Implementing level 2 plant using a private well for cleaning water

Hello all,

I am implementing a level 2 program at a facility that has a private well in use as the water supply for cleaning. For 3 years straight the client has performed coliform testing every quarter and the results have always been absent. the cleaning water for batch tanks is heated to 250 °F

According to 11.5.1 Water Supply, Adequate supplies of potable water drawn from a known clean source shall be provided for use during processing operations, as an ingredient and for cleaning the premises and equipment.

The EPA definition of potable water is, “Water that meets the standards for drinking purposes of the State or local authority having jurisdiction, or water that meets the standards prescribed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary Water Regulations (40 CFR 141)."

​By definition the clients water supply is potable, correct?

Thoughts?

Thank you , John

Hi John,

You should find out what the local specifications are for being considered "potable". Then test the water against all those specifications. We have our water (from a well) tested quarterly for microbiology by the local health unit, and tested annually by an outside lab for heavy metals/chemistry.

Dear John Antecki,

Just as an example - 

6.5.3     Water Management Plan

6.5.3.1  Water used for production of living stock, mixing feeds, cleaning feed and veterinary equipment, and production of ice shall comply with potable water microbiological and chemical standards in the country of production.  Where necessary, water used for aquaculture shall also be tested for heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 

The water management plan shall include the following:

i.        Preventive controls;

ii.        Monitoring and verification procedures

iii.        Corrective actions 

iv.        Documentation

6.5.3.2  Water and ice testing shall be part of the water management plan, as directed by the water risk 

assessment and current industry standards or regulations for the commodity being produced.  Water analysis shall 

be undertaken by an approved laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 or equivalent.

6.5.3.3  Water and ice quality shall be monitored to verify it complies with the established water microbiological and chemical standard or criteria established.  A verification schedule shall be prepared indicating the location and frequency of monitoring, which shall be decided by the hazard analysis, best practices within country of production, or applicable legislation.

 

Rgds / Charles.C

Maybe, maybe not.

Call a lab that tests well water for potability, they will run more tests than what you are doing right now. Just tell the lab you want a written assurance that the water was found or not found to be deemed potable. Be sure to use a lab that is ISO 17025 accredited or the equal.