US organisations set out guide to identifying water contamination threats

  • Research

Issue: 

The US Water Research Foundation (WRF) and American Water Works Association (AWWA), partnering with West Virginia American Water, Greater Cincinnati Water Works and Aqua America, have published a report with a detailed methodology for identifying potential contamination sources upstream from drinking water intakes.

The report has a particular focus on identifying risks from above-ground storage tanks and is intended to help water utilities complete and update source water characterisations, develop action plans and implement protection practices.

Complementing the AWWA G300 standard, the methodology provides guidance on a range of actions such as delineating upstream zones of concern, collecting water quality and quantity data, and identifying contaminant sources.

The methodology was developed and tested at five pilot sites belonging to the three partner utilities. WRF CEO Rob Renner said: ‘Identifying sources of contamination before they occur is a crucial measure in protecting public health. Equipped with this information, water utilities will be better prepared to prevent and respond to contamination events.’

Keywords: 

  • USA, water supply, drinking water contamination