Sanitary Surveys

Course Description

This course provides foundational knowledge of sanitary surveys and their critical role in maintaining safe public drinking water systems. Participants will learn the regulatory framework established by the Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA regulations (40 CFR 141 and 142), and how to assess water systems across eight essential areas: water source, treatment, distribution, storage, pumps and controls, monitoring and reporting, management and operation, and operator compliance. The course examines common deficiencies—from inadequate wellhead protection and expired treatment chemicals to cross-connections and improper disinfection procedures—helping engineers identify and address vulnerabilities before they become public health crises.

Through case studies of water crises in Honolulu (2021 fuel contamination), Flint, Michigan (lead contamination from 2014–2016), and Jackson, Mississippi (2022 system failure), the course demonstrates how infrastructure neglect, budget constraints, and inadequate oversight contribute to drinking water challenges. These examples emphasize the consequences of failing to address deficiencies and the importance of proactive intervention using proper sanitary survey protocols.

Participants will learn practical strategies for leveraging sanitary survey findings to inform infrastructure planning, secure funding for upgrades, and implement corrective actions. The course emphasizes that clean water is everyone's responsibility, and details specific roles for engineers—maintaining documentation, conducting pre-survey assessments, educating leadership, mentoring junior staff, and staying current with drinking water technologies and regulations. By understanding both the technical aspects of water system assessment and the broader systemic challenges facing public water systems, engineers will be equipped to use sanitary surveys as proactive tools for ensuring long-term water quality and public health protection.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and describe the core principles of sanitary surveys, including regulatory drivers and eight assessment areas.

2. Investigate why American cities are struggling to provide clean water to their customers and the role sanitary surveys can play in assuring the long-term quality and safety of drinking water through the examination of real-world examples of drinking water crises in Honolulu, Hawaii; Flint, Michigan; and Jackson, Mississippi.

3. Apply the principles learned to identify common significant deficiencies in our public drinking water systems.

4. Discuss how engineers can leverage the information gathered in the sanitary survey to inform proactive planning and educated decision-making to improve water quality and avoid major water system issues.