Seasonal Public Water Systems

What Is a Seasonal Public Water System?

A seasonal system is defined as a non-community water system that is not operated as a public water system on a year-round basis and starts up and shuts down at the beginning and end of each operating season.

Why Are There Specific Requirements for Seasonal Systems?

Seasonal systems winterize their wells and drain their pipes during periods outside of operation. These conditions may cause backpressure, backsiphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. These conditions may pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system due to bacterial contamination. This can become a concern when pipes are drained and left empty for winterization, creating conditions for bacterial growth that are unlikely during regular operation.

Seasonal Public Water System Requirements

Start-up Procedures for Seasonal Systems

At the beginning of each operating period, before serving water to the public, seasonal water systems must:

• Conduct state-approved start-up procedures.

• Certify completion of state-approved start-up procedures on NDEE form.

Required state-approved start-up procedures, which need to be completed prior to serving water to the public include:

• Well(s) flushing (when possible).

• Distribution system flushing.

• Sampling for total coliform and E. coli.

Examples of additional start-up activities may include:

• Disinfection.

• Site visit by state.

• Verification that any current or historical sanitary defects have been corrected.

Please see the Certification of Start-Up Procedure Form at the bottom of the page for more details.

Routine Monitoring for Seasonal Systems

• All seasonal public water systems must sample monthly while they are in active operations and serving water to the public.

Are You a Seasonal Public Water System?

Examples of seasonal public water systems include:

• Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
• Seasonal Campgrounds

Contact Us

Please contact your Regional Compliance Officer with any questions you may have.

Contact information can be found on the Regional Compliance Map.

EPA Links

Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): A Quick Reference Guide

NOTE: Seasonal System Provisions can be found on Page 3 of this Quick Reference Guide.