Memorandum of Understanding
between the
Department of Health
and
Water Corporation
for
Drinking Water
Mou2007v04.doc
Memorandum of Understanding
for
Drinking Water
Modification / Approval History
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Memorandum of Understanding
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
THIS MEMORANDUM is entered into on the
day of
2007.
BETWEEN THE WATER CORPORATION ("the Corporation")
OF THE ONE PART
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ("the Department")
OF THE OTHER PART
CONTEXT
A.
The Corporation is a corporatised body under the Water Corporation Act 1995.
The Corporation has the responsibility for providing a supply of drinking water in
line with sound commercial practices and in accordance with its operating
licence.
B.
The Corporation may also provide specialist advice to the Department on
drinking water matters.
C.
The Department is the regulatory agency for drinking water quality in Western
Australia.
C.
The Department has a role in providing advice to the Government on standards
in relation to drinking water quality and associated risks to public health.
D.
The Department has certain responsibilities in relation to the protection of public
health under the Health Act 1911 and other relevant legislation.
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Contents
1.0
FOREWORD
1
Design of the MoU
2
2.0
INTERPRETATION
3
3.0
COMMITMENT TO DRINKING WATER QUALITY
4
Resource the MoU
Identify Responsible Officers
Recognise and Support the Advisory Committee for the Purity of Water
Develop and Improve Drinking Water Quality Regulation
Work to Protect Drinking Water Catchment Areas
4
4
4
4
4
ADMINISTRATION OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY
4
Adoption of Drinking Water Guidelines
Current Drinking Water Quality Requirements
Variations to Standard Quality Specifications
Additional Quality Specifications
Exemptions
Schedules to the MoU
Ministerial Approval to vary Standard Quality Specifications
Water Corporation Quality Obligation
Safe Water Supply
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
OTHER FORMS OF WATER SUPPLY
5
Water Supply Classifications
Water Quality Regulation
5
6
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
6
Monitoring Programs
Water Quality Management Processes and Procedures.
Source Protection
Monitoring Programs
Water Analysis
6
6
6
6
6
MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS
7
Materials in Contact with Water
Chemicals Approved for Addition to Drinking Water.
Chemicals Used to Maintain Water Treatment and Distribution Systems.
Chemicals and Materials Used in Drinking Water Catchment Areas.
Seeking Approval
7
7
7
7
7
DATA EXCHANGE
7
Corporation Data
7
1.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
5.0
5.1
5.2
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
8.0
8.1
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8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
10.0
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
11.0
11.1
11.2
11.3
12.0
12.1
12.2
13.0
13.1
14.0
14.1
14.1.1
14.1.2
14.1.3
14.2
14.2.1
14.2.2
15.0
15.1
16.0
Department Data
Special Investigations
Information Exchange
Confidentiality
Reporting Formats
8
8
8
8
8
EVENTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE
8
Framework
Notifiable Events
Corporation to Report
Department to Respond
Declaration of Unsafe Drinking water
Maintenance of Incident Response Plans
Incident Response Plan Training and Exercises
Monthly Coordination Meeting
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
PUBLIC HEALTH NECESSITY
9
Background
Determination
Declaration
Communication
9
9
10
10
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
10
Public Education
Corporation Annual Quality Report
Department Annual Quality Report
10
10
10
IMPLEMENTING THE 2004 AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER
GUIDELINES
10
Background
Implementation of Framework
10
10
EMERGING ISSUES
10
Monitoring and Response
10
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
11
Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies
Administration
Operational Review
Public Education
Pesticides
Use of Pesticides in Catchments
Review of PSC 88
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
11
Contracts
11
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
12
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16.1
16.2
16.3
16.4
16.5
16.6
16.7
17.0
17.1
17 2
17.3
18.0
Role
As Regulator
As Adviser to the Corporation
As Resource
As Auditor
As Adviser to the Public
To Provide Public Notification – Specific needs
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
TERM REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
13
Expiry
Amendment of MOU Upon Agreement
Amendment of Binding Protocols and Schedules upon Agreement
13
13
13
ENDORSEMENTS
14
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1.0
Foreword
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) continues the strong co-operative
relationship that exists between the Water Corporation (Corporation) and the
Department of Health (the Department) for managing drinking water quality in
Western Australia.
