standardize and improve information
collected on distribution and premise
plumbing systems. Specifically, the project
will provide the following products:
• A glossary of terms and data attributes
linked to checklists on distribution
systems and premise plumbing.
• Data checklists for easy collection
of standardized data on distribution
systems and premise plumbing and
related drinking water data.
• A reference guide to data sources for
completing the checklists with an
emphasis on how to access data and
assess their quality.
• Standardized water exposure questions
with recommended analytical and
statistical approaches for using the data
collected in the checklists.
• Best practices to guide environmental
investigations including standardized
water exposure questions and a list
of best practices for environmental
These products will interface with non-Water Research Foundation activities
such as electronic reporting of waterborne
disease outbreaks, a project under
development by the USEPA and the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) in collaboration
with public health jurisdictions through
the National Outbreak Reporting System
(NORS). Also, due to the use of NORS and
EHS-Net Water, we expect to improve the
environmental investigation of waterborne
disease outbreaks. EHS-Net Water
involves the USEPA, CDC, and five state
health departments, and it will improve
waterborne disease outbreak identification,
reporting, investigation, and response.
When it comes to protecting water quality
and public health, utilities lack critical
tools and information to maximize the
benefits of the multiple barrier concept in
the distribution system. Utilities also lack
the background support necessary to make
tough decisions. Cross-cutting factors, such
as understanding the protective value of a
chloramine residual (or other disinfectant
residual), must be considered when
integrating different technical concerns
into an overall vision of distribution system
operation. The strategic initiative should
significantly improve our operational
understanding by attempting to quantify the
value of multiple barriers in a strategic and
NAS (National Academy of Sciences),
2006. Drinking Water Distribution Systems:
Assessing and Reducing Risks. National
Academies Press, Washington, D.C.
Definition of “multiple barrier approach”
The concept of using more than one type of protection or treatment in series in a water treatment process to control
contamination and provide overall process reliability, redundancy, and performance. For example, to ensure the safety
of drinking water, multiple barriers may include wastewater collection and treatment, protection of water sources,
adequate treatment (including disinfection), adequate maintenance, the protection of water quality during storage
and distribution, aggressive management, and adequate utility personnel training. Definition from: Symons, J.M., et al.
2000. The Drinking Water Dictionary, American Water Works Association, Denver, Colorado.