Distribution System Water Quality

Revised AWWA Policy Statement on Distribution System Water Quality

The revised AWWA Policy Statement on Distribution System Water Quality was approved by the Educational Technical and Council and 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.

AWWA Policy Statement on Distribution System Water Quality

The integrity of drinking water distribution systems is the final barrier available to public water systems to prevent contamination and to maintain safe and high-quality water. Increasing emphasis is being placed on monitoring, controlling, and preserving drinking water quality from the distribution system entry point to the point-of-use. AWWA supports the development and implementation of best design, operation, and management practices to maintain distribution system water quality.

Distribution system practices should seek to maintain and improve water quality while balancing system capacity. AWWA encourages utilities to establish operational goals that optimize internal corrosion control and maintain appropriate pressure and storage, while managing disinfectant levels for controlling microbiological growth and disinfection byproduct formation within the distribution system. AWWA also supports and encourages collaboration among utilities, public health agencies, property owners, and other stakeholders to develop measures for maintaining water quality that meets or surpasses regulatory standards and requirements in premise plumbing. Operations should include at a minimum a cross-connection program, routine monitoring, and response training to prevent, detect, control, and resolve potential water quality issues. AWWA also encourages water utilities to establish asset management programs to support the long-term integrity and protection of the distribution system.

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

Adopted by the Board of Directors Jan. 26, 1975, revised June 15, 1980, reaffirmed June 10, 1984, and June 19, 1988, revised June 17, 2001, and revised Jan. 16, 2005. Revised Mar. 5, 2012. Revised June 10, 2012, June 11, 2017, Jan. 10, 2022. New date to be added.

Please submit comments by March 1, 2026.