The “safe supply of good quality drinking water with consumer confidence” (IWA Bonn Charter, 2005) is one of the greatest challenges for water suppliers.

Traditional approaches depend on the results of water quality analysis, or consumer perception, before any action is taken. This practice has limitations, because when the results are known, the water has most probably already been consumed, and thus the consumer loses confidence in the water coming out of his tap, and it is very difficult to earn this back!

The Water Safety Plan approach is considered “the most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking-water supply is through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach that encompasses all steps in water supply from catchment to consumer" (Guidelines for drinking water quality, World Health Organisation, 3rd edition, 2004).

Water Safety Plans have proven to be very important in helping organisations to identify and manage risks and have thus reduced incidents due to water quality problems.

We need to distribute safe water that safeguards human health, but we also need to understand and satisfy consumers’ needs and expectations in terms of water acceptability and to be able to respond to any deviation from these standards so that consumers can be sure that if something happens, the supplier will have a suitable and professional response.

Aware of these challenges, Inframoura has developed a Water Safety Plan, with the aim of gaining the confidence of its consumers.

The overall aim of Inframoura’s WSP is the safe supply of good quality drinking water that has the confidence of its consumers.

This objective is divided into specific goals, which include:

To improve the infrastructure of the Water Supply System;
To increase users’ confidence in the consumption of tap water;
To decrease the levels of risk in the Water Supply System;
To promote adherence to the service with a view to water quality in the Water Supply System;
To promote and ensure water quality in the Water Supply System;
To promote a rapid and effective response in emergency situations.

Water Safety Plan Methodology

Prepare
- Assemble the team;
- Define objectives, metrics and targets
Assess
- Characterise the WSS;
- Identify hazardous events and hazards;
- Identify and assess the effectiveness of existing control measures;
- Assess and prioritise risk.
Improve
- Develop and implement an improvement plan.
Monitor
- Define monitoring of control measures;
- Verify the effectiveness of the WSP.
Manage and Communicate
- Prepare management procedures;
- Develop support programmes.
Review
- Review the WSP regularly;
- Review the WSP following any incident.