NM Water Test Cert

Indicator Organism

The coliform group of bacteria is used to determine bacteriological contamination.

Post-Positive Sample Routine

All public water systems must take the normal number of routine samples the month after a total coliform or E. coli positive result.

Tier 1 Violation

Requires public notice within 24 hours and must be reported to NMED within 24 hours of violation notification.

Tier 3 Violation

For all other violations. Requires public notice within 12 months and reporting to NMED within 10 days.

Microbiological Sample Request Form

For a repeat sample, mark "Repeat Sample" and include the reference number. For new or repaired lines, check "Special Sample."

Certificate Renewal

Certificates are renewed every 3 years, with the renewal date based on your birth month. You have a 365-day grace period to renew a suspended license before it is revoked without needing to retake the exam.

3 multiple choice options

Public Water System (PWS)

A system that provides water for human consumption through pipes or other conveyances. It must have at least 15 service connections or regularly serve an average of at least 25 individuals daily for at least 60 days out of the year.

PWS Responsibility

A PWS is responsible for the cyclical sampling and analysis of contaminants that pose a known risk.

Water Sampling Technician (WST) - Level 1

Covers the collection of water samples for microbiological analysis and requires 5 hours of training credits.

Water Sampling Technician (WST) - Level 2

Covers microbiological samples as well as sampling for various chemical and radiological analyses.

Compliance Sampling Locations

Occurs at the Point of Entry (POE), within the distribution system, or at the POE in the water system.

Drinking Water Distribution System Sampling Plan

Must be developed to ensure samples are taken from appropriate locations for representative coverage. For microbiological samples, locations may move monthly to cover the entire system over time.

Transient Non-Community Water System

A non-community water system that does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same people for more than a 6-month period.

Action Level MCLs

Copper: 1.30 mg/L, Lead: 0.015 mg/L

pH

A measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of water.

Acidic Water

Water is considered acidic when it has more hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-).

Alkaline Water

Water is considered alkaline when there are more hydroxide ions (OH-) than hydrogen ions (H+). Chemicals like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) can be added to increase alkalinity.

Reporting and Record Keeping

Systems must report any failure to comply with NM Drinking Water regulations to NMED-DWB within 48 hours. Bacteriological test and turbidity results must be kept for 5 years.

Chemical Contaminant Monitoring

Monitored in a cycle of 3, 6, or 9 years. A 3-year period is a compliance period, and each year within that is a cycle.

Tier 2 Violation

For violations with potential for serious, but not immediate, adverse health effects. Requires public notice within 30 days and reporting to NMED within 10 days.

Coliform Groups

The family is divided into Total Coliform (TC) and E. coli (EC). Total Coliform is common in the environment and generally harmless.

WSS Code

A 9-digit code assigned by NMED to each PWS (e.g., NM35XXX-XX).

First Aid

Burns: Cold water.

Cuts: Apply pressure.

Stop Breathing: CPR.

Fraction to Decimal Conversion

1/16 is equal to 0.0625.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

The maximum amount of a substance allowed in water according to regulations.

MCLs for Nitrate/Nitrite

Nitrate (as N): 10 mg/L, Nitrite (as N): 1 mg/L

MCLs for Fluoride

Secondary MCL: 2.0 mg/L, Primary MCL: 4.0 mg/L

Lead and Copper Sampling

Requires a "first draw" sample from a customer's tap after water has been standing in the plumbing for at least 6 hours but no longer than 18 hours.

Optimum Fluoride Dosage

0.8-1.2 mg/L

Turbidity

Does not represent a health risk by itself but can shield harmful bacteria from the disinfection process. It is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) using a nephelometer or turbidimeter.

Total Coliform Positive Result

Requires at least 3 repeat samples to be taken within 24 hours of notification. The samples should be from the Point of Origin (POO), upstream, and downstream.

Assessment Trigger (<40 samples)

For systems collecting fewer than 40 monthly samples, the trigger occurs when 2 or more samples are positive for coliform bacteria.

Assessment Trigger (≥40 samples)

For systems collecting 40 or more monthly samples, the trigger occurs when more than 5.0% of the samples are positive for coliform bacteria.

Red or Black Water Problems

Can be caused by Iron (Fe) which causes red water, and Manganese (Mn) which causes black water.

Public Notification Responsibility

The public water system must monitor water quality and report violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to the public.

Microbiological Sample Frequency

A minimum of one sample per month is required for the smallest systems. The number of required samples increases with the population served.

Seasonal Public Water System (PWS)

A non-community water system that is not operated year-round and starts up and shuts down at the beginning and end of each operating season.

D-DBP Rule (Chlorine)

The MCL for Chlorine under the Disinfectants and Disinfectant Byproducts Rule is 4 mg/L.

Coliform as an Indicator

Coliform bacteria live longer in water, which is why they are chosen as the indicator organism for waterborne pathogens.

Identifying Positive Samples

A 100 mL sample bottle turning yellow indicates a positive total coliform result. A black light is used on the yellow bottle to check for E. coli.

Certified Lab Tests

Most labs in New Mexico use Colilert or Membrane Filter (MF) tests, which require 100 ± 2.5 mL of sample.

Sample Contamination

If a sample is contaminated due to poor procedures or not sent to the lab on time, the system may be in violation of drinking water regulations.

Microbiological (BAC-T) Sampling

It is the responsibility of the system to collect these samples at regular intervals to ensure representative sampling of the entire distribution system.

Sodium Thiosulphate

Added to microbiological sample bottles before sterilization to neutralize any chlorine in the water sample. It can appear as a clear liquid, white powder, or a white tablet.

Preparing for Microbiological Sampling

Ensure a free chlorine residual is present (if the system disinfects) and use alcohol, soap, or gloves to prevent hand contamination.

Selecting a Sample Tap

Avoid kitchen sinks that swivel or leaky outdoor faucets. Remove hoses and aerator screens. A clean, indoor, less-used cold water faucet is preferred. Clear vegetation 3-5 feet away from outdoor taps.

Sample Collection Procedure

Disinfect the faucet, wash hands, and flush the line for 3-5 minutes. Reduce flow to an unaerated stream. Record the free chlorine residual. Fill the bottle to the fill line without touching the inside of the cap or bottle.

Sample Storage

Refrigerate the sample at 39°F (4°C).

Repeat Sample Requirements

3 repeat samples are required for every total coliform and/or E. coli positive result and must be taken within 24 hours of notification. The NMED/DWB must be notified within 24 hours of any positive result.

Chain of Custody

Repeat samples must be sealed with red evidentiary seal tape and include a "chain of custody" document. Failure to properly document this will result in sample rejection.

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