Section R9-14-609. Proficiency Testing

A.      At least once in each 12-month period, and more often if requested by the Department, each licensee or applicant that performs drinking water compliance testing shall have at least one laboratory analyst demonstrate proficiency in drinking water compliance testing by participating in proficiency test- ing provided by the Department, the EPA, or a proficiency testing service.

B.       Each proficiency testing for drinking water compliance testing shall include at least one proficiency testing sample for each parameter for which an initial license or renewal license has been issued or requested. If more than one method is used to test for an analyte, a different lot shall be used for each method.

C.      At least once in each 12-month period, and more often if requested by the Department, each licensee or applicant that performs non-drinking-water compliance testing shall have at least one laboratory analyst demonstrate proficiency in non- drinking-water compliance testing by participating in profi- ciency testing provided by the Department, the EPA, or a pro- ficiency testing service, if proficiency testing is available.

D.      Each proficiency testing for non-drinking-water compliance testing shall include at least one proficiency testing sample for each parameter for which an initial license or renewal license

has been issued or requested and for which proficiency testing samples are available.

E.       To demonstrate proficiency for a parameter, test results reported for the parameter shall be within acceptance limits established by:

1.        For drinking water inorganic chemistry parameters, the EPA, as provided in 40 CFR 141.23;

2.        For drinking water organic chemistry parameters, the EPA, as provided in 40 CFR 141.24;

3.        For lead or copper in drinking water, the EPA, as pro- vided in 40 CFR 141.89;

4.        For disinfection byproducts in drinking water, the EPA, as provided in 40 CFR 141.131; and

5.        For other parameters, the EPA or the proficiency testing service.

F.       A licensee or applicant shall ensure that:

1.        Each proficiency testing sample accepted at the licensee’s or applicant’s laboratory is analyzed at the licensee’s or applicant’s laboratory;

2.        Each proficiency testing sample is tested within the hold- ing times required for its parameter, using the same pro- cedures and techniques employed for routine sample testing, and calculating the holding time from the time the sample seal is broken or as indicated in the instructions accompanying the sample;

3.        A proficiency testing service provides proficiency testing results directly to the Department;

4.        If proficiency testing is provided by the Department, the licensee or applicant submits to the Department payment for the actual costs of the proficiency testing materials; and

5.        If proficiency testing is not provided by the Department or the EPA, the licensee or applicant selects a proficiency testing service and contracts with and pays the profi- ciency testing service directly for proficiency testing.

G.      The Department may submit blind proficiency testing samples to a licensed laboratory at any time during the license period.

Historical Note

Adopted effective December 20, 1991 (Supp. 91-4). For- mer Section R9-14-609 renumbered to R9-14-610; new Section R9-14-609 renumbered from R9-14-608 and amended effective June 20, 1997 (Supp. 97-2). Former Section R9-14-609 renumbered to R9-14-611; new Sec- tion R9-14-609 renumbered from R9-14-607 and amended by final rulemaking at 7 A.A.R. 184, effective December 15, 2000 (Supp. 00-4). Amended by final

rulemaking at 12 A.A.R. 4798, effective December 5,

2006 (Supp. 06-4).