(WP)CWSIICPIHSE/006-E Report Series No.: RS/2001lGE/25(FIJ)
English only
REPORT WORKSHOP ON DRINKING WATER QUALITY SURVE~LANCEANDSAFETY
Convened by: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC
Nadi, Fiji 29 October - I November 200 1
Notforsale Printed and Distributed by: Wodd Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific P.O. Box 2932 1000 Manila Philippines
March 2002
WHOIWPRO LIBRARY MANILA, PHILIPPINES
26 JUN 2002
NOTE
The views expressed in this report are those of the participants in the Workshop on Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the World Health Organization.
This report was prepared by the Regional Office for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization for governments of Members States in the Region and for the participants in the Workshop on Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety held in Nadi, Fiji from 29 October to I November 2001.
CONTENTS
SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... . 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2. Background information ........................................................................................................ . Objectives................................................................................................................................ Participants ....... ... ................. .... .............. ... ... .... ........ ..... ... ...................... .................. ...... .... ..... Organizations... ... .................. ................. ... .......... ... ....... ...... .... ........ .... .... ...... ... .............. .... ..... Opening remarks.................................. ..... ......... .... ..... ..... .......... ..... ................. .............. .... .....
1 2 2 2
PROCEEDINGS............................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 2.2 2.3 Country reports........................................................................................................................ 3 Summary of working papers ................................................................................................... 3 Summary of group discussion outputs.......... ..... .. ...................................... ........ 4
3.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMNEDATIONS ...........................................................................
5
3.1 Conclusions ................................................................................................................ 5 3.2 Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 5 ANNEXES: ANNEX 1 LIST OF P ARTICIPANTS, TEMPORARY ADVISERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND SECRETARIAT MEMBERS .............................. 7 PROGRAMME OF THE WORKSHOP ............................................................ LIST OF DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE WORKSHOP ............................................................................................ OPENING SPEECH .......................................................................................... 15
ANNEX 2 ANNEX 3
17 19
ANNEX 4 ANNEX 5
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SUMMARY OF COUNTRY REPORTS .......................................................... 23
Keywords: Drinking water quality I Water quality monitoring and surveillance I Fiji
SUMMARY
The Workshop on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance was held in Nadi, Fiji, from 29 October to I November 200 I by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office. The objectives of the workshop were to: (I) review progress made by countries in developing safe water supplies consistent with the 1993 WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GDWQ);
(2) assess the practicability of the 1993 GDWQ and the associated implementation mechanisms in protecting public health; (3) prepare a framework for developing national action plans for overcoming constraints to implementing the 1993 GDWQ; and (4) provide recommendations for: (a) the development of a practical protocol to guide countries in deciding what chemical contaminants and health and aesthetic parameters are to be monitored on a priority basis; (b) consideration in the ongoing review and updating of the 1993 GDWQ by meetings of global experts; and (c) the review and updating of the drinking water quality monographs on arsenic, fluorides, and nitrates. The workshop was attended by 28 participants from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu; two representatives from the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and Pacific Water Association (PWA); two WHO consultants and four WHO staff members, serving as the secretariat. The workshop consisted of presentations of country papers, case-study reports, consultants' working papers, and group discussion reports summarizing the activities undertaken by the countries and WHO in promoting and implementing drinking water quality guidelines especially monitoring and surveillance in the last ten years. The participants were divided into five groups to address monitoring issues such as source protection and priority parameters for monitoring different types of water supply systems including rainwater systems and emergency water supplies. During the second round of group discussion, the participants were asked to do a self-assessment for their respective country of drinking water quality monitoring and surveillance, specifically on areas of risk management, internal/external sources of support, capacity building, resources/commitment, laboratory resources, standard setting and legislation, regional and
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country initiatives, institutional linkage and network, financing/planning, and research and dissemination. The following conclusions were derived from the proceedings of the workshop: (1) Safe groundwater extraction, bacteria! contamination, and seawater intrusion are among the major concerns. (2) There is limited information and public awareness on the importance of good water quality and its impact on health and quality of life. (3) The Pacific Region has natural and man-made disasters along with disease outbreaks and natura! emergencies, which frequently affect drinking water quality. (4) Desalination has received increasing attention among countries with scarce water resources. (5) Only a few countries in the Region have adequate legislation on water quality.
(6) There is often a lack of political will in support of water quality monitoring and control programmes. (7) Technical and fmancial capacity, especially on the laboratory and analytical aspects of water quality monitoring, are still inadequate in the Region. (8) Among many countries in the Region, there is a lack of collaboration among water and health agencies. (9) The WHO guidelines are currently used with little awareness and application of risk management principles. (10) There was not enough interaction and sharing of information among the countries.
Reflecting on the varied experiences of the member countries in the Pacific Region and as a result of the deliberations among the participants, the following recommendations were put forward: (1) Protection of water sources such as springs, rivers, groundwater and rainwater catchments from contamination must be a priority. (2) Technical staff should be trained in social marketing and community mobilization skills to better communicate water quality and other environmental health concerns. (3) Each country should consider establishing a national water quality committee consisting of water agencies, stakeholders, and other relevant agencies to ensure a safe drinking water supply. As part of emergency preparedness, proper attention should be given to water (4) quality. (5) Based on the country situation, minimum parameters of water quality should be estab lished.
