Drinking water public notification practice questions
20 free practice questions from 40 CFR Part 141 Subpart Q. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Drinking water public notification
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Who must give notice
1. Under 141.201(a), which public water systems must give public notice for NPDWR violations and the other situations in Table 1?
- A. Only community water systems
- B. Community, non-transient non-community, and transient non-community water systems
- C. Only community and non-transient non-community water systems
- D. Only systems serving 10,000 or more persons
Show answer
Answer: B. Community, non-transient non-community, and transient non-community water systems
141.201(a) applies to "Each owner or operator of a public water system (community water systems, non-transient non-community water systems, and transient non-community water systems)".
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.201, General public notification requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
2. A system that sells water to a consecutive system has a violation. Under 141.201(c)(1), to whom does the selling system give the public notice?
- A. Directly to every customer of the consecutive system, with no notice to its owner or operator
- B. Only to the EPA Administrator
- C. Only to the State public health officer
- D. The owner or operator of the consecutive system, which then notifies the persons it serves
Show answer
Answer: D. The owner or operator of the consecutive system, which then notifies the persons it serves
Selling systems "are required to give public notice to the owner or operator of the consecutive system; the consecutive system is responsible for providing public notice to the persons it serves."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.201, General public notification requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. A violation occurs in a hydraulically isolated part of a distribution system. What does 141.201(c)(2) say about limiting the notice to the persons served by that part?
- A. The primacy agency may allow it, and the permission must be granted in writing
- B. The system may limit the notice on its own without asking anyone
- C. Limiting the notice is never allowed
- D. The system may limit it only for Tier 1 notices
Show answer
Answer: A. The primacy agency may allow it, and the permission must be granted in writing
"The primacy agency may allow the system to limit distribution of the public notice to only persons served by that portion of the system which is out of compliance. Permission by the primacy agency for limiting distribution of the notice must be granted in writing."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.201, General public notification requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Tiers and Appendix A
4. According to 141.201(b), why are public notice requirements divided into three tiers?
- A. To match the three population size categories of public water systems
- B. To give community, non-transient non-community and transient non-community systems one tier each
- C. To take into account the seriousness of the violation or situation and of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved
- D. To separate violations found by the system from those found by the primacy agency or a laboratory
Show answer
Answer: C. To take into account the seriousness of the violation or situation and of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved
"Public notice requirements are divided into three tiers, to take into account the seriousness of the violation or situation and of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved." Appendix A identifies the tier assignment for each specific violation or situation.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.201, General public notification requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
5. Endnote 1 to Appendix A uses failure to prepare Consumer Confidence Reports as an example of a violation not listed in the table. What does it say about notice for such violations?
- A. They always require a Tier 1 notice
- B. They always require a Tier 2 notice within 30 days
- C. They do not require notice, unless otherwise determined by the primacy agency
- D. They must be reported only to the EPA Administrator
Show answer
Answer: C. They do not require notice, unless otherwise determined by the primacy agency
"Violations and other situations not listed in this table (e.g., failure to prepare Consumer Confidence Reports), do not require notice, unless otherwise determined by the primacy agency."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR Part 141, Appendix A to Subpart Q (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. In Appendix A, the Tier 2 entries for the PFAS MCL violations (Hazard Index PFAS, HFPO-DA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA and PFOS) carry an asterisk. What does the asterisk endnote say?
- A. Beginning April 26, 2029.
- B. Until March 31, 2016.
- C. Beginning April 1, 2016.
- D. Beginning January 1, 2002.
Show answer
Answer: A. Beginning April 26, 2029.
The PFOA row reads "35. PFOA *2 141.61(c) 3 141.905(c)", and the asterisk endnote reads "* Beginning April 26, 2029."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR Part 141, Appendix A to Subpart Q (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Tier 1 notices
7. Under 141.202(b)(3), a system must comply with any additional public notification requirements set as a result of its consultation with the primacy agency about a Tier 1 violation or situation. What does the rule say those requirements may include?
