Protecting Public Health and the Environment

Seasonal Startup Checklist Help

The Public Water System Seasonal Startup Checklist is a requirement of

Idaho Code (IDAPA 58.01.08.552.08)

. All seasonal public water systems are subject to this rule. A system can be exempted from the checklist requirement, if they meet the requirements under IDAPA 58.01.08.552.08.b. If a system seasonally depressurizes any part of their water system, then a checklist must be submitted to the appropriate Department of Environmental Quality regional office or Idaho Public Health Department. The compliance officer can be located at Drinking Water Compliance Officer Lookup.

All seasonal public water systems, including ones exempted from the checklist, are required to submit a coliform bacteria sample within 30 days prior to the date when water will be available to the public (opening date). The coliform sample must have an absent result. Construction (C) samples are preferable for this pre-opening sample. Regulatory samples, such as Routine (RS) can trigger required repeat sampling. DEQ cannot change a Construction sample type to a Routine, and vise-versa. If this needs to be done, the water system will have to contact the certified laboratory and arrange to change the sample type.

The checklist is required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the opening date.

If either the sample and/or the checklist are late, then violation(s) will be forthcoming. As soon as the sample and/or the checklist are submitted, the system will return to compliance.

To Enter and Submit Your Seasonal Start-Up Checklist:

Select water system:

1. Enter either your PWS number or your Water System Name under the Public Water System Search.
If unsure of the number or the exact spelling of the name, a partial name will bring up all the active water systems in Idaho with that word in the name.

PWS Search

2. Click on the PWS Number for the correct system.
If you do not see your system, please check on your PWS Number or call your compliance officer. Please make sure you have clicked on the correct system. This will bring up the checklist.


Complete Checklist:

At the top, there will be basic information about your system.
PWS Basic Info
1. The middle section is the “startup checklist” portion.
You will need to check each box verifying that each of the first four questions were completed.
Note: If your system is a consecutive system, meaning it purchases water from another public water system and does not have a well or spring itself, then you can achieve checklist items #1 and #2 by verifying the “parent” company who provides the water is not under a boil order and inspect the connection location for any signs of leakage or other damage. Complete #3 through #5 as normal.

2. For checklist item #5, enter the date you took the total coliform sample.
The sample will need to be tested by a certified laboratory and the results must be “absent.” If you submit this checklist prior to receiving the results of the sample, the compliance officer will not approve the checklist until an absent sample is received. You do not need to re-submit the checklist.
Note: If you collected the sample after your opening date, a pop-up message will show, indicating a violation. You can still submit the checklist, but your compliance officer will be sending a violation notice requiring public notification within 30 days of notification of the violation.


Provide contact info & opening date:

1. The last part of the submittal form.
The last part of the submittal form is the submitters contact information, the actual opening date, any notes that the submitter would like to include to the compliance officer, and the ability to attach files.Attachments can include pictures of the system, sample results, or receipts of repairs made.

PWS Contact Info
2. If you want to send any notes to the compliance officer click the “Add Note” button.

3. If you want to attach any documents or pictures with the submittal:
a. Where it says “Attachment(s)” click on the “Choose Files” button.
b. Select which file you want to add and click on the “Open” button.
c. If you made a mistake on which file you want added, you can click on “Remove” next to the file name to remove the attachment.

4. Click the "Submit" button to submit your checklist.
Upon clicking the "Submit" button, you might receive one of the following popup messages. Please read these carefully.

a. "Total Coliform Samples" popup message
If you see the "Total Coliform Samples" popup message below, then the Sample Date (Question #5) you entered is not prior to the Opening Date you entered. Click the "Close" button or the "X" in the upper right of the popup to close this informational message. Your checklist will then be submitted.
Total Coliform Samples Popup

b. “Missing Date Samples Collected” popup message
If you see the “Missing Date Samples Collected” then there is no date entered under #5 of the checklist. If this was accidental, please click on “No” and enter the date before clicking on “Submit” again. If you didn’t enter the date on purpose because you are awaiting results or because you cannot recall exact date, please click on “Yes” to go ahead and submit the checklist. Please make sure that the compliance officer has received a copy of the results. This information must be entered into the database to avoid incorrect violations being connected to your system.

Missing Date Samples Collected

c. “Checklist Submittal Date” popup message
If you see the "Checklist Submittal Date" popup message then you are submitting this checklist greater than 30 days after the “Opening Date”. The violation will still be valid, however your system will return to compliance once the checklist is reviewed and approved as meeting the requirements. If this is incorrect (accidently entered from year for example), click on the “X” to close the warning box and correct the “Opening Date”. If correct, click on “Close” and the checklist will be submitted.

Checklist Submittal Date Popup


You will receive a confirmation email that the checklist was submitted for your records.

If you made any mistakes and accidently submitted the form, you can re-enter a new form. However, please make sure to enter in the “Notes” section if you submit the form a second time, so the compliance officer knows which the correct form is to use.

If you prefer to receive postcards that can be mailed to the compliance officer, notify the State Office Rule Lead at 208-373-0174 or at jami.delmore@deq.idaho.gov to request one be mailed to you. The checklist can also be downloaded and filled out manually at: Seasonal Startup Checklist If you are having problems with the submittal, please contact the Rule Lead at the above contacts. Thank you.