Comparative evaluation of risk management frameworks for U.S. source waters

Abstract

The U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act required states to develop source water assessment programs identifying existing and potential contamination sources; however, comprehensive risk prioritization and management approaches for surface water supplies have seen limited application. This participatory study assessed which permutation(s) of risk management frameworks and tools might benefit U.S. utilities by combining a literature review with external utility interviews. Qualitative data provided a basis for categorical assignments of goodness of fit with each of 24 framework evaluation criteria across five categories. Weighted integration using stakeholder input provided a relative ranking of applicability, later validated at a decision‐making workshop. Hybridization of the American National Standards Institute/American Water Works Association (ANSI/AWWA G300) source water protection standard and World Health Organization Water Safety Plan guidance was recommended to develop a comprehensive risk management approach for U.S. source waters. Cost–benefit components of other guidance materials were recommended to incorporate financial considerations into risk ranking and mitigation decisions.

Adapting Translational Research Methods to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

“…Amjad et al (2016) used service provider interviews to assess perceived willingness and ability as measures of actor readiness for implementing the WHO’s Water Safety Plan intervention [172]. Setty et al (2019a) used this preliminary research on context and the CFIR to inform a multi-criteria decision process for selecting appropriate intervention guidance for US source water risk management [173]. The authors recommended adapting the intervention guidance, e.g., by hybridizing with existing programs, to fit the context.…”