Training on Developing and Implementing Water Safety Plans (WSPs)

Water Safety Plans (WSPs) are a proactive approach to managing risks across the entire drinking water supply chain; from source to consumer. By systematically identifying hazards and implementing control measures, WSPs ensure safe, reliable, and compliant water services.

This 5-day training equips WASH professionals, water utility managers, and public health practitioners with the practical knowledge and tools needed to develop, implement, and maintain WSPs based on WHO guidelines. Participants will learn to conduct risk assessments, prioritize hazards, define control measures, monitor water quality, and document processes for continual improvement.

Key topics include hazard identification, risk assessment methodologies, operational monitoring, stakeholder engagement, documentation practices, and strategies for continuous improvement in water quality management. Emphasis is placed on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises to build practical competency in WSP implementation.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to design and execute comprehensive Water Safety Plans, enhance water quality management, engage stakeholders effectively, and ensure sustainable safe water delivery to communities.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

• Water Utility and Supply System Managers
• Environmental Health Officers
• WASH Program Managers and Engineers
• Community Water Committee Members
• Public Health Inspectors
• NGO and Development Agency Staff
• Regulators and Policy Makers in the WASH sector

Organizational Impact

• Enhances the ability to provide safe and reliable drinking water through proactive risk management.

• Improves operational efficiency by reducing time and resources spent on water quality incidents.

• Strengthens reputation as a provider of high-quality, evidence-based services.

Personal Impact

• Builds in-demand skills for careers in water and public health sectors.

• Supports progression into senior management, leadership, or advisory roles.

• Equips participants to lead and champion water safety initiatives.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and structure of Water Safety Plans as per WHO guidelines

• Conduct risk assessments for water supply systems

• Identify and implement appropriate control measures

• Engage stakeholders and communities in WSP development

• Monitor, document, and update WSPs for sustained safety and quality

Module 1: Introduction to Water Safety Planning

• Overview of the WHO WSP framework

• The importance of risk-based drinking water management

• Key stakeholders in WSP implementation

• Case Study: Global experiences in WSP adoption

Module 2: System Assessment & Hazard Identification

• Water supply system mapping (source to tap)

• Identifying potential hazards and hazardous events

• Risk assessment and risk ranking methods

• Tools for community water system assessment

Module 3: Control Measures & Improvement Planning

• Selecting and verifying control measures

• Applying HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) in water safety

• Emergency preparedness and incident response planning

• Developing an incremental improvement plan

Module 4: Monitoring, Verification & Record Keeping

• Operational and compliance monitoring tools

• Parameters and indicators for verification

• Documentation requirements and reporting formats

• Auditing and updating WSPs: continuous improvement cycle

Module 5: Institutionalization, Capacity Building & Sustainability

• Embedding WSPs in institutional frameworks

• Community participation and education

• Training operators and local authorities

• Strategies for scaling up WSPs in low-resource settings