AWWA JAW56681

This article discusses recommendations made by a months-long formal inquiry into the Walkerton cryptosporidiosis outbreak. Commissioner Dennis R. O'Connor stressed the critical importance of quality management at the water utility level for ensuring the prevention of waterborne diseases. O'Connor's plan is especially noteworthy for seeking the first-ever requirement that all municipal water systems be operated by an agency that is accredited against an industry-developed and government-recognized quality management standard. His goal is to have such a standard in place by 2004 and all systems accredited by 2006. This article outlines the accreditation plan developed by AWWA and recommended by O'Connor.