A WELL FACTSHEET Water quality and water safety plans Author: Sam Godfrey, May 2005 Quality assurance: Sandy Cairncross Edited and produced as a PDF document: May 2020 Globally, water quality standards and programmes are based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GDWQ). In 2004, the WHO, launched the 3rd edition of the WHO GDWQ. The guidelines mark a fundamental shift in approach to water quality away from just water testing and towards Water Safety Plans (assessment and management of risk to water supplies). The changes have been described as: ‘the most significant water-related public health development since the introduction of chlorine. The Guidelines’ requirement for drinking water safety plans should be incorporated in regulations across the world’. Michael Rouse, Chair of IWA. This factsheet outlines the rationale and implications of the changes proposed in the 3rd edition of the WHO GDWQ and highlights their impact on global water quality programmes.