Surveillance of drinking-water quality
- Slovak term: Slovenský termín
- The continuous and vigilant public health assessment and review of the safety and acceptability of drinking water supplies (WHO, 1976).
Explanation
Surveillance is an investigative activity undertaken to identify and evaluate potential health risks associated with drinking-water. Surveillance contributes to the protection of public health by promoting improvement of the quality, quantity, accessibility, doverage (i.e. population wiht reliable access), affordability and continuity of drinking-water supplies (termed "service indicators"). The surveillance authority must have the authority to determine whether a water supplier is fulfilling its obligations (WHO, 2004).
Example
In most countries, the agency responsible for the surveillance of drinking-water supply services is the ministry of health (or public health) and its regional or departmental offices. In some countries, it may be an environmental protection agency; in others, the environmental health departments of local governments may have some responsibility (WHO, 2004).
References
- WHO (1976) Surveillance of Drinking-Water Quality.
- WHO (2004) Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality , 3rd ed, vol 1.
