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Water Quality Regulation In Water Quality Regulation In South AfricaSouth Africa

MMC

25 Feb 2010

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Purpose of Technical RegulationPurpose of Technical Regulation• The Department seeks to improve service

delivery through regulation; ensuring water services (drinking water quality) that complies with requirements.

• It was clear that output-based regulation would not suffice in an environment where there is a lack of expertise and understanding; Incentive-based regulation was then introduced through: Blue Drop Certification (Drinking Water Quality)Blue Drop Certification (Drinking Water Quality) Green Drop Certification (Waste Water Quality).Green Drop Certification (Waste Water Quality).

• This approach stimulates a process of sustainable improvement of water services delivery (water quality aspects). (Guiding through the introduction of international “Best Practice” as well as Measuring & Publishing performance.)

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Waste Water Services Regulation

• DWA embarked on a 3-pronged regulation approach regarding Waste Water Services:

EnforcementEnforcement

Leading to LitigationIncl. Directives

Incentive-based Incentive-based RegulationRegulation

Green Drop Certification

Risk-based Risk-based Targeted Targeted

RegulationRegulation

Assess risks and Assess risks and prioritise appro.prioritise appro.

Intervention according Intervention according to Cumulative to Cumulative

Risk RatingRisk Rating

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HowHow did the Regulatory Approach did the Regulatory Approach Improve DWQM in SAImprove DWQM in SA

2004 Less then 50% of WSA’s in RSA monitored DWQ.

2006 85% monitoring; 3200 sample sites (& tests) recording 94% compliance (monthly averages)

2008 Blue Drop Certification initiated; 100% Monitoring

2009 23 Blue Drop systems; 93.3% compliance (Microbiological)

2010 4500 sampling sites (>9000 tests) and an average of 96% compliance recorded. (monthly averages)

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15

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EC FS GP KZN LP MP NW NC WC

WSA

Blue Drop Assessed WSA's

2009

2010

Actual

WSAs assessed, 107

WSAs not assessed, 55

WSAs assessed, 156

WSAs not assessed, 6

20092009 20102010

96.3%96.3%66.1%66.1%

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What change BDC brought• Facilitated a paradigm shift from output-basedparadigm shift from output-based

DWQM approach to that of holistic (Catchment-to-Consumer) risk-based management.

• Water Safety PlansWater Safety Plans were introduced as per the guidelines of the World Health Organisation. (To ensure that all risks are noted and control measures are put in place.)

• The general publicgeneral public is now part of DWQ management & regulation through the publication. This stimulated accountability.

• But the process also revealed challenges and weaknesses on a supply system specific basissupply system specific basis. (No more need for sensationalist generalization.

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DWQ Information• In 2006 DWA availed the eWQMS (Electronic Water

Quality Management System) to all WSAs for the purpose of improving DWQ management. This innovation received a global award (2008) from the IWA.

• In 2007: DWQ Regulation System (DWQRS) was initiated to improve regulatory ability.

• The DWQRS (name changed to BDS, Blue Drop system), improved DWA regulation communication tremendously and this is evident in available information.

• www.dwa.gov.za/bluedrop. “My Water” provides credible information to the public.

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Status• Green Drop report 2009 was approved by Minister

and will be released to the public shortly.• The 6 municipalities that received Green Drop

Certification for the qualifying systems (32) received acknowledgements in May 2009 already.

• Expectantly the municipal waste water service requires much more improvement than DWQM. Shortcomings: Asset Management; Skills (both management and process control); Inadequate treatment capacity.

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National Overview & Perspective of Municipal Wastewater Treatment

towards targeted risk-based regulation -

• A National Waste Water Services Risk Assessment was completed in November 2009.

• This was done to augment regulatory intelligence in this regard.

• It serves as a credible baseline from where turn-around can be facilitated.

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Risk Abatement Approach

• The Department completed an assessment of all waste water treatment works in the country according to the following risks:

1. Size of Treatment Facility;2. Effluent Volume exceeding Design Capacity;3. Effluent Quality Failure Rating (pH; COD; SS; Nitrates; EC; E.coli;

FC; Ammonia; Phosphates)

4. Skills Compliance (Process Controlling).

• Two additional Risk Factors are being developed; Resource Environmental Sensitivity Management Efficiency.

Definition of risk:The possibility of suffering harm or loss / a factor, thing, element or cause involving uncertain danger / chance of disaster or loss / put in jeopardy.

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Waste Water Turn Around• Berg River Initiative – 6 WSAs discharging

effluent in the resource.• Risk Assessment used to define baseline for

each of the WWTW; and initiate turn around targets.

• Through PAWS; 2 UK waste water specialists assisted munics to identify key areas for risk reduction; to inform the risk abatement plans;Basic rectification measures were recommended;DWA busy monitoring progress; (attitude shift of

Municipalities are most encouraging.)

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Chasing a “green drop” or staying in the clear from a “purple drop” has become a target for most municipalities. This initiative is largely responsible

for the increased awareness and ‘urgent’ implementation measures taken by WSAs to improve their wastewater treatment performance

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Watch this space for…..Watch this space for…..• 2010 Host City 2010 Host City

Drinking Water ReportDrinking Water Report To be released 17 March

2010; The “My Water”“My Water” portal

will be officially launched.• Green Drop ReportGreen Drop Report will

be released in March 2010.

• Launch of the Green Green Drop SystemDrop System (Waste Water Services Regulation System);

• Blue Drop 2010 ReportBlue Drop 2010 Report will be ready for release in April 2010.

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Thank YouThank You

We will continue to regain the confidence of the Public We will continue to regain the confidence of the Public in the South African Water Quality fraternityin the South African Water Quality fraternity