Risk of water quality changes in domestic water supply systems

Improper management and operation of domestic water supply systems, both in residential and public buildings, is directly related to serious health effects felt primarily by water consumers, but is also inextricably linked to economic and social consequences. Actions aimed at minimizing or completely eliminating the risk of threats to the health of water consumers should be, above all, a priority for ensuring public health. The risk analysis and assessment process currently covers the entire supply chain of water intended for consumption, starting from the water source and its supply area, through collection, treatment, storage and distribution to the point of its receipt from the tap at the consumer's. The implementation of Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption into Polish law brings with it a number of changes that must be introduced for application in all Member States. The aim of the work is to present the issue of estimating the risk of changes in water quality in internal water supply systems in priority facilities, threats resulting in health risks, regulations and guidelines for ensuring access to safe tap water as a fundamental human right. The work presents an example of risk analysis and assessment for a selected public utility facility along with an indication of actions resulting in increased security of supply of safe tap water to its consumers.