The following common errors have been noted in a large percentage of the Consumer Confidence Reports that have been submitted to the Division of Drinking Water since the rule’s inception. If technical questions arise after reviewing the following common mistakes, please contact Colt Smith ( [email protected] ) at (801) 536-0097 for clarification.
The rule specifies that information on detected contaminants be displayed in one table or several adjacent tables. Any additional monitoring results (i.e., non-detects) must be displayed separately.
In lieu of listing each contaminant that was monitored and not detected, the state recommends using a phrase such as: “EPA requires monitoring of over 80 drinking water contaminants. Those contaminants listed in the table above are the only contaminants detected in your drinking water.”
Blanket statements such as the above should be avoided. Such assertions essentially provide a written guarantee that the water is safe, which may incur liability on the system.
Statements such as “your water met state and federal requirements during 2001” are preferable.
The rule requires that the MCL, MCLG and the reported detected levels be displayed in the same units.
The CCR rule requires that any report that notifies customers of a violation that occurred contain a clear and readily understandable explanation of the violation including: the length of the violation, the potential adverse health effects, and actions taken by the system to address the violation. To describe the potential health effects, systems must use language provided by EPA (find more info in this EPA document: CCR Required Info Summary (403 KB)).
Certain language is required to be in all CCR reports and must be verbatim as specified by EPA.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from:
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791