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Comparative evaluation of risk management frameworks for U.S. source waters
Author(s) -
Setty Karen,
McConnell Robert,
Raucher Robert,
Bartram Jamie
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
awwa water science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-8161
DOI - 10.1002/aws2.1125
Subject(s) - stakeholder , ranking (information retrieval) , risk management , categorical variable , risk assessment , stakeholder engagement , computer science , risk analysis (engineering) , business , environmental resource management , management science , engineering , environmental science , finance , public relations , computer security , machine learning , political science , law
The U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act required states to develop source water assessment programs identifying existing and potential contamination sources; however, comprehensive risk prioritization and management approaches for surface water supplies have seen limited application. This participatory study assessed which permutation(s) of risk management frameworks and tools might benefit U.S. utilities by combining a literature review with external utility interviews. Qualitative data provided a basis for categorical assignments of goodness of fit with each of 24 framework evaluation criteria across five categories. Weighted integration using stakeholder input provided a relative ranking of applicability, later validated at a decision‐making workshop. Hybridization of the American National Standards Institute/American Water Works Association (ANSI/AWWA G300) source water protection standard and World Health Organization Water Safety Plan guidance was recommended to develop a comprehensive risk management approach for U.S. source waters. Cost–benefit components of other guidance materials were recommended to incorporate financial considerations into risk ranking and mitigation decisions.