Water Quality For Human Consumption Research Articles

Characterization of solar-derivate ultraviolet radiation for water solar treatment applications

Water resources are under increasing pressure from ever-increasing demand from industry and society. However, water is a limited resource that must be sustainable and protected. This problem is highlighted in desert areas, where water quality and abundance are scarce. Solar-powered water treatment systems are an inexpensive solution to ensure water quality for human consumption. This research analyzes solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in three populated Chilean cities to study the potential feasibility of the solar-powered photo-Fenton process for wastewater remediation. To generate long-term UVR values, satellite and reanalysis data and the Radiative Transfer Model were used. Results show high daily levels of solar ultraviolet irradiation, 1299.95kJm−2 for Antofagasta. The shortest treatment time for summer operation was observed in Santiago (21 min), followed by Antofagasta (34 min), and Concepción (35 min). Santiago presented the lowest volume of photoreactors during the summer (297 L) and Antofagasta during the winter (1589 L). This is the first preliminary analysis showing the possibilities of exploiting the potential of UVR in Chilean cities to provide tools for integrating water treatment technologies. This research motivates further studies on spectral radiation and emerging advanced oxidation technologies and the development of prospects for water and wastewater treatment.

Groundwater Contamination by Gas Stations in Two Eastern Amazonian Towns (Northern Brazil)

The present study analyzed the presence of the principal volatile compounds of the BTEX type (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene [o-, m- and p-xylene]) in samples of water from wells located at residences and gas stations in two Amazonian towns—Tracuateua and Augusto Corrêa—in the Amazon region of northern Brazil. This innovative study is extremely relevant to the Amazonian towns surveyed, given that they lack systematic policies for the environmental control of gas stations and any municipal regulations on the quality of water destined for human consumption. A combination of mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography (CG) techniques was applied to analyze these contaminants in 150 samples of local groundwater collected between 2020 and 2024. One of the four BTEX compounds (toluene) was identified in seven of the samples collected (4.66% of the total) at concentrations of 0.14–2.10 µg L−1. The concentrations of contaminants were low, in general. None of the water samples analyzed here presented any critical loss of water quality for human consumption according to the Brazilian legislation concerning BTEX concentrations. Neither of the two towns surveyed in the present study has remediation programs for environmental contamination. The GC-MS approach produced satisfactory results for the assessment of the contamination of underground water reserves by gas stations in both study towns. Further research (e.g., geophysical methods) will be necessary to determine the source of the contamination and its connection with the levels of toluene identified in the underground water sampled in these Amazonian towns.

Seasonal Variability of Water Quality for Human Consumption in the Tilacancha Conduction System, Amazonas, Peru

This study evaluated the seasonal variability of water quality in the Tilacancha River, the water source that supplies Chachapoyas, and the rural communities of Levanto and San Isidro del Maino of Perú. Eighteen physical, chemical, and microbiological water parameters were evaluated at five sampling points in two seasons (rainy and dry). To determine water quality, the results obtained for the parameters evaluated were compared with the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) established in the Regulation on Water Quality for Human Consumption (DS Nº 031-2010-SA), approved by the Environmental Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health. In addition, a Pearson correlation was performed to estimate the correlation between the variables evaluated. The results showed that microbiological parameters exceeded the MPLs in both periods evaluated, such as the case of total coliforms (44 MPN.100 mL-1), fecal coliforms (25 MPN.100 mL-1), and E. coli (5.45 MPN.100 mL-1), these microbiological parameters reported a positive correlation with turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids, and flow rate. In addition, aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) exceeded the MPL in the rainy (0.26 mg Al.L-1) and dry (1.41 mg.Mn-1.L-1) seasons, respectively. The results indicated that the water of the Tilacancha River is not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, it must be treated in drinking water treatment plants to be used as drinking water.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and water quality evaluation for drinking and irrigation purposes of coastal aquifers of Middle Andaman

