Curriculum Version 2.0

Slide 5 – Agricultural Water Definitions

Resource:

• PSA. (2017, December 7). “Is this Agricultural Water?”– Supplemental Activity (PowerPoint).

Slide 6 – Agricultural Water Quality Requirements

Resource:

• Sprout Safety Alliance (Accessed 2026, April 14). Sprout Grower Training Course. Illinois Tech.

References:

• Uyttendaele, M., Jaykus, L., Amoah, P., Chiodini, A., Cunliffe, D., Jacxsens, L., Holvoet, K., Korsten, L., Lau, M., McClure, P., Medema, G., Sampers, I., & Jasti, P.R. (2015). Microbial Hazards in Irrigation Water: Standards, Norms, and Testing to Manage Use of Water in Fresh Produce Primary Production. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf, 14(4), 336–356.
• FDA. (2015, November 27). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption, 21 CFR 112. Response to comment 180. Page 74430.
• FDA. (2024, May 6). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water, 21 CFR 112. Response to Comment 78. Page 37489. 

Slide 13 – Do You See Agricultural Water?

Resource:

• PSA. (2025, April 17). Determining if You Need to Complete an Agricultural Water Assessment. 

Slide 16 – Source: Agricultural Water Quality

References:

• Deng, Y. (2021). Pollution in Rainwater Harvesting: A Challenge for Sustainability and Resilience of Urban Agriculture. J  Hazard Mater Lett, 2, 100037.
• Hamilton, K., Reyneke, B., Waso, M., Clements, T., Ndlovu, T., Khan, W., DiGiovanni, K., Rakestraw, E., Montalto, F., Haas, C.N., & Ahmed, A. (2019). A Global Review of the Microbiological Quality and Potential Health Risks Associated with Roof–Harvested Rainwater Tanks. NJP Clean Water, 2(1), 7.  
• Rock, C.M., Brassill, N., Dery, J.L., Carr, D., McLain, J.E., Bright, K.R., & Gerba, C.P. (2019). Review of Water Quality Criteria for Water Reuse and Risk–Based Implications for Irrigated Produce Under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, Produce Safety Rule. Environ Res, 172, 616–629. 

Slide 22 – Timing: Contact and Die-off

References:

• Murphy, C.M., Ganser, C., Danyluk, M.D., Havelaar, A.H., & Strawn, L.K. (2025). Describing the Die–Off of Generic Escherichia coli on Field–Grown Tomatoes in Virginia Using Nonlinear Inactivation Models. J Food Prot, 88(5): 100489.
• Thomas, G.A., Gil, T.P., Müller, C.T., Rogers, H.J., & Berger, C.N. (2024). From Field to Plate: How Do Bacterial Enteric Pathogens Interact with Ready–to–Eat Fruit and Vegetables, Causing Disease Outbreaks? Food Microbiol, 117, 104389.
• Belias, A.M., Sbodio A., Truchado, P., Weller, D., Pinzon, J., Skots, M., Allende, A., Munther, D., Suslow, T., Wiedmann, M., & Ivanek, R. (2020). Effect of Weather on the Die–Off of Escherichia coli and Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium on Preharvest Leafy Greens Following Irrigation with Contaminated Water. Appl Environ Microbiol, 86(17), e00899–20.  
• Weller, D.L., Kovak, J., Roof, S., Kent, D.J., Tokman, J.I., Kowalcyk, B., Oryang, D., Ivanek, R., Aceituno, A., Sroka, C., & Wiedmann, M. (2017). Survival of Escherichia coli on Lettuce Under Field Conditions Encountered in the Northeastern United States. J Food Prot, 80(7), 1214–1221.
• Lopez–Velasco, G., Tomas–Callejas, A., Sbodio, A.O., Pham, X., Wei, P., Diribsa, D., & Suslow, T.V. (2015). Factors Affecting Cell Population Density During Enrichment and Subsequent Molecular Detection of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157: H7 on Lettuce Contaminated During Field Production. Food Control, 54, 165–175.
• Gutiérrez–Rodríguez, E., Gundersen, A., Sbodio, A. O., & Suslow, T. V. (2012). Variable Agronomic P-Practices, Cultivar, Strain Source and Initial Contamination Dose Differentially Affect Survival of Escherichia coli on Spinach. J Appl Micro, 112(1), 109–118.
• Yuk, H. G., Warren, B. R., & Schneider, K. R. (2007). Infiltration and Survival of Salmonella spp. on Tomato Surfaces Labeled Using a Low–Energy Carbon Dioxide Laser Device. Hort Technology, 17(1), 67–71.

