PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CENTER Sanitary Surveys Summary

Abstract

A sanitary survey is an inspection of the entire water system, including the water source, facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance. Usually conducted by a member of the state primacy agency, the purpose of these mandatory surveys is to help prevent and correct water system deficiencies. What is a sanitary survey? The U.S Environmental Protection Agency, in the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR), defines a sanitary survey as “an onsite review of the water source, facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance of the public water system for the purpose of evaluating the adequacy of such source, facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance for producing and distributing safe drinking water. ” They are performed by the state primacy agency (e.g., bureau of public health, department of environmental protection) and are required of all surface water systems and groundwater systems under the direct influence of surface water. These surveys are typically divided into eight main sections, although some state primacy groups may have more