Worldwide Surveillance Actions and Initiatives of Drinking Water Quality: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This study identified and mapped worldwide surveillance actions and initiatives of drinking water quality implemented by government agencies and public health services. The scoping review was conducted between July 2021 and August 2022 based on the Joanna Briggs Institute method. The search was performed in relevant databases and gray literature; 49 studies were retrieved. Quantitative variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies, while qualitative variables were analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software. The actions developed worldwide and their impacts and results generated four thematic classes: (1) assessment of coverage, accessibility, quantity, and drinking water quality in routine and emergency situations; (2) analysis of physical-chemical and microbiological parameters in public supply networks or alternative water supply solutions; (3) identification of household water contamination, communication, and education with the community; (4) and investigation of water-borne disease outbreaks. Preliminary results were shared with stakeholders to favor knowledge dissemination.

Keywords: drinking water; government; potable water; public health surveillance; quality control.

Figure 1

Flowchart of study selection adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyzes [20].

Figure 2

Distribution of surveillance actions developed worldwide identified in the review.

Figure 3

Dendrogram of the descending hierarchical classification describing classes, frequency, and the chi-square (χ²). Legend: ST—segments of text; f—frequency; χ²—chi-square; WBDOS—water-borne diseases.

Figure 4

Similarity analysis of challenges and limitations of surveillance of drinking water quality worldwide. Presentation Fruchterman Reingold, chi-square scores with community and halo.