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To ensure that water systems are in compliance with both the distribution free chlorine disinfectant residual requirements of 62-555.350(6) F.A.C., and the total chlorine watermain disinfectant requirements of 62-555.340(2) F.A.C., field analysis for both disinfectant residuals must be analyzed as part of clearance sample collection. This analysis must be recorded on the chain of custody and laboratory reports. If the lab form does not support dual chlorine measurements, it is suggested that you record them as exemplified below.
 Acceptable chlorine readings for clearances >0.2 mg/L of free chlorine and <4.0 mg/L of total chlorine
 To ensure timely processing of Clearance requests, please ensure all rule requirements are met as described below. As a reminder, the department has 14 days for general permits and 30 days for specific permits, from the date the request is received by the regulatory office, to review and respond to the clearance request.
Please note that Certification of Construction Completion using Form 62-555.900(9), is required to be submitted for department review and approval, prior to placing any permitted project into operation. The clearance request submittal should include the following:
- Completed Form 62-555.900(9)
- The portion of record drawings showing any deviations from the DEP construction permit, if applicable.
- Bacteriological test results, including a sketch or description of all bacteriological sampling locations. The total chlorine and free chlorine residuals taken at the time and location of each sample collection must be documented on the chain of custody.
- Any other information required by conditions in the DEP construction permit.
Submittal of Form 62-555.900(9) is not required for the following:
- Types of work or alterations which do not require a construction permit as described in 62-555.520(1), F.A.C.
- Types of work or alterations made when taking treatment or storage facilities or water mains out of operation for repair or maintenance that might lead to contamination of water.
However, suppliers of water are responsible for properly notifying the department prior to construction of projects described in 62-555.520(1)(b) and following events which necessitate the issuance of a Precautionary Boil Water Notice, as described in the Department of Health’s Guidelines. Furthermore, suppliers of water must ensure that all components have been properly disinfected, and that satisfactory completion of a bacteriological evaluation has been conducted in accordance with Rule 62-555.340(2) F.A.C., prior to placing the new or altered components into operation.
Additionally, suppliers of water must submit the results of the bacteriological evaluation to the department along with the next monthly operation report as required under Rule 62-555.350(12)(b) F.A.C., or if no monthly operation report is required, within ten days after the end of the month during which the bacteriological evaluation was completed.
 Before new or altered treatment or storage facilities, new or altered water mains, and treatment or storage facilities and watermains taken out of operation for repair or maintenance that might lead to contamination of water are placed into, or returned to operation, they shall be properly disinfected in accordance with the applicable American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard (i.e., AWWA Standard C651, C652, or C653) and bacteriologically evaluated in accordance with 62-555.340(2)(a) as follows:
- Reduce the total chlorine residual to less than 4.0 mg/L.
- Collect samples for two consecutive days at appropriate sampling locations, no less than six hours apart.
- Perform a field analysis for total chlorine in accordance with DEP-SOP-001/01, at the time and location of each sample collection.
 The table below summarizes the Northwest District’s expectations for clearance sampling. This table is meant to be a guidance tool for utilities and may not address all possible scenarios. You are encouraged to contact us with any questions. Water facilities are ultimately responsible for contacting the department to ensure sufficient sampling is performed in accordance with the F.A.C.
Bacteriological sampling and field chlorine analysis should be performed in accordance with the applicable section of DEPSOP-001/01 listed below.
 Field Measurements of Residual Chlorine: FT 2000
Drinking Water Sampling: FS 2300
*Please read your instrument’s instructions for measuring total chlorine.
 Submit Clearance Request Forms and construction notifications to Epost.nwdwf@FloridaDEP.gov.
Submit tank, well, boil water notice, and other clearances to NWDPWS@FloridaDEP.gov.
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