A comprehensive study to characterize the hydrogeochemistry of the region and the impact of saltwater intrusion on groundwater was conducted along the eastern coast of Middle Andaman of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands. The escalating population growth and intensified tourism activities have resulted in the over-extraction of groundwater. Seismic activities led to the opening of lineaments to the sea and the dissolution of limestone in the influence of seawater. 24 groundwater samples and 1 reference sample from sea were taken from various locations of middle Andaman. The analysis involved the determination of major cations, anions, and heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP), spectrophotometry, and flame photometry. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis, binary diagrams, Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI), Gibbs Plot, correlation matrix, Piper plot, Chadha’s plot and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to the major ions data indicated rock-water interactions, strong correlations among alkali and alkaline earth metals, and interactions between seawater and carbonate minerals respectively. The water quality index indicated “very poor to unsuitable for drinking purposes” in 24% of the samples. Additionally, indices for irrigation suitability; total hardness (TH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) were found to be detrimental for irrigation in 80%, 08%, and 12% of the water samples, respectively. These results highlight the importance of implementing effective water resource management techniques, such as groundwater extraction rates, adopting appropriate water treatment technologies to mitigate the adverse impacts of heavy metals, saltwater intrusion and maintain water quality for human consumption and agricultural use in the region.

The socioeconomic epidemiology of inherited retinal diseases in Portugal

BackgroundInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare degenerative disorders of the retina that can lead to blindness from birth to late middle age. Knowing the target population and its resources is essential to better plan support measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of regions in Portugal where IRD patients reside to inform the planning of vision aid and rehabilitation intervention measures.ResultsThis study included 1082 patients from 973 families, aged 3 to 92 years, with a mean age of 44.8 ± 18.1 years. Patients living with an IRD were identified in 190 of the 308 municipalities. According to this study, the estimated IRD prevalence in Portugal was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, and by municipalities, it ranged from 0 to 131.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, regions with a higher prevalence of IRD have a lower population density (r=-0.371, p < 0.001), a higher illiteracy rate (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) and an overall older population (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Additionally, there is a lower proportion of doctor per capita (r = 0.350, p < 0.001), higher social security pensions beneficiaries (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), worse water quality for human consumption (r=-0.194, p = 0.008), fewer audiences at the cinema (r=-0.315, p < 0.001) and lower proportion of foreign guests in tourist accommodations (r=-0.287, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe number of identified patients with IRD varied between regions. Using data from national statistics (PORDATA), we observed differences in socioeconomic characteristics between regions. Multiple targeted aid strategies can be developed to ensure that all IRD patients are granted full clinical and socioeconomic support.

Water quality for human consumption in semi artesian wells in the city of Lábrea/AM

The disorderly urban growth of cities results in the contamination of surface water and groundwater. In Brazil, one of the main sanitation challenges is to make drinking water available to the population. In view of the above, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of water for human consumption in the municipality of Labrea/AM. Six (6) sampling points were selected in different locations in the urban area of the municipality of Labrea, including two (2) municipal water distribution wells and four (4) household wells. After the physical-chemical and microbiological analyses, the following parameters were determined: temperature, turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, total phosphorus, total and thermotolerant coliforms. The data was compared with current legislation, including Ministry of Health Ordinance No. 888/2021. The variables total dissolved solids, total phosphorus and temperature were all within the legal limits. On the other hand, it is worth noting that of the six points sampled, four indicated the presence of coliforms, and house 4 showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms. The presence of pathogens in the water requires urgent control measures, whether it's raising awareness among the population, continuous cleaning of household reservoirs or water distribution pipes, since one of the possible consequences of drinking unsafe water will be high numbers of water-borne diseases.

Water quality and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in isolated of E. coli from water for human consumption in Bagua, under One Health approach

The One Health approach acknowledges the interconnection between human health, animal health, and environmental health, recognizing that these domains are closely intertwined, as many diseases affecting humans are also common in animals. Water acts as a vehicle for the transmission of such diseases, highlighting the significance of monitoring the quality of water intended for human consumption. In 2022, a research study was conducted to evaluate the water quality for human consumption in Bagua, Amazonas Region. The physicochemical analysis indicated that most parameters were within normal range, except for residual chlorine, which was predominantly absent. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of total coliforms and E. coli. Phenotypic characterization of E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to the several antibiotics, including nalidixic acid, gentamicin, amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. These findings indicate a compromised production of water for human consumption, as per the water quality regulations in Peru. The presence of fecal contamination poses a significant microbiological risk to consumers. These results underscore the breakdown of the human-environment-animal interface within the One Health approach, thereby endangering public health.

