3.1.1 Drinking water quality policy
Summary of actions
Formulate a drinking water quality policy, endorsed by senior executive, to be implemented throughout the organisation.
Ensure that the policy is visible and is communicated, understood and implemented by employees.
Development of a drinking water quality policy is an important step in formalising the level of service to which the drinking water supplier is committed and in increasing focus on water quality management throughout the organisation. The policy provides the basis on which all subsequent actions can be judged. It should define the organisationās commitments and priorities relating to drinking water quality.
The drinking water quality policy should provide a basis from which more detailed policies and implementation strategies can be developed. As such, it should be clear and succinct, and should address broad issues and requirements of the organisationās commitment and approach to drinking water quality management. The policy may cover issues such as:
commitment to drinking water quality management
the level of service provided
the involvement of employees
compliance with relevant regulations and other requirements
liaison and cooperation with relevant agencies including relevant health authority or drinking water regulator
communication with employees and the public
intention to adopt best practice management and multiple barriers
continual improvement in the management of drinking water quality.
Box 3.1 provides an example of a generic drinking water quality policy.
In developing the drinking water quality policy, the opinions and requirements of employees, consumers and other stakeholders should be considered.
Management should ensure that the policy is highly visible, continually communicated, understood and implemented by all employees of the organisation. It is the responsibility of all employees to support this commitment.
Example of a drinking water quality policy
The organisation is committed to managing its water supply effectively to provide a safe, high-quality drinking water that consistently meets the NHMRC/NRMMC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, and consumer and other regulatory requirements.
To achieve this, in partnerships with stakeholders and relevant agencies, the organisation will:
manage water quality at all points along the delivery chain from source water to the consumer
use a risk-based approach in which potential threats to water quality are identified and balanced
integrate the needs and expectations of our consumers, stakeholders, regulators and employees into our planning
establish regular monitoring of the quality of drinking water and effective reporting mechanisms to provide relevant and timely information, and promote confidence in the water supply and its management
develop appropriate contingency planning and incident response capability
participate in appropriate research and development activities to ensure continued understanding of drinking water quality issues and performance
contribute to the debate on setting industry regulations and guidelines, and other standards relevant to public health and the water cycle
continually improve our practices by assessing performance against corporate commitments and stakeholder expectations.
The organisation will implement and maintain a drinking water quality management system consistent with the Guidelines to manage effectively the risks to drinking water quality.
All managers and employees involved in the supply of drinking water are responsible for understanding, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving the drinking water quality management system.
Dated Signed by Responsible Officer
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