§ 141.803 Coliform sampling.

(a) Analytical methodology. Air carriers must follow the sampling and analysis requirements under this section.

(1) The standard sample volume required for total coliform analysis, regardless of analytical method used, is 100 mL.

(2) Air carriers need determine only the presence or absence of total coliforms and/or E. coli; a determination of density of these organisms is not required.

(3) Air carriers must conduct analyses for total coliform and E. coli in accordance with the analytical methods approved in § 141.21(f)(3) and 141.21(f)(6)) until March 31, 2016, and in accordance with the analytical methods approved in § 141.852 beginning April 1, 2016.

(4) The time from sample collection to initiation of analysis may not exceed 30 hours. Systems are encouraged but not required to hold samples below 10 °C during transit.

(5) The invalidation of a total coliform sample result can be made only by the Administrator in accordance with § 141.21(c)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) or by the certified laboratory in accordance with § 141.21(c)(2) until March 31, 2016, or in accordance with § 141.853(c) beginning April 1, 2016, with the Administrator acting as the State.

(6) Certified laboratories. For the purpose of determining compliance with this subpart, samples may be considered only if they have been analyzed by a laboratory certified by a State or EPA. For the purposes of this paragraph, “State” refers to a State or Tribe that has received primacy for public water systems (other than aircraft water systems) under section 1413 of SDWA.

(b) Routine monitoring. For each aircraft water system, the sampling frequency must be determined by the disinfection and flushing frequency recommended by the aircraft water system manufacturer, when available, and as identified in the operations and maintenance plan in § 141.804.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the air carrier must collect two 100 mL total coliform routine samples at the frequency specified in the sampling plan in § 141.802 and in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section;

(2) The air carrier may collect one 100 mL total coliform routine sample at the frequency specified in the sampling plan in § 141.802 for aircraft with a removable or portable tank that is drained every day of passenger service, and the aircraft has only one tap. Aircraft meeting the requirements of this paragraph do not have to comply with paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

(3) Air carriers must perform routine monitoring for total coliform at a frequency corresponding to the frequency of routine disinfection and flushing as specified in the Table b-1 (Routine Disinfection and Flushing and Routine Sample Frequencies). Air carriers must follow the disinfection and flushing frequency recommended by the aircraft water system manufacturer, when available. Where the aircraft water system manufacturer does not specify a recommended routine disinfection and flushing frequency, the air carrier must choose a frequency from Table b-1 (Routine Disinfection and Flushing and Routine Sample Frequencies):