Slide 23 – Water Testing: Recommendations and Requirements

References:

• FDA. (1998, October). Guidance for Industry: Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
• FDA. (2015, November 27). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption, 21 CFR 112.

Slide 24 – Fecal Indicators for Water Quality

References:

• Jokinen, C.C., Hillman, E., & Tymensen, L. (2019). Sources of Generic Escherichia coli and Factors Impacting Guideline Exceedances for Food Safety in an Irrigation Reservoir Outlet and Two Canals. Water Res, 156, 148–158.
• Dean, K., & Mitchell, J. (2022). Identifying Water Quality and Environmental Factors that Influence Indicator and Pathogen Decay in Natural Surface Waters. Water Res, 211, 118051.
• EPA. (2012). Recreational Water Quality Criteria.
• Wu, J., Long, S.C., Das, D., & Dorner, M. (2011). Are Microbial Indicators and Pathogens Correlated? A Statistical Analysis of 40 years of Research. J Water Health, 9(2), 265–278.
• Wade, T.J., Pai, N., Eisenberg, J.N.S., & Colford Jr, J.M. (2003). Do US Environmental Protection Agency Water Quality Guidelines for Recreational Waters Prevent Gastrointestinal Illness? A Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis. Environ Health Perspect, 111(8), 1102–1109.

Slide 25 – Sample Collection Technique

Resource:

• Bihn, E.A., Schermann, M.A., Wszelaki, A.L., Wall, G.L. & Amundson, S.K. (2014). Updated 2020. Farm Food Safety Decision Trees. Sample SOP: Sampling Agricultural Water Used for Production. 

Reference:

• Benjamin, L., Atwill, E.R., Jay-Russell, M., Cooley, M., Carychao, D., Gorski, L., & Mandrell, R.E. (2013). Occurrence of Generic Escherichia coli, E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in Water and Sediment from Leafy Green Produce Farms and Streams on the Central California Coast. Int J Food Microbiol, 165(1): 65–76. 

Slide 26 – Water Treatment

Resource:

• Buchanan, J., Chapin, T., Critzer, F., Danyluk, M., Gunter, C., Strawn, L., & Wszelaki, A. (2023). Bridging the GAPs: Approaches for Treating Water On–Farm. University of Tennessee Extension. W 920–B.

Slide 27 – Chemical Treatment

Resource:

• Callahan, C. (2020, December 15). Safely Dispensing Sanitizers. University of Vermont. 

References:

• Suslow, T. (2006, March 1). Making Sense of Rules Governing Chlorine Contact in Postharvest Handling of Organic Produce. University of California. Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Critzer, F. & Wszelaki, A. (2021, February). Food Safety Considerations for Postharvest Washing of Produce and Sanitation of Packing Areas. Washington State University Extension. 

Slide 28 – Chemical Treatment Labeling

Resources:

• PSA. (2022, October 13). Introduction to Selecting an EPA-Labeled Sanitizer.
• Callahan, C. (2021, December 17). Web/Mobile Sanitizer Dose Calculator. Food Safety Clearinghouse.
• Suslow, T. (2001). Water Disinfection: A Practical Approach to Calculating Dose Values for Preharvest and Postharvest Applications. University of California. Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• EPA (Accessed 2026, April 14). EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective a Sterilants.
• FDA. (2017, December 14). Determining Regulatory Authority for Antimicrobrial Substances. Decision Tree.