This MoU acknowledges that significant changes have occurred in the water
industry in Western Australia since 1996. The 2006 amendment incorporates
the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guideline ‘Framework’, approach and is
designed to integrate all facets of the drinking water quality management and
assurance system.
Foremost in this MoU is the reinforcement of the Department of Health as the
regulator of drinking water quality in the State. Consequently this MoU
enables the Department to audit the Corporation’s water quality, management
and reporting systems to provide assurance of ongoing satisfactory
performance.
Both the Department and the Corporation recognise that the practices and
processes used to establish and maintain high levels of drinking water quality
need to be open and transparent to the community. Both organisations
commit to ensure that performance will be reported in a timely manner and
open to public scrutiny. As this momentum develops, the requirement to
educate the public on water quality issues will need to be jointly addressed by
both agencies.
This MoU has been designed to respond to change, as significant water
quality issues continue to emerge, both in Australia and around the world. The
2004 Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality published by the World Health
Organization and the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines identify
catchment management and source protection as key elements of the multi
barrier approach to ensure safe drinking water. Both agencies are committed
to maintain and improve these primary barriers.
Both agencies have contributed to the development of the Drinking Water
Quality Framework arising from the rolling revision of the 1996 Australian
Drinking Water Guidelines. Both agencies now commit to apply the 2004
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004 ADWG) throughout Western
Australia. This will provide a significant opportunity to reinforce the importance
of protecting drinking water through the co-operation and support of many
other parties in all aspects of drinking water supply from the catchment to the
tap.
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1.1
Design of the MoU
This Memorandum of Understanding is modelled, as far as possible, to reflect
the twelve guiding elements of the Framework for Drinking Water Quality
contained within the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Element
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Commitment to drinking water
quality
Assessment of the drinking
water supply system
Preventative measures for
drinking water quality
management
Operational procedures and
process control
Verification of drinking water
quality
Management of emergencies
Employee awareness and
training
Community involvement and
awareness
Research and development
Documentation and reporting
Evaluation and audit
Review and continual
improvement
MoU Sections
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5,
4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 14.1
6.1, 6.3
6.1, 10.0, 12.0
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5
6.1, 6.4
9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3,
10.4
9.7
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 14.1.3
8.3, 8.4, 13.1
8.1, 8.2, 8.5, 8.6
16.5
9.8, 13.1
In addition this MoU makes reference to:
 Schedules – documents prepared by the Department for general
publication and application within the water industry.
 Binding Protocols – documents developed by both the Department and
Corporation for detailing processes and procedures to be followed for
prescribed events. These documents may not necessarily be publicly
available as they may contain operationally sensitive details; and
 Water Quality Management Processes and Procedures - documents
prepared by the Corporation to facilitate the operational implementation of
water quality management processes and procedures. These documents
are not publicly available as they may contain operational specific details
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2.0
Interpretation
Corporation means
Water Corporation
Department means
Department of Health
Drinking Water means
Water intended primarily for human
consumption but which has other domestic
uses.
Guidelines means
2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
published by National Health and Medical
Research Council and as amended from time
to time.
MoU means
Memorandum of Understanding
Operating Licence means
A licence granted for the purpose of Section
18 of the Water Services Licensing Act 1995.
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3.0
Commitment to Drinking Water Quality
The Corporation and Department are committed to ensure that the community
of Western Australia are provided with safe drinking water now and into the
future. To facilitate this both agencies will:
3.1
Resource the MoU
The Corporation and Department agree to provide adequate resources to
meet the requirements of this Memorandum of Understanding.
3.2
Identify Responsible Officers
An officer will be identified within each organisation who will be responsible for
monitoring, facilitating and reporting to their relevant Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) on the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding. Binding
Protocol 1 – Responsible Officers identifies the Responsible Officers for the
Corporation and Department.
3.3
Recognise and Support the Advisory Committee for the Purity of Water
The Advisory Committee for the Purity of Water will continue to operate under
its terms of reference under the chairmanship of the Health Department. Both
organisations are committed to the ongoing work of this Committee.
3.4
Develop and Improve Drinking Water Quality Regulation
The Department and Corporation will work cooperatively to develop and
improve health based drinking water regulation in Western Australia.
