The purpose of the Drinking Water Safety Program at the University of Texas at Austin is to ensure that the drinking water supplied to the campus community is safe for consumption. EHS staff is responsible for performing or observing bacteriological sampling, investigations, and additional testing to ensure the drinking water is of good quality and safe for ingestion.
University Drinking Water
There are several departments that help to provide clean and safe drinking water to the campus community:
- The University’s drinking water is supplied by the city of Austin, specifically the Austin Water utility.
- The transmission lines for domestic drinking water are maintained by Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), Mechanical Distribution section.
- Domestic water lines within university buildings are maintained by Facilities Services and the appropriate Zone(s).
- EHS is responsible for the safety of the drinking water consumed by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Bacteriological Sampling
There are certain situations where bacteriological sampling is required to be conducted to ensure that the drinking water supply lines are free of potentially harmful bacteria. In other situations, bacteriological sampling may be performed to confirm that no potentially harmful bacteriological contamination of the drinking water supply has occurred. When required, EHS performs drinking water sampling, or observes the collection of drinking water samples, as the health authority for the university. In all instances of bacteriological sampling, EHS reviews the sampling results (analytical reports) to confirm the absence or presence of harmful bacteria and will only approve the use of water supply lines where harmful bacteria are not present.
Bacteriological sampling is required for:
- Water main repairs (outdoors)
- Installation of new water supply lines
- Suspected cross-connections
Bacteriological sampling may be performed for:
- Broken water lines (indoors)
- Water quality complaints regarding odors or taste
- When building water supply has been shut off (. 24 hours)
- Other situations as appropriate
Procedures
Water Main Repairs (Outdoors):
If a water main breaks on campus, the appropriate department (Utilities or Facilities) will immediately notify EHS and provide an estimate of when the repairs will be complete. EHS will then be notified of when a sample may be taken - after all affected piping/parts have been disinfected with a 1% hypochlorite solution and flushed in accordance with AWWA C651-14.
Utilities will plan and conduct the flushing of the line. Flushing should be performed at the appropriate fire hydrant(s) between the water main break and the building(s) serviced by the line. In some cases, flushing may also be necessary in the interior of the building.
EHS will verify that the total chlorine levels (minimum 0.5 ppm, maximum 4.0 ppm) are present and collect a sample for bacteriological testing at an accredited laboratory (TDSHS or LCRA).
New Installation:
New domestic water supply lines must be disinfected and flushed in accordance with AWWA C651-14. Utilities, or the Project Manager for new construction, will provide a chlorination plan to EHS. Once EHS approved the plan, the work can be performed, and sampling will be scheduled. Water service cannot be turned on without EHS approval. Reference UT Design and Construction Standard 33.14.00 UEM “Utility Distribution” for more information.
Suspected Cross Connections:
Utilities or Facilities will notify EHS of the suspected cross contamination. EHS will collect a sample(s) for bacteriological testing at an accredited laboratory. In cases of suspected cross contamination, the water should be turned off or signage posted stating “Do Not Drink, Test Results Pending” until the analytical results are received, and the absence of potentially harmful bacteria has been confirmed.
Water Line Repairs (Indoors):
If a water supply line breaks indoors, bacteriological sampling is not required unless it is suspected that the line repair may have contaminated the building water supply. For example, a line break in a bathroom. In instances where there is suspected contamination of the drinking was, Facilities is responsible for notifying EHS and EHS will collect samples as appropriate.
Low Water Pressure:
When a building experiences low water pressure (< 20 psi), Facilities is responsible for notifying EHS. EHS will assess the situation and determine if bacteriological sampling of the water is necessary.
Building Water Turned Off:
When a building’s water supply is turned off for greater than 24 hours, Facilities must notify EHS. EHS will assess the situation and determine if bacteriological sampling of the water is necessary.
Indoor Water Quality Complaints:
If a water quality complaint is received by EHS, EHS will notify Facilities and investigate to determine if bacteriological sampling is warranted. If it is determined that bacteriological sampling is warranted, EHS will immediately collect samples for bacteriological testing at an accredited laboratory. In these instances, the water should be turned off or signage posted stating “Do Not Drink, Test Results Pending” until the analytical results are received, and the absence of potentially harmful bacteria has been confirmed.
Drinking Water Notices
As a best practice, drinking water from buildings that are undergoing bacteriological testing should not be consumed until testing results have returned from the laboratory that confirm the absence of potentially harmful bacteria.
When bacteriological testing is ongoing within health sensitive buildings such as Day Care Centers, the UT Elementary, and University Health Services buildings, Drinking Water Notices are mandatory.
As appropriate, EHS requires that signs be posted at building entrances, and all sources of drinking water including fountains and/or break rooms indicating that water should not be consumed. In buildings with multiple water supply lines, EHS will work with Facilities to determine what building sections are affected by the outage. When the posting of Drinking Water Notices is required, Facilities will notify building managers and key occupants.
Do Not Use Building Water Sign (PDF). Post on building entrances when the entire building’s water is potentially contaminated.
Non-Potable Water Sign (PDF). Use for individual water sources that are potentially contaminated or awaiting testing results.
Positive Results of Potentially Harmful Bacteria
If the results of bacteriological testing are positive for potentially harmful bacteria, the following steps must be taken:
- EHS will immediately notify Facilities or Utilities.
- Additional disinfection and flushing will be completed.
- Posted Drinking Water Notices will remain in place. (additional Drinking Water Notices may also be put in place)
- New bacteriological samples will be collected and taken to an accredited laboratory for bacteriological testing.
Drinking Water Concerns
If you have concerns about the safety or quality of drinking water in any University building, including odor, taste, or discoloration, please contact the building manager who will notify the appropriate Facilities Zone.
If you have additional questions regarding drinking water safety, or, if you have reported a concern that has not been corrected, please contact EHS at 512 471-3511 or Justin Pepper by email at justin.pepper@austin.utexas.edu.