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Actions to improve drinking water quality depend on where the water comes from. To monitor or improve the quality of the water in an ECE program, first know where it comes from. This section describes different ways water is provided and what steps an ECE program operator can take to monitor and improve the quality of the water they serve in their facility (see Table 4.6 for categories of water systems that serve ECE programs).

Some contaminants are unique to specific regions or locations within the United States. Check with local or state drinking water regulator or water board to learn which water contaminants are common in your area.

Table 4.6. Categories of water systems that serve ECE programs
Category 1 – Community water system
(This category is considered a public water system.)
Characteristics Function
Definition
  • Delivers water to 15 or more service connections OR at least 25 residents are served by the system year-round.
  • The system could be publicly owned and operated, like a city, town, or “municipal” water system.
  • The system could be privately owned and operated, like a water system for a specific subdivision or commercial building.
Some ECE examples
  • An ECE program that receives a bill for their water use.
  • An ECE program in a large commercial building (for example, within an office building) that is on a “municipal” water system might not pay a water bill separately from their rent.
Oversight
  • Water provider must maintain EPA water quality standards and report to the public annually as a “Consumer Confidence Report.”
Actions

 

Table 4.6. Categories of water systems that serve ECE programs (continued)
Category 2 – Non-transient, non-community water system
(This category is considered a public water system.)
Characteristics Function
Definition
  • Delivers water to at least 25 of the same non-resident persons six months or more per year.
    [Although water is available all the time, people are only using the water during “business hours.”]
Some ECE examples
  • An ECE program with 25 or more staff and children that operates its own water system.
  • An ECE program located in a large commercial building that maintains its own water source.
Oversight
  • Water system owner is responsible for water quality; federal and state drinking water standards and operational requirements apply.
Actions

 

Table 4.6. Categories of water systems that serve ECE programs (continued)
Category 3 – Private water system
(This category is considered a public water system.)
Characteristics Function
Definition
  • Delivers water to less than 25 of the same people per day.
    [Sometimes called “private well,” but water source could be surface water or another source.]
Some ECE examples
  • An ECE program with fewer than 25 staff and children that operates its own water system.
Oversight
  • Water system owner is responsible for water quality; state or local regulations may apply.
  • Check state ECE licensing regulations for additional requirements.
Actions
  • Work with local health department or environmental department to learn which regulations apply.
  • Ask local health department or environmental department to help identify national, regional, and local contaminants.
  • Work with local agencies to develop and implement a water sampling and treatment plan for your private water system. You may find support at the local health department, environmental department, and in some locations, a local university agriculture extension office.
  • Retest your water for specific contaminants at regular intervals recommended by your local agency.
  • Maintain wells as recommended by the well provider.
  • Maintain water treatment system as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Review the EPA booklet “Drinking Water Best Management Practices for Schools and Child Care Facilities with their Own Drinking Water Source”[37] for suggestions regarding the following topics:
    • Cleaning bacteria from drinking water fountains and hot water tanks
    • Routine measures for reducing lead exposure from lead plumbing
    • Responding to elevated lead levels
    • Testing for copper pipes
  • Review the EPA booklet “3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools: Revised Technical Guidance”[43].
  • EPA recommends all private residential wells be tested at least once a year for nitrates and total coliform. Contact your state drinking water program for recommendations for water quality parameters.

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