3.5
Work to Protect Drinking Water Catchment Areas
The Department and Corporation will cooperate in areas of mutual interest to
ensure adequate consideration is given to protect sources of drinking water.
The Department and Corporation will promote primacy of drinking water over
other non-compatible activities in drinking water catchment areas.
4.0
Administration of Drinking Water Quality
The processes for adopting, amending, implementing national and
international drinking water quality processes, procedures, standards and
guidelines are as follows:
4.1
Adoption of Drinking Water Guidelines
Prior to implementation in Western Australia the Guidelines for drinking water
quality are endorsed by the Hon. Ministers for Health and Water Resources.
4.2
Current Drinking Water Quality Requirements
The Department’s current requirements for drinking water quality are
contained within Schedule 1 – Drinking Water Quality Requirements.
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4.3
Variations to Standard Quality Specifications
The Department specifies the quality criteria for drinking water in accordance
with the Guidelines, but has the power to vary the quality criteria in specific
circumstances or for identified supplies, so long as public health is not
compromised.
4.4
Additional Quality Specifications
The Department may set additional quality criteria for the Corporation to
comply with or make interpretations where the Guidelines are considered to
lack relevant specificity. The Department shall consult with the Corporation
and/or the Advisory Committee for the Purity of Water before taking such
action.
4.5
Exemptions
The Department may grant exemptions for certain requirements. Exemptions
may be found in Schedule 2 – Exemptions from Compliance.
4.6
Schedules to the MoU
The Department in consultation with the Corporation and other members of
the water industry may develop schedules to this MoU. The Schedules are
intended to provide supporting information to this MoU and for other drinking
water quality requirements.
4.7
Ministerial Approval to vary Standard Quality Specifications
Variations, additions or exemptions to drinking water quality criteria as
specified in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 shall be approved by the Minister for
Health.
4.8
Water Corporation Quality Obligation
The Corporation shall supply drinking water that complies with the
Department’s requirements in sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6.
4.9
Safe Water Supply
Where the Corporation supplies drinking water that complies with the
Departments requirements it shall be deemed to be safe.
5.0
Other Forms of Water Supply
5.1
Water Supply Classifications
The Corporation may supply other “water supply services”, defined under four
different classifications:
 Standard drinking water service;
 Farmlands area water service;
 Service provided by agreement; and
 Non-potable water.
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5.2
Water Quality Regulation
The Department regulates standard drinking water services. However, the
Department may also regulate other service types to the extent that there is a
risk posed to public health. The Department’s conditions for the various
service types are listed in Schedule 3 – Requirements for Various Water
Types.
6.0
Systems Analysis and Management
The Corporation and Department shall maintain and apply an effective system
to assure drinking water quality. To facilitate this, the Corporation and the
Department may develop:
6.1
Monitoring Programs
In consultation with the Department the Corporation shall develop, maintain
and implement a drinking quality water monitoring program throughout its
organisation that identifies all relevant regulatory and formal requirements.
6.2
Water Quality Management Processes and Procedures.
In consultation with the Department, the Corporation may develop, maintain
and review drinking water quality management processes and procedures.
Processes and procedures that have been endorsed by the Department are
shown in Binding Protocol 2 – List of Water Quality Management Processes
and Procedures .
6.3
Source Protection
The Corporation and the Department recognise their responsibility in source
protection and will carry out hazard identification and risk assessment where
required to ensure reliability of public water supplies. Where risks are
identified within catchments, the Corporation and Department will respond to
reduce the risks.
6.4
Monitoring Programs
The Corporation shall develop and maintain monitoring programs in
accordance with specifications approved by the Department. The Department
may develop and undertake monitoring programs itself in special
circumstances.
6.5
Water Analysis
All samples shall be submitted to laboratories that perform analyses and tests
that are registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities unless by
agreement with the Department.
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7.0
Materials and Chemicals
7.1
Materials in Contact with Water
The Corporation shall only use materials in contact with drinking water that
have been approved either under Australian Standard AS 4020 or by the
Department. Materials approved for contact with water are listed in Schedule
5 - Approved Materials and Schedule 6 - Materials Assessed - Not Requiring
Approval (Subject to Condition). Materials that have been submitted to the
Department but have not been approved are listed in Schedule 4 - Chemical
and Materials Assessed - Not approved.
