SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE (SWTR)

Water quality treatment standards as prescribed under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and amendments thereto. The rule is a set of treatment technique requirements which apply to all water systems using surface water and those using ground water which is under the influence of surface water. Surface water systems are those using water exposed to the atmosphere, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or streams. Ground water systems that are under the influence of surface water may include shallow wells, infiltration galleries, and springs which may contain the same disease-causing microorganisms of concern in surface water. The rule requires that these systems properly filter the water, unless they can meet certain strict criteria. The rule also requires that these systems disinfect the water. There are no exceptions from the disinfection requirement.