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Drinking water quality management: a holistic approach
S Rizak1, D Cunliffe, M Sinclair
1Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment, Private Mail Bag 3, Salisbury, SA 5108, Australia. samantha.rizak@med.monash.edu.au
Summary
Compliance monitoring alone is insufficient for safe drinking water. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) developed a preventive Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality, enhancing public health protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Policy
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Increasing water contaminants necessitate improved drinking water quality management.
- Compliance monitoring alone has proven insufficient to prevent waterborne disease threats and outbreaks.
- Existing management strategies require enhancement to ensure consistent water safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a comprehensive, preventive risk management Framework for drinking water quality in Australia.
- To provide holistic guidance for managing drinking water systems from catchment to consumer.
- To establish a unified approach to drinking water quality management across Australia.
Main Methods:
- Development of a Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality by the NHMRC.
- Incorporation of the Framework into the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- Collaboration with water industry, regulators, and stakeholders.
Main Results:
- The Framework offers a proactive, flexible approach to drinking water quality management.
- It emphasizes prevention, risk assessment, system integrity, and multiple barriers.
- The Framework enhances the management and regulation of drinking water quality.
Conclusions:
- The Framework represents a significant advancement in ensuring drinking water safety and quality.
- It promotes a shift from sole reliance on compliance monitoring to a preventive, risk-based strategy.
- The Framework aims to optimize drinking water quality and protect public health nationwide.