Water Safety Plans

Abstract

The article discusses the role of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support implementation of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) in Latin American and Caribbean countries. WSPs are a relatively new methodology being promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess and manage risk factors in drinking water systems from source to consumer. WSPs are a preventive approach conceptually similar to applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HAACP) principles to food safety activities. In Latin American and Caribbean countries, where CDC's current WSP efforts are focused, intermittent water service is typical; therefore, most households store water.