Toolbox for water advisories

Source: AWWA Streamlines.
 
The American Water Works Association (AWWA), in partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has released a toolbox to help utilities prepare, distribute and evaluate drinking water advisories. The Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox helps utilities develop advisories appropriate for the type and severity of a situation, including collaborating with partners, such as the local health department, and working with the media.
 
Also involved in developing the toolbox were the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators and the National Environmental Health Association. It can be found on the CDC website.

To download the PDF (4.54 M) click here.

Health and Safety Watch

Health and Safety Watch is a website that provides up-to-date information to the public concerning health and safety related issues such as outbreaks, product recalls, and food, drug or water related information.  The website also provides information on water advisories which can be searched by province and town.

To visit the website, click here.

Unintended consequences of regulating drinking water in rural Canadian communities: Examples from Atlantic Canada

Studies that explore social capital and political will in the context of safe drinking water provision in rural Canada are limited. This paper presents findings from a study that examines the capacity of rural Canadian communities to attain regulatory compliance for drinking water. Interviews were conducted with water operators and managers in ten rural communities across Atlantic Canada to identify the burden of compliance arising from the implementation of, and adherence to, drinking water regulations.

Kot M, Castleden H, Gagnon GA. Unintended consequences of regulating drinking water in rural Canadian communities: Examples from Atlantic Canada. Health Place. 2011;17(5):1030-7.
To learn more, click here.

WHO. Pharmaceuticals in drinking water
 
This report aims to provide practical guidance and recommendations for managing the emerging concern about pharmaceuticals in drinking-water and emphasizes the need to prioritize this emerging issue in the overall context of water safety management, which includes microbial and other chemical risks that may threaten the safety of drinking-water.

World Health Organization.  Pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2011.
To learn more, click here.

If you have questions or comments, or if you would like to participate in the project, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@nccph.ca