Photocatalyst of manganese ferrite and reduced graphene oxide supported on activated carbon from cow bone for wastewater treatment.

The present research aimed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of manganese ferrite (M) and reduced graphene oxide (G) supported on pulverized activated carbon from cow bone waste (PAC-MG). PAC-MG was characterized by different instrumental techniques. The efficiency of PAC-MG was evaluated using solar irradiation under different conditions of photocatalyst concentration, H2O2 concentration, and pH ranges for the discoloration of methylene blue dye (MB). The synergy between the nanomaterials potentiated the photocatalytic activity, reaching 85.5% of MB discoloration when using 0.25 g L-1 of catalyst at neutral pH with no oxidant needed. Furthermore, PAC-MG demonstrated excellent stability in 6 consecutive cycles. Finally, it is expected that the present study can add value to industrial waste and contribute to the development of novel water and wastewater treatment methods, ensuring water quality for human consumption and the environment.

Phase change materials for portable isothermal incubators as a solution to shorten effective analysis times in microbiological quality control of drinking water.

The microbiological quality control of water for human consumption of parameters relevant as E.coli and total coliforms does not start on the field despite the existence of test methods that could make it possible. One of the things that makes this difficult is the possibility of initiating an effective and reliable incubation at the sampling site. The appearance of isothermal media with phase change materials solves this limitation. When phase change materials combine a relatively high melting heat with a suitable melting temperature adapted to the application temperature, they become excellent materials for thermal protection and for thermal energy storage. Starting the test at the same sampling point means that the effective times to obtain a result are shorter, improving water quality control. On the other hand, operationally, it also allows longer sampling routes. Both aspects are essential for managers responsible for controlling water quality for human consumption. In this work, the evidence that demonstrates the feasibility of this approach is presented.

Impact of dairy farms on groundwater quality in a productive basin in the northeast of the Pampean Plain, Argentina

The Pampean Plain is a relevant world food production area where livestock and agricultural activities are developed. The northeast of this region is characterized by dairy production, where large quantities of excreta from the animals to the substrate cause environmental impacts associated with soil and groundwater contamination. On these dairy farms, the same water sources are used for animal nutrition, cleaning of facilities, and home consumption by rural workers. Groundwater quality assessment is therefore crucial to guaranteeing safe production and human supply. The aim of this work is to analyse the impact of family dairy farming on the geochemical processes that govern the groundwater quality of aquifers used for domestic and animal consumption in productive basins of the northeast Pampean Plain. An analysis of major ions, nitrates, and phosphates in groundwater was performed in 42 wells sampled at different periods. Also, sediments in diverse sectors were collected to be analysed for available phosphorus. The main point sources of contamination that were identified derive from farm facilities’ cleaning and the degradation of animal excrement. These sources infiltrate toward the unsaturated zone and reach the groundwater, or they directly enter through poorly constructed perforations. This produces reactions in the unsaturated zone, releasing protons and generating the dissolution of carbonates, increasing the groundwater hardness. The chemical compounds registered may produce limitations in water quality for human consumption and the development of agricultural activities, affecting animal nutrition and the production of a dairy basin in the northeast of the Pampean Plain.

Groundwater quality assessment in the alluvial region of upper yamuna basin, India

