No abstract

What factors influence the voluntary adoption of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) by water utilities? EU Directive 2015/1787, October 6th, on water quality for human consumption, mandates the implementation of a risk assessment process for all water utilities. The strategic approach present in WSPs may be decisive for this purpose, allowing utilities to pursue effective risk assessments with positive repercussions for public health and environmental protection, as well as for the governance of the water sector. This article investigates the factors influencing the voluntary adoption of WSPs by water utilities in Portugal prior to the change in the national regulatory framework. More specifically, it seeks to explore whether the governance arrangement of water utilitiesin-house bureaucracies, municipal corporations, concessions to private firms or public-public partnershipsaffects the likelihood of adoption of a WSP. The results indicate that governance arrangements can make a difference when it comes to the adoption of this methodology, suggesting that water utilities run by in-house bureaucracies are less likely to adopt WSPs. The dimension is also a relevant factor as utilities serving above 50,000 residents or 10,000 m 3 /day are more prone to adopt WSPs. Moreover, water utilities with quality management systems in place are more predisposed to adopt WSPs. Broadly, the article urges all stakeholders, mainly water utilities and national regulators, to implement measures that lead to the best possible results considering that the implementation of WSPs is a major upgrade in water quality assurance.

Quality water at affordable prices for all is a key condition for the promotion of public health, environmental sustainability, and quality and safety of life. In a context of growing external uncertainties arising from changes in the climate and the environment, ensuring these conditions is an upward concern and is of utmost relevance to increase scientific research on the impacts of climate change on water quality modification and in minimization/mitigation strategies.Scientific data already shows that morbidity and mortality are directly related to climate change effects, as changes in the timing and intensity of rainfall directly affect the quantity and quality of water resources for different users, with water quality for human consumption being severely affected. The impact of climate change on water quality places additional pressure on water utilities' capacity to sustain water service provision and the economic viability and cost-effectiveness of treatment and distribution. For that matter, there is a growing sense of urgency for utilities to build resilience towards weather extremes as an integral part of a water supply management, implementing adequate technology or practice to assess and address risks of extreme events (IWA 2019).Adaptive changes are, therefore, already in course, with some expected to be compulsory, namely legal requirements for water quality parameters, the adjustment of treatment processes, and, most important, the implementation of new approaches, explicitly risk assessment strategies.Water safety plans (WSPs) are regarded as part of the solution, contributing to minimize climate change impacts on water utilities services and, inherently, on water quality. This article presents WSPs as an important and strategic tool linked to public policies in the water supply sector.

Quality water at affordable prices for all is a key condition for the promotion of public health, environmental sustainability, and quality and safety of life. In a context of growing external uncertainties arising from changes in the climate and the environment, ensuring these conditions is an upward concern and is of utmost relevance to increase scientific research on the impacts of climate change on water quality modification and in minimization/mitigation strategies. Scientific data already shows that morbidity and mortality are directly related to climate change effects, as changes in the timing and intensity of rainfall directly affect the quantity and quality of water resources for different users, with water quality for human consumption being severely affected. The impact of climate change on water quality places additional pressure on water utilities' capacity to sustain water service provision and the economic viability and cost-effectiveness of treatment and distribution. For that matter, there is a growing sense of urgency for utilities to build resilience towards weather extremes as an integral part of a water supply management, implementing adequate technology or practice to assess and address risks of extreme events (IWA 2019). Adaptive changes are, therefore, already in course, with some expected to be compulsory, namely legal requirements for water quality parameters, the adjustment of treatment processes, and, most important, the implementation of new approaches, explicitly risk assessment strategies. Water safety plans (WSPs) are regarded as part of the solution, contributing to minimize climate change impacts on water utilities services and, inherently, on water quality. This article presents WSPs as an important and strategic tool linked to public policies in the water supply sector.