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(6) Every Healthy Islands initiatives should address water quality concerns along with personal hygiene. (7) Training and information on water quality monitoring, surveillance and control should be available to all who need it for public health purposes. (8) National drinking water quality guidelines (standards) should be dynamic and implemented in stages as necessary. (9) Appropriate simple field-testing kits should be adopted for monitoring water quality, especially in rural areas. (10) An implementation manual or shorter version/digest of the new WHO DWQ guidelines should be developed for easier and wider use. (I I) Maintenance and development of the regional collaboration network started at the workshop should be encouraged and the following framework for cooperation established with support of external agencies under the auspices of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Laboratory/analytical/quality controllassurance (Focal country/agencyAustralia, New Zealand) Information exchange/appropriate testing/training (Focal country/agencyPWA,SOPAC) Legislation/standards setting/regulations (Focal country/agency- Australia, New Zealand) Development of risk management and associated implementing guideline (Focal country/agency- Australia, New Zealand, SOP AC) (12) External agencies should be encouraged to support specific activities in the Region.
I. INTROOUCTION
1.1 Background information Safe and adequate water and sanitation is a fundamental human need. However, this need has not been fully met in many developing countries in the Western Pacific Region. Together with other partner agencies, WHO has supported Member States in improving access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Since 1958, WHO's focus has been primarily on providing norms and guidelines related to drinking water and sanitation. The first most comprehensive WHO guidelines for drinking water quality (GOWQ) was published in three volumes in 1984 (first edition). The current GOWQ (second edition) was published, also in three volumes, between 1993 and 1997 and amended between 1999 and 2000. From time to time these guidelines have been reviewed and updated as necessary. The second edition is currently under review and an updated/revised GOWQ (the third edition) is scheduled for publication in 2003. This is done to reflect the latest knowledge on the health impact of mainly microbial and chemical elements in drinking water and to formulate best practices to reduce risk and achieve maximum health benefits. In order for countries to participate more fully in the revision of the existing and formulation of the new GOWQ, a regional meeting for the Pacific countries was held. The meeting reviewed the progress made by the countries in developing safe water supplies consistent with current guidelines; assessed the 'practicability' of the current guidelines; and provided input/recommendations for the revision of the existing guidelines. The outputs of this meeting will feed into the global meeting to be held in 2002.
1.2 Objectives The meeting had the following objectives: (1) review progress made by countries in developing safe water supplies consistent with the 1993 GOWQ;
(2) assess the practicability of the 1993 GOWQ and the associated implementation mechanisms in protecting public health; (3) prepare a framework for developing national action plans for overcoming constraints to implementing the 1993 GOWQ; and (4) provide recommendations for: (a) the development of a practical protocol to guide countries in deciding what chemical contaminants and health and aesthetic parameters are to be monitored on a priority basis; (b) consideration in the ongoing review and updating of the 1993 GOWQ by meetings of global experts; and
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(c) the review and updating of the drinking water quality monographs on arsenic, fluorides, and nitrates. 1.3 Participants The workshop was attended by 28 participants from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Nauru, New ZeaJand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu; two representatives from the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and Pacific Water Association (PWA); two WHO consultants and four WHO staff members, serving as the secretariat. A list of participants, representatives, consultants and secretariat members is provided in Annex 1. 1.4 Organization The workshop programme is attached as Annex 2, and a list of documents distributed during the workshop as Annex 3. The documents include country papers on the implementation of the 1993 DWQG, working papers and case-study reports by the consultants and WHO secretariat members. Copies of these papers can be obtained upon request from the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. The officers of the workshop were selected as follows: Chairperson Vice- Chairperson Rapporteur Mr. Waisale Delai, Fiji Ms. Kuinimeri Asora, Samoa Mr. William Muru, Papua New Guinea
The workshop consisted of presentations of country papers, case-study reports, staff and consultants' lectures, and group discussion reports summarizing the activities undertaken by the countries and WHO in promoting and implementing drinking water quality guidelines especially monitoring and surveillance in the last ten years. Two group discussions were conducted with the participants divided into five groups. The first group work identified monitoring issues as well as areas for further technical support and cooperation to promote water quality. During the second group discussion, the participants carried out a self-assessment for their respective country of drinking water quality monitoring and, specifically on areas of risk management, internal/external sources of support, capacity building, resources/commitment, laboratory resources, standard setting and legislation, regional and country initiatives, institutional linkage and network, financing/planning, and research and dissemination. Based on the results ofthe group discussions and plenary sessions, the workshop conclusions and recommendations were prepared, discussed and adopted by the participants at the closing session. 1.5 Opening remarks On behalf of Dr Shigeru Omi, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Li Shichuo, WHO Representative in the South Pacific, delivered an opening speech (the text of the speech is provided in Annex 4). He emphasized the importance of the drinking water guidelines, which are on a rolling revision every ten years. On behalf of Dr Tema Tuiketei,
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guidelines, which are on a rolling revision every ten years. On behalf of Dr Tema Tuiketei, District Medical Officer of Western Fiji, Mr. Waisale Delai, Senior Health Inspector, Ministry of Health, delivered the welcome address. He also welcomed all participants to Fiji and hoped that they would have fruitful deliberation during the workshop. He also expressed his appreciation to WHO for selecting Fiji as the venue ofthis important workshop.
