Health Based Targets Update

Health Based Targets Update

Health Based Targets Update
Date: 29-Jun-2017

Discussion over the introduction of Health Based Targets (HBTs) into the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) has been underway for several years.  HBTs are derived from quantitative definitions of microbial safety – pathogens are clearly recognised as the greatest risks to consumers and defining targets is an important risk management tool.

While there are different ways to approach setting targets, the proposed ADWG changes are based on World Health Organisation and other international approaches.

There are numerous resources available to find out more, including:

Complete risk assessments will be expensive exercises.  Data gathering for source water assessments (especially for surface water) will be challenging for many service providers. 

It is anticipated that HBTs will be introduced into the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines towards the end of 2016. The Department of Energy and Water Supply will need to determine its regulatory approach, as the ADWG underpins Drinking Water Quality Management Plans (DWQMPs).  The Department has indicated that at this stage, the introduction of HBTs will influence the risk assessment process for DWQMPs.

It is important for service providers to be aware of the changes and consider the implications in plan reviews, and particularly design of monitoring programs.  qldwater  will be looking to gather resources to assist members with Tier 1 (source water) assessments in particular and continuing discussions with the regulator to encourage implementation over time.

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