Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170

October
www.deswater.com
doi:10.5004/dwt.2019.24484

Risk assessment of water supply system safety based on WHOs water safety
plan: case study Semnan, Iran

Vahid Razmjua, Khalilollah Moeiniana, Ayat Rahmanib,*

a
Department Environmental Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Tel. +98 2332239087,
email: [email protected] (V. Razmju), Tel. +98 2332239180, email: [email protected] (K. Moeinian)
b
Research Center for Health Sciences and Technologies, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Tel. +98 2122239186,
email: [email protected] (A. Rahmani)
Received 13 December 2018; Accepted 2 June 2019

abst r ac t
This study investigated to assess and identify the vulnerable points in Semnan water supply
system based on Water Safety Plans (WSP) in 2018. The water safety plan quality assurance tool
(WSP QA tool) software was used as a tool to measure the weaknesses and the progress of the
water safety plan. At the first step, WSP checklists were prepared and completed up by experts’
staff and data analysis using WSP QA tool. In the next step, system hazards were listed and
ranked according to WHO matrix by team member’s expert’s view and the risk analyses were
arranged. The results show that the highest compliance with the implementation of the water
safety plan related to the step system description is achieved with (100%) and the lowest match
for the step improvement plan with (0%). It can be said that old infrastructure, old pipes, and
consequently pressure drop in point of use were identified as the most important hazardous
events. Considering that Semnan water supply is groundwater, by further focusing on other
areas such as basin, transmission and distribution lines and point of consumption, as well as
full implementation of the water safety program in this system, more favorable results and coor-
dination rates are achieved.

Keywords: Water safety plan (WSP); Semnan city; Risk assessment

1. Introduction safe drinking water should be possible for all commu-

nities by 2030 [7]. In the 20th century, with the advent of
It is the right of all humans to have adequate, safe,
science and technology, the entry of chemicals into drink-
available and affordable water [1]. According to the Mil-
ing water became one of the most important causes of
lennium Development Goals (MDGs), approximately 663
the outbreak of the disease [8]. The Centers for Disease
million people do not have access to improved drink-
Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the incidence
ing water supplies and there are 1.8 billion people that
of 34 water-borne diseases between 1993 and 2006 in the
the fecal contamination is transmitted to their water
United States is related to chemical compounds such as
resources[2]; and, In order to reduce this difference [3],
nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, and lead [9]. The framework of
it is essential to pay special attention to preventive man-
health-based targets, water safety plans and independent
agement of the water supply system [4,5]. Studies show
monitoring according to GDWQ (Guidelines for Drink-
that diarrhea is responsible for 10% of global mortality
ing Water Quality) is required to ensure water safety that
in children under the age of 5 [6]. In goals of SDG (Sus-
Guidelines has provided for supporting this framework
tainable Development Goals), it has stated that access to
[10,11]. Following the framework and structures that were
expressed in the stallion in 2001, the WSP was presented
in 2004 by WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines
*Corresponding author.

1944-3994 / 1944-3986 © 2019 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170 163

[12]. Following the framework and structures that were Semnan city. In the study just, groundwater was con-
announced in Stockholm in 2001, the WSP was presented sidered in this study. The study area and its location are
in 2004 by WHO (World Health Organization) [11]. The shown in (Fig. 1). Component of Semnan water supply
water safety plan has been implemented in many parts of system (catchment to consumer) is represented in this
the world, as summarized in (Table 1). (Fig. 1).
The WSP guidelines were used to assess the risk of the
water supply system of Semnan city and, at the first, poten- 2.2. A
 pplication of the water safety plan quality assurance tool
tial hazards in the system were identified. The purpose of
(WSP QA tool)
this study is to assess and identify the vulnerable points
with high risk in Semnan water supply system based on The WSP guidelines were used to assess the water
WSP in 2017. Detection and anticipation of weak points in safety plan quality assurance of Semnan city and, at the
the management of Semnan drinking water supply system first, potential hazards in the system were identified. The
will guide us to identify those areas that need improve- water safety plan quality assurance tool (WSP QA tool)
ments. By control of these points, safe drinking water can software was used as a tool to measure the weaknesses
be delivered to consumers. and the progress of the water safety plan. This software has
provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and
the International Water Association (IWA) based on Excel in
2. Materials and methods 2010 to assess the implementation of the water safety plan.
2.1. Study sites Also, this software is able to determine the points that need
to be upgraded [3].
Semnan is one of the cities of Iran and the capital of The software consists of 12 tables in which each table
Semnan province and Semnan County, and its climate is contains the questions and some tips about how to answer
dry and temperate. The city is located at longitude 5323’ the questions. In this software, the scoring is carried out in a
and latitude 3534’ and its average altitude above sea level 5-score system (zero to four); each step can include a range
is 1130 m. Groundwater is the water supply systems in from “Not started” to “completely done”.

