Who must review and approve drinking water distribution system sampling plans?

The New Mexico Environment Department’s Drinking Water Bureau (NMED-DWB) is the authoritative body responsible for the oversight of drinking water safety and quality within the state. It is essential for the NMED-DWB to review and approve drinking water distribution system sampling plans to ensure that they comply with local, state, and federal regulations. This process helps to maintain the safety and public health by ensuring that water quality testing is sufficient and representative of the water being distributed.

The NMED-DWB's involvement guarantees that sampling methods align with established protocols and standards, which is critical for the proper assessment and management of drinking water systems. By requiring these plans to be approved, the department ensures that the data collected is reliable and can be used for informed decision-making regarding public health protections.

In contrast, while the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) plays a crucial role in setting national standards and regulations for drinking water, it is the NMED-DWB that focuses specifically on state-level implementation and oversight. Local health departments may be involved in other aspects of public health but do not have the mandated authority to approve these specific sampling plans.