(1) Reporting requirements for laboratories performing microbiological or chemical analyses of water from public water supplies are as follows:

(a) All analyses of samples not meeting the requirements of ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 2 must be promptly, on that day or no later than noon of the next working day, reported by telephone to the department of environmental quality ( DEQ ) (phone (406) 444-5313 for chemistry results and (406) 444-3425 for microbiology results) ;

(b) When a maximum contaminant level set out in ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 2 is found to be exceeded in any sample, the laboratory must notify the water supplier within 24 hours after the analysis is completed and request resampling from the sampling point according to the requirements of ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 2, with the exception noted in (1 ) ( c) ;

(c) If a test shows a positive total coliform , fecal coliform or E. coli result, a laboratory must immediately notify the supplier and within 24 hours notify the DEQ of that fact. A total coliform -positive result is based on a confirmed phase for the multiple tube fermentation technique and presence-absence (P-A) coliform test or verified test for membrane filter technique. No requirement exists for confirmation of positive Colilert/Colisure tests, fecal coliform tests or E. coli tests. In those rare cases where a presumptive total coliform -positive culture does not confirm or verify as such, but is found to be fecal coliform or E. coli positive, the sample is considered total coliform -positive and fecal coliform/E.coli positive;

(d) Written reports of contaminated microbiological samples must be sent to the DEQ within 48 hours after the test is completed; and

(e) Written reports of all microbiological samples other than those which are contaminated must be sent to the DEQ within five days after the tests are completed.