Developing a national framework for safe drinking water--case study from Iceland.

Int J Hyg Environ Health

Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, United States.

Published: March 2015

Safe drinking water is one of the fundaments of society and experience has shown that a holistic national framework is needed for its effective provision. A national framework should include legal requirements on water protection, surveillance on drinking water quality and performance of the water supply system, and systematic preventive management. Iceland has implemented these requirements into legislation. This case study analyzes the success and challenges encountered in implementing the legislation and provide recommendations on the main shortcomings identified through the Icelandic experience. The results of the analysis show that the national framework for safe drinking water is mostly in place in Iceland. The shortcomings include the need for both improved guidance and control by the central government; and for improved surveillance of the water supply system and implementation of the water safety plan by the Local Competent Authorities. Communication to the public and between stakeholders is also insufficient. There is also a deficiency in the national framework regarding small water supply systems that needs to be addressed. Other elements are largely in place or on track. Most of the lessons learned are transferable to other European countries where the legal system around water safety is built on a common foundation from EU directives. The lessons can also provide valuable insights into how to develop a national framework elsewhere.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.10.003DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

national framework
24
safe drinking
12
drinking water
12
water supply
12
water
9
framework safe
8
supply system
8
water safety
8
framework
6
national
5

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!