Water safety plan implementation in the Portuguese Aguas do Cavado Water Company

Abstract

Water safety plan (WSP) is a concept for risk assessment and risk management throughout the water cycle from the catchments to the point of consumption. It includes the identification of the hazards and introduction of control points that serve to minimize these potential hazards, providing for more effective control of drinking-water quality. This work outlines the way in which Águas do Cávado S.A. has developed and implemented a WSP in the multi-municipal water supply system for the Metropolitan Area of Oporto – Portugal. WSP began to be prepared in 2003 with external consultancy by the University of Minho, being a pioneer experience on applying the methodology in Portugal. By June 2004 the plan was established; the preliminary results will be available in late 2005.