Microbial Health-Based Targets For Drinking Water: Current State And Australian Case Study

Through the avoidance of a substantial health burden globally, access to safe drinking water is an important foundation of public health(1). An emerging development in this regard is the use of public health metrics, such as disability-adjusted life years, to inform water safety planning(2). This paper examines the hypothesis that confidence in the protection of public health, on the part of water suppliers, health regulators, and ultimately consumers is strengthened through the implementation of a health outcome target for the microbial safety of drinking water. A case study demonstrating the implementation of the target is presented.