Bacteriological (Total Coliform & E. coli)
Total coliform positive flow chart
Common sampling errors
- Sampling from sites that are not representative of the distribution system
- Improper storage temperatures – get this info from laboratory
- Distribution system samples (within the water system’s distribution system) vs source samples (Groundwater sources, wells/springs)
- Removing aerators prior to sampling
- Flushing the tap and disinfecting the area before taking the sample
- Not marking the sample site location
Lead & Copper
LCR sample site plan instructions
LCR directions for homeowner tap sample collection
Common sampling errors
- Sampling from a house or building that has been unoccupied
- Collecting non-first draw samples (tap used within 6 hours of sample collection)
- Removing aerators prior to sampling
- Not marking the sample site location
Disinfection Byproduct (DBP)
Disinfection byproduct (DBP) fact sheet
Disinfection byproduct (DBP) sample site plan template & instructions
Common sampling errors
- Exceeding holding times – get this info from laboratory
- Improper storage temperatures – get this info from laboratory
- Not updating the system’s DBP sample site plan
Chlorine Residual
Common sampling errors
- Using expired reagent pillows
- Not waiting the correct amount of time before readings result– be sure to read chlorine test kit instructions
- Collecting a sample and checking the residual later– chlorine residual readings should be done in the field. Waiting may allow the residual to dissipate and yield an incorrect reading
- Not being familiar with your chlorine test kit’s limit of detection
Source samples
Common sampling errors
The two most common sampling errors associated with source samples are:
- Missing the collection deadline
- Source samples are due at varying frequencies. Many contaminants are only required to be sampled once every three, six or nine years, making them easy to overlook. To stay up to date on sample requirements, check your water systems monitoring report on waterlink.utah.gov. Samples are due by the second date in the “Next Sample Due” column on waterlink.
- Take note of which samples are due from which facilities, and write down the due date somewhere you check frequently. Online work calendars are a good location to set reminders as they can often prompt notifications.
- Improper labeling on laboratories chain of custodies (COCs).
- The Division of Drinking Water’s database will only recognize that samples to be used to fulfill monitoring requirements have been collected if they are filed under the correct Facility ID. To ensure that the water system receives credit for the samples collected, when you drop off samples at the lab be sure to double check that the chain of custody indicates the Facility and Sample Point IDs which are given on waterlink.utah.gov. Facility IDs can be found in the upper left hand corner of the facilities monitoring requirement. For source samples only, unless otherwise directed by the Division of Drinking Water, the Sample Point ID will be the same as the Facility ID.
PFAS
Common sampling errors
- Wearing clothes or equipment that contain PFAS
- Not collecting field reagent blanks
- Incorrect holding temperatures during shipping
- Be sure to follow instructions and get cooler(s) shipped ASAP
Certified labs, analytes, and method codes
The Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP) enables labs to upload sample data directly to the Division of Drinking Water.
Sampling requirements
Sample frequency, facility IDs, and sampling point IDs, refer to the Public Water System Water Monitoring Report found on Waterlink.
Data entry guides
Other resources
- SCS Advanced Shared Services (CMDP Registration Website)
- CMDP SDWIS Program Portal (EPA’s CMDP Help Desk)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine sampling requirements for a public water system, including frequency, facility IDs and sampling points?
- Refer to the public water system’s Public Water System Water Monitoring Report found on Waterlink.
- Refer to any recent correspondence and/or documentation from the Division of Drinking Water regarding sampling requirements.
- If the sampling requirements you are looking for cannot be found on Waterlink or in recent correspondence, email ddwreports@utah.gov with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Why was a sample rejected?
- Rejected by state:
- Once a lab has submitted a job to CMDP and that job has been accepted by state, if a sample is rejected in CMDP, you will receive an email identifying the rejected sample. The CMDP State Administrator will reach out directly to you via email explaining the reason for rejection. At that point, you can correct the sample and resubmit it through CMDP.
- Rejected by the lab after CMDP submission:
- To request rejection of a sample or samples:
- Log into CMDP
- Search for and select the sample you need to reject
- Select “Request Rejection”
- Email the CMDP State Administrator (kgolchin@utah.gov) with:
- Details explaining why the sample needs to be rejected
- Public Water System ID
- Facility ID
- Sample ID
- The request will be reviewed by the Division of Drinking Water. You will receive an email from the CMDP State Administrator approving or denying the request. If the request for rejection is approved, once the request is complete and you receive email verification that the request has been processed, resubmit the corrected sample.
- To request rejection of a sample or samples:
Can I submit operational data via CMDP?
At this time, operational data cannot be submitted through CMDP.
How often should I reset my SCS password?
- The SCS password used to log into CMDP must be reset every 90 days. Failure to do so will result in being locked out of your account.
- To view when your password will expire, log into SCS and access the Notifications section on the dashboard.
- If your password is set to expire within 14 days or less, a reminder will appear in the Alerts section of the SCS Dashboard.
What do I do if I’m locked out of my CMDP account?
Contact the SCS Helpdesk by going to the hotline page, then selecting “Utah Department of Environmental Quality.”
Need help?
Utah CMDP Support, kgolchin@utah.gov