Sanitary Survey Inspections
PWSSP conducts 75-80 on-site sanitary survey inspections per year depending on condition of the water sources,
facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of public water systems on the Navajo Nation. PWSSP conducts
inspections of all public water systems under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation. These inspections are
conducted to evaluate the adequacy of the source, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance for producing
and distributing safe drinking water.
facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of public water systems on the Navajo Nation. PWSSP conducts
inspections of all public water systems under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation. These inspections are
conducted to evaluate the adequacy of the source, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance for producing
and distributing safe drinking water.
Follow-Up Inspections
Follow-up inspections are conducted from 6
months to a year depending on the condition of
the PWS and their compliance status.
Groundwater inspections are conducted on a
2-5 year basis depending on the condition of the
PWS. Surface water and Groundwater Under the
Direct Influence (GWUDI) of Surface Water
inspections are conducted on an annual basis.
months to a year depending on the condition of
the PWS and their compliance status.
Groundwater inspections are conducted on a
2-5 year basis depending on the condition of the
PWS. Surface water and Groundwater Under the
Direct Influence (GWUDI) of Surface Water
inspections are conducted on an annual basis.
| BIA Wellhouse This is a basic interior structure of a BIA well and its disinfection apparatus. PWSSP and IHS official conduct inspections to observe the integrity of the system. |
| NTUA Mexican Hat Water Treatment Plant This a filtration tank where the water passes through filters, some made of layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal that help remove even smaller particles. |
Abandoned Wells
Many abandoned wells are frequently found during scheduled water inspections. The PWSSP is currently working
with the Department of Water Resources to ensure the proper abandonment of these types of wells. In the interim,
PWSSP recommends that these wells be welded with a metal cap.
These types of wells posed a threat to the overall quality of an aquifer. These wells are not typically covered or
protected from any potential threat of contamination.
with the Department of Water Resources to ensure the proper abandonment of these types of wells. In the interim,
PWSSP recommends that these wells be welded with a metal cap.
These types of wells posed a threat to the overall quality of an aquifer. These wells are not typically covered or
protected from any potential threat of contamination.
| Abandoned Well PWSSP and IHS surveyors usually come across an abandoned well while conducting a public water system sanitary survey. |
| On-Site Inspections |
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| Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency • Public Water Systems Supervision Program |