Developing drinking-water quality regulations and standards

Overview

This document provides practical guidance to support the development or revision of customized national or subnational drinking-water quality regulations and standards.

The principles and guidance presented are broadly applicable across countries and contexts, including more resource-limited settings. Supporting examples from both lower- and higher-income countries are included.

Drinking-water quality regulations and standards developed or revised in accordance with this guidance will reflect the best practices identified in the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality to most effectively protect public health. 
Moreover, the regulations and standards will consider local needs, priorities and capacities to ensure that they are realistic and appropriate. Topics covered include:

- Guiding principles 
- Getting started
- Selecting parameters and parameter limits 
- Setting out compliance monitoring requirements