(1) For the purposes of this rule, "significant deficiency" means any defect in design, operation, or maintenance of a public water supply system or public sewage system, or a failure or malfunction of the system, that the department determines causes, or has the potential to cause, the introduction of contamination into a drinking water supply or a source of ice. The term also includes fecal contamination in water used by a public water supply system.
(2) If the department determines that a significant deficiency exists with a public water supply system or a public sewage system, the department shall provide written notice to the system owner. The system owner shall correct the deficiency in accordance with a plan and timeframe approved by the department.
(3) If the department has reason to believe that a significant deficiency may exist with a public water supply system or a public sewage system, the department may request the system owner to provide additional information to assist the department in making a final determination. The system owner shall provide the department with the requested information. If the system owner fails to supply the requested information, the department may make a determination based on available information about the potential risk of contamination from the system to drinking water or a source of ice, and the department may require the system owner to take measures that the department determines are appropriate to prevent contamination.