Blue Drop: Slow but steady progress in restoring SA's drinking water quality

Abstract

Water quality A n innovation of the Department of Water Affairs (DW A), the Blue Drop certification programme for drinking water treatment systems was introduced along with the Green Drop certification programme for wastewater treatment plants in 2008 as an incentivebased regulation system to improve municipal drinking water quality and wastewater management. According to Minister of Water & Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, South Africa’s municipalities are increasingly embracing the programme. This is evident in the fact that 914 water supply systems were assessed this year compared to 787 in 2009. The certification programme works by measuring and comparing the results of the performance of water services authorities and their providers. Specially appointed assessors visit each water treatment plant, and score it according to a list of set criteria. Municipalities are subsequently awarded (or penalised) upon evidence of their excellence (or failure) according to the minimum standards of requirements that have been defined.

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