7.2
Chemicals Approved for Addition to Drinking Water.
The Corporation shall only add chemicals to drinking water that have been
approved for use by the Department. Chemicals that have been approved for
addition to drinking water by the Department are listed in Schedule 7 Chemicals Approved for Addition to Drinking Water.
7.3
Chemicals Used to Maintain Water Treatment and Distribution Systems.
The Corporation shall only use chemicals to maintain drinking water treatment
and distribution systems that have been approved by the Department. The
Department may specify operational procedures to be followed to ensure that
drinking water contamination does not occur. Approved chemicals and
operational procedures are listed in Schedule 8 - Chemicals and Procedures
used to maintain water treatment and distribution systems.
7.4
Chemicals and Materials Used in Drinking Water Catchment Areas.
The Corporation shall ensure that chemicals applied to and used within
catchment areas for purposes other than direct improvement of water quality
have been approved by the Department. The Department may specify
operational procedures to be followed to ensure that drinking water
contamination does not occur. Approved chemicals and procedures are listed
in Schedule 9 Chemicals and Materials Used in Catchment Areas.
7.5
Seeking Approval
The Corporation may seek advice from the Department with respect to the
suitability of materials, chemicals and procedures described in sections 7.1,
7.2, 7.3 and 7.4.
8.0
Data Exchange
8.1
Corporation Data
The Corporation will undertake to make available statistically valid results to
the Department of its water-sampling program in a format and with a
frequency agreed to by the Department. The Corporation will also provide the
Department with access to the full results of its water sampling if and when
required.
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8.2
Department Data
The Department will provide the Corporation with reports and studies it
undertakes which are relevant to those activities of the Corporation which
impact on public health.
8.3
Special Investigations
The Corporation will provide access to reports and studies undertaken by the
Corporation as part of its business which are relevant to public health.
8.4
Information Exchange
Each party will provide a program of their respective public health related
research and development activities associated with the provision of water
services. Either party can place confidentiality constraints on the information
and data that it provides.
8.5
Confidentiality
Information provided by either party shall not be published without the
approval of the information source.
8.6
Reporting Formats
The Department and Corporation will work cooperatively to establish reporting
formats.
9.0
Events of Public Health Significance
9.1
Framework
From time to time it may be necessary for the Corporation to notify the
Department of events that may have a potential to affect public health. The
joint response action will depend upon the nature of the event and the
potential risk to public health.
There are three levels of response to events that affect the safety of drinking
water:
 Activation of the Joint Agency Coordination Plan (JACP)
– high level public health impact, immediate public notification required.
 Events Level 1
- medium level public health impact with potential to require public
notification and activation of the JACP
 Events Level 2
– low level public health impact requiring exception notification.
9.2
Notifiable Events
Notifiable events and the corresponding response protocols are described in
Binding Protocol 3 - Joint Agency Co-ordination Plan and Binding Protocol 4 Water Provider Exception Protocol.
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9.3
Corporation to Report
The Corporation shall report to the Executive Director Public Health any event
within its own water supply systems, schemes or assets operated under
contract which may have significant implications for public health in
accordance with Binding Protocol 4 - Water Provider Exception Protocol.
9.4
Department to Respond
The Department will provide a 24 hour point of contact for the reporting of any
such events, in order that the Executive Director Public Health can determine
whether any action should be taken in accordance with Binding Protocol 4 Water Provider Exception Protocol.
9.5
Declaration of Unsafe Drinking water
Where necessary, the Executive Director Public Health shall declare water to
be unfit for human consumption and specify methods of treatment or
alternative sources of supply. The Executive Director Public Health shall also
rescind such declarations promptly when no longer necessary.
9.6
Maintenance of Incident Response Plans
The Corporation and Department agree to jointly maintain and review incident
response plans for the Corporation's drinking water supply systems.
9.7
Incident Response Plan Training and Exercises
The Corporation and Department agree to jointly undertake staff training for
incident response plans and conduct joint exercises.
9.8
Monthly Coordination Meeting
The Water Corporation and Department agree to meet on a monthly basis to
review and analyse joint management systems.
10.0 Public Health Necessity
10.1
Background
There are times when the failure of the Corporation's assets could pose a
threat to public health, e.g. the loss of water supply etc. Under normal
conditions the Corporation will take action to rectify such occurrences.
