A level _____________ sanitary assessment is triggered if a public water source has ________ of the routine and repeat monthly samples as total coliform positive.

• A. 1, 5% or more
• B. 2, 5% or more
• C. 2, more than 5%
• D. 1, more than 5%

Answer: (D)

A Level 1 sanitary assessment is triggered when total coliforms show up in routine and repeat monthly samples at a rate greater than five percent. This initial review quickly checks for common vulnerabilities in the water system—such as well integrity, source protection, disinfection effectiveness, storage and distribution system conditions, cross-connection risks, and sampling practices—to identify and fix problems before they lead to broader contamination. If issues persist or more serious findings arise (for example, E. coli detected or multiple positive results), a deeper Level 2 sanitary assessment would be used. The threshold “more than 5%” specifically sets this Level 1 trigger, whereas other phrasing would indicate a different response pathway.