What requirement does the Safe Water Drinking Act impose on public water systems regarding bacteria?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires public water systems to continuously monitor for the presence of bacteria, particularly coliform bacteria, which can indicate potential contamination and the presence of pathogens. Developing a comprehensive coliform monitoring plan helps ensure that water systems are regularly testing and assessing their water quality, thereby maintaining safety standards and protecting public health.

This plan outlines specific procedures for sampling and testing, including how often samples should be taken, the locations of sampling points, and the protocols for handling and analyzing samples. By having a structured plan, water systems are better prepared to respond to any contamination issues promptly and effectively, ensuring that the drinking water remains safe for public consumption.

In contrast, the other options do not fully align with the SDWA requirements. For instance, while monitoring water quality is a necessary practice, the act doesn't specifically state that it must be done only annually. Informing the public about water quality is also important, but it stems from the requirements to monitor and manage water quality effectively rather than being a primary mandate of the Act. Installing filtration systems may be necessary in some cases, but the Act's focus is on monitoring and treatment processes rather than specifically mandating infrastructure changes.