A system that fails to collect water samples in their distribution system falls under which public notification requirement?

In the context of public notification requirements for water systems, a system that fails to collect water samples in their distribution system would fall under Tier I notification. This tier is reserved for situations that pose the most immediate risk to public health, indicating that a serious violation has occurred. Collecting water samples is crucial for monitoring compliance with water quality standards. When a system does not perform this critical step, there could be potential health risks that require prompt communication to the public, making Tier I notification appropriate.

In Tier I, the public must be notified as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours, as this situation poses an urgent risk. Other tiers, such as Tier II and Tier III, generally relate to less immediate health risks or violations that do not require such rapid notification, thus highlighting the seriousness of failing to collect water samples as a high-priority issue. This emphasis on immediate communication reflects the need to protect public health effectively.