Regulations
This section covers Regulations. The exam tests the Safe Drinking Water Act framework as Iowa implements it: MCLs, treatment techniques, monitoring, reporting, public notification, the CCR, and operator certification.
Core rules
- MCLs are enforceable maximum contaminant levels; MRDLs apply to disinfectants. Treatment technique rules set required processes when a numeric MCL is not practical.
- Monitoring schedules depend on contaminant, system size, source type, and prior results. Do not substitute calendar-year assumptions for the actual monitoring period.
- Public notification has tiers. Tier 1 includes acute violations such as the E. coli MCL and requires notice within 24 hours. Tier 2 is generally within 30 days; Tier 3 is typically in the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
- The CCR is due by July 1 each year and reports the previous calendar year's results.
- Operator certification is grade-specific; know your system's required grade, continuing education, and operator-in-charge duties.
- Keep records that support each reported result, including sample dates, locations, and lab reports.
Worked example
TTHM results for one location are 60, 70, 80, and 90 µg/L. The locational running annual average is (60 + 70 + 80 + 90) ÷ 4 = 75 µg/L, below the 80 µg/L MCL. If the next quarter is 100 µg/L and replaces 60, the new LRAA is (70 + 80 + 90 + 100) ÷ 4 = 85 µg/L, an exceedance. Reasoning: LRAA uses the most recent four quarters at that location, not a system-wide average.
Traps
Confusing RAA with LRAA; missing a 24-hour Tier 1 notice; assuming a CCR satisfies all public notice; letting certification lapse; reporting results without supporting records; applying the wrong monitoring period.