Table 1
WSP initiatives around the world
Country Summary Reference
Iran Risk assessment of water supply system safety based on WHOs water [13]
safety plan: case study – Ardabil, Iran. With regard to the low level of
overall implementation in WSP steps and lack of enough attention to
water supply system in some phases, current control approach has no
sufficient efficiency to provide safe drinking water.
Asia-Pacific Measuring the Impacts of Water Safety Plans in the Asia-Pacific Region. [14]
This study provided an opportunity to test the impact assessment
methodology itself, and a series of recommendations are made to improve
the approach (indicators, study design, data collection methods) for
evaluating WSPs.
Uganda Case study of Water Safety Plan development in Uganda according to [15]
WHO guidelines
South Africa Annex C of South African National Drinking Water Standard (SANS 241) [16]
sets out a guideline recommending implementation of WSP approach
India Case study of Water Safety Plan development in Guntur, India according [15]
to WHO guidelines
Japan Japan’s trial introduction of HACCP into water quality management. [17]
Investigation into a practical procedure in introducing the HACCP into
water quality management in Japan
Caribbean Water Plus’s Partnership between PAHO, CDC and EPA to implement [17]
WSPs in Latin American and Caribbean countries
Europe TECHNEAU, an integrated project funded by the European commission, [18]
challenges the ability of traditional system and technology solutions for
drinking water supply to cope with present and future global threats and
opportunities. Work Area 4 is focusing on risk management
Taiwan Integrated water management plans towards sustainability: the Taiwan [19]
experience. Water Safety Plan was developed as the ‘Green Blue-Print’ for
the development of strategies and guidelines of national sustainable water
environment
164 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170

Fig. 1. Component of Semnan water supply system and location of Semnan city in Iran.

2.3. Risk assessment Risk levels are classified into four groups as follows:
Low (< 6), Medium (6–9), High (9–15), and Very High (>15),
Risk assessment was conducted through interview
which are shown in (Table 2).
and discussion methods and the Semnan urban water
These levels are calculated based on the following for-
and waste water experts, who had sufficient information
mula (Eq. (1)):
and awareness about the system, were used to assess
the risk. This group should be able to provide methods
Risk = Likelihood × Severity (1)
to control the risks. In order to understand the most
important threats to the system, prioritization of hazards After assessing the risks, using the views of the experts
has been done to focus on the most important ones; and, of the Water and Wastewater Company, texts, reports, arti-
in addition, the documentation on the risks was also cles and people who were aware of this, the corrective strat-
examined. Prioritization of risks was done in two steps; egies were proposed to prevent and eliminate hazards.
and, after the first stage, the second stage was completed
two weeks later. After prioritizing the risks, the 5 × 5
semi-quantitative risk matrix approach was used which, 2.4. Data analysis
according to the requirements of the water safety plan,
all potential hazards were considered [1]. The common The internal correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for
hazards in many four main component of Semnan water data analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha using SPSS software
supply system are listed. that identified a risk are priori- was applied to determine the reliability of the question-
tized based on risk assessment matrix in WSP. The objec- naire. This is a descriptive statistic that can be used when
tive of the matrix is to emphasize the risks and hazardous quantitative measurements are made on units that are orga-
events that had the highest importance in the water sup- nized into groups. It describes how strongly units in the
ply system. Next risk assessment, hazard analysis tables same group resemble each other. Cronbach’s alpha is one
are prepared and finally corrective actions are planned of the most common methods for determining the internal
to control and reduce the identified risks. All commonly correlation coefficient used which is calculated using the
identified hazard events to each component are listed as following equation:
follows:
j  ∑ s2j 
r∞ = 1 − 2  (2)
1. Watershed and catchment 10 hazards ( j − 1)  s 
2. Water treatment plant 12 hazards
3. Distribution network 12 hazards where j is the number of questions, Sj2, the variance obtained
4. Point of use 9 hazards for each question and S2 is the general variance of all questions.
 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170 165

