Georgia Dental Water Quality Rule 150-8-.05
Effective July 20th, 2025, dental practices in Georgia are required to test dental unit waterlines quarterly in accordance with Georgia Rule 150-8-.05 regarding dental unit water quality. The rule builds on the CDC guidelines for dental water quality to meet the EPA limit of 500 CFU/mL.
The new rule is designed to ensure patient safety by setting standards for the water used in nonsurgical procedures. Here, we’ll break down what this rule means for your practice and how Agenics Labs can help you stay compliant.
GDA News: Board of Dentistry Issues Notice of Intent to Adopt Dental Unit Water Quality Rule
Understanding Rule 150-8-.05
The Georgia Board of Dentistry announced its notice of intent to adopt the rule on December 9, 2024. A final vote to adopt the rule took place on February 7th and unanimously passed with an effective date of April 1st, 2025. As currently written, the rule mandates that dental practices:
1. Maintain Water Quality Standards:
Water used in nonsurgical procedures must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for drinking water, which is 500 or fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter.
2. Conduct Routine Water Testing:
All dental unit water lines must be tested every quarter.
Water lines can be tested individually or pooled into a single sample (up to 10 lines per pooled sample).
Clearly document pooling details.
3. Perform Event Triggered Testing:
Any changes to plumbing or repairs to the water system must be followed by testing within 30 days.
4. Take Remedial Action for Failures:
If CFU levels exceed 500, immediate remedial action is required to bring water quality back into compliance.
5. Maintain Records for Five Years:
Practices must log testing dates, personnel conducting tests, and reports from independent testing entities.
Why Is This Rule Important?
If left unaddressed, dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) can become contaminated with bacteria and biofilms. Several factors make DUWLs ideal breeding grounds for heterotrophic bacteria such as small diameter tubing, periods of stagnation at room temperature, and the use of source water that often contains plenty of organic sustenance that the bacteria thrives on. To further complicate matters, these fast growing bacteria can begin to form biofilm within a matter of days, perpetuating a cycle of new bacteria being released into the water.
In the past decade, four outbreaks linked to poor waterline maintenance have led to over 100 probable cases of mycobacterium abscessus, predominantly in pediatric patients. Aerosols generated during procedures, which can remain suspended in the air for extended periods of time, can carry the bacteria in waterlines, also posing a risk to dental clinicians. And while several shock and treatment products exist, many variables such as source water chemistry and protocol lapses significantly impact the success rate of these products.
The only way to know that a dental unit waterline cleaning regimen is effective is to test the water coming out of the unit.
- American Dental Association (ADA)
By requiring documented quarterly testing, the new Georgia Dental Rule puts a focus on results while allowing dental practices the flexibility to find a protocol tailored to their needs. Whether you need testing products with clear recorded results or help developing a waterline management system that gets your office into compliance, Agenics is here to assist.
Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ Blog specifically addressing the new rule: Georgia Dental Rule FAQ
How Agenics Labs Helps You Meet Every Requirement
Customer centricity is one of our core values and is demonstrated in our thoughtful user-centered product and service offerings.
1. Maintain Water Quality Standards:
Results are reported according to the 500 CFU/mL threshold
Each report includes both quantitative results and a Pass/Fail status
2. Conduct Routine Water Testing:
Annual Kits bundle four quarters of testing for convenience and savings
Automated email reminders when it is time to test
Sample vials feature volume markings to simplify pooled testing
3. Perform Event Triggered Testing:
MyCheck is compact, affordable, and ideal to keep on-hand for unplanned test events
4. Take Remedial Action for Failures:
Only Agenics Labs includes extra water quality indicators like TDS and pH to pinpoint failure causes
Expert support with every failure to help you interpret results and plan remediation actions
In-depth chemistry analysis enables science-backed protocol recommendations
5. Maintain Records for Five Years:
All mail-in tests include free access to our secure online portal, where results are stored indefinitely
MyCheck boxes come with a printed, easy to use test log sheet
Test Options for Every Practice
MAIL-IN R2A WATER TEST
The Gold Standard Test
Results in 5 days
The only test in the industry to provide photo documentation
Machine plate reading eliminates human error
EPA standard method 9215C (R2A)
MAIL-IN FLOW CYTOMETRY TEST
Express 24-Hour Test
Results in 1 day
Advanced flow cytometry technology ensures nothing is missed
No upper reporting limit
Easy, In-Office Test Paddle
Results in 2 days (dependent on incubation temperature)
Cultures and displays actual viable colonies
Protect Your Patients and Your Practice
Compliance with Rule 150-8-.05 isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about safeguarding your patients and maintaining your reputation. Agenics Labs is here to support you every step of the way with reliable testing solutions and exceptional service.
Need Help?
Let’s work together to ensure your practice stays safe, compliant, and thriving!
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Barbeau J, Tanguay R, Faucher E, Avezard C, Trudel L, Côté L, Prévost AP.1996.Multiparametric analysis of waterline contamination in dental units. Appl Environ Microbiol62:. Multiparametric-Analysis-of-Waterline-Contamination-in-Dental-Unites-1996
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines.” Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory. October 31, 2022. https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00478.html.
Georgia Board of Dentistry. “Minutes of the October 4, 2024 Board Meeting.” October 4, 2024. https://www.agenics.net/s/October-4-2024-Minutes-OPEN-SESSION-Websitev2-1-1.pdf
Hatzenbuehler LA, Tobin-D’Angelo M, Drenzek C, et al. Pediatric Dental Clinic-Associated Outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus Infection. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2017 Sep 1;6(3):e116-e122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28903524/
Meethil AP, Saraswat S, Chaudhary PP, Dabdoub SM, Kumar PS. Sources of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Microorganisms in Dental Aerosols. Journal of Dental Research. 2021;100(8):817-823. doi:10.1177/00220345211015948
Singh J, O’Donnell K, Nieves DJ, et al. Invasive Mycobacterium abscessus Outbreak at a Pediatric Dental Clinic. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021 Apr 15;8(6):ofab165. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34113683/
US Environmental Protection Agency. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Accessed February 13, 2024. https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations