When are the water quality monitoring reports due to be submitted to DEP?
The timeframe for submitting water quality monitoring reports through eDEP is the same timeframe as for submitting hardcopies to the DEP and is specified in the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations.
Can anyone submit forms through eDEP?
No, only registered users and those providing proof of certification can submit forms through eDEP. Forms that include water quality sample results can only be submitted by a Massachusetts Certified eDEP laboratory.
Should I still submit hard copy forms to the appropriate DEP regional office?
There is no need to mail anything, your eDEP submittal serves as your submittal to DEP. You do not need to send hard copies of the forms.
How do I know if the water quality monitoring reports have been accepted through eDEP?
The Lab will get a receipt with a DEP Transaction ID indicating your transaction has been completed. Lab clients can request to be cc’d on the receipt.
After your report is uploaded into eDEP it will be reviewed for reporting errors by Rules Based Processing software and DEP staff. If the submission is a rejected and email will be sent to the lab indicating the error(s) identified. The Public Water Supplier is responsible for obtaining the correction from the appropriate party (in this case the laboratory) and is also responsible for seeing that the corrections are submitted to the DEP within 30 days.
Reporting Errors can also be viewed online by the lab and PWS by going to the Water Quality-Bulk Data page and clicking on View Submittals.
What are the mechanisms available for submitting Water Quality Monitoring Reports to DEP?
At the present time some water quality reports can be submitted through eDEP or by mail; some can only be mailed to DEP as a hard copy. The following reports can be filed through eDEP:
- Asbestos
- Bacteria
- Chlorine Dioxide
- HAA5
- Inorganics (Includes Perchlorate reporting)
- Lead and Copper
- LCCA (Lead in Schools)
- Nitrate
- Nitrite
- PCE
- PFAS
- Radionuclides
- Secondary Contaminants
- SOC
- Sodium
- THM
- VOC
Will the format of the water quality monitoring reports change as a result of eDEP?
The implementation of eDEP has necessitated a change to the format of some of the monitoring reports. Reports normally completed by a Massachusetts Certified Laboratory can submit their data sets through eDEP by bulk upload or can submit their data by hardcopy on one of the new forms. New forms were mailed to all Public Water Suppliers and Certified Laboratories and are posted on the DEP website.
Note: eDEP is required for PFAS reporting.
How do I submit the DBPR Compliance section if my lab is uploading data through eDEP?
There is a form available for Public Water Suppliers to submit the compliance information required under the DBPR rule. This form must be mailed to DEP.
Can I add data taken at a later time to a submitted form?
Once a monitoring report has been submitted it is no longer available for data entry or changes, only viewing and printing.
Instructions & eDEP link
Step-by-step instructions and a visual guide to setting up an account in eDEP's online filing system and to selecting, completing, and submitting the drinking water forms to MassDEP.
Additional Resources
Contacts
For questions regarding eDEP drinking water submittals contact Andrew Durham at (617) 418-9310 or andrew.durham@mass.gov