This updated article was originally published in the spring 2010 edition of Aqua Talk.
For drinking water, an emergency source should only be used as the result of extreme circumstances and is otherwise kept offline. Emergency sources should be out of service and only used very rarely. An emergency source should only be used in a true emergency situation. Emergency examples include:
- Using sources to address natural disasters (e.g., fire/flood);
- Line breaks and water loss; or
- Source water issues (e.g., a well dries up unexpectedly).
Additionally, emergency sources must be included as part of a water system’s inventory prior to its use and approved by the department. Unlike emergency sources, interim or seasonal sources are used intermittently or seasonally. They are often used to meet high water demand or to maintain water rights. These types of sources should be specifically listed as "interim" or "seasonal" in your monitoring plan.
If your system is experiencing an emergency situation and needs to use an emergency source, contact the department as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the source is used. During normal business hours, Monday through Friday, please contact your drinking water compliance specialist. Outside of normal business hours and days, please call the emergency response line at 1.877.518.6508. Additionally, you must collect a nitrate and total coliform sample at the emergency source. The sampling must be conducted within two calendar days of the source being into service. The department may also require additional sampling depending on the situation.
If your system needs to use the well for more than 30 days, the department recommends that suppliers collect lead and copper samples from a portion of its highest risk Lead and Copper Rules sample sites. The sample results could help the supplier determine if any lead release has occurred from the potential change in distribution system water quality. If there is an observed increase in the lead release, this information could be used to inform the public especially if there are concerns raised by customers. All drinking water lead results must be reported to the department.
If you anticipate that your emergency source will be used for more than 90 days, you must:
- Notify the department and submit an updated Drinking Water System Inventory Form. When using the form, please make sure to change the availability designation for the source from “emergency” to “interim” or “permanent” (depending on the specific situation).
- If the emergency source has not already been approved as an “interim” or “seasonal” source, submit a Drinking Water Application for Construction Approval Form. The regulations require all sources to have design approval. Please note that the approval as an emergency source does NOT constitute an approval of the source for interim or permanent usage. Specific information regarding design approval can be found here. You may also contact the Engineering Section at 303.692.6298 or via email at CDPHE.WQEngReview@state.co.us.
The key to getting an emergency source activated quickly and in compliance is timely communication with the department.
