# 2.2 Structure of the Framework

The Framework includes 12 elements considered good practice for system management of drinking water supplies (Table 2.1).

### Figure 2.1 Framework for management of drinking water quality <a href="#fig-2-1" id="fig-2-1"></a>

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/rvcVI4kZvdaRF4hg1vYW/blobs/nYS82o8pKwOdmoOwyIqZ/Figure--2-1.jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Table 2.1 Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality <a href="#table-2-1" id="table-2-1"></a>

| COMMITMENT TO DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT                                                                                                                                                            |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><strong>Element 1 Commitment to drinking water quality management</strong> </p><ul><li>Drinking water quality policy</li><li>Regulatory and formal requirements</li><li>Engaging stakeholders</li></ul> |

| SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><strong>Element 2 Assessment of the drinking water supply system</strong> </p><ul><li>Water supply system analysis</li><li>Assessment of water quality data</li><li>Hazard identification and risk assessment</li></ul>                                 |
| <p><strong>Element 3 Preventive measures for drinking water quality management</strong> </p><ul><li>Preventive measures and multiple barriers</li><li>Critical control points </li></ul>                                                                   |
| <p><strong>Element 4 Operational procedures and process control</strong></p><ul><li>Operational procedures</li><li>Operational monitoring</li><li>Corrective action</li><li>Equipment capability and maintenance</li><li>Materials and chemicals</li></ul> |
| <p><strong>Element 5 Verification of drinking water quality</strong></p><ul><li>Drinking water quality monitoring</li><li>Consumer satisfaction</li><li>Short-term evaluation of results</li><li>Corrective action</li></ul>                               |
| <p><strong>Element 6 Management of incidents and emergencies</strong></p><ul><li>Communication</li><li>Incident and emergency response protocols</li></ul>                                                                                                 |

| SUPPORTING REQUIREMENTS                                                                                                                                                                 |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><strong>Element 7 Employee awareness and training</strong></p><ul><li>Employee awareness and involvement</li><li>Employee training</li></ul>                                         |
| <p><strong>Element 8 Community involvement and awareness</strong> </p><ul><li>Community consultation</li><li>Communication</li></ul>                                                    |
| <p><strong>Element 9 Research and development</strong> </p><ul><li>Investigative studies and research monitoring</li><li>Validation of processes</li><li>Design of equipment </li></ul> |
| <p><strong>Element 10 Documentation and reporting</strong></p><ul><li>Management of documentation and records</li><li>Reporting </li></ul>                                              |

| REVIEW                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><strong>Element 11 Evaluation and audit</strong> </p><ul><li>Long-term evaluation of results</li><li>Audit of drinking water quality management</li></ul>                       |
| <p></p><p><strong>Element 12 Review and continual improvement</strong> </p><ul><li>Review by senior executive</li><li>Drinking water quality management improvement plan</li></ul> |

Although listed as discrete components, the 12 elements are interrelated and each supports the effectiveness of the others. To assure a safe and reliable drinking water supply, these elements need to be addressed together because most water quality problems are attributable to a combination of factors.

The Framework outlines principles of management applicable to all water supply systems regardless of size and system complexity (i.e. both small and large supplies, ranging from those with minimal treatment to those with full treatment). To reflect the diversity of individual water supplies and the varying institutional arrangements (e.g. corporations, local authorities, wholesale, retail and contractors), the Framework is flexible. It provides generic guidance and the content should not be regarded as being prescriptive or exhaustive.