Microbial health-based targets for drinking water: current state and Australian case study
Christopher EL Owens A B E , Paul M Byleveld C and Nicholas J Osborne A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Australia, NSW 2052, Australia
B Sydney Water Corporation, PO Box 399, Parramatta, NSW 2124, Australia
C Water Unit, NSW Health, Locked Bag Mail 961, North Sydney, NSW 2059, Australia
D European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3HD, UK
E Tel: +61 403 854 950, Email: chris.owens@student.unsw.edu.au
Microbiology Australia 38(4) 196-198 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA17068
Published: 9 November 2017
Abstract
Through the avoidance of a substantial health burden globally, access to safe drinking water is an important foundation of public health1. An emerging development in this regard is the use of public health metrics, such as disability-adjusted life years, to inform water safety planning2. This paper examines the hypothesis that confidence in the protection of public health, on the part of water suppliers, health regulators, and ultimately consumers is strengthened through the implementation of a health outcome target for the microbial safety of drinking water. A case study demonstrating the implementation of the target is presented.
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