40 CFR § 141.860 - Violations.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t40/s141.860"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "40 CFR § 141.860 - Violations."
title_number: 40
title_name: "Protection of Environment"
section_number: "141.860"
section_name: "Violations."
chapter_name: "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "WATER PROGRAMS"
part_number: "141"
part_name: "NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 300f, 300g-1, 300g-2, 300g-3, 300g-4, 300g-5, 300g-6, 300j-4, 300j-9, and 300j-11."
regulatory_source: "40 FR 59570, Dec. 24, 1975, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "141"
---
# 141.860 Violations.
(a) *E. coli MCL Violation.* A system is in violation of the MCL for *E. coli* when any of the conditions identified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section occur.
(1) The system has an *E. coli*-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.
(2) The system has a total coliform-positive repeat sample following an *E. coli*-positive routine sample.
(3) The system fails to take all required repeat samples following an *E. coli*-positive routine sample.
(4) The system fails to test for *E. coli* when any repeat sample tests positive for total coliform.
(b) *Treatment technique violation.* (1) A treatment technique violation occurs when a system exceeds a treatment technique trigger specified in § 141.859(a) and then fails to conduct the required assessment or corrective actions within the timeframe specified in § 141.859(b) and (c).
(2) A treatment technique violation occurs when a seasonal system fails to complete a State-approved start-up procedure prior to serving water to the public.
(c) *Monitoring violations.* (1) Failure to take every required routine or additional routine sample in a compliance period is a monitoring violation.
(2) Failure to analyze for *E. coli* following a total coliform-positive routine sample is a monitoring violation.
(d) *Reporting violations.* (1) Failure to submit a monitoring report or completed assessment form after a system properly conducts monitoring or assessment in a timely manner is a reporting violation.
(2) Failure to notify the State following an *E. coli*-positive sample as required by § 141.858(b)(1) in a timely manner is a reporting violation.
(3) Failure to submit certification of completion of State-approved start-up procedure by a seasonal system is a reporting violation.