Noncommunity water system: owner responsibilities

As owner of a noncommunity public water system it is your responsibility to ensure that the water you provide to your customers meets established health guidelines.

You face many distinct challenges in managing a public water supply; providing adequate supplies to all users; preventing contamination; and planning for your system's future water needs.

Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees construction and operation of public water systems to make sure everyone has safe water to drink and use. However, as legal custodian of the water system, you have primary responsibility to assure safe drinking water.

This guide was prepared to help you develop, assess, and maintain a quality water supply. We want to emphasize areas which need your attention to meet legal obligations and to ensure your system provides consumers with safe drinking water now and in the future.

Table of contents

  1. The legal basis for drinking water regulation
  2. What types of systems are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act?
  3. What is a noncommunity system?
  4. Responsibilities of a noncommunity water system owner?
  5. Standards required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  6. What if my drinking water doesn't meet state drinking water standards?
  7. What is a public notice?
  8. For more information on noncommunity systems

Legal Foundation

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), State Statutes, and State Natural Resources (NR) administrative rules supply the legal foundation for water system regulation. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has State responsibility for overseeing water supply systems to protect the health and welfare of users and to protect our state's water resources.

What types of systems are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act regulates public drinking water systems. A public drinking water system is one that provides drinking water to the public either by having 15 or more service connections OR by serving at least 25 people per day at least 60 days out of the year. Public systems are further broken down into community and noncommunity systems.

Noncommunity water systems

Determining the type of system you own can be confusing. State law defines a community system as a public system that serves a year-round residential population such as a group of homes receiving water from the same source. A noncommunity system also meets the definition of a public system but serves a nonresidential population. A noncommunity system might be a business, a school or a restaurant.

There are two types of noncommunity systems:

Transient noncommunity systems
A transient noncommunity system is one which serves drinking water to at least 25 individuals per day at least 60 days of the year. These systems typically serve a few employees and a transient or occasional user population. Examples of these systems are restaurants, taverns, churches, parks, service stations, resorts, motels, etc.
Nontransient noncommunity systems
A nontransient noncommunity system is one which serves drinking water to at least 25 of the same individuals per day at least 6 months of the year. Some examples of these systems are schools, factories, large commercial facilities, day care centers, etc.

What are your responsibilities as a noncommunity water system owner?

As an owner of a public water system, it is your responsibility to provide drinking water that meets state and federal drinking water standards. The basic requirements are to:

  1. Ensure the water system is constructed according to state standards. Wisconsin has a well construction and pump installation code (Chapter NR 812).
  2. Assure the water you are providing meets state and federal drinking water standards. These standards are found in Chapter NR 809. This is done by sampling water regularly for various contaminants found in drinking water. The degree of sampling is dependent on what type of noncommunity system you own or operate.
  3. Maintain your water system in good condition to provide a safe, dependable water supply.

Your water system must be periodically inspected and sampled to ensure the system construction meets Wisconsin standards and acceptable water quality.

Standards required by the Safe Drinking Water Act

Traditionally, noncommunity water systems such as yours were required to take water samples for nitrate and bacteria only. But new amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act may require routine sampling of your water system for a variety of other substances depending on the type of facility you own.

Primary Standards (Health Related)

You will need to have water samples analyzed for the following:

Nontransient Noncommunity Systems

Transient Noncommunity Systems

Each type of contaminant has a different sampling schedule (i.e. monthly, quarterly, annually, etc) according to the particular substance and the type of facility you own or operate. Chapter NR 809 specifies how often you need to test for each substance. The DNR will contact you when the initial sampling must begin.

Water samples must be analyzed by a laboratory certified to test for bacteria or other contaminants. These services can also be requested from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene.

What do I do if my water doesn't meet state drinking water standards?

Federal and state drinking water standards have been established under the Safe Drinking Water Act. If your water system doesn't meet the standards, you must issue a public notice and take immediate action to return the drinking water to a safe condition in compliance with the standards. The degree of follow-up action depends on the type and amount of contamination. The Department of Natural Resources will work closely with you in determining the degree of follow-up that will be necessary for your particular water system needs.

Public Notification

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) The DNR has adopted numerical drinking water standards called maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) that your water supply must meet. The MCL is the maximum allowable level of a substance that you can deliver to the customer in your water.

When an MCL is exceeded, you must notify the public of the condition. The notification must contain at a minimum, the contaminant found and its level, health effects of exposure, measures being taken to alleviate the problem, and the name and telephone number of someone who can provide the consumer with more information. This notice must be posted at all drinking water outlets. The type of notification required will depend on the severity of the contamination, the type of population served, and the urgency of the situation.

The DNR will assist you In preparing the notification if requested.

Who should I contact with questions?

The Department of Natural Resources will contact you as new requirements become effective. If you have any further questions concerning this brochure or any of the new regulations, feel free to contact a drinking water specialist at the DNR statewide office in your area.

For more information, contact: Margie Damgaard, IS Professional, Public Water Section




Last Modified: Tuesday March 11 2008

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