2. PROCEEDINGS
2.1 Country reports Participants reported on the progress of their countries in developing and implementing drinking water quality guidelines. There is a variety of experiences but a majority do not have any national standards and still use the WHO guidelines for monitoring their drinking water quality. Many of them reported that total coliform cannot be achieved and E. coli is preferred. In some Pacific countries, desalination systems were installed to augment water supply especially during drought but the long-term maintenance of these systems became a problem. Most countries found portable water quality kits useful. Of the 19 participating member states, there were common fundamental issues that remain to be addressed despite the last decade's work. These issues include standard setting, water source protection, capacity building, sanitation, data management, and additional resources. The more advanced member states, on one hand, were faced with a different set of concerns such as microcystins, disinfection-by-products, fluoridation, salinity, data transparency, and other emerging topics. A summary of the country reports from this meeting can be found in Annex 5. The Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) of the United Kingdom carried out a needs assessment survey in three countries: Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. These surveys were conducted to assess the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters being monitored by relevant institutions, technical capacity and human resources, as well as the equipment and infrastructure available in each country. Detailed reports are available from the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. 2.2 Summary of working papers There were seven presentations made by WHO staff and resource persons. Mr S. Godfrey presented the results of the three-country needs assessment survey along with how to formulate a framework for a plan of action for Pacific island countries. Dr D. Sharp reported on another study done in the subregion which found that around 50% of the countries surveyed have desalination systems and in 36% of them, the Ministry of Health is doing the water quality monitoring. Dr A. Basaran gave a historical account of the revision process of the WHO drinking water guidelines, emphasizing the Berlin and Australia meetings. He also gave a synopsis of principles of sampling, frequency of monitoring, criteria setting, and quality assurance. Dr G. Peralta presented the WHO guidelines section by section, describing the significance of each parameter, the source and health effects. She also explained the formula used by WHO to derive the guideline values. Ms L. Chanan demonstrated the SOPAC water quality database, while Mr P. Heinsbroek introduced the community-based managementparticipatory approach PHAST.
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2.3 Summary of grOUP discussion outputs 2.3.1 (1) First round of group work How do you prioritize parameters to be monitored?
Priority parameters to monitor are turbidity, coliform, pH, temperature, and residual chlorine. If residual chlorine is within the required range of 0.2 - 0.5 mgIL, then the group believe there is no need to carry out microbiological tests. However, for new water sources, a comprehensive testing of water quality should be undertaken and samples should be sent to a bigger and complete laboratory (2) What are the major limitations of your monitoring efforts to cover the appropriate parameters? The group identified the following constraints to proper monitor: lack of coordination among stakeholders and monitoring agencies, lack of enabling legislation, inadequate infrastructure such as equipment and laboratories, and inadequate skills for sampling, sanitary survey and inspection. (3) What measures are being done to protect the source of water? Who is implementing them? How do you use Volume 3 of the WHO DWQ guidelines to prioritize source protection? The various sources of water are from rainwater, groundwater, surface water, and even seawater for desalination. There is an additional concern for saline intrusion due to overexploitation or over pumping of wells beyond the safe yield. Although it was recognized by the group that this is a socio-political and not a technical issue, still, WHO was requested to emphasize in the guidelines the importance of source protection and the mechanisms to do so. (4) How do you monitor emergency water supplies?
Emergency water supplies are indispensable during natural disasters such as tsunami, cyclone, typhoon, volcanic eruption, earthquake, disease outbreak, and drought. Similarly emergency sources are essential during man-made disasters such as oil spills, toxic chemical spills, failure of the water supply system, land disputes that result in closure of a water source, and war in refugee centres. Short term measures are to search for alternative water supply sources, then analyze for microbiological safety, preferably on site using portable kits. If needed, a boil/bleach notice should be issued and bleach or Puritabs used whenever available. Most countries do not have emergency preparedness programme and this component should be strengthened in the forthcoming 2003 WHO guidelines. (5) How do you monitor rainwater systems? What parameters are important?
Rainwater catchment systems attached to the roof are popular in the Region. For microbiological testing, the simple presence/absence method using H 2S test was recommended. Important parameters to monitor are turbidity, pH, and total dissolved solids. There was a concern for the high pH in ferrocement rainwater tanks. 2.3.2 Second round of group work The second round of group work was aimed at developing regional framework plans and country action plans. However, for many countries, developing a generic country action plan
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was found to be difficult and it was the groups' recommendation for WHO to provide technical support in developing a risk management plan for each country, especially for areas that are most at risk for disease outbreaks. Australia, Guam, and New Zealand shared their experiences on the risk-based approach to water quality monitoring and surveillance. 3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions The following conclusions were derived from the proceedings of the workshop: (1) Safe groundwater extraction, bacterial contamination, and seawater intrusion are among the major concerns. (2) There is limited information and public awareness on the importance of good water quality and its impact on health and quality oflife. (3) The Pacific Region has natural and man-made disasters along with disease outbreaks and natural emergencies, which frequently affect drinking water quality. (4) Desalination has received increasing attention among countries with scarce water resources. (5) Only a few countries in the Region have adequate legislation on water quality.
(6) There is often a lack of political will in support of water quality monitoring and control programmes. (7) Technical and fmancial capacity, especially on the laboratory and analytical aspects of water quality monitoring, are still inadequate in the Region. (8) Among many countries in the Region, there is a lack of collaboration among water and health agencies. (9) The WHO guidelines are currently used with little awareness and application of risk management principles. (10) There was not enough interaction and sharing of information among the countries.
3.2 Recommendations The following recommendations were proposed during the workshop: Reflecting on the varied experiences of the member countries in the Pacific Region and as a result of the deliberations among the participants, the following recommendations were put forward: (1) Protection of water sources such as springs, rivers, groundwater and rainwater catchments from contamination must be a priority. (2) Technical staff should be trained in social marketing and community mobilization skills to better communicate water quality and other environmental health concerns.
