AWWA JAW41430

The final Information Collection Rule (ICR) was signed May 1, 1996, by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Administrator Carol Browner and published in the Federal Register May 14. Generally, the ICR applies to surface water systems serving 100,000 people or more and to groundwater systems serving 50,000 people or more. Detailed applicability criteria included in the final rule determine which requirements will apply to which systems. Implementation of this rule is now beginning under a schedule developed by USEPA and reviewed in this article. Also discussed is AWWA's ICR Assistance Team, or A-Team, which provides help to water utilities and consultants regarding compliance with the ICR.