Slide 29 – Treatment Devices

References:

• Suslow, T. (2004). Ozone Applications for Postharvest Disinfection of Edible Horticultural Crops. UCANR Publications.
• Maiyo, J.K., Dasika, S., & Jafvert, C.T. (2023). Slow Sand Filters for the 21st Century: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 20(2), 1019.
• Pype, M.L., Lawrence, M.G., Keller, J., & Gernjak, W. (2016). Reverse Osmosis Integrity Monitoring in Water Reuse: The Challenge to Verify Virus Removal – A Review. Water Res, 98, 384–394.
• Jones, L.A., Worobo, R.W., & Smart, C.D. (2014). UV Light Inactivation of Human and Plant Pathogens in Unfiltered Surface Irrigation Water. Appl Environ Microbiol, 80(3), 849–854.  
• Frietas, B.L.S., de Nasser Fava, N.M., de Melo-Neto, M.G., Dalkiranis, G.G., Tonetti, A.L., Byrne, J.A., Fernandez–Ibañez, P., & Sabogal-Paz, L.P. (2024). Efficacy of UVC-LED Radiation in Bacterial, Viral, and Protozoan Inactivation: An Assessment of the Influence of Exposure Doses and Water Quality. Water Res, 266, 122322.
• Morrison, C.M., Hogard, S., Pearce, R., Gerrity, D., von Gunten, U., & Wert, E.C. (2022). Ozone Disinfection of Waterborne Pathogens and Their Surrogates: A Critical Review. Water Res, 214, 118206.
• Cai, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, C., Yadav, A.K., Wei, T., & Kang, P. (2024). Ozone Disinfection of Waterborne Pathogens: A Review of Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 31(51), 60709–60730.
• Jung, Y., Jang, H., Guo, M., Gao, J., & Matthews, K.R. (2017). Sanitizer Efficacy in Preventing Cross–Contamination of Heads of Lettuce During Retail Crisping. Food Microbiol, 64, 179–185. 

Slide 30 – Monitoring Treatment

Resource:

• Buchanan, J., Chapin, T., Critzer, F., Danyluk, M., Gunter, C., Strawn, L., & Wszelaki, A. (2023). Bridging the GAPs: Approaches for Treating Water On–Farm. University of Tennessee Extension. W 920–B.

Slide 32 – Agricultural Water Systems Inspection Templates

Resource:

• PSA. (2025, February 25). Records Required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. 

Slide 37 – Uses of Water Before Harvest

References:

• Gartley, S., Anderson-Coughlin, B., Sharma, M., & Kniel, K.E. (2022). Listeria monocytogenes in Irrigation Water: An Assessment of Outbreaks, Sources, Prevalence, and Persistence. Microorganisms, 10(7), 1319.
• Guan, T.Y., Blank, G., Ismond, A., & Van Acker, R. (2001). Fate of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens in Pesticide Products. J Sci Food Agric, 81(5), 503–512.
• Steele, M., & Odumeru, J. (2004). Irrigation Water as Source of Foodborne Pathogens on Fruit and Vegetables. J Food Prot, 67(12), 2839–2849.

Slide 39 – Exemption from Agricultural Water Assessment

Resource:

• PSA. (2025, April 17). Determining if You Need to Complete an Agricultural Water Assessment.  

Slide 40 – The 5 Elements of the Agricultural Water Assessment

Resources:

• FDA (Accessed 2026, April 14). Agricultural Water Assessment Builder v. 2.0.
• International Fresh Produce Association (2025). Industry Guidance: Pre–Harvest Agricultural Water.
• PSA. (2025, February 25). Records Required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. 

Slide 41 – Element 1: Agricultural Water System

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre-harvest Agricultural Water: Factors for Agricultural Water Assessment to Consider.

Slide 42 – Element 2: Agricultural Water Use Practices

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre-harvest Agricultural Water: Factors for Agricultural Water Assessment to Consider.

Slide 43 – Element 3: Crop Characteristics 

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre-harvest Agricultural Water: Factors for Agricultural Water Assessment to Consider.

Slide 44 – Element 4: Environmental Conditions

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre-harvest Agricultural Water: Factors for Agricultural Water Assessment to Consider.

Slide 45 – Other Characteristics, Including Test Results

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre-harvest Agricultural Water: Factors for Agricultural Water Assessment to Consider.

Slide 46 – Agricultural Water Assessment Template

Resource:

• PSA. (2025, February 25). Records Required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. 

Slide 47 – Water Testing Methodologies for Pre-harvest Water

Resources:

• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre–harvest Agricultural Water: Equivalent Testing Methodology for Agricultural Water Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR 112).
• PSA. (2022, October 13). The Water Analysis Method Requirement in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Factsheet. 

