40 CFR § 142.63 - Variances and exemptions from the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t40/s142.63"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "40 CFR § 142.63 - Variances and exemptions from the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms."
title_number: 40
title_name: "Protection of Environment"
section_number: "142.63"
section_name: "Variances and exemptions from the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms."
chapter_name: "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "WATER PROGRAMS"
part_number: "142"
part_name: "NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTATION"
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: "41 FR 2918, Jan. 20, 1976, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "142"
---


# 142.63 Variances and exemptions from the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms.

(a) No variances or exemptions from the maximum contaminant level in § 141.63 of this chapter are permitted.

(b) EPA has stayed this section as it relates to the total coliform MCL of § 141.63(a) of this chapter for systems that demonstrate to the State that the violation of the total coliform MCL is due to a persistent growth of total coliforms in the distribution system rather than fecal or pathogenic contamination, a treatment lapse or deficiency, or a problem in the operation or maintenance of the distribution system. This stay is applicable until March 31, 2016, at which time the total coliform MCL is no longer applicable.

[54 FR 27568, June 29, 1989, as amended at 56 FR 1557, Jan. 15, 1991; 78 FR 10365, Feb. 13, 2013]