As mentioned in previous communications, risk analysis and assessment is an extremely important aspect, aligned with the latest management methodologies, introduced in the Drinking Water Directive and that shall be fully incorporate into local legislation. Four articles are specified in setting rules for the risk assessment: articles 7, 8, 9 and 10, this gives an idea about the importance of the argument faced for the first time in a so extensive and precise manner.

The risk-based approach aims to ensure the safety of water intended for human consumption and universal and equitable access to water. Risks related to climate change, the protection of water systems, and the continuity of supply should be assessed and wherever possible, mitigated.

The DWD address rules to the Member States that, in turn, shall ensure that the supply, treatment and distribution of water intended for human consumption is subject to a risk-based approach that covers the whole supply chain from the catchment area, abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water to the point of compliance (the water meter or the tap).

The risk-based approach shall entail the following elements:

(a) risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumption;

(b) risk assessment and risk management for each supply system that includes the abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water intended for human consumption to the point of supply carried out by the water suppliers; and

(c) risk assessment of the domestic distribution systems.

Article 8 set procedural guideline on the risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumption.

Article 9 is about the risk assessment and risk management of the supply system and last, the Article 10 is dedicated to the risk assessment of domestic distribution systems.

Any Member State is obliged to specify how the different risk assessment and risk management should be carried out by the appointed local authorities (e.g. water utilities).