Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Sanitary inspections play a major role in the prevention of contamination in water supply systems.
• Sanitary inspections begin at the source of the water. Preventing source water contamination is the most effective means of preventing contaminants from reaching consumers.
• Source water quality and conditions around the water source are the key elements of a sanitary inspection.
• Sanitary inspections include identifying and assessing the risks associated with collection and use of the water.
• They also include assessment of water management in the home, and ensure that household practices do not allow contamination to occur.
• There are specified procedures to follow when taking a water sample for analysis to ensure the sample is representative.
• Drinking water quality is monitored by the water utilities that produce the water. In addition, the Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority also analyses the water.
• The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (and its Regional Public Health Laboratories) analyse water samples in cases of complaints, and recommend remedial measures to overcome any issues.