References:

• Francy, D.S., & Darner, R.A. (2000). Comparison of Methods for Determining Escherichia coli Concentrations in Recreational Waters. Water Res, 34(10), 2770–2778.
• Pope, M. L., Bussen, M., Feige, M. A., Shadix, L., Gonder, S., Rodgers, C., Chambers, Y., Pulz, J., Miller, K., Connell, K., & Standridge, J. (2003). Assessment of the Effects of Holding Time and Temperature on Escherichia coli Densities in Surface Water Samples. Appl Environ Microbiol, 69(10), 6201–6207.
• EPA. (2014, September). Method 1603: Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Modified Membrane–Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC). EPA–821–R–14–010.
• EPA. (2010, March). Method 1103.1: Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Membrane–Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (mTEC). EPA–821–R–10–002.
• APHA (2012). Natural Bathing Beaches (2007). In Rice, E.W., Baird, R.B., Eaton, A.D., & Clesceri, L.S. (Eds.), Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd Edition (pp 9-46–9-48). American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.
• ASTM (2000). Standard Test Method for Isolation and Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Water by the Two-Step Membrane Filter Procedure. In Annual Book of ASTM Standards (Vol.11.02). ASTM International.
• Hach Company. (2018, October). Method 10029: Coliforms, Total and E. coli. M–ColiBlue24 Broth PourRite Ampules. Doc316.53.01213.
• APHA (2005). Standard Total Coliform Membrane Filter Procedure (1997), followed by 9222 G – MF Partition Procedures (1997) using NA–MUG media. In Eaton A.D., Clesceri, L.S., Rice, E.W., & Greenberg, A.E. (Eds.), Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st Edition (pp 9-60–9-65, and 9-70–9-71, respectively). American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.
• EPA. (2002, September). Method 1604: Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Water by Membrane Filtration Using a Simultaneous Detection Technique (MI Medium). EPA–821–R–02–024.
• IDEXX (Accessed 2026, April 14). Coliform and E. coli Water Testing with Colilert.
• IDEXX (Accessed 2026, April 14). Coliform and E. coli Water Testing with Colilert-18. 

Slide 50 – Agricultural Water Assessment: Determinations and Measures

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, April 30). Annual Agricultural Water Assessments and Risk–Based Outcomes.

Slide 52 – Label Example for Pre-harvest Water

Resources:

• PSA Web Tool. (2025, August 28). Produce Safety Alliance EPA–Labeled Sanitizers for Produce.
• Blackburn, T. (2020, April 29). Memorandum: Revised Protocol Review for Reg. No. 94151PA7; DP Barcode: 455973; Submission #: 1044629. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• FDA. (2024, May 6). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water, 21 CFR 112. Response to Comment 129. Page 37489. 

Slide 53 – Agricultural Water Assessment: Determinations and Measures

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, April 30). Annual Agricultural Water Assessments and Risk–Based Outcomes.

Slide 54 – Use of Die-off or Removal

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, May 6). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water, 21 CFR 112.

Reference:

• Belias, A.M., Sbodio A., Truchado, P., Weller, D., Pinzon, J., Skots, M., Allende, A., Munther, D., Suslow, T., Wiedmann, M., & Ivanek, R. (2020). Effect of Weather on the Die–Off of Escherichia coli and Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium on Preharvest Leafy Greens Following Irrigation with Contaminated Water. Appl Environ Microbiol, 86(17), e00899–20. 

Slide 55 – Change of Application Method

References:

• Steele, M., & Odumeru, J. (2004). Irrigation Water as Source of Foodborne Pathogens on Fruit and Vegetables. J Food Prot, 67(12), 2839–2849.
• Riggio, G.M., Wang, Q., Kniel, K.E., & Gibson, K.E. (2019). Microgreens–A Review of Food Safety Considerations Along the Farm to Fork Continuum. Int J Food Microbiol, 290, 76–85.
• Allende, A., & Monaghan, J. (2015). Irrigation Water Quality for Leafy Crops: A Perspective of Risks and Potential Solutions. Int J Eviron Res Public Health, 12(7), 7457–7477.
• Gil, M.I., Selma, M.V., Suslow, T., Jacxsens, L., Uyttendaele, M., & Allende, A. (2014). Pre– and Postharvest Preventive Measures and Intervention Strategies to Control Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh Leafy Vegetables. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 55(4), 453–468.  
• Dankwa, A.S., Machado, R.M., Perry, J.J. (2019). Sources of Food Contamination in a Closed Hydroponic System. Lett Appl Microbiol, 70(1), 55–62. 