Table 2
Semi-quantitative risk matrix approach [20]
Severity or Consequence
Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
or no impact compliance esthetic regulatory public health
– Rating: 1 impact – impact – impact – Rating: impact –
Rating: 2 Rating: 3 4 Rating: 5
Likelihood or Almost certain/Once a day 5 10 15 20 25
frequency – Rating: 5
Likely/Once a week – 4 8 12 16 20
Rating: 4
Moderate/Once a month – 3 6 9 12 15
Rating: 3
Unlikely/Once a year – 2 4 6 8 10
Rating: 2
Rare/Once every 5 years – 1 2 3 4 5
Rating: 1
Risk score Risk rating < 6 Low 6–9 Medium 10–15 High >15 Very High

3. Results Table 4
Results of general evaluation of WSP phases using software for
Water resources used for drinking and sanitary pur- basin separation for water supply in Semnan in 2017
poses of the Semnan city are supplied from groundwater.
These resources include three fountains of Gol, Roodbar System No. of Total Score (%
and Ruziyeh, wells inside and around the city. The trans- components questions possible implemented)
mission water from the sources of Gol, Roodbar and Ruz- points
iyeh is entered into 4 reservoirs with a total capacity of Catchment 23 88 30/88 (34.00%)
20,000 m3 and then is entered into the distribution network.
In addition, there are other reservoirs in this system, which, Treatment 23 88 0/88 (0.00%)
in total, the total volume of water reservoirs in Semnan city Distribution 23 88 30/88 (34.00%)
is 51000 m3. The length of the water pipeline to transfer the Point of use 23 88 32/88 (36.00%)
water to the city is 84 km. The length of the water distribu-
tion network is 696.97 km. Total 92 352 92/352 (26.14%)
The results showed that, out of 440 total scores related
to complete application of the program for the phases stud-
ied, 156 scores were obtained and the coordination with water safety plan related to the step system description
WSP was observed to be 35.45%. As shown in Tables 3 and is achieved with 100% and the lowest match for the step
4, the highest compliance with the implementation of the improvement plan with zero percent.

Table 3
Result of general assessment of WSP steps using WSP AQ tool for Semnan water supply system in 2017–2018
Table No. of questions Total possible points Score (% Implemented)
Table 3 – WSP team 5 20 18/20 (90.00%)
Table 4 – System description 2 8 8/8 (100.00%)
Table 5 – Hazard identification and risk assessment 7 100 52/100 (52.00%)
Table 6 – Control measures and validation 5 68 13/68 (19.12%)
Table 7 – Improvement plan 3 48 0/48 (0.00%)
Table 8 – Operational monitoring 4 64 9/64 (14.06%)
Table 9 – Verification 8 32 22/32 (68.75%)
Table 10 – Management procedures 3 36 16/36 (44.44%)
Table 11 – Supporting programmes 2 8 6/8 (75.00%)
Table 12 – Review of the WSP 5 56 12/56 (21.43%)
Total 44 440 156/440 (35.45%)
166 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170

