Tips for a Successful Sanitary Survey

Common deficiencies surveyors hope NOT to find during a sanitary survey:

• Lack of a screened vent or other holes in the well casing.

• Lack of a screen or a damaged screen on storage tank vents.

• Storage tank overflows without screens or flap valves.

• Old piping and tank not eliminated (not just “valved off”).

• Did not use proper flushing and disinfection techniques after construction or repairs.

• Poor choice of water sampling tap.

• Poor control of sanitary control area around drinking water source.

• Deficiencies noted on a previous survey that have not been corrected.

• Lack of a watertight cap on a well developed as a pitless adapter.

• Lack of a source water meter.

Source: Washington State Department of Health.

What to expect during a sanitary survey

1. During a sanitary survey, a trained inspector, accompanied by a water system owner/operator, performs a field inspection of the water system.
2. The inspector will review water quality test data with the system owner/operator to discuss sample results.
3. 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.
4. The current names of the water system owner(s)/operator(s), addresses, phone numbers, population served, and other information is recorded.
5. 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.
6. The inspector will examine and document hazardous conditions which can make the water unsafe. All findings are discussed with the PWS owner/operator.
7. The inspector completes the Sanitary Survey forms. One copy is given to the water system owner or operator; the other copies are sent to state primacy officials.
8. Deficiencies discovered during the site visit are reviewed with the owner/operator and possible solutions discussed.

Source: Alaska Department of Environmental Health.

To best facilitate a sanitary survey, remember to:

1. Have all keys needed to open all gates, buildings, well enclosures, hatches etc. available the day of the inspection.
2. Make certain that all special tools that may be needed to open manholes or heavy lids are available the day of the inspection.
3. Clear brush or other vegetation from around wells and buildings.
4. Have available documentation showing the last time elevated storage tank hatches, vents, and overflow screens and gaskets were checked.

The sanitary survey inspection process:

1. Your state primacy agency will notify you that a sanitary survey is needed.
2. You and the inspector will agree on a survey date.
3. You will arrange for system personnel to be available on the pre-selected survey date so they can share system records and show the inspector around your system.
4. You prepare for the inspection by gathering, reviewing, and organizing your systems operating records and reports so you can readily share them with the inspector.
5. System personnel will meet with the inspector, discuss records, and show the inspector around the system (including, pump houses, storage areas, etc.).
6. The inspector sends you a follow-up letter regarding the survey results. A copy of the letter is also sent to the appropriate state officials for review.
7. Your state primacy agency will notify you in writing if any follow-up action is required.
8. You complete any necessary corrections identified in the survey report and you send a letter back to the state primacy agency notifying them that the corrections have been completed or requesting an extension.
9. The state primacy agency tracks any critical deficiencies identified in the survey that pose a high public health risk until they are corrected.
10. You keep a copy of the survey results and all correspondence with the state primacy agency in your files.