The Safe water guide provides an overview of the approach that AusAID has adopted for managing water quality in activities implemented under the Australian aid program. That approach is based on managing risks. The guide outlines the steps that may need to be taken when designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating water-related activities, particularly the provision of safe drinking water supplies. It provides guidance on the procedures for identifying and managing existing and potential water quality problems.

Part 1: 'Framework for managing water quality', describes the general procedures that may need to be followed during the various stages of water related activities funded through AusAID -- procedures to ensure the best outcome for water quality in the development context. It outlines the steps involved and the roles and responsibilities of AusAID staff, contractors, NGOs and other parties, and how the framework relates to the activity cycle.

Part 2: 'Guidelines for managing water quality', includes advice on:

• assessing water quality
• identifying risks to water quality
• appropriate treatment and risk reduction methods
• developing management plans
• practical indicators for water quality in .field situations, and
• indicative sampling and analysis techniques.

Part 3: 'Supporting guidance', provides, as attachments, more detailed information. The supplement to AusAID's gender guideline and AusAID's specific guide for managing arsenic in water supplies are included. This guidance was current at 28 February 2005. Each subsequent part provides more technical or specific information to assist in managing water quality.

While the document has been written as a guide for implementing AusAID projects, it can be a useful reference tool for water management in general.