What is a sanitary survey?

A sanitary survey is defined as "an onsite review of the water source, and the facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance of a public water system." (18 AAC 80)

What does a sanitary survey accomplish?

A sanitary survey is meant to identify problems which may affect the safety of the water. The survey is based on a physical inspection of the water system and how the system is operated and maintained. Sanitary surveys, routine monitoring of water quality, and review of construction plans are important tools for assuring that drinking water is made safe.

• During a sanitary survey, a trained inspector, accompanied by a water system owner/operator, performs a field inspection of the water system.

• The inspector will review water quality test data with the system owner/operator to discuss sample results.

• The inspector will review how and where water samples are taken to be sure the test results are representative and accurate. The inspector will ask for a coliform sample plan, which identifies where coliform samples are taken, and how the public water system (PWS) will respond to coliform positive results.

• The current names of the water system owner(s)/operator(s), addresses, phone numbers, population served, and other information is recorded. This information is used to update the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) public drinking water system database.

• The inspector will ask the operator to perform routine tests of the water for chlorine or turbidity to assure that proper test methods are being used.

• The inspector will examine and document hazardous conditions which can make the water unsafe. All findings are discussed with the PWS owner/operator.

• The inspector completes the DEC Sanitary Survey forms. One copy is given to the water system owner or operator; the other copies are sent to DEC. Deficiencies discovered during the site visit are reviewed with the owner/operator and possible solutions discussed.

Some history behind the sanitary survey requirement

Sanitary Surveys have been conducted on Public Water Systems in Alaska since 1978. Many of these surveys were conducted by DEC and Federal agencies such as the Indian Health Service.

In 1987, the U.S. EPA proposed the Total Coliform Rule. This rule, as proposed, raised the minimum number of total coliform samples from one to five per month for small PWS. Public health experts estimated that five (5) water samples was the minimum number needed to assure safe water. State agencies and public water suppliers pointed out the high costs and difficulties involved with a five fold increase in the number of water samples required. After negotiation, EPA agreed to not increase the number of routine samples if a sanitary survey were performed regularly.

In 1993 DEC adopted the Total Coliform Rule.

Which water systems need to have a sanitary survey?

Most Community Water Systems (CWS) which collect less than five total coliform samples per month are required to have a sanitary survey every three years. Most Non-transient, Non-community Water Systems (NTNCWS)Transient Non-community Water Systems (TNCWS) are required to have a sanitary survey every five years.

Who can do sanitary surveys?

Sanitary surveys can be conducted by qualified drinking water professionals. These include approved third party surveyors, water supply engineers, public health sanitarians, and DEC Drinking Water Program and Statewide Public Service Office staff. Contact DEC to obtain a list of people approved to conduct sanitary surveys, or click on Approved surveyors to see a list.

How much will it cost?

Sanitary survey costs vary widely, depending on the location, size, and type of system. Some private inspectors charge by the hour while others charge a flat rate. It is a good idea to obtain price quotes from several inspectors. The DEC continues to conduct sanitary surveys, but not as a routine service to water systems. The agency has a table of fixed fees listed in the drinking water regulations, 18 AAC 80.

Some native community PWS may be eligible for assistance from Native Health Corporations such as Tanana Chiefs Conference, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Corporation, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, and Maniilaq Association. Staff with these associations may conduct sanitary surveys for no charge. Increasing the total coliform bacteria testing to five samples per month probably is the more expensive option over the long term.

Which sanitary surveys will DEC conduct?

The department usually conducts surveys at PWS whose water sources pose the greatest health risk to consumers. Water systems using streams, rivers, and lakes without adequate water treatment plants, systems using shallow wells subject to contamination, and systems with a history of total coliform contamination problems are likely candidates for DEC surveys. A PWS may request DEC to conduct a survey by contacting a local DEC office. Every request will be considered. However, because DEC resources are limited, those Alaskan PWS with the greatest possible health risks are helped first.

What happens if the sanitary survey finds something wrong?

Inspectors may find problems that are considered hazardous during the survey. The inspector must inform the owner or operator of a water system of a deficiency discovered during the inspection. If the deficiency is an imminent health threat, immediate corrective action is required. If the deficiency does not pose an immediate problem, the water system owner and DEC will work out a schedule for repairs or improvements to the system. Providing safe water for the consumer is the goal of the Public Water System and DEC.

For More Information, Contact:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Drinking Water Program

Anchorage:(907) 269-7656 Fax (907) 269-7655
Fairbanks: (907) 451-2108 Fax (907) 451-2188
Juneau: (907) 465-5350 Fax (907) 465-5362
Kenai: (907) 262-5210 Fax (907) 262-2294
Mat-Su: (907) 376-5038 Fax (907) 376-2382

Please send comments to: james.weise@alaska.gov