- A. Replacement of the system's operator before any further notice is given
- B. A waiver of the initial Tier 1 notice
- C. A change to the system's water rates
- D. The timing, form, manner, frequency, and content of repeat notices (if any) and other actions designed to reach all persons served
Show answer
Answer: D. The timing, form, manner, frequency, and content of repeat notices (if any) and other actions designed to reach all persons served
The additional requirements include "any repeat notices or direction on the duration of the posted notices", and "Such requirements may include the timing, form, manner, frequency, and content of repeat notices (if any) and other actions designed to reach all persons served."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.202, Tier 1 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. Besides its specific listed situations, Table 1 to 141.202 includes a general category of Tier 1 situations. How does the table describe that category?
- A. Any violation that the system's operator considers serious
- B. Other violations or situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure, as determined by the primacy agency
- C. Any violation whose health effects result only from long-term exposure
- D. Any monitoring violation that lasts longer than one year
Show answer
Answer: B. Other violations or situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure, as determined by the primacy agency
Table 1 to 141.202 lists "Other violations or situations with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure, as determined by the primacy agency either in its regulations or on a case-by-case basis."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.202, Tier 1 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
9. Which form of delivery is named in the list in 141.202(c) for Tier 1 notices?
- A. Hand delivery of the notice to persons served by the water system
- B. Inclusion in the next Consumer Confidence Report
- C. An annual report of the previous twelve months' violations
- D. Mail with the next quarterly water bill
Show answer
Answer: A. Hand delivery of the notice to persons served by the water system
141.202(c) lists broadcast media, posting in conspicuous locations, "Hand delivery of the notice to persons served by the water system", or another method approved in writing by the primacy agency.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.202, Tier 1 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
10. In the current Subpart Q text, which tier of public notice is required for an exceedance of the Action Level for lead as specified in 141.80(c)? (Under 141.80(a)(4)(i) of the 2024-revised Subpart I, systems comply with this entry as codified on July 1, 2024 until November 1, 2027.)
- A. Tier 2
- B. Tier 1
- C. Tier 3
- D. No public notice; only a report to the State
Show answer
Answer: B. Tier 1
Table 1 to 141.202, which lists situations requiring a Tier 1 public notice, includes "(10) Exceedance of the Action Level for lead as specified in § 141.80(c)."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.202, Tier 1 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Tier 2 notices
11. A system posts its Tier 2 public notice, and the violation is resolved two days later. What minimum posting period does 141.203(b)(1) set for that posted notice?
- A. Two days, ending when the violation was resolved
- B. 24 hours
- C. Three days
- D. Seven days
Show answer
Answer: D. Seven days
"If the public notice is posted, the notice must remain in place for as long as the violation or situation persists, but in no case for less than seven days, even if the violation or situation is resolved."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.203, Tier 2 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. A Tier 2 violation persists and the primacy agency considers a different repeat notice frequency. What outer limit does 141.203(b)(2) set on how infrequently the repeat notice may be given?
- A. Once every two years
- B. Once every five years
- C. Once per year
- D. Once every three months, with no change ever allowed
Show answer
Answer: C. Once per year
The default is to "repeat the notice every three months", but "In no circumstance may the repeat notice be given less frequently than once per year." Primacy agency determinations allowing less frequent repeat notices than every three months "must be in writing."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.203, Tier 2 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
13. A system has a turbidity MCL violation under 141.13(b) and does not consult with the primacy agency within 24 hours. What does 141.203(b)(3) then require?
- A. Give a Tier 2 notice within 30 days
- B. Include the violation in the next Consumer Confidence Report
- C. Wait until the primacy agency makes contact
- D. Distribute a Tier 1 notice within the next 24 hours (no later than 48 hours after learning of the violation)
Show answer
Answer: D. Distribute a Tier 1 notice within the next 24 hours (no later than 48 hours after learning of the violation)
"When consultation does not take place within the 24-hour period, the water system must distribute a Tier 1 notice of the violation within the next 24 hours (i.e., no later than 48 hours after the system learns of the violation)".
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.203, Tier 2 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Unless the primacy agency directs otherwise in writing, which delivery does 141.203(c)(1)(i) require community water systems to use for a Tier 2 notice?
