Research and information collection with an eye on distribution systems

Abstract

There has been an increasing focus in the past few decades on public health risk associated with distribution systems and, as a result, an increasing focus on possible expanded regulatory requirements for them. However, despite significant advances in understanding and managing distribution system water quality in recent years, there are still critical areas of uncertainty and knowledge gaps that must be filled in order to better understand public health risks and to cost‐effectively minimize them. The research and information collection activities identified through the Research and Information Collection Partnership (RICP) will result in more effective and pragmatic regulation, underpinning rulemaking decisions with sound, credible science. The RICP represents collaboration between the water utility community and regulators toward a common goal of public health protection. RICP activities are expected to support future risk management decisions by the drinking water community, such as development of guidance, best management practices, policy, and regulation for improved distribution system management. Guiding these efforts is the RICP priorities document, which is a roadmap of research and information collection activities that should be undertaken by water suppliers, federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders over the coming four to five years. Water utility support of and participation in these activities is vital to their success, and water suppliers may also use this information for education and training purposes.