Memorandum of Understanding for Drinking Water

Memorandum of Understanding
for
Drinking Water
Schedule 1 - Drinking Water Quality Requirements
DoH expects all drinking water providers to comply with the microbiological, (health)
chemical and radiological parameters specified by the 2004 Australian Drinking
Water Guidelines (ADWG).
With respect to Naegleria, no sample should contain any Naegleria species tolerant
to 42° C and above. Water providers should achieve a rolling annual compliance of
not less than 95 percent or as specified by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health will approve departures from the guidelines for individual
supplies as it may judge appropriate in light of public health considerations as shown
in Schedule 2 – Exemptions from Compliance.
The Department of Health expects drinking water providers to implement the
Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality contained within the 2004
ADWG.
The Department of Health has not set a time period for the full implementation of the
framework of the 2004 ADWG as it is considered that this work is ongoing.
Nevertheless, it expects tangible progress towards full implementation to be
demonstrable in each year of the currency of a provider’s licence.
All drinking water providers should aim to comply, as far as practicable, with the
Guidelines for non-health related characteristics as set out in the 2004 ADWG.
However, bearing in mind the high levels of public expenditure which would be
required to achieve full compliance in respect of some small water supplies, it is
accepted that achievement of this aim may take many years.
Schedule 1 Printed on 06/01/10 Page 1