Stevensville School District

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS

Water Supply Systems and Wastewater

The District shall ensure an adequate and potable supply of water for school buildings and properties by either:

(a) connecting to a compliant public water supply system; or
(b) utilizing a non-public system whose construction and use meet the standards published by DPHHS if the school is not utilized by more than 25 persons daily at least 60 days out of the calendar year, including staff and students, and a compliant public water supply system is not accessible. When using a system outlined in this subsection (b) a school shall submit a water sample at least quarterly to a laboratory licensed by the DPHHS to perform microbiological analysis of the water supplied in order to determine that the water does not exceed the maximum microbiological contaminant levels acceptable to DPHHS.

A water supply system of a type other than described in subsections (a) or (b) may be utilized only if it is designed by a professional engineer and offers equivalent sanitary protection as determined by DPHHS or local health authority. When using a system outlined in this paragraph, the District shall submit a water sample at least quarterly to a laboratory licensed by DPHHS to perform microbiological analysis of the water supplied in order to determine that the water does not exceed the maximum microbiological contaminant levels acceptable to DPPHS, DEQ, or local health authority.

The District shall replace or repair the water supply system serving it whenever the water supply:

(a) contains microbiological contaminants in excess of the maximum levels acceptable to DPPHS, DEQ, or local health authority.
(b) does not have the capacity to provide adequate water for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, laundry, and water-carried waste disposal.

If the District cannot make water under pressure available, the drinking water from an approved source shall be stored in a clean and sanitized container having a tight-fitting lid and a suitable faucet apparatus for filling individual cups. In this situation, single service drinking cups shall be provided.

Flushing and Testing
The District shall review water systems and features including but not limited to sink faucets, drinking fountains, decorative fountains to ensure they are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown. Drinking fountains shall be regularly cleaned and sanitized. The District shall create and implement a flushing program unless it meets the established waiver requirements established by DEQ. Flushing shall be required following any period of time during which the school is inactive.

The District shall maintain a schematic and inventory of fixtures in accordance with DEQ protocols as part of the District’s water testing program. The District shall sample all water fountains and sinks used for food preparation. All other potential human consumption fixtures shall be sampled, unless the District receives approval for a testing plan from DEQ to test a representative sample of potential fixtures in the school in accordance with DEQ protocols. All samples shall be analyzed by a Montana certified lab using EPA-approved standard drinking water methods for the detection and quantification of lead. All test results will be considered public records.

Wastewater
The District shall ensure wastewater is completely and safely disposed of by:
(a) connecting to a compliant public wastewater system; or
(b) if the school is not utilized by more than 25 persons daily at least 60 days out of the calendar year, including staff and students, and a compliant public wastewater system is not available, utilizing a non-public system whose construction and use meet DEQ construction and operation standards.

If the District uses pit privies, the privies shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the standards specified in DEQ Circular 4. If the District uses a wastewater system design of a type other than described in this policy, it shall be designed by a professional engineer and offers equivalent sanitary protection as determined by the DPPHS, DEQ, or local health authority.

Legal References:
37.111.832, ARM Water Supply System
ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 1
17.38.207, ARM Maximum Microbiological Containment Levels
DEQ Circular FCS 1-2016.
DEQ Circular 4
10.55.701(s), ARM Board of Trustees
10.55.701(l), ARM Board of Trustees
10.55.701(q), ARM Board of Trustees

Policy History:
Adopted on: October 12, 2021
Reviewed on: September 14, 2021
Revised on: October 12, 2021