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. 2019 Jan-Feb;1(1):e1125.
doi: 10.1002/aws2.1125. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Comparative evaluation of risk management frameworks for U.S. source waters

Karen Setty  1 , Robert McConnell  2 , Robert Raucher  3 , Jamie Bartram  1
Affiliations

Comparative evaluation of risk management frameworks for U.S. source waters

Karen Setty et al. AWWA Water Sci. 2019 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

The U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act required states to develop source water assessment programs identifying existing and potential contamination sources; however, comprehensive risk prioritization and management approaches for surface water supplies have seen limited application. This participatory study assessed which permutation(s) of risk management frameworks and tools might benefit U.S. utilities by combining a literature review with external utility interviews. Qualitative data provided a basis for categorical assignments of goodness of fit with each of 24 framework evaluation criteria across five categories. Weighted integration using stakeholder input provided a relative ranking of applicability, later validated at a decision-making workshop. Hybridization of the American National Standards Institute/American Water Works Association (ANSI/AWWA G300) source water protection standard and World Health Organization Water Safety Plan guidance was recommended to develop a comprehensive risk management approach for U.S. source waters. Cost-benefit components of other guidance materials were recommended to incorporate financial considerations into risk ranking and mitigation decisions.

Keywords: HACCP; drinking water safety; risk management; surface water.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram illustrating literature review sources. USEPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of participant rankings of risk management framework applicability for surface waters in the United States (highest ranking = 1; not applicable = N/A). ADWG: Australian Drinking Water Guidelines; ANSI: American National Standards Institute; AS/NZS: Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard; AWWA: American Water Works Association; HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act; WSP: Water Safety Plan
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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