3.1.3 Engaging stakeholders

Summary of actions

• Identify all stakeholders who could affect, or be affected by, decisions or activities of the drinking water supplier.

• Develop appropriate mechanisms and documentation for stakeholder commitment and involvement.

• Regularly update the list of relevant agencies.

Several aspects of drinking water quality management require involvement with other agencies. For example, collaboration with the appropriate agency is necessary where catchments and source waters are beyond the drinking water supplier’s jurisdiction. Similarly, consultation with relevant health authority or drinking water regulator and other regulatory authorities is necessary for establishing many elements of drinking water quality management, such as monitoring and reporting requirements, emergency response plans and communication strategies.

The range of agencies involved in individual water supply systems will vary depending on local organisational and institutional arrangements. Agencies may include:

• health and environment protection authorities

• catchment and water resource management agencies

• local government and planning authorities

• non-government organisations

• community-based groups

• industry associations.

An integrated management approach with collaboration from all relevant agencies is essential for effective drinking water quality management. All major stakeholders that could affect (e.g. regulators, catchment boards) or be affected by (e.g. consumers, industry, plumbers) decisions or activities of the drinking water supplier should be identified. The list of stakeholders should be regularly updated.

The various agencies involved should be encouraged to define their accountabilities and responsibilities to support the drinking water supplier and, where appropriate, to coordinate their planning and management activities. Appropriate mechanisms and documentation should be established for stakeholder commitment and involvement. This may include establishing working groups, committees or task forces, with appropriate representatives, and development of partnership agreements, including signed memoranda of understanding.