Aim: To determine factors associated with microbiological safety of public drinking water systems in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia.Method: We analysed 107,000 end-user drinking water samples for an association between detection of Escherichia coli and drinking water system features, sample year and season using NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program data, 2001-2007. We used negative binomial generalized estimating equations with adjustment for autocorrelation and clustering.Results: We detected E. coli in over 2% of samples from 40% (129/323) of systems. E. coli detection was significantly more common in earlier years and during summer ( p , 0.001).On multivariate analysis E. coli detection was significantly associated with smaller systems; watercourse sources; no disinfection or disinfection with ultraviolet only; and higher posttreatment mean turbidity (all p # 0.01). Detection was most strongly associated with lack of disinfection (incidence rate ratio 12.6, p , 0.001) and smaller supply systems (1% reduction in E. coli detection for each 1,000 person increase in supply population, p ¼ 0.004).Ultraviolet disinfection alone was the least effective disinfection method ( p , 0.001).Conclusion: Even in developed countries, drinking water systems without disinfection or serving small populations appear vulnerable to the effects of faecal contamination, which presents a risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.
The New South Wales (NSW) Public Health Act 2010 requires water suppliers to implement a drinking water quality assurance program that addresses the 'Framework for management of drinking water quality' in the Australian drinking water guidelines. NSW Health has recognised the importance of a staged implementation of this requirement and the need to support regional water utilities. To date, NSW Health has assisted 74 regional utilities to develop and implement their management systems. The Public Health Act 2010 has increased awareness of drinking water risk management, and offers a systematic process to identify and control risks. This has benefited large utilities, smaller suppliers, and remote and Aboriginal communities. Work is continuing to ensure implementation of the process by private suppliers and water carters.
Safe drinking water is essential for public health. Drinking water can pose serious health risks through microbial and chemical contamination, or inadequate disinfection and treatment. 1,2 In particular, microbial contamination poses an ongoing threat of sporadic gastrointestinal illness and
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