- A. Mail or other direct delivery to each customer receiving a bill and to other service connections
- B. Radio and television broadcast only
- C. Posting at the treatment plant only
- D. Publication in the annual Consumer Confidence Report only
Show answer
Answer: A. Mail or other direct delivery to each customer receiving a bill and to other service connections
Community water systems must provide notice by "Mail or other direct delivery to each customer receiving a bill and to other service connections to which water is delivered by the public water system", plus other methods to reach other persons regularly served.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.203, Tier 2 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Tier 3 notices
15. Which type of system does 141.204(d) allow to use its Consumer Confidence Report as the vehicle for the initial Tier 3 notice and all repeat notices?
- A. Transient non-community water systems
- B. Community water systems
- C. Non-transient non-community water systems
- D. Consecutive systems only
Show answer
Answer: B. Community water systems
"For community water systems, the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) required under Subpart O of this part may be used as a vehicle for the initial Tier 3 public notice and all required repeat notices", if the listed conditions are met.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.204, Tier 3 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
16. Under 141.204(b)(2), what may a public water system use instead of individual Tier 3 public notices?
- A. A report to the primacy agency only, with no notice to persons served
- B. Notices given only to customers who ask for them
- C. An annual report detailing all violations and situations that occurred during the previous twelve months, as long as the timing requirements of 141.204(b)(1) are met
- D. A single notice published once every five years
Show answer
Answer: C. An annual report detailing all violations and situations that occurred during the previous twelve months, as long as the timing requirements of 141.204(b)(1) are met
"Instead of individual Tier 3 public notices, a public water system may use an annual report detailing all violations and situations that occurred during the previous twelve months, as long as the timing requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section are met."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.204, Tier 3 Public Notice—Form, manner, and frequency of notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Content and new customers
17. Under 141.205(c)(1), which presentation requirement applies to each public notice required by 141.205?
- A. It must be displayed in a conspicuous way when printed or posted
- B. It must be printed in the smallest type that fits the notice on one page
- C. It must use technical language so that the wording is precise
- D. It may include a statement that persons served can disregard the notice
Show answer
Answer: A. It must be displayed in a conspicuous way when printed or posted
Each public notice "must be displayed in a conspicuous way when printed or posted", "must not contain overly technical language or very small print", and "must not contain language which nullifies the purpose of the notice."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.205, Content of the public notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
18. For a system serving a large proportion of non-English speaking consumers, as determined by the primacy agency, what does 141.205(c)(2)(i) require the notice to contain?
- A. A complete translation into every language spoken in the service area
- B. Nothing beyond the English text
- C. Information in the appropriate language(s) on the importance of the notice, or a telephone number or address to get a translated copy or assistance
- D. A statement that translations are not available
Show answer
Answer: C. Information in the appropriate language(s) on the importance of the notice, or a telephone number or address to get a translated copy or assistance
The notice "must contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the notice or contain a telephone number or address where persons served may contact the water system to obtain a translated copy of the notice or to request assistance in the appropriate language."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.205, Content of the public notice (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Special notices and the primacy agency
19. Which systems does 141.208(a) require to give the special notice for fluoride?
- A. Any public water system that exceeds the fluoride MCL of 4 mg/l
- B. Transient non-community water systems that exceed 2 mg/l
- C. Community water systems with any detectable fluoride
- D. Community water systems that exceed the fluoride SMCL of 2 mg/l but do not exceed the fluoride MCL of 4 mg/l
Show answer
Answer: D. Community water systems that exceed the fluoride SMCL of 2 mg/l but do not exceed the fluoride MCL of 4 mg/l
141.208(a) covers "Community water systems that exceed the fluoride secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 2 mg/l as specified in § 143.3" (determined by the last single sample) "but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 mg/l for fluoride".
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 141.208, Special notice for exceedance of the SMCL for fluoride (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. A non-community water system has primacy agency permission under 141.11(d) to exceed the nitrate MCL. What does 141.209(b) require it to do?
- A. Nothing, because the exceedance is permitted
- B. Continuously post the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects of exposure
- C. Include the exceedance only in an annual report
- D. Notify only the primacy agency each quarter
Show answer
Answer: B. Continuously post the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects of exposure
Such systems "must provide continuous posting of the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/l and the potential health effects of exposure", following Tier 1 delivery under 141.202(c).