Title: Section 5-6.13 - Sampling, methods and recordkeeping

5-6.13 Sampling, methods and recordkeeping. (a) Bottled water shall be sampled at the frequency and analyzed for the water quality parameters outlined in section 5-6.11 of this Subpart.

(b) Samples for any water quality parameter not specified in section 5-6.11 of this Subpart shall be collected and analyzed as may be required by the State.

(c) Sampling methods and analyses shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

(1) Source water samples shall be taken from each approved source.

(2) Finished product water samples shall be taken from a batch or segment of a continuous production run for each type of bottled water produced during a day's production. The representative sample shall consist of a primary container of the finished product.

(3) All required finished product water quality analyses must be performed by an approved laboratory.

(4) All required source water quality analyses must be performed by an approved laboratory.

(5) Analyses shall be conducted by the analytical requirements set forth in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, current edition, or alternate methods approved by the department's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program.

(d) Container sampling for each container size shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

(1) Containers and closures shall be inspected to verify that they are free from contamination.

(2) At least once every three months, a total coliform swab and/or rinse count should be made from at least four containers and closures selected just before filling and sealing. No more than one of the four samples may exceed more than one bacteria per milliliter of capacity or one colony per square centimeter of surface area. All samples shall be free of coliform organisms. The procedure and apparatus for these total coliform tests shall be in conformance with those recognized by the State. Tests shall be performed by qualified plant personnel or an approved laboratory.

(e) Record retention and reporting shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

(1) Records shall be kept of all inspections, cleaning and sanitizing operations and bottling production. Records of all microbiological and chemical testing must also be maintained by owners and operators of bottled and bulk water facilities and shall be available to the State for the most recent five year period for microbiological analyses and ten years for chemical analyses.

(2) Monthly operating reports for bottlers operating in New York State shall be submitted to the State. Reports shall include the total monthly production including specific production figures for finished product intended for distribution and sale in New York State and all physical, chemical, radiological and microbiological analytical results for that month; the treatment processes and chemicals used; sources of water; and other pertinent data. Form GEN 221, Report on Bottled Water Operation or a form containing equivalent information shall be used for this purpose. Failure to submit these reports shall be cause for suspension and/or revocation of the certificate of approval.

(3) Out-of-state bottlers shall submit their monthly operating reports no later than the 10th of the month following the month of the reporting period. The annual inspection report performed by the government agency having jurisdiction shall be submitted each year. The monthly operating reports and annual inspection report are to be sent directly to:

New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection
Two University Place
1215 Western Avenue, Room 406
Albany, New York 12203-3313