Protection of water quality in the distribution system forms the final barrier in the multi-barrier
approach to providing safe drinking water. Drinking water systems are beginning to take more
proactive steps towards water quality management in the distribution system. One tool with the
potential to assist drinking water systems with maintaining that final barrier is the Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Points system (HACCP). HACCP provides a framework for
assessing and managing risks to prevent adverse outcomes. The intent of the HACCP system is
to focus system control at critical points throughout a process, thereby preventing hazards from
occurring, or reducing hazards to an acceptable level. HACCP is carried out in 12 steps: five
preliminary steps and seven principles. A key feature of the HACCP approach is its
multidisciplinary approach. The HACCP team is assembled to include personnel from
operations, maintenance, the laboratory, engineering, management and other utility personnel
involved with water quality management (i.e. cross connection control, inspection staff). As a
result of the team's diversity, working through the HACCP process will initiate dialog between
staff that normally don't discuss their responsibilities and their water quality impacts with each
other. It also provides a forum for staff to discuss their concerns with how specific operational
activities or utility policies may impact water quality in the distribution system. Two utilities are
currently piloting the HACCP process in their distribution system as part of AwwaRF Project
#2856. Includes 2 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 170 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 9 |
| Published : | 10/01/2003 |
