Step-by-step risk management for drinking-water suppliers

“The most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking-water supply is through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach that encompasses all steps in water supply from catchment to consumer. In these
Guidelines, such approaches are called water safety plans (WSPs)”. These words open Chapter 4 of the Third Edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (2004) and capture the philosophy of the WSP approach. The chapter describes the
principles of the WSP approach rather than being a guide to their practical application.

The aim of this Manual is to provide that practical guidance to facilitate WSP development focusing particularly on organized water supplies managed by a water utility or similar entity.