Implementing risk-based approaches to improve drinking water quality in small water supplies in the Nordic region – barriers and solutions

Abstract

Small water supplies face similar problems worldwide, regardless of ownership or management type. Non-compliance with water quality regulations is more frequent in small supplies than in large ones, as are waterborne disease outbreaks. The new European Union Drinking Water Directive requires risk-based approach (RBA) to secure water safety as is recommended in the World Health Organization's Guidelines for drinking water quality through ‘water safety plans’. This is already in regulation in the Nordic countries, although less used in small supplies. In this research, we explore the challenges, barriers and possible solutions to implementing RBA and improving compliance in small supplies. This was achieved by conducting and analysing interviews with 53 stakeholders from all eight Nordic countries to produce recommendations for action by the different implicated actors. Our findings suggest the centrality of governmental policy, including support for continuous training, provision of simple RBA guidelines and increasing cooperation in the water sector. The Nordic experience reflects global challenges with small water supplies and the trend towards systematic preventive management epitomized in the framework for drinking water safety advocated by the World Health Organization since 2004. HIGHLIGHTS Small systems drinking water safety are challenged by staffing, infrastructure and pollution management, single source dependence, and financing. Remote systems also face expertise and supply chain difficulties.; Cooperation between regulators/surveillance authorities and water suppliers enhances performance.; Governments should clarify roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in consultation with them.; Legislation should require training and increase availability of training.; RBA facilitates cooperation between small water supplies and would be facilitated by easy-to-use RBA form.;

Keywords

• drinking water safety
• risk-based approach
• small water supplies