However, situations such as industrial action may arise to prevent the
Corporation from meeting these obligations.
10.2
Determination
In the event of a public health necessity the Corporation may request the
Executive Director Public Health to determine whether the event constitutes a
risk to public health.
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10.3
Declaration
The Executive Director Public Health may declare an event to constitute a risk
to public health and require immediate preventative or remedial action to be
taken.
10.4
Communication
The communication protocols outlined in Binding Protocol 4 - Water Provider
Exception Protocol Events Level 1 shall be used.
11.0 Public Education and Information
11.1
Public Education
The Department and Corporation shall jointly develop public education
programs relating to drinking water quality as required.
11.2
Corporation Annual Quality Report
The Corporation shall prepare a report for the Department each year that lists
drinking water quality testing conducted and their results in an agreed format.
11.3
Department Annual Quality Report
The Department shall prepare a summary annual drinking water quality report
incorporating data from all water providers.
12.0 Implementing the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
12.1
Background
The 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004 ADWG) continues the
rolling revision process described in the Guidelines. The 2004 ADWG
incorporates an integrated quality assurance framework that is designed to
manage drinking water quality from catchment to tap. This approach is
significantly different to the existing management structure and will require the
adoption of a multi agency continual improvement system.
12.2
Implementation of Framework
The Department and Corporation will work cooperatively with other
stakeholders to implement the 2004 ADWG within Western Australia during
the period of this MoU.
13.0 Emerging Issues
13.1
Monitoring and Response
The Department and Corporation will monitor and discuss emerging issues
currently not addressed by the Guidelines or this Memorandum of
Understanding that may be of public health significance.
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14.0 Statutory Requirements
14.1
Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies
14.1.1 Administration
The Department is the agency principally assisting the Minister for Health in
the administration of the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1966 (the
Act) and the provisions of the Act are binding on the Corporation.
14.1.2 Operational Review
The Department and Corporation will work to review the operational and
monitoring requirements of the Act to ensure that the requirements of the Act
are effectively met in a cost efficient manner.
14.1.3 Public Education
The Department will be responsible for public communication and education
with respect to issues of fluoridation.
14.2
Pesticides
The Department and Corporation are committed to the protection of drinking
water from pesticides and will continue to cooperate and encourage
involvement of key stakeholders to minimise the risk of drinking water
contamination.
14.2.1 Use of Pesticides in Catchments
The Corporation shall not use nor permit the use of pesticides in drinking
water catchments and areas of water storage except in accordance with PSC
88 “Use of Herbicides in Water Catchment Areas” or its replacement.
14.2.2 Review of PSC 88
The Department, in consultation with the Corporation and other key
stakeholders, shall review PSC 88 and develop Guidelines for use of
Pesticides in Water Catchment and Storage Areas.
15.0 General Administration
15.1
Contracts
The Corporation may contract to operate and maintain water supply schemes
and assets that are owned by others. Unless specifically stated in the contract
the Corporation may not be in a position to accept responsibility for ultimate
scheme or asset performance. The Corporation shall notify the Department in
the event that a contract restricts the ability to respond to an issue of public
health significance. The Department will seek to initiate remedial actions of all
parties concerned.
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16.0 Role of the Department of Health
16.1
Role
The Department’s roles are to:
 minimise human exposure to environmental health hazards that pose or
have the potential to pose a health risk;
 reduce the incidence and impact of communicable disease.
16.2
As Regulator
The Department is the Regulator of drinking water quality and sets out its
requirements to the Economic Regulation Authority for incorporation into the
Operating Licence.
16.3
As Adviser to the Corporation
The Department shall provide advice to the Corporation on matters regarding
the supply of water from catchment to tap.
16.4
As Resource
The Department in consultation with the Corporation shall provide public
comment on issues related to drinking water from catchment to tap.
16.5
As Auditor
The Department may audit the Corporation’s systems and databases used to
manage and report drinking water quality in relation to the following sections of
this MoU as required. (Generally this will occur prior to the Economic
Regulation Authority audit):

4.0
Administration of Drinking Water Quality.

6.0
Systems Analysis and Management

7.0
Materials and Chemicals

8.0
Data exchange

9.0
Events of public health significance
The audit scope will be prepared by the Department and discussed with the
Corporation.
