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Seasonal Water Systems
Seasonal Water Systems are water systems that operate for only a portion of the calendar year. These systems generally shut down at the end of each operating season. Examples include campgrounds, country clubs, sporting lodges and camps, marinas, golf courses, and ski areas.
Sampling
Seasonal facilities that are open for any portion of a calendar quarter are responsible for all water tests required in that quarter. Sampling quarters follow standard calendar time periods:
- First quarter: January 1st thru March 31st
- Second quarter: April 1st thru June 30th
- Third quarter: July 1st thru September 30th
- Fourth quarter: October 1st thru December 31st
A sample may be collected on any day during a given quarter.
If you are operating a seasonal facility, the DWP waives any quarterly water-testing requirement for a quarter if a business closes on or before the 15th of the first month of that quarter. Please note that this waiver applies only to quarterly water tests.
| System Closing Date | Quarterly Tests Waived |
|---|---|
| January 1 - 15 | January 1 - March 31 |
| April 1 - 15 | April 1 - June 30 |
| July 1 - 15 | July 1 - September 30 |
| October 1 - 15 | October 1 - December 31 |
Water System Startup and Shutdown
Forms and Guidance
- Approved Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems Using Groundwater (PDF). Maine’s groundwater system startup procedure approved for compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
- Approved Startup Procedure for Maine Seasonal Public Water Systems Using Surface Water (PDF). Maine’s surface water system startup procedure approved for compliance with the RTCR
- Opening Your Water System for the Season (PDF). Steps to follow to when opening your seasonal water system up for the season to avoid and prevent water quality problems.
- Preparing Your Seasonal Water System for Winter (PDF). Steps to follow to when closing your seasonal water system up for the season to avoid and prevent water quality problems when you reopen.
Additional Resources
- Well Shocking Guidance
- Total Coliform Bacteria Sampling Instructions
- Maine Laboratory Accreditation
- Disinfection Equations for Water Pipes and Tanks (PDF)
- Guidance for Small Water Systems with Continuous Chlorination Disinfection (PDF)
- Guidebook for Transient Public Water Systems (PDF)
- Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Flushing Drinking Water Storage Tanks at Small Public Water Systems (PDF)
Updated 5/12/2023
