How many sanitary surveys must you keep on file?

The correct answer is that you must keep three sanitary surveys on file. Sanitary surveys are comprehensive evaluations of a water system's facilities, operations, and management practices. They are essential tools for ensuring that water systems are complying with regulations and providing safe drinking water.

Maintaining three sanitary surveys on file allows operators to track changes and improvements over time, facilitating a historical perspective on the system's performance and any identified risks. This standard helps ensure that operators are prepared for inspections and that they can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high-quality water standards.

In the context of regulatory compliance and public health, this practice is integral to the ongoing monitoring of a water system and its operational effectiveness. Keeping an adequate number of sanitary surveys is a requirement influenced by various regulatory guidelines, providing a foundation for continuous assessment and ensuring accountability within the water utility sector.