How many coliform positive samples are allowed each month for water systems collecting less than 40 samples?

In water quality monitoring, particularly in the context of coliform bacteria testing, regulations are established to ensure public health safety and water system compliance. For water systems that collect less than 40 samples per month, the regulatory standard allows for one coliform-positive sample. This means that if a water system has multiple sampling sites and tests a total of fewer than 40 samples in a month, the presence of one positive test for coliform bacteria is permissible without automatically violating drinking water standards.

Exceeding this allowance suggests potential issues in the water system that may compromise water quality and safety. Therefore, the threshold of one positive sample acts as a critical check in monitoring coliform presence, signaling whether further investigation or corrective actions may be necessary to maintain public health standards. It underscores the importance of stringent monitoring protocols and the proactive approach necessary to ensure safe drinking water.