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(3) Each country should consider establishing a national water quality committee consisting of water agencies, stakeholders, and other relevant agencies to ensure a safe drinking water supply. (4) As part of emergency preparedness, proper attention should be given to water quality. (5) Based on the country situation, minimum parameters of water quality should be established. (6) Every Healthy Islands initiatives should address water quality concerns along with personal hygiene. (7) Training and information on water quality monitoring, surveillance and control should be available to all who need it for public health purposes. (8) National drinking water quality guidelines (standards) should be dynamic and implemented in stages as necessary. (9) Appropriate simple field-testing kits should be adopted for monitoring water quality, especially in rural areas. (10) An implementation manual or shorter version of the new WHO DWQ guidelines should be developed for easier and wider use. (11) Maintenance and development of the regional collaboration network started at the workshop should be encouraged and the following framework for cooperation established with support of external agencies under the auspices of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: Laboratory/analytical/quality control/assurance (Focal country/agencyAustralia, New Zealand) Information exchange/appropriate testing/training (Focal country/agencyPWA, SOPAC) Legislation/standards setting/regulations (Focal country/agency- Australia, New Zealand) Development of risk management and associated implementing guideline (Focal country/agency- Australia, New Zealand, SOPAC) (12) External agencies should be encouraged to support specific activities in the Region.
-7ANNEX I
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS, CONSULTANTS, REPRESENTATIVES AND SECRETARIAT MEMBERS
1. PARTICIPANTS
AMERICAN SAMOA
Mr Pasesa Lafitaga Chief Environmental Health Officer Department of Health Pago-pago Tel. No.: (684) 633-4623 Fax No. (684) 633-5379 Email: itufa@lbj.peacesat.hawaii
AUSTRALIA
Dr Paul M. ByleveId AlManager, Water Unit New South Wales Department of Health P.O. Box 798 Gladesville NSW 2111 Tel. No. +61 (2) 9316 0292; +61 (2) 96396379 Fax No. +61(2) 9816 0377 Email: pbyleCaldoh.health.nsw.gov.au Mr Ho Kai-Chye Manager Water Supply Department of Land and Water Conservation Department of Health and Aged Care GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Tel No: 02-989 559 59 Fax No: 02-989 559 18 Email: bho@dlwc.nsw.gov.au
COOK ISLANDS
Mr Porinae Emile Senior Health Inspector Public Health Department Ministry of Health P.O. Box 109 Rarotonga Tel. No.: (682) 29 110 Fax No.: (682) 23109 Email: paruru@health.gov.ck Mr Moses E. Pretrick FSM Environmental Health Coordinator FSM National Government Palikir Tel. No.: (691) 320-8369 Fax No.: (691) 320-5263 Email: fsmhealth@mail.fin
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
-8 Annex 1
Mr Elden Hellan Executive Director Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency Pohnpei State Government Kolonia Tel. No.: (691) 320-2927 Fax No.: (691) 320-5256 Email: pniepa@mail.fm FIJI
Mr Waisale Delai Senior Health Inspector (Food Quality Control) Ministry of Health 88 Amy Street, Toorak Government Buildings Suva Tel. No.: (679) 306-177 Fax No.: (679) 306-163 Mrs Unaisi T. Bera Acting Health Inspector (H/Grade) Ministry of Health 88 Amy Street, Toorak P.O. Box 2223 Government Buildings Suva Tel. No.: (679) 306-177 Fax No.: (679) 306-163
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Madame Glenda Melix In geni eur Sani taire Chef du Service d'Ilygiene et de Salubrite' Publique par interim Direction de la Sante B.P. 611, Papeete, Tahiti Tel. No.: 45 41 53 Fax No.: 45 41 27 Mr Angel B. Marquez Program Director Safe Drinking Water Guam Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 22439 GMF B arri gada Tel. No.: (671) 475-1638 Fax No.: (671) 477-9402 Email: amarguez@mail.gov.gu
GUAM
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Annex 1 KIRIBATI
Mr Taboia Metutera Water Engineering Manager Public Utilities Board P.O. Box 443 Betio, Tarawa Tel. No.: (686) 26 292 Fax No.: (686) 26 106 Email: toboiametutera@hotmail.com; wsm. pub@tskl.net.ki
Mr Tianuare Taeuea Senior Health Inspector Ministry of Health P.O. Box 268 Bikenibeu, Tarawa Tel. No.: (686) 28 100 Fax No. (686) 28 152 MARSHALL ISLANDS
Mr Abraham Hicking Chief, Water and Sanitation Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 1322 Majuro RMI MH96960 Tel. No.: (629) 625-3035 Fax No. (692) 625-5202 Email: eparmi@ntamar.com Mr Frederic Hannecart Chief of Laboratory of Water Surveillance Noumea City Hygiene Service B.P. Kl 98849 Noumea Cedex Tel. No. (687) 77 1668; (687) 27 78 6l Fax No. (687) 24 1263; (687) 24 99 99 Email: dtass@gouv.nc Dr Michael Taylor Senior Adviser, Environmental Health Ministry of Health 133 Molesworth Street Wellington Tel. No.: (04) 496 22 69 Fax No. (04) 496 2340 Email: Michaeltaylor@moh.govt.nz Mr John Youngs on Health Protection Officer Crown Public Health P.O Box 1475 Christchurch Tel. No.: (03) 3799-480 Fax No. (03) Email: johnyoungson@cph.co.nz
NEW CALEDONIA
NEW ZEALAND
- 10 Annex 1
REPUBLIC OF PALAU
Ms Portia Franz Laboratory Supervisor Palau Environmental Quality Protection Agency Public Works Building P.O. Box 100 Koror Tel. No.: (680) 488-3600 Fax No. (680) 488-2963 Email: egpb@palaunet.com Mr Masu William Muru Principal Adviser Health Protection Department of Health P.O. Box 807 Waigani Tel. No.: (675) 301-3700 Fax No. (675) 323-9710 Mr James Teio Acting Technical Adviser Water Supply and Sanitation Department of Health P.O. Box 807 Waigani Tel. No.: (675) 303-3753 Fax No.: (675) 323-9710
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
SAMOA
MrTua Tipi" Chief Environmental Health Officer Health Department Apia Tel. No.: (685) 212 12 ext. 374 Fax No.: (685) 31440 Ms Kuinimeri Asora Team Leader Environmental Business Unit Samoa Water Supply Apia Tel. No.: (685) 204 09 ext. 33 Fax No.: (685) 21298 Email: kuiniOO@hotmail.com
