CODE OF VIRGINIA

INSPECTION OF WATER SUPPLIES (§ 15.2-2144)

A. Every locality may regulate and inspect public and private water supplies;
the production, preparation, transmission and distribution of water; and the
sanitation of establishments, systems, facilities and equipment in or by means
of which water is produced, prepared, transmitted and distributed. It may
prevent the pollution of such water supplies; and, without liability to the
owner thereof, may prevent the transmission or distribution of water when it is
found to be polluted, adulterated, impure or dangerous.

B. Every public water supply operator shall at least annually test the public
water supply for the presence of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). The
locality shall maintain a record of testing conducted pursuant to this
subsection. If the results of any test conducted pursuant to this subsection
indicates the presence of MTBE in excess of 15 parts per billion, the locality
shall immediately notify the Department of Environmental Quality and the
Department of Health. The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services shall
maintain and make available, upon the request of any person, a list of
laboratories, accredited under the provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water
Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.) to analyze samples, located throughout the
Commonwealth that possess the technical expertise to analyze water samples for
the presence of MTBE. Any lab seeking accreditation under the Safe Drinking
Water Act may contact the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. The
Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services shall establish a fee system to
offset the costs of tests performed on behalf of public water supply operators.
Such test may be conducted simultaneously with other tests.Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subsection, the State Board of Health, acting pursuant to its
authority regarding public water supplies, may establish an alternative schedule
for water supply testing, which shall apply in lieu of this subsection, for any
public waterworks where annual testing is not otherwise required, if it
determines that an alternative schedule is appropriate to protect the public
health and promote the public welfare.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 15-77.18; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-854; 1997,
c. 587; 2000, c. 1004; 2004, c. 438.