Public Health and Water Management

Public water systems are designed to provide an uninterrupted pressurized source of safe drinking water to end-users. In the U.S., about 60% of the population is supplied with water from surface sources and the remainders of the systems are derived from underground sources. The sources of drinking water vary in quality, availability, and sustainability. Treatment technologies are used to remove particles, dissolved substances, and remove or inactivate pathogens. The water distribution and storage systems that convey the water play a critical role in protecting public heath by preventing deterioration of water quality and controlling the growth and proliferation of pathogens. This can be addressed though water resource management approaches. As the water infrastructure ages, water distribution systems become more vulnerable to public health risks through introduction of contaminants due to water main breaks, corrosion, intrusion, solids accumulation, and other stressors. Water management practices can address current issues such as water availability, energy use, and the carbon footprint of water systems along with advances in treatment technologies which have spurred more integrated management of water resources including water reclamation and reuse, rain water and stormwater collection, and green infrastructure.