The Drinking Water Academy is a training initiative to provide instruction and resources to help local, state, federal, and tribal programs meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
EPA Web site

EPA Technical Assistance Center Network (TACNET)
A network of programs providing training and other resources for small systems to protect public health, improve system sustainability, and enhance compliance.
TACNET Web site

EPA Watershed Academy Web
A collection of self-paced training modules in the field of watershed management, including ecology, management practices, analysis and planning, and more.
EPA Web site

Masachusetts Coalition for Small Systems Assistance (MCSSA) Training Calendar
MCSSA offers training in the financial, managerial, and technical elements of operating small water systems.
MCSSA Web site

MassDEP Calendar
Web page

Very Small System Practice Exam
Information about a practice exam available from LXR.com, an independent training site, for Very Small System operator certification.
Web page

Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) Product Directories

Searchable database of UL-certified products. Use this database to verify a UL listing or classification, product use, or safety standard.
UL Web site

Water Board Management Training Program

Training from the Mississippi State University Extension Service for water board members on how to manage a public water supply. The videos on this website are in RealMedia format which can be viewed with RealPlayer or Windows Media Player.
MSU Web site

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Rapid Determination of E. coli in Drinking Water under the Total Coliform Rule in Massachusetts - June 4, 2009

Web page

Certification for the Analysis of Enterococci (Presence/Absence) in Ground Water Source Samples - May 15, 2009

Web page

Back to Lead & Other Contaminants index

Steps for the Approval of Water Vending Machines

MassDEP, the Department of Public Health, and the State Plumbing Board all have a role in approving water vending machines. This fact sheet describes the process.
Web page

Flow Chart: Water Vending Machine Program: Steps for Approval of Water Vending Machine (WVM)

In conjunction with the above fact sheet and the flow chart below, this page is a concise version of the steps in the approval process.
Web page

Flow Chart: MassDEP Water Vending Machine Approval Process

This flow chart details MassDEP's role in the process for approving a water vending machine, depending on whether or not the machine is to be connected to an existing public water supply.
Web page

How to Determine the Grade of a Certified Drinking Water Operator for a Water Vending Machine Unit

Safe operation and maintenance of water vending machines requires drinking water operators to hold certain certifications, which are explained here.
Web page

Applications & Forms: Vending Machines

Forms for approval to install single or multiple vending machines.
Web page

Water Vending Machine Policies

Vending machines may be regulated as public water systems if they meet the criteria in the Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.00, defining a public water supply. Drinking Water Program Policies 87-17 and 87-17a detail MassDEP's oversight of water vending machines under these circumstances.
Web page

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Water Conservation

Conservation tips for water suppliers and consumers.
Web page

Drought Advisories & Water Use Restrictions

Current nonessential-water-use limitations; presented in both list form and map of towns/cities with bans on water use
Web page

Water Management Act Program

The Water Management Act authorizes MassDEP to regulate the quantity of water withdrawn from Massachusetts water supplies to ensure adequate supplies for current and future needs.
Web page

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