Result of general assessment of WSP steps using WSP Table 6

AQ tool for Semnan water supply system in 2017–2018 Water quality results in year 2017–2018
Table 3. Content Maximum Mean Number Compliance
The correlation coefficient (ICC) by Cronbach’s alpha allowed percentages
in the post-test was r = 0.887; CI 95%: 0.380–0.913 (Table (WHO)
5). In addition, a Pearson correlation coefficient was
used to assess the accuracy of the questionnaire and its Free chlorine 0.8 0.48 60 100.00
results were obtained equal with r = 0.996, p < 0.001, (mg/l)
respectively. Total 0 0 60 100.00
To assess the of existing status, the biological and chem- coliform
ical parameters measured in Semnan water supply system (CFU/100 ml)
in 2017–2018 and their compliance percent with the stan-
Turbidity 5 0.77 11 100.00
dards represented in (Table 6).
(NTU)
SO4– (mg/l) 400 148.18 11 100.00
4. Discussion NO (mg/
2
–
3 0.0256 11 100.00
kg)
Protecting public health and providing safe drinking
water should be the main objective of public water supply NO3– (mg/kg) 50 9.22 11 100.00
systems [1]. These goals are achieved through system Fe (mg/l) 1 0.0375 11 100.00
assessment, operational monitoring, and Guided manage-
Cl (mg/l)
–
400 166.63 11 100.00
ment plans based on health and monitoring purposes [3].
As shown in (Table 6), the parameters measured during the E.C (µs/cm) 1000 881.5 11 100.00
one year that coincided with the launch of the WSP show Cd (ppb) 3 3 2 100.00
that these parameters are consistent with the standards bio-
logically and chemically that represent the safety of the sys- As (ppb) 10 5 2 100.00
tem during the research. Setty et al. conducted a review on Hg (ppb) 1 1 2 100.00
the five studies carried out in developed countries imple-
Pb (ppb) 10 5 2 100.00
menting the WSP showed the improved compliance with
water quality standards and reduced unwanted effects after Se (ppb) 10 5 2 100.00
WSP implementation [21]. One of the major challenges in Sb (ppb) 20 2 2 100.00
assessing the impact of the WSP can be mentioned the vari-
ety of water systems that are different forms such as urban
and rural areas, large and small, and so on, which can lead the lines in the distribution network, it cannot be expected
to the heterogeneity of the results of the WSP. In the water that training alone can be sufficient in the event of acci-
supply system of Semnan, at the present, the water safety dents and risks. Also, the probability of organic com-
plan is not fully implemented, but the measures taken in pounds in fountains water resources of Semnan, which
this system partly correspond to the water safety program can increase the potential of THMS generation in the
and thus different steps have obtained various scores. The chlorination process, the use of methods for removing the
results are presented in Tables 4 and 5. organic compounds such as coagulation [22], flocculation
Considering that WSP has recently begun in Semnan, [23], nanofiltration [24], ultrasonic [25], adsorption onto
but employees have a good awareness about the threaten- the activated carbon prior to chlorination can reduce the
ing hazards of the system, they somehow know the threat- generation potential [26]. The use of disinfection methods,
ening hazards of the system and their effects on health and including ozonation, UV and SODIS, can play a role in
water quality. This is because of the appropriate periodic reducing THM [27].
training that has been implemented and the results also Due to the fact that the formation of biofilms in the
indicate the appropriate training of relevant personnel. reservoirs is one of the potential risks of water supply sys-
However, due to the lack of the facilities and the aging of tem in Semnan and the chlorine is used as a disinfectant

Table 5
Interclass correlation coefficient
Interclass 95% confidence interval F Test with true value 0
correlationb Lower bound Upper bound Value df1 df2 Sig
Single 0.095 a
0.034 0.359 8.853 6 444 0.000
measures
Average 0.887c 0.725 0.977 8.853 6 444 0.000
measures
a. The estimator is the same, whether the interaction effect is present or not.
b. Type C interclass correlation coefficients using a consistency definition.
c. This estimate is computed assuming the interaction effect is absent, because it is not estimable otherwise.
 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170 167

