title: Developing a national framework for safe drinking water--case study from Iceland.
abstract: Safe drinking water is one of the fundaments of society and experience has shown that a holistic national framework is needed for its effective provision. A national framework should include legal requirements on water protection, surveillance on drinking water quality and performance of the water supply system, and systematic preventive management. Iceland has implemented these requirements into legislation. This case study analyzes the success and challenges encountered in implementing the legislation and provide recommendations on the main shortcomings identified through the Icelandic experience. The results of the analysis show that the national framework for safe drinking water is mostly in place in Iceland. The shortcomings include the need for both improved guidance and control by the central government; and for improved surveillance of the water supply system and implementation of the water safety plan by the Local Competent Authorities. Communication to the public and between stakeholders is also insufficient. There is also a deficiency in the national framework regarding small water supply systems that needs to be addressed. Other elements are largely in place or on track. Most of the lessons learned are transferable to other European countries where the legal system around water safety is built on a common foundation from EU directives. The lessons can also provide valuable insights into how to develop a national framework elsewhere.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Hjardarhaga 2-6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland. Electronic address: mariag@hi.is.
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gunnarsdottir
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Hjardarhaga 2-6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors.forename: Sigurdur M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gardarsson
authors.affiliation: Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, United States.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bartram
mesh_terms: D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000592:standards*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D060753:Water Quality / Q000592:standards*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D060766:Drinking Water
keywords: Drinking water regulation; EU-Water Framework Directive; National framework; Safe drinking water; Water safety plans