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Mr Jack Filiomea Principal Engineer Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program Ministry of Health and Medical Service Environmental Health Division Honiara Tel. No.: (677) 206 65 Fax No. (677) 218 0
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Annex I Mr Patterson Talota Chief Health Inspector Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program Ministry of Health and Medical Services Environmental Health Division Honiara Tel. No.: (677) 218 05 Fax No.: (677) 281 05
TONGA
Mr Lelea Tu'itupou Supervising Public Health Inspector Ministry of Health P.O. Box 59 Nuku'alofa Tel. No.: (676) 23 200 Fax No. (676) 24 291 Dr Utili .Ofanoa Acting Director of Health Ministry of Health P.O. Box 59 Nuku'alofa Tel. No.: (676) 23 200 Fax No.: (676) 24 291
TUVALU
Ms Falealili Feagai Senior Health Inspector Princess Margaret Hospital Public Health Unit Funafuti Tel. No.: (688) 20 480 Fax No. (688) 20 481 Email: pchs@com.tv Mr Viran Tovu Senior Environmental Health Officer Public Health Department Ministry of Health Port Vila Tel. No.: (678) 22 512 Fax No. (678) 26 204 Email: vtamata@vanuatu.gov.vu Ms Rosette Kalmet Hydro-Geologist Department of Geology Mines and Water Resources Port Vila Tel. No.: (678) 224 23; 23246 Fax No. (678) 222-13 Email: gmines@vanuatu.gov.vu
VANUATU
- 12 Annex 1
2. Consultants PHILIPPINES Dr Genandrialine Peralta Faculty -in-Charge Environmental Engineering University of the Philippines Diliman, Ouezon City Philippines Mr Samuel Godfrey Project Manager WEDC, Loughborough University Leicestershire LE11 3TU United Kingdom 3. Observers PACIFIC WATER ASSOCIATION Mr David Parish Executive Director 41 Gladstone Road Private Mail Bag, GPO, Suva, Fiji Tel. No.: (679) 308 200 Fax No. (679) 308 234 Email: pwa@is.com.f] Ms Lina Channan Water Quality Officer Water Resources Unit Mead Road, Suva, Fiji Tel. No.: (679) 381377 Fax No. (679) 370 040 Email: lina@sopac.org Dr D. Srinivasan Lecturer in Biology School of Pure and Applied Sciences Suva, Fiji Tel. No. (679) 313 900 Fax NO. (679) 302 548
UNITED KINGDOM
South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, Fiji
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
4. Secretariat Members WPRO Dr Ali Basaran (Respsonsible Officer) Regional Adviser in Environmental Health WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacifric Untied Nations Avenue Manila, Philippines Tel. No.: (632) 528-9890 Fax No. (632) 521-1036 Email: basarana@wpro.who.int
- 13 Annex 1 Dr Donald Sharp (Co-Responsible Officer) Environmental Engineer WHO Representative's Office in the South Pacific Suva Tel. No.: (679) 304 600 Fax No. (679) 300 462 Email: sharpd(a)fiji.wpro.who.int Mr Teodoro Magno (Co-Responsible Officer) Environmental Engineer WHO Representative's Office in Papua New Guinea Port Moresby Tel. No.(675) 325-7827 Fax No.: (675) 325-0568 Email: magnot@png.wpro.who.int Mr Paul Heinsbroek (Co-Responsible Officer) Associate Professional Officer in Community Water Supply and Sanitation WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific United Nations Avenue Manila, Philippines Tel. No. (632) 528 9884 Fax No. (632) 521-1036 Email: heinsbroekp@wpro.who.int
- 15 ANNEX 2
PROGRAMME OF THE WORKSHOP
29 October 2001 - Monday 0800 0830 0900 0945 1000 1030 Registration Opening Ceremony Introduction to the workshop objectives and expectation Administrative briefing and group photographs Tea/Coffee Break Presentation of country reports by participants from American Samoa Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia Guam, Kiribati and Marshal Islands Lunch Continuation - Presentation of country reports by participants from New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu Tea/Coffee Break Presentation of WPR water quality needs assessment [mdings in Fiji Samoa and Tonga Reception/Cocktails
1200 1330
1500 1530 1830
30 October - Tuesday 0830 0930 1000 1030 1200 1330 Summary of country reports including survey results for the South Pacific Presentation of WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality Tea/Coffee Break Continuation of presentation of WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality including plenary, question and answer and discussion Lunch Review and updating of Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality - Chemical Protocol - Bacteriological issues - Protection and control
- 16Annex 2
1430 1500 1530 1615
Presentation: Planning and implementation of Drinking water quality surveillance, Quality assurance and Quality control Tea/Coffee Break Continuation - Presentation of Drinking water quality surveillance and management Group discussion
31 October - Wednesday 0830 0900 0930 1000 1030 1200 1330 1500 1530 1700 Summary of Day 2 Presentation of Group discussions Plenary on issues raised on surveillance and management Tea/Coffee Break Introduction - Formulation of a framework of Plan of Action development for Pacific Island Countries Lunch Group discussion continued - formulation of the framework for regional action plan and country action plans Tea/Coffee Break Presentation of Group discussion Group discussion
I November - Thursday
0830 0900 1000 1030 1100 1230 1330
Summary of Day 3 Presentation on Capacity Building and Human Resources Management Tea/Coffee Break Presentation on tools: community based management - participatory approaches Panel discussion: Lesson learned and next steps Lunch Wrap-up and Closing
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ANNEX 3
LIST OF DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE WORKSHOP
