In water treatment, what does the term "out of compliance" typically refer to?

The term "out of compliance" in water treatment predominantly refers to a situation where the water does not meet established regulatory or safety standards set by governing bodies. This can encompass various aspects, including quality, safety, and treatment processes that are mandated to ensure public health is not compromised. When a treatment facility operates "out of compliance," it means that it has failed to meet the benchmarks deemed necessary for safe drinking water, which can lead to serious health risks for the community it serves.

While non-compliance can also involve exceeding contamination limits, using outdated equipment, or even public perception issues like consumer rejection of water quality, the broadest and most encompassing definition pertains to the failure to meet required safety standards. This ensures a clear and direct connection to the legal and health requirements that water utilities must uphold, emphasizing the importance of compliance in the overall safety and effectiveness of water treatment processes.