How long should records on bacterial analysis be kept?

Records on bacterial analysis should be kept for a period of 5 years to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. This duration allows for sufficient retention of data to monitor trends in water quality, identify potential issues, and provide evidence of compliance with water safety standards.

Maintaining records for this length of time is critical for both operational integrity and regulatory oversight, as it provides continuity in data that can be referenced for historical analysis, investigations, and audits. The 5-year retention period aligns with the requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and associated state regulations, which dictate that water quality parameters, including microbial content, must be documented and available for review, thereby ensuring public health and safety.