# 3.10 Documentation and reporting (element 10)

> Components:
>
> * Management of documentation and records
> * Reporting

Appropriate documentation provides the foundation for the establishment and maintenance of effective drinking water quality management systems. Documentation should:

* demonstrate that a systematic approach is established and is implemented effectively;
* develop and protect the organisation’s knowledge base;
* provide an accountability mechanism and tool;
* facilitate review and audits by providing written evidence of the system;
* establish due diligence and credibility.

Documentation provides a basis for effective communication within the organisation as well as with the community and various stakeholders. A system of regular reporting, both internal and external, is important to ensure that the relevant people receive the information needed to make informed decisions about the management or regulation of drinking water quality.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/part-1/chapter-3/3.10-documentation-and-reporting-element-10.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.