Title Opening Speech WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality Synthesis Report Findings and Recommendations Needs Assessment of Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Monitoring and Assessment of Microbiological Quality Needs Assessment of Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Control in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) Overview Pacific Island Workshops: Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga Chemical Safety of Drinking Water: Identifying Priorities using Limited Information Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality Vol I Recommendations Report of Drinking Water Quality Committee Meeting, Berlin, 5-9 June 2001 Meeting on Effective Approaches to Regulating Microbiological Drinking-Water Quality, Adelaide, Australia, 14-18 May 2001 Needs Assessment of Drinking Water Quality Surveillance, and Control in Guam Drinking-Water Quality Management Country Report New Zealand Pohnpei Country Report Workshop on Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety in Kiribati Country Report Country Report Tuvalu Solomon Islands Country Report on Drinking Water Quality, Surveillance and Safety Workshop Republic of Palau Country Report Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety in Kiribati Country Report Kingdom of Tonga Sanitary Management of Drinking Water in New-Caledonia
Author(s) Shigeru Omi Gene Peralta Sam Godfrey and Guy Howard Sam Godfrey Sam Godfrey Paul Heinsbroek Philip Arthur Kingston Darryl Jackson WHO WHO WHO
Angel B. Marquez Michael Taylor Eleden Hellan Taboia Metutera and Tianuare Taeuea Falealili Feagai Jack Filiomea and Bobby Patterson Portia K. Franz Taboia Metutera and Tianuare Taeuea Litili 'Ofanoa and Lelea Tu'itupou Frederic Hannecart
- 18Annex 3
Fiji Country Report Country Report - Cook Islands Samoa Progress Report for Drinking Water Quality Surveillance and Safety Workshop Country Report American Samoa Country Report Australia Country Report Cook Islands Country Report Federated States of Micronesia Country Report Fiji Country Report French Polynesia Country Report Guam Country Report Kiribati Country Report Marshall Islands Country Report Niue Country Report New Caledonia Country Report New Zealand Country Report Republic of Palau Country Report Papua New Guinea Country Report Samoa Country Report Solomon Islands Country Report Tonga Country Report Tuvalu
Waisele Delai and Unaisi Bera P. Emile Tua Tipi and Kuinimeri Asora Pasesa Lafitaga Paul Byleveld and Ho Kai-Chye Porinae Emile Moses Pretrick and Elden Hellan Waisale Delai and Unaisi T. Bera Glenda Melix Angel B. Marquez Taboia Metutera and Tianuare Taeuea Abraham Hicking John Hetutu Frederic Hannecart Michael Taylor and John Youngs on Portia Franz Masu William Muru and James Teio Tua Tipi and Kuinimeri Asora Jack Filiomea and Patterson Talota Lelea Tu' itupou and Litili 'Ofanoa Falealili Feagai
Country Report Vanuatu
Viran Tovu and Rosette Kalmet
- 19 ANNEX 4
OPENING SPEECH BY DR. SHIGERU OMI, REGIONAL DIRECTOR WHO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, AT THE WORKSHOP ON DRINKING WATER SURVEILLANCE AND SAFETY NADI, FDI, 29 OCTOBER-l NOVEMBER 2001
DR TIMAIMA TUIKETEI (District Medical Officer), CONSULTANTS, PARTICIPA,l\ITS, COLLEAGUES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Easy and convenient access to water that is safe in quality and adequate in quantity is a fundamental human need. Deteriorations in accessibility, adequacy, and safety of drinking water can have major health and economic implications. Water resources historically used for drinking and domestic hygiene are increasingly in demand for other uses. These include agriculture for food production, industry, aquaculture, and recreation. While Member States of the Western Pacific Region have been working on providing improved water supplies that are accessible and safe, progress to date has varied. In some of our Member States, for example Cambodia, parts of China, and Viet Nam, the natural occurrence of high concentrations of arsenic and fluorides in groundwater used as a source of drinking water has created potentially serious public health concerns. Also, seepage of nitrates and other residues from chemicals used in agriculture and industry intro ground and surface waters used for drinking has created similar concerns in a number of countries. In such situations, the cost of providing alternative supplies is usually very high, and the poor, who are reliant on community water supplies, are the population group most at risk. Fortunately, the risk of contamination due to naturally occurring chemicals is lower in Pacific Island Member States. However, they still face significant risk to public health mainly from poor sanitation and personal hygiene practices; and, to a lesser extent, from seepage of nitrates and other residues from chemicals used in agriculture and industry into ground and surface waters used for drinking. The Guidelines related to drinking water quality (or GDWQ) provide a basis for development and management of national and international standards for drinking water quality. They are used worldwide, and contain information on "good practices" which serves as a high quality resource that is used extensively by "practitioners". The GDWQ were first published in 1984. They have subsequently been reviewed and updated as necessary. This has been done to reflect the latest knowledge on the health impact of microbial and chemical elements in drinking water. This has also provided a mechanism for formulating best practices to reduce the adverse effects due to these elements and to achieve maximum health benefits. Since the last update of the GDWQ in 1993, new evidence regarding water-related bacteriological and chemical influences on health has emerged. Therefore, in 1995 it was agreed that the GDWQ would be updated through a series of consultations and meetings to be held in 2001-2002. This was intended to help ensure that all countries participate actively in the process so that the resulting GDWQ reflects, more realistically, issues related to source, purification, distribution, testing, communities, households, etc.