The study is undertaken to assess the groundwater quality in the alluvial region of the Yamuna basin, mainly comprising unconsolidated sand, silt and clays. A total of 14 and 13 water samples were collected in pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively, from handpumps, tubewells, ponds and irrigated fields to assess the water quality for human consumption and identify possible sources of contaminants in water. According to the Gibbs diagram, the ionic composition of water is mainly dominated by the rock weathering processes. The major hydrochemical facies is Ca–Mg–HCO3 type. The scatter plots between Ca+Mg:SO4+HCO3 and Na:Cl indicate the occurrence of silicate weathering which is supported by HCO3/HCO3+SO4 ratio <1. Manganese (Mn) concentration in 57% and 54% water samples in pre- and post-monsoon season exceeds the permissible limit i.e. 0.3 mg/L. Further, high iron (Fe) concentration (up to 33.5 mg/L) is also detected mainly in the shallow groundwater. The presence of higher Mn and Fe concentrations in the water samples is generally associated with the regions having low or negative redox values. Additionally, their positive correlation with sulphate and chloride ions indicates their occurrence as sulfates and chlorides. The results signify the role of regional geology in the presence of these ions in water along with the secondary influence of agricultural and anthropogenic activities (human and animal waste) on the quality of shallow groundwater. The Water Quality Index varies greatly, from excellent to unsuitable category in both seasons mainly due to the presence of high Fe and Mn content in shallow handpumps, village pond and a few tubewells located in the agricultural fields. Leaching of fertilizers and fungicides in the agricultural fields may further contribute in deteriorating shallow groundwater quality.

Evaluation of the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of the drinking water at the city of Caraz during the period August 2017-January 2018 [Evaluación de los parámetros físicos, químicos y microbiológicos del agua potable de la ciudad de Caraz durante el período agosto 2017-enero 2018

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the main physicochemical and microbiological parameters of drinking water in the city of Caraz, located in the province of Huaylas, department of Ancash, during the period between August 2017 and January 2018. For this purpose, samples were taken at four points in the city, from the supply reservoir to the home distribution network. Twenty-three physical, chemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed: color, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, temperature, turbidity, residual chlorine, chlorides, total hardness, fluorides, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, pH, sulfates, arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, lead, total coliforms and fecal coliforms. In determining the indicated parameters, standardized chemical analysis methods were used for each of them. Some analyzes were carried out in the same place (in situ) and others in the chemistry laboratory as well as in the environmental quality laboratory of UNASAM. The results obtained were contrasted with the maximum permissible limits (MPL) of the Regulation of Water Quality for Human Consumption (MINSA, 2010). Of the 23 parameters evaluated, 20 were below the MPL (maximum permissible limit), with the exception of mercury and total and fecal coliforms, whose certainty given by the method used did not allow us to affirm that the values ​​obtained are within the MPL.

Assessment of physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Sapele local government area of Delta State, South-South, Nigeria

Abstract Drinking water quality for human consumption is a global matter of paramount importance. The study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water from five major sources in Sapele, Delta State. Using a convenient sampling method, 40 water samples were collected from river, rain, well, borehole, and sachet water sources and examined for physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics. The pH of the water sources examined ranged from 4.5 to 6.8, the total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged between 5 and 14,000 mg/l, the electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 10 and 740 μS/cm, and the turbidity ranged between 0.01 and 23.9 NTU. Mean levels of chloride, calcium, iron, lead, copper, and cadmium were below the maximal permissible ceilings based on WHO and NSDWQ standards. The total coliform count ranged between 0 and 9,000 MN/100 ml, with the mean concentration ranging between 0.001 and 1,268.13 MPN/100 ml. Water samples from different sources had physicochemical parameters within the stipulated standards, but the biological parameters revealed water sources with contamination. It is recommended that consumers of water from these different sources employ measures to purify their drinking water to forestall potential health risks.

Assessment of drinking water quality using physico-chemical parameters around Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh

The quality of surface water is a very sensitive issue and it is a great environmental concern worldwide. In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness and concern about water pollution across the globe. In order to ascertain water quality for human consumption, some physico-chemical properties were evaluated of the drinking water of ten villages around Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh. Standard methods were used for determining physical and chemical characteristics of the water samples. As, Fe and Mn contents of the drinking water samples were also analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data showed the variation of the investigated parameter in water samples as follows: pH 7.65 to 8.76, Electrical Conductivity (EC) 280 to 750 µS/cm, hardness 120 to 550 mg/l as CaCO3, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 210 to 1380 mg/l, As 0.0 to 0.082 mg/l, Fe 0.039 to 2.03 mg/l and Mn 0.0 to 0.41 mg/l. The concentrations of testing parameters of all the drinking water samples were not keeping up the World Health Organization drinking water quality guideline and the Bangladesh Drinking Water Quality Standards.