Table 7
Matrix risk assessment and control measures of the WSP in Semnan water supply system
Type of risk Location Hazardous events Risk assessment Corrective action
Like Severity Risk
lihood
Physical, Catchment Rapid change in the 2 5 10 Improvement of transmission lines,
chemical, (source) quality of water supply Reducing the flow of input into the
biologically due to seasonal changes, treatment plant, stopping the extraction
floods, heavy rainfall in from the water source during periods of
the catchment area and high pollution, Deviation of local flood
catchment (severe drop currents by installing online devices in
in water entering the the direction of directing water off-route,
catchment) intake control in terms of entering different
and non-responsible individuals, matching
downstream processes in removing
pollutants according to their nature and
nature, Miscellaneous and non-responsive,
proportionate processes for the removal
of pollutants according to their type and
nature
Physical Catchment Lack of quality online 3 5 15 Provide adequate credit for installing
(source) monitoring system equipment, equipping complete portable
laboratory devices until the installation of
online devices
Physical Catchment Personnel disability, 2 5 10 The use of trained specialist people and the
(source) equipment and facilities establishment of training classes to increase
in specialized operations the level of technical and specialized
expertise, coordination between the relevant
units at the time of the incident, follow up
and submit requests for the purchase of
equipment required
Physical, Catchment Corrosion or incomplete 2 5 10 Check existing wells regularly, schedule
chemical, (source) wall inside the well schedules for monitoring and regular
biologically upgrades
Physical, Distribution/ Infrastructure of worn 3 5 15 Providing credit for replacing and repairing
chemical, transmission outs worn networks in the event of a high degree
biologically system of recognition and exhaustion
Physical Distribution Pressure fluctuations 3 4 12 Monitoring and recording the amount of
pressure/maintaining sufficient pressure on
the network
Physical Distribution/ Lack of proper number 3 4 12 Determining the status of the valves
transmission of water drainage valves and recording as a comprehensive plan,
system determining the exact location of the drain
valve according to the test results of the
blind and the end points of the network
Physical Distribution Entry of contamination 3 4 12 Monitoring and recording the amount of
system due to negative pressure/maintaining sufficient pressure on
pressure/pressure the network
fluctuations
Physical Distribution Lack of proper number 3 4 12 Identify the status of the valves and register
system of water drainage valves as a comprehensive map
Physical, Distribution/ Infiltration of 3 4 12 The rapid detection and removal of points in
chemical, transmission contaminated water into the system where frequent leaks, fractures
biologically system the distribution network and ... have been reported, rapid washing
during explosion, and disinfection of new main tubes,
fracture, leakage or developed health instructions and training
repair of water supply for all employees
lines
168 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170

Table 7 (Continued)
Type of risk Location Hazardous events Risk assessment Corrective action
Like Severity Risk
lihood
Physical Distribution/ Inability of manpower, 4 4 16 Use of repair manuals for main lines,
transmission equipment and facilities formation of specialized meetings for
system in specialized operations updating specialized information, holding
periodic training courses
Physical Transmission No installation of 3 5 15 Providing adequate credit for equipment
system qualitative online installation, continuous monitoring of the
equipment distribution network
Physical, Distribution/ Improper water quality 3 5 15 The immediate investigation of the causes
chemical, transmission after disaster recovery or causes of water quality changes and other
biologically system qualitative supplementary analyzes to reach
the desired results, to investigate complaints
from consumers about the quality of water,
such as taste, smell, color, turbidity, etc.
Refer to and fix the problem.
Biologically Reservoir The formation of 2 5 10 Continuous visits to reservoirs, scheduling
microbial biofilms in of washing containers to prevent biofilms,
storage tanks and THM conduct bacteriological and chemical
formation tests continuously and in accordance with
standard
Physical Reservoir Inefficiency diesel 2 5 10 Regular monitoring of equipment and
generator storage of consumables
Physical Reservoir Lack of equipment 2 5 10 Provide adequate credit for equipment
quality online installation
Physical Reservoir Damage mechanical 3 4 12 Periodic visits to the facility, the use of
equipment petroleum-based materials in the tank
repairs, especially lions and Peripherals
materials in the tank repairs, especially
lions and Peripherals
Physical Reservoir Damaged electrical 3 4 12 Elimination of defects by the expert, the
equipment expert at recruiting and defect fixes
Chemical, Point of use Contamination of 3 4 12 Provide a package for consumers on
Biologically domestic storage tanks how to use household purifying devices,
filter replacement time and possible
contamination in this regard.
Physical Point of use Lack of consumer 3 4 12 Immediate investigation of the cause or
satisfaction of the water causes of water quality changes and other
quality and the use of qualitative complementary analyzes to
alternative sources reach the desired results, Investigating
consumer complaints about water quality
such as taste, smell, color, turbidity,
etc. Addressing and solving problems,
providing educational package for
consumers in order to protect their water
safety in the field of health, proposing
sound and safe methods. To replace the
water supply section

