Primary Standards Monitored

At Sergio Cuevas WTP in September 2019

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was established to protect the quality of drinking water in the U.S.A., including Puerto Rico. This law focuses on all waters actually or potentially designed for drinking use, whether from above ground or underground sources.
Pursuant to this Act, EPA establishes standards and sets regulatory limits to protect tap water, requiring all owners or operators of public water systems to comply with primary (health-related) standards and treatment techniques.
Primary standards and treatment techniques protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. As specifically required by federal regulations, PRASA laboratories and private laboratories that analyze drinking water samples must be certified by EPA or the state. They must use approved methods by EPA and pass periodic on-site audits. Laboratories used by PRASA, including private laboratories, are currently in good standing with EPA and the PR Health Department.

Following a list of the primary standards monitored, monitoring requirements, frequency and entity responsible for its analysis.

Primary Standard

Monitory Requirement

Analysis

Microorganisms

The total number and location of samples is based on the population served and system-specific sampling plan

PRASA or private lab

Disinfectants

Continuous (Daily samples at distribution system entry point)

PRASA

Disinfection Byproducts

Continuous (Daily samples at distribution system entry point)

PRASA or private lab

Inorganic Chemicals
(including lead and cooper)

Continuous (Daily samples at distribution system entry point)

PRASA or private lab

MicroorgaOrganic Chemicals
(Synthetic and Volatile)nisms

Continuous (Daily samples at distribution system entry point)

PRASA or private lab

Radionuclides

Continuous (Daily samples at distribution system entry point)

PRASA or private lab

Primary Standards Monitored

At Sergio Cuevas WTP in September 2019

Following a list of the primary standards monitored, monitoring requirements, frequency and entity responsible for its analysis.