Drinking water safety plans: barriers and bridges for small systems in Alberta, Canada

摘要: Water safety plans provide a relatively new management approach for identifying and addressing risks in water supply. In 2011, the province of Alberta (Canada) became first jurisdiction North America to require that all supplies develop drinking (DWSPs). This research explored implementation DWSPs through experiences ‘early adopter’ operators who work small communities. Specifically, in-person open-ended qualitative interviews with from 15 communities across were conducted explore challenges opportunities. The findings highlight number barriers associated relationships between decision-making bodies, regulatory authorities operators, which have potential support or hinder uptake DWSP. Findings also indicate DWSP can act as bridge, providing much-needed tool facilitate communication about help manage stakeholders. study revealed important useful insights community early adopter experience Canada could be applied other jurisdictions looking adopt similar practices.