The audit report should include recommendations for
improvements. The CEO’s shall endorse the audit report and timetable for
improvements. The responsible officers shall provide regular progress
reports. The Cost of the audit shall be borne by the Corporation.
16.6
As Adviser to the Public
In consultation with the Corporation, the Department will provide prompt
advice to the public, including media, with respect to water quality issues
16.7
To Provide Public Notification – Specific needs
In consultation with the Corporation the Department is responsible to notify
health care providers of drinking water quality issues that may effect the
public. For example:
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
In the case of nitrate concentrations between 50 and 100 mg/L the
Department shall notify community health nurses in the areas effected.
17.0 Term Review and Amendment
17.1
Expiry
The term of this Memorandum shall be five (5) years.
17 2
Amendment of MOU Upon Agreement
The CEOs can amend this Memorandum at any time upon agreement.
17.3
Amendment of Binding Protocols and Schedules upon Agreement
The responsible officers can amend the Binding Protocols and Schedules to
this Memorandum of Understanding at any time upon agreement.
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18.0 Endorsements
Signed
Dr Neil Fong
DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Signed
Dr J I Gill
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
WATER CORPORATION
Date:
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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
Memorandum of Understanding
for
Drinking Water
SCHEDULE 2 – Exemptions from Compliance
The following schemes have been granted exemption from compliance with Nitrate
guidelines
REGION
SCHEME/TOWN
Mid West
Cue
Meekatharra
Mt Magnet
Nabawa
New Norcia
Sandstone
Wiluna
Yalgoo
Goldfields & Agricultural
Laverton
Leonora
Menzies
Water supplied by the above schemes may contain nitrate concentrations between 50
and 100 mg/L. Consumption of this water does not pose a risk to adults. However,
nitrate concentrations between 50 and 100mg/L can cause adverse health effects in
infants under three months of age.
The Department through the Community Health Nurse will advise carers of infants less
than three months to use alternative water sources to prepare bottle feeds.
Schedule 2
Printed on 31/10/07
Page 1
Memorandum of Understanding
for
Drinking Water
SCHEDULE 3 –Requirements for Various Water Service Types
Four broad levels of water service are set to meet a range of Operating Licence
requirements such as pressure, flow and water quality throughout Western Australia.
The following water quality provisions apply to each service type.
1. Standard drinking water service
A Standard drinking water service is a connection to a water supply that is
treated to comply with Schedules 1 and 2 of this Memorandum of Understanding
and the standards and principles of the Operating License.
The Department expects the water supply to comply with all of the provisions of
Schedules 1 and 2 of this Memorandum of Understanding.
2. Farmlands area water service
Farmlands area water is water that has been originally treated to a standard
drinking water service standard. However, after long detention times in extended
pipeline systems it may not comply with microbiological provisions of the
guidelines although it would still be compliant with the chemical provisions of
Schedules 1 and 2.
The Department expects the water supply to comply with the chemical and
radiological provisions of Schedule 1 and 2 in addition to the following
conditions:2.1. Customers shall be advised to make their own arrangements for treatment
at the point of use to ensure compliance with drinking water quality
guidelines if the water is to be used for drinking;
2.2. Immediate notification by the Corporation to customers taking up this form
of service and upon change of ownership; and
2.3.
An annual reminder of the water quality conditions.
3. Service provided by agreement
Some services by agreement are fully compliant with drinking water quality
requirements but cannot meet pressure and flow provisions. Other services by
agreement can include services where, due to lack of treatment or operational
requirements, the Corporation cannot provide assurance on water quality such
that it will meet the provisions of Schedules 1 and 2 at all times. The water
provided under a service by agreement will have come from a drinking water
catchment.
The Department expects the Corporation to advise consumers either that the
water fully complies with drinking water quality requirements OR the water does
Schedule 3
Printed on 31/10/07
Page 1
Memorandum of Understanding
for
Drinking Water
not meet one or more of the microbiological, chemical and/or radiological
compliance in accordance with the following conditions:
3.1. Customers are advised to make their own arrangements for water treatment
if to be used for drinking;
3.2. Immediate notification by the Corporation to customers taking up this form
of service and upon change of ownership; and
3.3.
An annual reminder of the water quality conditions.