Slide 56 – Agricultural Water Assessment: Determinations and Measures

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, April 30). Annual Agricultural Water Assessments and Risk–Based Outcomes.

Slide 57 – Agricultural Water Assessment:

Resource:

• FDA. (2024, April 30). Annual Agricultural Water Assessments and Risk–Based Outcomes.

Slide 60 – Natural Flooding

Resources:

• FDA. (2023, October 24). Guidance for Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption.
• Food and Drugs. (Accessed 2026, April 14). (Chapter 9–FD&C Act), 21 USC §321(f). Establishes the definition of food.
• Food and Drugs. (Accessed 2026, April 14). (Chapter 9–FD&C Act), 21 USC §331. Establishes prohibited acts, including the adulteration of any food in interstate commerce.
• Food and Drugs (Chapter 9–FD&C Act), 21 USC §342. Establishes the definition of adulteration. Note: 21 USC §342 is the same as Section 402 of the FD&C Act.

Slide 66 – Postharvest Water Uses

Resource:

• Sprout Safety Alliance. (Accessed 2026, April 14). Sprout Grower Training Course. Illinois Tech.

Slide 70 – Testing Methodologies for Postharvest Water

References:

• EPA. (2014, September). Method 1603: Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Modified Membrane–Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC). EPA–821–R–14–010.
• FDA. (2024, May). FSMA Final Rule on Pre–harvest Agricultural Water: Equivalent Testing Methodology for Agricultural Water Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR 112).
• PSA. (2022, October 13). The Water Analysis Method Requirement in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Fact Sheet. 

Slide 72 – Cross-Contamination Example: Contaminated Produce in Batch Water

Resource:

• Gombas, D., Luo, Y., Brennan, J., Shergill, G., Petran, R., Walsh, R., Hau, H., Khurana, K., Zomorodi, B., Rosen, J., Varley, R., & Deng, K. (2017). Guidelines To Validate Control of Cross–Contamination during Washing of Fresh–Cut Leafy Vegetables. J Food Prot, 80(2), 312–330. 
  https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-258

Slide 74 – Infiltration Risk for Susceptible Produce

Resources:

• FDA. (2015, November 27). Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption, 21 CFR 112.
   https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-11-27/pdf/2015-28159.pdf

Slide 75 – Managing Infiltration Risk

Reference:

• Strawn, L.K., Stoeckel, D., Saunders, T., Foster, S., Danyluk, M., Bungo, E., Morris, B., (2024, May). Susceptibility of Produce to Infiltration from Harvest and Postharvest Water. AFDO. 

Slide 76 – Postharvest Water Treatment Monitoring

Reference:

• Critzer, F. & Wszelaki, A. (2021, February). Food Safety Considerations for Postharvest Washing of Produce and Sanitation of Packing Areas. Washington State University Extension. 

Slide 77 – Label Example for Pre-harvest Water

Resource:

• PSA Web Tool. (2025, August 28). Produce Safety Alliance EPA–Labeled Sanitizers for Produce. 

Slide 78 – Monitoring pH for Effective Water Treatment

Resources:

• Gombas, D., Luo, Y., Brennan, J., Shergill, G., Petran, R., Walsh, R., Hau, H., Khurana, K., Zomorodi, B., Rosen, J., Varley, R., & Deng, K. (2017). Guidelines To Validate Control of Cross–Contamination during Washing of Fresh–Cut Leafy Vegetables. J Food Prot, 80(2), 312–330.
• FDA. (2022, March 3). GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database. 

Slide 80 – Turbidity

Resource:

• Suslow, T. (2012, September 21). Top FAQs about Produce Wash Water Management for Small-Scale and Direct Market Farms. Center for Produce Safety. (Including the Secchi Disk method)