When is it appropriate to collect microbiological samples for reasons other than monitoring compliance?

Collecting microbiological samples from new and repaired water lines or wells is essential to ensure the safety and quality of the drinking water before it goes into service. This process helps to verify that the construction and installation processes have not introduced contaminants into the water system. It acts as a critical quality assurance step to confirm that the water is free from harmful microorganisms that could pose a risk to public health.

In the case of new installations, there may be potential risks from construction material, as well as bacterial contamination from the surrounding environment during the installation. For repaired lines, it's crucial to check that no bacteria were introduced during the repair process. Thus, microbiological testing in these scenarios is both proactive and preventive, ensuring that any issues can be addressed before the water is consumed.

Other scenarios such as seasonal changes or after rainfall may also require sampling, but they are typically associated with monitoring compliance rather than being proactive measures for verifying water quality related to construction or repairs. Routine audits are part of standard operational practices rather than focused microbiological verification following new construction or repair activities.