Section 653.607  Exemption From Chlorination - Supplies Meeting Statutory Requirements

a)         Community water supplies which meet all of the requirements specified in Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 111 1/2, par. 1017(b) (as amended) shall be exempt from chlorination upon approval by the Agency of an application for exemption.  Applications and approvals shall be in writing.

b)         The decision to issue an exemption shall be based on the following:

1)         The population served by the community water supply does not exceed 5000 based upon the latest census figures or complete records of number of individuals served.

2)         The supply shall have as its only source of raw water, one or more wells constructed in accordance with Section 653.103 into confined geologic formations not subject to contamination.  Verification will be based on driller's log, visual inspection of the well(s), general geology of the area and results of bacteriological analyses performed on raw water samples.  Supplies which do not have this data may apply for an exemption as long as sample results verify satisfactory raw water quality which complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 604.

3)         The supply shall not have a history of persistent or recurring contamination as indicated by sampling results which show violation of finished water quality requirements for the most recent five year period. Verification will be based on review of the last five years of sample results; the most recent 12 months will be weighted more heavily.  New supplies without this data may apply for an exemption based on available samples.

4)         The supply shall not provide any raw water treatment other than fluoridation.  Treatment will be verified by facility inspection.

5)         The supply shall have an active program in accordance with Section 653.801 approved in writing by the Agency to educate water supply customers on preventing the entry of contaminants into the water system.  An outline of the program and copies of handouts to be used shall be sent to the Agency with the exemption application.

6)         The supply shall employ on its operational staff a certified operator of the proper class.  A community water supply which is exempt from the requirement for a certified operator in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 111 1/2, par. 509 (as amended) shall employ on its operational staff a registered person in responsible charge of operation of the community water supply.  Verification of certified operator or registered person shall be made by checking Notification of Certified Operator in Responsible Charge forms or Registration of Person in Responsible Charge forms on file in Agency records.

7)         The supply shall submit samples for microbiological analysis at twice the frequency required for non-exempt supplies.  Compliance with this requirement shall be verified using Agency monitoring records.

8)         A unit of local government seeking to exempt its community water supply from the chlorination requirement shall receive approval of the voters of that local government in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 111 1/2, par. 1017(b)(8) (as amended).  A certified copy of the results of the proposition shall be filed with the Division of Public Water Supplies.