Risk-based Approach for Safe Drinking Water

The United Nations (UN) recognizes access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human right. However, there are still many people without access to safe drinking water, and diseases caused by contaminated water pose a serious threat to human health. By 2030, progress would need to be made at four times the current rate to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals related to water. The drinking water system has several points where undesired events could happen, allowing contaminated water to be delivered to the public. The safety and quality of the drinking water that they provide are always the suppliers' responsibility. Risk management is a crucial component in ensuring the supply of safe drinking water. One strategy for supplying consumers with safe drinking water is the “multiple barrier approach”. Risk-based methodologies are more effective to identify and manage the hazards in the drinking water system to provide a consistent supply of safe drinking water. To encourage the development and use of risk management methods, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created guidelines for the quality of drinking water. European Drinking Water Directive that was revised and entered into force, which started in January 2021, also includes a risk management system for the “source-to-tap”. This chapter presents aspects concerning water contamination and health, an overview of drinking water supply systems, safe drinking water risk management strategies, and the framework for safe drinking water to focus on water safety plan development.

Keywords: Safe drinking water, Water contamination, Drinking water supply system, Multibarrier approach, Risk-based approach, Water safety plan.