> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/intro/chapter-1/1.2-about-the-guidelines/1.2.2-purpose-of-the-guidelines.md).

# 1.2.2 Purpose of the Guidelines

The Guidelines provide the authoritative Australian reference for use within Australia’s administrative and legislative framework to ensure the accountability of drinking water suppliers (as managers) and of state and territory health authorities (as auditors of the safety of water supplies). The Guidelines are not, however, mandatory legally enforceable standards.

With appropriate consultation with the community, the Guidelines may be used directly as agreed levels of service or they may form the basis for developing local levels of service. In the case of health-based water quality characteristics, there is less latitude for variation because the safety of drinking water is paramount. However, with regard to aesthetic characteristics, what is acceptable or unacceptable depends on public expectations and can therefore be determined by water authorities in consultation with consumers, taking into account the costs and benefits of further treatment of the water. The Guidelines provide a starting point for that process. The Guidelines may also be used by a standards body for defining quality processes suitable for third party accreditation of a quality management system.


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