Department of
Environmental Quality

A sanitary survey is onsite review of a public water system’s water source, facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance. The purpose of a sanitary survey is to evaluate and document the capabilities of a water system's sources, treatment, storage, distribution system, operation and maintenance, and overall management and financial capacity to continually provide safe drinking water and to identify any deficiencies that might adversely impact a public water system's ability to provide a safe, reliable water supply. The survey also seeks to identify systems that need technical or capacity development.

The survey evaluates the following areas:

1. Source
2. Treatment
3. Finished water storage
4. Distribution system
5. Pumps/pump facility and controls
6. Monitoring, reporting and data verification
7. Water system management and operations
8. System Compliance
9. Security
10. Financial

DEQ and the Public Health Districts in Idaho conduct sanitary surveys of all public water systems DEQ conducts surveys of large public water systems and contracts with the health districts to survey the smaller systems.

Idaho's Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems require sanitary surveys of water systems to be taken every three to five years, depending on the type of system.

• Community Water Systems: Every three years (every five years if outstanding performance)
• Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems: Every five years
• Transient, Non-Community Water Systems - Every five years

Components of a Routine Sanitary Survey

Systems are notified when a sanitary survey is required. The surveyor contacts the system to make arrangements for conducting the survey. Unannounced or limited notice inspections may be conducted. A survey can take several hours to days to complete, depending on the complexity of the water system.

Discussion and Review of Records

When the surveyor arrives to conduct the routine sanitary survey, the first step is to go over the water system records. This includes discussion and review of

• water facilities inventory and records
• distribution system plans and maps
• routine operation and maintenance records
• monitoring history and future monitoring schedule
• source and finished water quality monitoring plan, history, and waiver status
• operator certification credentials
• additional components

Field Inspection of Water System

After the water system records have been discussed and reviewed, the surveyor will then take a tour of the water system.  The tour will include an inspection of:

1. drinking water source
2. treatment equipment
3. pumps, pumping facilities, and controls
4. finished water storage
5. distribution system

Completion of the Sanitary Survey Form and Follow-Up

Upon concluding the sanitary survey, the inspector completes a preliminary inspection findings form (PIFF) that identifies deficiencies and or potential violations that are pending further review.  The PIFF does not constitute a final determination of compliance.  A final report will be completed by the inspector and a copy will be provided to the owner/operator within thirty days after the Department identifies the significant deficiency. Systems are then required to take corrective action within the agreed upon correction time frame.

Preparing for a Sanitary Survey Inspection

Anything that can be done to help streamline the process will make the inspection more efficient. Start by reviewing the previous sanitary survey report will help in preparing for the next inspection. Review past deficiencies and be sure they have been properly addressed.  If you are interested, download the current inspection form so that you know all the areas which will be reviewed. The complete inspection form that the inspectors  use can be accessed at right or through the Sanitary Survey Form button on the Public Water System Switchboard.

Other steps to prepare for a sanitary survey inspection include:

• Have all records ready, such as monthly operational report, equipment calibration dates, laboratory test dates, daily logs, system drawings, flushing and valve exercises, and backflow prevention measures.
• Have operator certification credentials readily available or displayed.
• Ensure access is readily available to all areas, including sources, storage facilities, pump stations, and treatment plants.
• Have emergency response plan readily available.

Free On-site Training for Certified Operators

Drinking Water Operators of Public Water Systems classified as Very Small Water Systems (VSWS) or Distribution 1 (DST1) are now eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completion of limited “homework” activities, active participation in an enhanced sanitary survey and follow-up Corrective Action Planning associated with an enhanced sanitary survey. Details can be found at the Public Water System Switchboard under the Sanitary Survey CEU’s button.