Evaluation of Seasonal Water Quality of Drinking Water in Six Residential Estates across Ogun State in Nigeria

The use of water to satisfy human without any health risk necessitates the need for assessment of potable water quality for human consumption. Water samples were collected across six selected housing estates for two consecutive dry and wet seasons within Ogun State, and their parameters such as TDS, EC, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni were analysed for quality assessment. On spot analysis was carried out for the in-situ parameters using HANNAH water kit. The water samples were digested in triplicates for each estate, and analysed with AAS for the selected heavy metals (HMs). The obtained data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, and the obtained values were compared with WHO, NIS and NESREA standards to ascertain the water quality and potability. Concentrations (mg/ L) of the analysed parameters ranged as TDS: 56.00 ± 10.44 to 162.07 ± 9.81, Cd: 0.01 ± 0.00 to 0.16 ± 0.10, Pb: 0.16 ± 0.02 to 1.69 ± 0.10, Fe: 0.04 ± 0.04 to 4.75 ± 0.21, and Ni: 0.04 ± 0.02 to 0.85 ± 0.04. The EC (µS/ cm) ranged from 42.82 ± 10.59 to 499.12 ± 31.20. The water quality showed seasonal variations, more polluted in the wet season than dry season, which can be attributed to storage tanks, piping systems and runoff from drainages, residential wastes, and the neighbouring small scale industrial activities. The research suggests water treatment for the consumers to get safe water of potable quality.

Viral Metagenomics Reveals Widely Diverse Viral Community of Freshwater Amazonian Lake.

Despite the importance of understanding the ecology of freshwater viruses, there are not many studies on the subject compared to marine viruses. The microbiological interactions in these environments are still poorly known, especially between bacteriophages and their host bacteria and between cyanophages and cyanobacteria. Lake Bologna, Belém, capital of the Brazilian State of Pará, is a water source that supplies the city and its metropolitan region. However, it remains unexplored regarding the contents of its virome and viral diversity composition. Therefore, this work aims to explore the taxonomic diversity of DNA viruses in this lake, especially bacteriophages and cyanophages, since they can act as transducers of resistance genes and reporters of water quality for human consumption. We used metagenomic sequencing data generated by previous studies. We analyzed it at the taxonomic level using the tools Kraken2, Bracken, and Pavian; later, the data was assembled using Genome Detective, which performs the assembly of viruses. The results observed here suggest the existence of a widely diverse viral community and established microbial phage-regulated dynamics in Lake Bolonha. This work is the first ever to describe the virome of Lake Bolonha using a metagenomic approach based on high-throughput sequencing, as it contributes to the understanding of water-related public health concerns regarding the spreading of antibiotic resistance genes and population control of native bacteria and cyanobacteria.

Coverage of fluoride data in water supply systems using the R software.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To present a protocol to criticize data on fluoride monitoring in water with R software programming features, illustrating its application to describe data coverage, and fluoridation quality in 2015.METHODS The study used big data from the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância da Qualidade da Água para Consumo Humano (Information System for Surveillance of Water Quality for Human Consumption) that included all the Brazilian municipalities. Data criticism procedures were performed with the aid of R software. Filters were applied to remove municipalities with less than four months of records (1), and records with null values (2) and outliers (3). Municipalities were classified regarding the presence of valid information and fluoridation quality according to macro-region, federation units, and population size, presenting the roadmap at each step.RESULTS Approximately 134,000 records were reviewed. Of the Brazilian municipalities, 39% had data on the fluoride parameter, and only 33.3% had four months or more of information frequency. After applying filters, 1,810 (32.5%) municipalities had valid information for the fluoride parameter, with substantial variation between the South (83.6%) and North (0.7%) macro-regions. Of these, 726 (40.1%) showed very good fluoridation quality, determined by 80% or more records within the optimal concentration interval for prevention of dental caries, with higher value (54.3%) in municipalities with 50,000 inhabitants or more, and lower (34.2%) in those with less than 10,000 inhabitants.CONCLUSIONS Important differences persist within and between the Brazilian macro-regions regarding both the availability of information on the parameter, and the quality of water fluoridation in public supply systems in Brazil. The protocol for data review and processing with R software programming resources proved to be very useful for the production of information for decision-making based on a standardized method.