- 20Annex 4
In addition to establishing actual guideline values, the new GDWQ will pay more attention to various aspects of good practice. In this regard, it is particularly important to know the actual situation regarding how "safe" the drinking water us, and the feasibility of applying the GDWQ to the realities of problems in the field. This meeting is one of the several opportunities for countries to have direct input to the formulation of the new GDWQ. The focus ofthe meeting will be on assessing the efforts by the Member States to make public water supplies for drinking water and other domestic purposes safe; and to provide input to ongoing global work to revise the current GDWQ. Outputs from the Regional meeting will be considered at the "Global Meeting on the Revision of WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality" which is also being organized in the Region before the end of 200 1. The global meeting will bring together both global and regional experts involved in the revision of the "Chemical" aspects and "Protection and Control" aspects of the GDWQ. An agenda item in that meeting will be the "Protocol" on chemical aspects of the GDWQ that is being jointly developed and field tested by WPRO and SEARO. In this workshop, you will have the following important tasks to carry out. You will have to: (1) review progress made in each of your countries in developing safe water supplies consistent with the 1993 GDWQ;
(2) assess the effectiveness of the 1993 GDWQ and the associated implementation mechanisms in protecting public health; (3) prepare a framework for developing national action plans for overcoming constraints to implementing the 1993 GDWQ; and (4) provide recommendations for: (a) the development of a practical protocol to guide your own and other countries of the Region in deciding what chemical contaminants and health aesthetic parameters are to be monitored on a priority basis; (b) for consideration in the ongoing review and updating of the 1993 GDWQ by a meeting of global experts to be held in Manila, Philippines from 19 to 23 November 2001; and (c) for reviewing and updating the drinking water quality monographs on arsenic, fluorides, and nitrates. As some of you are aware, WHO has arranged for two experts on monitoring and surveillance of drinking water quality to visit Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. They worked with our colleagues from these countries to introduce the Protocol on Chemical Aspects of Drinking Water Quality; and to carry out a needs assessment. Reports these experts prepared are included in your workshop package and will constitute two items of discussion at this workshop. You are managers and technicians of national authorities responsible for setting drinking water quality standards. Many of you are also involved in implementation of drinking water quality monitoring and surveillance programmes. You therefore have a very important public
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Annex 4
health function and responsibility. I am sure you will do your utmost to come up with relevant, appropriate and practicable recommendations and action plans. I wish all of you a very productive four days. I will be looking forward to hearing your concerns and the solutions you will be proposing. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Fiji and our colleagues in the Ministry of Health for their kind support and the excellent arrangements they have made for the workshop. Thank you.
SUMMARY OF COUNTRY REPORTS Country Water Resources Water Supply Cost of Water Institutions Involved in Water Supply Samoa Water Authority Sanitation, WWand Solid Waste Mgt Practices Increasing agricultural activities. Poor sewage management. Indiscriminate dumping of wastes. Poor management of on-site disposal systems. 90% connected to reticulated sewerage. Increasing use of pesticides. National Vision & Strategies Policies & Legislation Water Quality Water Management Quality Infrastructure Parameters Monitored SamoaDW 26 Standards Samoa EPA, D0H 2 Laboratories Water Source Protection & Control Water Authority Act Water Quality and Health
American Groundwater, 95% of the Samoa Surface water popUlation has access to water
Flat rate of SI2/mo for untreated water. 12¢/mJ min
Water for Water Act All, National 1965, Health Environment Ordinance Management 1959 Strategy
Isolated cases of Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis and Typhoid.
+$1.40 (metered) for treated water. Sydney rate: -USSO.47 (ASO.93)/m'
Australia
Surface water,
Groundwater
98% of the population is connected to pubic water supplies. 800+ community water treatment plants.
Various Water Utilities, Regional Authorities, Local Councils
French Polynesia
-85% Surface water; Groundwater; rainwater; desalination
Territory of Freoch Polynesia
National Local Water Government Quality Act 1993, Management Water Act Strategy 1989, Environment Protection Act 1970, Water Corporation Act 1995, Waterworks Act 932, Sewerage Act 1929, Water Conservation Act 1936, Water Resources Act 1989, Health Act 1937 In 1999: Deliberation No. 99-178 Decree No. 1639 Decree No. -----
Australian DW Guidelines, Water Utilities, Government Agencies, Several laboratories,
40+
Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality, Sydney Catchment Authority
Several outbreaks of waterborne diseases; 90 cases of cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis, 28 cases of Salmonellosis, several cases of Melioidosis and Hepatitis A.
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Department of Hygieoe and Public Health
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Guam
80% Groundwater, 20% Surface water
Consumption data; residential 65.6%,
commercial 20.2%, government, agriculture & irrigation 14.2%. IlPublic water supply systems 55% ofthe popUlation has access to potable water.
