Happy New Year!

2020 Chemical Sampling Year - What’s Due for Your System!

Large Community Systems (population >3,300) have a busy sampling schedule this year. All large community systems are required to monitor for the Inorganic Contaminants including Nitrate and Nitrite, Secondary Contaminants, Volatile Organic Contaminants, Synthetic Organic Contaminants (SOCs) and Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) (surface water systems and groundwater systems over 100,000 population must monitor quarterly for DBPs). Since 2020-2023 is the first period of a new nine-year compliance cycle, large systems must sample the first set of SOCs but may apply for an SOC waiver for the second set. Many large community systems may also be required to monitor for radiological contaminants (Gross Alpha, Radium 226 and Radium 228).

Small Community Systems (population ≤3,300) have a light year for sampling in 2020. All small community systems are required to monitor for Nitrate and Nitrite this year. Some small systems may be on increased monitoring for certain chemicals and, if so, you will be advised in your Annual Monitoring Notice. 

Non-transient Non-community (NTNC) Systems have a light sampling year in 2020. All NTNCs are required to monitor for Nitrate and Nitrite before Dec. 31, 2020. 

Transient Non-Community (TNCs) Systems are only required to monitor for Nitrate and Nitrite in 2020. TNCs are non-community systems that do not regularly serve at least 25 of the same persons over six months of the year (as long as they have fewer than 25 persons working six months or more per year). TNCs include churches, convenience stores, parks, travel parks, restaurants, etc.

Additional Notes:
All DEP regulated potable water systems will receive an Annual Monitoring Notice in early 2020 outlining sampling requirements for the year. Some systems may have increased monitoring for certain chemicals and, if so, will be advised in their Annual Monitoring Notice. Please remember to sample early. It is the responsibility of the water system to ensure that all chemical monitoring is conducted and results submitted timely to DEP. If you have any questions about your chemical monitoring requirements, please contact Paula Smith at Paula.Smith@FloridaDEP.gov or 850-595-0632. 

Please note that the Annual Monitoring Notices do not include DBPs or lead and copper monitoring requirements. For more information on DBPs, please contact Lexie Woodson at Alexandria.Woodson@FloridaDEP.gov or
850-595-0640.

Lead and Copper

This year begins the new nine-year cycle for sampling requirements. 

All community water systems and NTNC water systems must sample their water in accordance with the monitoring requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule Subpart I, Part 141 of title 40 of the federal code of regulations (40 C.F.R. Sections 141.80-.91) and Section 62-550.800 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

Water samples are to be collected by the owners or occupants of houses, multi-family residences or businesses in accordance with the water system's sampling plan.

A public water system’s sampling plan must include houses, multi-family residences or businesses that are most likely to contain lead or copper plumbing materials (e.g., those which are often found in older buildings and homes).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed guidance for public water systems on the appropriate design of a monitoring program and the procedures for collecting samples.

All required forms may be found on DEP's website Lead and Copper Forms. Please contact Nicole Hetzel at Nicole.Hetzel@FloridaDEP.gov or
850-595-0660.

Please Welcome Our New Potable Water Team Members!

Dana Vestal has been with the department since 2006 and is the new Environmental Manager leading the district's potable water section.

Mary Jehle joined our team in the Pensacola office in July 2019. Mary is currently working with facilities to complete their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR).

Loran Jordan joined our team in the Panama City Branch office in November 2019. Loran is performing inspections for both potable water and NPDES stormwater.

Compliance Reminders!

The department must be notified 30 days before the proposed sale or transfer of ownership for Public Water Systems. - Rule 62-555.365 F.A.C.

In accordance with Rule 62-555.340(4), F.A.C., all required bacteriological evaluations for which a construction permit is not required, including line clearances, tank clearances and well clearances, must be submitted to the department with the next Monthly Operation Report (MOR), or within 10 days after the end of the month following each sampling event if the system is not required to submit MORs.

All distribution bacteriological samples must be accompanied by field chlorine residuals. Chlorine residuals are required at each sample location where distribution bacteriological sampling occurs. Failure to submit chlorine residuals may result in a violation.

Wells offline for more than six months may not be placed back into operation without first performing an AWWA Standard C654 disinfection and completing a satisfactory 10 sample bacteriological evaluation in accordance with Rule 62-555.315(6)(a), F.A.C. Please notify the department of any wells taken offline for an extended period.

Notification must be submitted to the department 14 days prior to construction for the following work in which a permit is not required: all main replacements, main relocations and the replacement of any pumping, storage, or treatment facilities. The notification must contain the following information:

- A description of the scope
- Purpose for the replacement or relocation
- Location of the work or alterations
- Assurance that the work or alterations will comply with applicable requirements in Part III of Rule 62-555, F.A.C., including applicable requirements in the engineering references listed in Rule 62-555.330, F.A.C.
- A site plan or sketch of the work to be completed.

The submittal due date for 2019 Cross-Connection Control Program Annual Reports is March 31, 2020, for all community systems over 10,000 in population.

State of Florida Holiday Office Closures for 2020

May 25 - Memorial Day
July 3 - Independence Day
Sept. 7 - Labor Day
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Nov. 26 - 27 - Thanksgiving
Dec. 25 - Christmas