4. Non Potable Water
Non potable water is water such as treated wastewater, irrigation or other
untreated water supplies for which there is no intention that it should ever be
used for human consumption. Such water may not originate from a drinking
water catchment. The Department expects the following actions to be taken
where customers are provided non-potable water:4.1. Customers are advised the water is not to be used for drinking;
4.2. Immediate notification by the Corporation to customers taking up this form
of service and upon change of ownership; and
4.3. An annual reminder of the water quality conditions.
Schedule 3
Printed on 31/10/07
Page 2
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of
Health and Water Corporation for Drinking Water
Schedules 4 to 9
The following Memorandum of Understanding Schedules are now available on the DoH
website at:
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/970/2/drinking_water_treatment.pm.

MoU Schedule 4 Chemicals and Materials Assessed - Not Approved

MoU Schedule 5 Approved Materials

MoU Schedule 6 Materials Assessed - Not Requiring Approval - Subject to Condition

MoU Schedule 7 Chemicals Approved for Addition to Drinking Water

MoU Schedule 8 Chemicals and Procedures used to Maintain Water Treatment and
Distribution Systems

MoU Schedule 9 Chemicals and Materials Used in Catchment Areas
CIRCULAR NO: PSC 88
SUBJECT :
USE OF HERBICIDES IN WATER CATCHMENT AREAS
______________________________________________________________________
Purpose
PSC 88 is for the purpose of protecting surface and ground water sources that are used
as sources of water for human consumption from contamination by herbicides. The
document is a best practice policy statement that applies to all government
departments and their contractors.
Definitions
The term "Water Catchment Area" refers to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
proclaimed public drinking water source areas (i.e. water reserves, catchment
areas and underground water pollution control areas proclaimed under the
Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 or Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage
and Drainage Act 1909), and
reserves vested for the purpose of water supply; and
any other area that is designated by licensed water service providers and the
Department of Water and confirmed by the Executive Director, Public Health
"Blanket Area Spraying" means the application of herbicide by boom sprayer, aircraft,
misting machines, and like apparatus capable of treating a wide swath at one pass and
these swaths being matched by continuous passes.
1.
Other than with the expressed written approval of the Executive Director, Public
Health, the only herbicides that may be used in water catchment areas are:
2,4-D
fluazifop-p-butyl
hexazinone*
metsulfuron methyl - only
blackberry and cape tulip)
amitrole
glyphosate
triclopyr
when used for hand/spot spraying of weeds (eg
*(hexazinone can affect native vegetation and therefore should be used with care
or advice sought from the Department of Environment where sensitive native
plants are present.)
2.
These herbicides may only be used when no other means are suitable for the
control of weeds.
3.
2,4-D may only be used when the weeds are resistant to the other specified
herbicides or when other chemicals are not sufficiently selective.
4.
The specified herbicides may be used against declared plants and other undesired
weeds on water catchments and water channels or in the vicinity of reservoirs
provided timings, techniques and precautions ensure there is no spray drift or
early run off from treated areas likely to contaminate reservoirs, rivers or
streams. All applications must be under the supervision of a person experienced
in the use of herbicides.
5.
Application is to be limited to injection techniques or direct spraying of individual
weeds or clumps of weeds by apparatus producing a coarse or large droplet spray.
Other than with the expressed written approval of the Executive Director, Public
Health, blanket area spraying is not acceptable.
6.
No mixing of the herbicide is to occur within 50 metres of reservoirs, rivers or
streams. Except with the written permission of the Executive Director, Public
Health, no application is to be made within 20 metres of reservoirs or rivers and
streams when flowing. Application may be made within 20 metres of dry river
and stream beds during the summer months.
7.
Empty containers and all equipment to be removed from the catchment area
before washing and disposal.
8.
Other than with the expressed written approval of the Executive Director, Public
Health, any unused herbicide is to be removed from the catchment area and no
other herbicide except for immediate requirements is to be stored there.
9.
Rates of application, safety directions and precautions on labels of the original
container of the herbicide shall be strictly adhered to.
10.
Records of the amounts and dates of use of herbicides on catchments are to be
retained. They maybe required for investigation of incidents or complaints.
Dr M Stevens
Delegate of the
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PUBLIC HEALTH
29 August 2006