The purpose of the EPA’s Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule is to reduce disease incidence associated with Cryptosporidium and other disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water. The rule will supplement existing regulations by targeting additional Cryptosporidium treatment requirements to higher risk systems. The rule also contains provisions to reduce risks from uncovered finished water storage facilities and to ensure that systems maintain microbial protection as they take steps to reduce the formation of disinfection byproducts. The rule will apply to all systems that use surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water. The LT2 rule was published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2006.

About Nova
Since 1993 Nova has served Texas as a Certified Microbiology Laboratory. At Nova our mission is to help you comply with the EPA's LT2 Rule requiring Public Water Systems that use surface water or ground water under the influence of surface water to monitor source water for Cryptosporidium and/or E. coli, and turbidity.

Nova is certified by EPA/Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TX201-2006A). Cryptosporidium certification in process.

What are some of the potential costs associated with LT2 Testing?
Cryptosporidium Analysis includes 1 filter and 1 slide. Turbid samples may require additional filters and slides.

Matrix spike samples are required at every site and every 20 samples thereafter.

Nova can also provide E. coli and Turbidity Testing.

All freight costs.

For a customized proposal based on your unique sample needs and volume please contact Tamara Trow at 1-800-282-5416 x109 or ttrow@novatx.com.

What method of testing does Nova provide?
Nova tests according to Method 1622/1623. Nova can perform FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanante), DAPI (4’, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), and DIC (differential interference contrast).

What volume of sample do I take?
At least 10 Liters. More volume can be taken but the EPA encourages that a similar volume be taken consistently throughout the study.

How should I collect the sample?
By Grab sample (for example a 10 L cubitainer); or In-the-field filtration.

Does Nova provide filters for filtering in the field?
Yes. Nova can provide filters if requested or you may purchase your own filters. We can provide a quotation based on Analysis with or without cartridge filters.

If Nova supplies the filters, we will ship them to you prior to your pre-scheduled sample date(s).

If I filter in-the-field, where do I get a sampling apparatus?
Nova can provide a field sampling kit to include hoses, flow restrictor, and pressure regulator.

What are some of the advantages to filtering in the field?
The biggest advantage to filtering in the field is the savings on shipping costs. Also, filtering in the field allows you to obtain a larger sample volume without increasing your shipping costs. The larger volume increases the denominator for calculating which "Bin" you will belong. Also, the filter element is easier to chill and keep cold.

What are some of the disadvantages to filtering in the field?
Sampling is more cumbersome and requires a filtration apparatus (filtration apparatus can be supplied by Nova.

The Matrix spikes also pose a disadvantage to filtering in the field. The EPA stipulates that the matrix spikes must be performed using the planned sampling volume (e.g., 10L or 50L), must be within 10% of the regular sample volume and should be collected using a split-stream technique. The split-stream technique allows for collection of the regular and matrix spike samples simultaneously.

Matrix spike samples will always have at least a 10 Liter grab sample associated with them. If 10 Liters equals the regular sample volume, then the grab is simply sent to Nova with the regular sample. If the regular sample is of greater volume (e.g. 50 Liters) then the Utility may filter 40L liters in the field and ship the capsule filter and the remaining 10 Liters as a grab sample to Nova. Nova will add the spike to the additional 10 L and process the final 10L plus spike through the same filter.

Does Nova supply the carboys? If you do, is there an additional cost?
Nova supplies one 2.5 gal (10L) cubitainer at no additional cost (except for shipping).

At what temperature should samples be sent?
Samples need to be chilled (<20° C) as quickly as possible. Target 10° C. Samples must be chilled (<20° C) prior to shipment. Target 10° C. Samples must arrive at Nova unfrozen and at <20° C or they must be rejected according to the LT2 Rule.

If the detection limit for a 10 liter sample is <0.1/Liter, how can I achieve a <0.075/Liter concentration for my utility to land in Bin 1?
According to the Rule the calculation for determining bin classification is to be based on averaging the oocyst concentrations measured for individual samples. The individual sample concentrations are to be determined by dividing the total oocyst count by the total volume assayed. It is important to note the amount assayed may not be equal to the amount sampled.

The amount assayed will be affected by the individual sample quality and by your choices in limiting the examination of additional slides.

The method that systems will use to average individual sample concentrations depends on the number of samples collected and the length of the sampling period. For Large Systems (>10,000) collecting 24 to 47 samples they will calculate the highest twelve month running annual average during the 24 month collection period. For Large Systems collecting at least twice monthly samples during the 24 month collection period the arithmetic mean of all samples will be calculated.

How can I affect the average number per liter?
Take larger volume samples and more samples consistently throughout the program.

When do I submit a matrix spike sample?
The EPA recommends submission of a Matrix Spike sample with the initial sample. 5% of samples must have an associated matrix spike.

Does the matrix spike cover all of my sources, or do I have to conduct a matrix spike for each one?
The matrix spike is site specific. Each site will require at least 2 matrix spike samples during the course of LT2.

Will you provide the 10L vessel for the Matrix Spike Sample?
Nova can provide the 10L vessel for the Matrix Spike Sample if requested. We will send you a 10L cubitainer.

Do you send us the ice packs, any container we may need and/or a container to send filter or cubitainer back?
You will need to provide wet ice in order to chill samples prior to packaging and shipment. Nova can provide a 48 qt. cooler for use in shipping your bulk samples (you would be responsible for the shipping charges).

In the case of shipping a pre-chilled filter, we provide reusable ice bricks and an insulated shipping container.

What kind of advance notice do you need for sample scheduling?
Simply contact Tamara Trow at ttrow@novatx.com or by phone at 1-800-2825416. Tamara can set up your account and sample scheduling.

Does Nova provide additional LT2 Rule Compliance Services?
Yes, Nova can provide the following value added services:

• LT2 Rule Compliance Data
• Reported Electronically
• Sample Collection Services
• Sampling Kit Rental/Purchase for On-Site Filtration
• Training for Sample Collection Personnel
• Sample Archiving
• Sample Location and Schedule Guidance
• Collection and Shipping Guidance