Implementation of Health-Based Guidelines for Water Supplies in Europe and Central Asia: Management Considerations for Municipal Authorities Regarding Water Quantity and Quality

Abstract

The paper introduces the World Health Organization, its Regional Office for Europe, the European Centre for Environment and Health, and the network of Collaborating Centres in Environment and Health which are active in the area of water and sanitation. It recalls the importance of the global burden of disease related to water and places the Central Asian countries in the context of human and socio-economic development of the NIS states with similar political and economic history. Detailed information is given on the role played by risk assessment and risk management in the development of the drinking water guidelines, and on the need to adapt such guidelines to the prevailing local conditions to come up with workable solutions. The issue of water quantity is approached from the viewpoint of water losses. Detailed information is provided on methods to assess problems related to water quality and quantity on a municipal level, using international, peer reviewed indicators. International instruments for the fight against water-related diseases are discussed, particularly the UNECE/WHO Protocol on Water and Health. Finally, examples are given of WHO work in this area in the Central Asian region.