Revised AWWA Policy Statement: Drinking Water Quality

The AWWA Policy Statement on Drinking Water Quality was revised further after previously being posted for member comment in November 2024. The latest revision is now available for member comment.  

Comments on the policy statement will be reviewed by AWWA staff and forwarded to the Executive Committee if the comments are minor, or referred back to the originating body if the comments are substantive. Policies forwarded to the Executive Committee will be reviewed for approval and final action.

Revised AWWA Policy Statement on Drinking Water Quality

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) believes that maintaining safe, aesthetic, and sustainable drinking water is a matter of paramount importance, and it is committed to protecting public health through delivery of drinking water that meets or surpasses all applicable regulatory standards.  This commitment is achieved most effectively and economically by utilizing the best available supplies, applying appropriate treatment, employing recognized standards and engineering best practices, and actively managing water quality from the source to the point of delivery.  Accordingly, water utilities should develop and implement operations and management programs that: protect sources; identify and address potential water quality threats; assess and optimize treatment, storage, and distribution facilities; and promote ongoing operator training.  Routine water quality monitoring is also critical to effectively measure program performance, anticipate problems, gather data for both regulatory and consumer reporting, and prepare for any future treatment modifications that may be necessary, noting that heightened water quality monitoring should be considered in response to treatment or source water changes.  In supporting these recommended practices, AWWA endorses regular review of scientific research and ongoing education to facilitate timely and efficient utility planning, as well as proactive community engagement to both inform stakeholders and obtain constructive input from consumers, public health officials, and the medical community.  

Practices specified in this policy statement are consistent with all other pertinent AWWA policy statements.

Adopted by the Board of Directors Jan. 24, 1988, and revised Jan. 29, 1989, Jan. 23, 2000, and June 15, 2003, and Jan. 21, 2007. Revised June 9, 2013. Revised January 14, 2017. Revised January 10, 2022. Date will be updated upon Executive Committee approval.

Submit comments by April 10, 2025.