This section includes irrigation water, produce wash water and water used in the mixing of fertilizers and pesticides as well as for post-harvest activities. Even if fertilizer or pesticide applications are contracted out, these water requirements quality pertain.
All agriculture water quality shall meet the microbial standards and proven safe for its intended use. No agricultural water systems on ranches managed by JAS Family Farms are cross-connected with human or animal waste systems.
Water Usage Reading:
Water usage reading are to be docuemented on the JAS Family Farms Water Reading form. Readings should be taken on the last day of the month or close to the date. On the form, document the date, the reading, and who checked it. The compliance specialist is in charge of either getting the reading themselves or must designate the field manager or president to get the reading if they are not able to get ranch. Once a year during the management review before the start of the season, management will analyze the previous year's water usage.
A current map shall be provided that documents the water source, production blocks, permanent fixture such as wells, tanks, valves, and other above ground features that complete the irrigation system and domestic water line supply. All water is used in the ranches is used for irrigation. The water in all ranches comes from wells located in the ranches from the landlords. No water is from the city.
Physical Chemical Biological Hazard Risk Assessment
A water system risk assessment will be performed monthly by General Manager or Compliance Specialist to assess possible chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
Procedure
When the General Manager or Compliance Specialist takes monthly water samples at all ranches, he/she will also perform the routine monthly water system risk assessment.
Appendix Q. Water System Delivery Inspection will be filled out for every well used on all ranches at the time a water sample is taken.
IF any maintenance or repairs are needed, they should be recorded under the “Repair/Maintenance Comment” section at the bottom of Appendix Q. Water System Delivery Inspection
Repairs and maintenance shall be made within 30 days, given cost and available funds.
Documentation of repairs and maintenance shall be noted on the subsequent Appendix Q. Water System Delivery Inspection
Appendix Q. Water System Delivery Inspection will be filed in the Southside Ranch binder under the Water Tests tab.
Water samples are pulled from the agriculture wells and domestic wells and selected outlets at least once monthly by the Farm Management Team. Hand washing water samples are pulled from the harvest crew restroom at least quarterly when in production.
Run water through the irrigation system for at least 3 minutes to flush lines.
If the sample is for hand washing water, run the water through the faucet for at least 3 minutes to flush the line.
Wash hands and put on single use nitrile gloves
Take cap off sample bottle. Keep cap clean and sterile
Without touching the inside of cap or jar, put under the water flow and collect at least a 100mL sample.
Place cap back on bottle and tighten securely.
Label sample with date, time, ranch, outlet name, and name of sampler.
Keep sample cool on ice and out of sunlight until delivered to the laboratory.
Take sample to the laboratory within 6 hours from the time you sample.
A lab must be used that tests to an EPA approved 1603 or equivalent method.
The water test results can be found in the ranch binders located in the JAS office. Lab accreditation will also be on file on the Vender's binder located at the JAS office. All test results will be reviews and signed off by Tony Serrano, owner of JAS.
Water at the packing house comes connected to municipality lines and managed by the City of Watsonville. Although the city posts water test results publicly, PMC Cooling management pulls a water sample for laboratory analysis at least yearly and prior to JAS Family Farms Organics using the facility. At the facility, the water is used for handwashing. The results can be found in the PMC Binder found in the cooler.
When bacterial levels exceed thresholds for the water source's intended use, this will be communicated to Field supervisor and employees via signs and phone calls. The communication will state the corrective actions taken and their results and will be stapled to the problematic water samples.
When water test results show E.coli levels above 126 MPN, Stop using irrigation water from these sources.
Retest per the generic mean for the next 5 water sample.
If the results are the same, then Install a water treatment system to reduce bacterial loads.
Per FSMA Regulation, no detectable generic E.coli shall be present in post-harvest water
When water test results show 1 or greater CFU of generic E.coli levels, stop using water use from this source.
Immediately retest with 5 samples, calculating the generic mean
If the results are the same, then install a water treatment system to reduce bacterial loads or use an FDA approved microbial die off rate.
Only wash water antimicrobial systems registered or approved by the USDA NOP, EPA, FDA or prevailing regulatory agency for their specific intended use may be used in accordance with established operational procedure and manufacturer instructions on label
Water used for Hand Washing Water
Per FSMA Regulation, no detectable generic E.coli shall be present in water used for washing hands.
When water test results show >0 CFU or positive of generic E.coli and/or Total Coliforms levels, stop using water use from this source.
Immediately retest with 5 samples, calculating the generic mean
If the results are the same, then install a water treatment system to reduce bacterial loads or use an FDA approved microbial die off rate.
Only wash water antimicrobial systems registered or approved by the USDA NOP, EPA, FDA or prevailing regulatory agency for their specific intended use may be used in accordance with established operational procedure and manufacturer instructions on label