Guam Waterworks Authority, Guam Earth Tech,lnc., US Military Water System, Hotel Water Systems
Safe Drinking Water Act
Guam Safe Drinking Water Regulations, GEPA,4 certified laboratories
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Wellhead Protection
No history of outbreak. Giardiasis cases reported but not known whether waterborne or not.
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Kiribati
Groundwater, Rainwater
Supply is thm wells, trenches, gallery and reticulation systems. New Surface Caledonia water, Desalination, Groundwater
Costs vary from a flat rate of $5fHH per month to a variable rate of$91l000L
Public Utilities Board, Public Works Department, Ministry of Environment and Social Development
Inadequate sanitation
facilities. Solid waste is collected and disposed in land tills.
Cost varies. In Noumea, rate is 3 US$O.9/m
--
Inadequate sanitation facilities. 52% in the Islands did not have toilets, 27% in the North and 1% in the South.
WHOGDWQ, 12 Puhlic Health Department, Puhlie Utilities Board, Public Works Department, Several Health Inspectors, 1 Central Lab 57 Territorial Decree 1979, Water Resources Observatory 4 Laboratories
High incidence of Diarrhea and Intestinal infections. tv
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New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Pobnpei
Uncontrolled agricultural activities. Inorganic contamination trom corrosion byproducts and geothermal waters. Discharge of sewage into surface water. Groundwater 58% of the Water Board, Inadequate management Surface urban and EdaRanu, of sewage and Goroka water, 30% of the Urban Lower disposal of Rainwater rural population Level industrial have access Government, waste. Rural Water Inadequate Supplies sanitation facilities. Uncontrolled Surface water 100% oftbe Average cost Pohnpei Groundwater urban and Utility WW is US$0.50/m' Corporation, discharge and Rainwater 50% of the agricultural Omce of rural run-offs. Public population [nadequate Works, have access sanitation Private to safe water. facilities. Bottling Companies. Solid waste disposal through sanitary cE.ndfill . --
25% Groundwater, 49% Surface water, 26% Others (combination)
100% of the population is served by some 2000 water suppliers.
Costs vary according to supplier.
Various water suppliers.
Health Act 1956, Water Supplies Protection Regulations 1961
Drinking Water Standards for NZ2000, Guidelines for Drinking Water Quali ty Mgt. InNZ, Several accredited laboratories.
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Public Health Regulation National Department of Health Several Laboratories
18+
In 10 years, several Resource Management notified cases of Campy1obacteriosis, Act 1991 Cryptosporidiosis, Gastroenteritis, Giardiasis, Hepatitis A, Legionellosis, Leptospirosis, Paratyphoid, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, Typhoid, Yersiniosis High levels of Diarrhea and Typhoid. N
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Pohnpei EPA Pohnpei Environmental Act 1992
High levels of Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis, Intestinal Worms, Cholera and Amoebaiasis
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I~ Republic of Palau Surface water, Groundwater 95% of the urban and 80% ofthe rural population have access to safe water. 20 Public water systems. Costs differ from flat rates of$IO$250!mo. to a variable rate of $0.85/kgal of water. Water Branch, Bureau of Public Utilities, Ministry of Resources and Dev't, Koror!Airai Public Water System, Rural Public Water Systems Poor disposal National of wastes, Master particularly Development waste oils and Plan lead acid batteries. Landfills are poorly sited and designed. Inadequate sanitation facilities. Poor maintenance of the sewage collection system. Inadequate sanitation facilities. Solid waste is collected and disposed in designated dumping areas. EQPB Public Water Supply System Regulations USEPA 25 DWQS Environmental Quality Protection Board In 1998, several cases of Amoebaiasis, Gastroenteritis~
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Giardiasis and Leptospirosis.
Solomon Islands
80% Surface water, 50/0 Groundwater, 15% Rainwater
91% of the population has access to water.
SI$1I35000L for areas covered by SIWA.For other areas, rates vary according to provincial water provider.
Solomon Islands Water Authority, Provincial Water Centers
Food Hygiene Regulations Act 2000
WHOGDWQ, -23 Australian OW Standards Environmental Health
Reported cases of Diarrhea, Hepatitis, Influenza, Cholera, and Typhoid.
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Division, Ministry of Health and Medical Services 3 existing laboratories, I ; planned Tonga Water Board,MOH 2 laboratories, Overseas testing done.
Tonga
89.02% use Groundwater, 6.23% Rainwater, 4.75% Surface water
95% of the population has access to potable water. 90% reliable. Reticu lsted 93.77%, Bucket 6.23%.
Urban: 0.00151 senitiJL Rural: 0.00106 senitilL (metered), 0.00664 senitilL (unmetered)
Tonga Water Board (serving 44% of the population), MOH (serving 56%)
Poor sanitation facilities. Increasing use of agricultural chemicals.
20+
Tuvalu
Groundwater, Rainwater
SI5.0/500 gallons
Public Works Department
Public Health Act
Health Inspectors
Vanuatu
Rainwater, Surface
water, Groundwater
88% of the popUlation has access to potable water supply.
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UNELCO Vanuatu Ltd., Department of GeOlogy, Mines & Rural Water Supply, Public Works Department, NGOs
Uncontrolled discharge of animal and human eJtcreta.
Public Health Act 1994
Public Health 30+ Department, Several Environmental Health Officers 3 Laboratori es
Diseases reported due to contaminated water: Typhoid fever, Ringworm, Scabies, Worms, Diarrhea, Cholera Draft Water Some reported Resources cases of Malaria, Management Filariasis, Diarrhea, Act Gastroenteritis, Scabies, Yaws, Intestinal Worms, and Typhoid. !
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