Instructions for Completing Tier 2 BACT MCL Public Notice Template
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Required Elements of Public Notice
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Highlighted yellow boxes must be changed to suit your systems specific information
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If Ecoli was found in any of the samples the Ecoli Health Effects Language must be included
or replaces the Coliform Health Effects Language.
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Examples of Corrective Action
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o
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We are disinfecting and flushing the water system.
We are increasing sampling for coliform bacteria.
We are investigating the source of contamination.
We are repairing the wellhead seal.
We are repairing the storage tank.
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Information in italics is required language.
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This template meets all notification requirements. Any changes to the template must be approved
by DEP prior to delivery.
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Do not include instructions page with public notice.
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Delivery Methods (must occur within 30 days of the violation)
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Community systems must publish in a daily newspaper of general circulation, other
than a newspaper established primarily for the publication of legal notices, within the
area served by the water system as soon as possible, but in no case later than 30 days
after the violation AND by one of the following methods [Rule 62-560.410(1)2 and
3 F.A.C]:
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Non-transient non-community systems (also community systems like a Mobile Home
Park) must use the following methods [Rule 62-560.410(1)(c) F.A.C.]:
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Hand delivery AND Posting in conspicuous locations
Non-community systems must use one of the following methods [Rule 62560.410(1)(d) F.A.C]:
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Hand or direct delivery
Mail, as a separate notice or included with the bill
Posting in conspicuous locations
Hand delivery
Mail
Complete Certification of Delivery Form and submit to the Department within 10 days after
notification is complete.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Name of System]
Tests Showed the Presence of [Coliform Bacteria/Ecoli]
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an
emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do and what
we [did/are doing] to correct this situation.
[Name of system] routinely monitors for the presence of drinking water contaminants. During [month and
year], we took a total of [Number of samples] distribution samples to test for the presence of coliform
bacteria. [Number/percentage] of these samples tested positive for coliform bacteria. The standard is that
no more than [1 sample per month/5 percent of our samples] may test positive.
What should I do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.
However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may
be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Total coliform
bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
Use Appropriate Health Effects language:
Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that
other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed
and this was a warning of potential problems.
E.coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal
wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea,
headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the
elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with our treatment or distribution system
(pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other
bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We did not find any of these
bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we had, we would have notified you immediately.
What happened? What was done?
[Describe corrective action.]
[Further testing shows that this problem has been resolved. OR This problem will be resolved when (five [if
less than five per month are collected]) distribution samples are collected as required during {month and
year}]
For more information, please contact [Name] at[ Phone Number] or write to [Address].
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This Notice is being sent to you by the Name of system
PWS ID # ___________________
Date Delivered: __________________