Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Non-Community Public Water Systems

Water System Planning:

Review and Update all emergency contact information.

  • Certified Operator, if applicable
  • Contract Laboratory
  • PWS Owner and/or Administrative Contact
  • Local Health Contact
  • Alternative Certified Operators, Alternative laboratories, Plumbers, etc.

Systems with Certified Operators must maintain frequent contact with the operator to ensure appropriate staffing is available for the duration of this outbreak. 

Water System Operations:

All PWS must maintain CRITICAL OPERATIONS such as maintenance of chemical treatment and routine monitoring of essential chemical parameters (chlorine residual, chemical feed systems).

  • Topping off of chemical supplies and storage tanks
  • Topping off of emergency generators and fuel tanks
  • Communicate with your certified testing laboratory to ensure appropriate personnel are available to maintain required sampling, prioritizing acute water quality parameters (total coliform, E Coli, Nitrate and Nitrite, treatment residuals)
  • Water Quality Monitoring Schedules are available on the DWS website for reference
    • If your certified laboratory cannot provide the necessary, level of service please work with them to find an alternative laboratory option or refer to the list of approved laboratories on our website.

Other Considerations:

  • Schools and Businesses should have a clear and consistent message ready for questions from students, customers and employees.
  • Businesses should consider providing resources to allow for remote working if possible or consider closing as necessary.
  • Businesses should limit staff travel, especially out of state travel, as much as possible.
  • Systems must ensure adequate resources to allow for proper response to routine emergencies.
    • Acute water quality violations
    • Loss of pressure emergencies (water main breaks, equipment failures)

    Reminder that DPH DWS must be notified of any emergency within 24 hours