This Act amends the Water Supply Act as set out in the Schedule. It, among other things, introduces various new definitions in the interpretation section, repeals section 10 and replaces it with new sections 10, 10A, 10B and 10C, repeals section 10 and makes miscellaneous amendments concerning administration (concerning the Water Department and its Director and the Department of Health) and penalties.
The new sections concern safe drinking water. The Minister may, on the advice of the Director of the Department of Water after consultation with the Director of the Department of Health, prescribe by Order a National Drinking Water Quality Standard. A Concessionaire must ensure that the water it provides complies with the National Drinking Water Quality Standard prescribed under this Act and shall, at least four times a year, carry out regular testing of water quality which must be verified by the Utilities Regulatory Authority. Each water supply system operated or maintained by a Concessionaire must have a drinking water safety plan. Drinking water safety plan must identify the risks that may affect water quality and quantity and must provide for the manner in which the risks can be reduced. The Department of Water is to carry out at least once every three years, a water safety audit on each water supply system that is operated or maintained by a Concessionaire.