in the system, the assessments regarding the presence of on two rural water supply systems in Beijing, China and
Trihalomethanes (THMs) should be considered, and its found that the coordination percentage of water quality cri-
measurement tests should be done [28]. The results of the teria with standards has increased in both systems after the
investigation of heavy metals in the water supply system WSP implementation [30]. The hazards of the water supply
of Semnan also indicate that these metals in drinking water system, along with the proposed corrective actions, can be
are at the standard levels [29]. Ye et al. conducted a study seen in (Table 7).
 V. Razmju et al. / Desalination and Water Treatment 164 (2019) 162–170 169

This table shows the 4 high-risk for basin area, 8 high-

risk and 1 very high-risk for water supply lines, 5 high-risk
for storage tanks and 2 high-risk for consumption. Among
all hazards, 19 are classified as high risk and 1 risk as a
very high risk. According to the results, the most import-
ant hazards in the basin area are the shortage of facilities
and equipment that these deficiencies can affect the qual-
ity and health of the water due to the occurrence of events
occurring in the transmission lines. Totally, it was obvi-
ous that these results distinguished the areas and points
which need to be improved and also determined the
insufficiency of current approach (according to endpoint
testing). Another main defect of the current approach in
Semnan drinking water management was concentration
on “Verification” and “System Description” and abandon-
ing other stages in authorities. This research appeared that Fig. 2. WSP output results of the software are divided into basin
management of major components of the water supply areas, distribution network, and consumption point.
system was not considered appropriate that may affect the
quality of delivered water to consumers. Therefore, the
investigated system is not completely safe and it requests 5. Conclusion
to be upgraded and improved. However, high scores that As a result, it can be expected that this limitation will
were assumed to some phases of similar verification, sys- be diminished by fully implementing the water safety pro-
tem description, and operation monitoring, rise the system gram in this system. The results of water quality showed
flexibility to change recent quality management to WSP. that there were no microbial and biological defects in the
In a study by Corinna Summerill et al. studied the role of water supply system of Semnan during the research period,
organizational culture and leadership in implementing the but due to the lack of complete implementation of WSP,
WSP to improve the risk assessment; they introduced the there was no guarantee towards the non-occurrence of the
continuous improvement of culture, accountability, com- problem. Moreover, there was no program to deal with the
petitiveness, the presence of active leaders, empowerment risks at the time of their occurrence and if contamination
of workforce and appreciation in creating an effective enters the water supply system, it can only be detected by
organizational culture [31]. the point of use tests. The employees of the water supply
There is pressure drop and insufficient remaining chlo- system are aware of the hazards of the system, but due to
rine problems which this pressure drop in point of use of the lack of facilities, this awareness alone cannot prevent
water produced consumer displeasure. In research in Ice- accidents and injuries. By completing the WSP in the Sem-
land, worn out distribution pipes are renewed in some nan water supply system, allocating sufficient funds to
zones that often-had high bacteria count in water samples, supply the necessary systems and equipment, as well as
about limitation also observed in water due to inadequate assessing all possible contaminating chemical factors, it can
external and internal auditing [32] exemplar the developed be expected that the risks of the system are controlled and if
in Iceland frame for water supply system safety [33], devel- detected, the future risks are prevented.
opment of a national frame that includes legal requirements
for protection and surveillance of drinking water quality
and its safety was recommended for Semnan water supply
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