An integrated risk management model for source water protection areas

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Watersheds are essential for protecting water resources.
• Effective watershed management is crucial for maintaining safe drinking water supplies from surface water sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a risk assessment model for identifying critical pollutants and high-risk areas within watersheds.
• To provide foundational data for developing targeted watershed management plans.

Main Methods:

• Combined a quantitative risk model (hazard quotients) with a qualitative risk model (relative risk of pollution events).
• Assessed the current condition and potential risks in drinking water supply watersheds.

Main Results:

• Identified total coliforms and total phosphorus as primary pollutants of concern in the Taipei Source Water Area.
• Indicated that intensive tea cultivation and recreational activities near riparian zones are significant pollution contributors.

Conclusions:

• The developed risk assessment tool aids in characterizing watershed conditions and risks.
• Enhancements include detailed, updated information on pollution sources.
• Management authorities can utilize this tool to create effective watershed risk management plans.