From Source To Tap - The Multi-Barrier Approach To Safe Drinking Water

Management

The successful management of the drinking water supply from source to tap requires the commitment and co-operation of a wide array of stakeholders representing a variety of fields (e.g. health, environment, agriculture, industry, waste management). It also requires qualified personnel to run the various aspects of the system.

Standard operating procedures should be followed to ensure treatment and distribution systems are operating at optimum levels. Operator certification programs are one example, as these provide treatment plant and distribution system operators with appropriate levels of education, experience, and knowledge to allow them to competently operate the type of plant or system in which they are working.

That said, regardless of how well operated a drinking water system may be, unexpected incidents may occur. Contingency procedures are important as they are an effective means to cover off any number of incidents such as the loss of source water, major main breaks, vandalism, treatment plant failure, and deliberate chemical or microbiological contamination of the distribution system or reservoirs. Also important are management plans dealing with potential sources of contamination within the watershed area that may affect drinking water quality and emergency plans which include clear procedures for communicating with appropriate authorities and the public and for remediating the situation.