Inversion-based interpretation of borehole spontaneous potential measurements for accurate estimation of water resistivity in the presence of shoulder-bed and mud-filtrate invasion effects

Electrical resistivity of formation water is a fundamental property used to quantify in situ water quality for human consumption or for assessment of hydrocarbon pore volume. Resistivity interpretation methods commonly used to quantify the electrical resistivity of formation water invoke rock porosity and fitting parameters that require additional and independent core measurements. Alternatively, the spontaneous potential (SP) log can be used to calculate water resistivity without knowledge of rock porosity in wells drilled with water-based mud. In combination with resistivity and gamma-ray logs, SP logs can be used to estimate water quality, apparent volumetric concentration of shale, and for qualitative assessments of permeability. However, SP logs often exhibit shoulder-bed and mud-filtration effects; these effects need to be mitigated before using SP logs for calculation of water resistivity. We have developed a new inversion-based method to simultaneously mitigate shoulder-bed and mud-filtrate invasion effects present in SP logs via fast numerical simulations based on Green functions. The interpretation method was implemented on SP logs acquired across aquifers with various degrees of complexity using noisy synthetic and field measurements to estimate equivalent NaCl concentration, radius of mud-filtrate invasion, and sodium macroscopic transport number. Interpretation results compared well to those obtained from resistivity and nuclear logs, provided estimates of uncertainty, and could incorporate a priori knowledge of aquifer petrophysical properties in the estimation.

Mineral water mining: quality for human consumption and health promotion

This study demonstrates the aspects of research and mining in groundwater mining. It was intended to demonstrate the guidelines of the Mining Code and Water Code as legal beacons under the management of the National Mining Agency – ANM, federal regulator of mineral water exploration; to analyze the importance of water quality control for human consumption, from the compliance with Anvisa Resolutions – RDC-274/275/2005, which standardize the vase and microbiological characteristics. The process to make groundwater available as a mineral good to be industrialized, goes through research stages, till the final test with laboratory analyses for water classification. In this context, its main question is: what is the importance of mineral water quality for human consumption in health promotion? And it aims to analyze the quality control of mineral water, its importance for human consumption and health promotion, as well as the benefits of it. For this, a bibliographic research was carried out, consultation with the relevant legislations, books and websites of public agencies. The results showed that mineral water mining is an activity present in the daily life of society and its regular consumption contributes to the quality and promotion of healthy living, through control of the exploitation of mineral water mines, under the management of the National Mining Agency – ANM. It was evidenced that mineral water brings important health benefits: in body thermoregulation, heat absorption, nutrient transport, oxygen, hormones, composition of blood plasma, digestive juice, saliva formation, tears and urine. Being composed of different levels of micronutrients, which help alleviating health problems, such as: weakening of bones and muscles, reduction of collagen, dryness of the skin, low revitalization of cells and mucosa, aggravated by low consumption of water with drug properties and product of secular use that affect health. It was concluded that the prevalence of each type of mineral water and its composition, from ferruginous, sulfurous, radioactive, magnesian and iodized, can help in therapeutic treatments.

Water Safety Plans -The case of Portugal

Water supply is a structural and irreplaceable service, essential to promote public health, to pursue economic activities, and crucial for environmental conservation, reflecting the population’s quality of life and the status of sustainable development. In this context, it is imperative to assure the continuous improvement of all processes and practices conducive to guarantee water quality. Water Safety Plans (WSP) are an important public policy tool to accomplish these goals. This manuscript reviews the international evidence of the adoption and implementation of WSP and reports the current situation in Jordan, as part of the necessary adjustment of the national legal framework to the publication of the Directive (EU) 2015/1787, October 6th, on water quality for human consumption. The aim is to draw lessons from several successful WSP experiments around the world and extract lessons from these cases when drafting new legislation in Portugal and elsewhere. Findings suggest there are four critical components in developing and implementing WSP: commitment, technical knowledge, governance, and interagency collaboration. © 2018. JASET, International Scholars and Researchers Association