Improving drinking water safety in the Latin American and Caribbean region is the focus of two new bi-lateral agreements between The International Water Association (IWA) and the Peruvian Ministry of Health and the United States Department of State.

Both agreements will support the ongoing development of a Water Safety Plan Network in the region. These plans provide the most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking water supply through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment approach that encompasses all steps in water supply from catchment to consumer.

”IWA is proud to be part of the process that will improve drinking water systems and support systems for water professionals in the region”, said Mr Paul Reiter, Executive Director of the International Water Association.

The agreements seal the establishment of a regional IWA office in Lima, Peru which will encourage multidisciplinary teamwork and networking between professionals in the public and private sectors who are concerned about drinking water quality and related sanitary issues. The United States Government is providing seed funding to staff a local coordinator and ongoing technical assistance for the network.

“Developing new partnerships that leverage the talent, resources, and expertise of the private sector and civil society is at the heart of the U.S. strategy to achieve global water security,” says Aaron Salzberg, U.S. Special Coordinator on Water at the Department of State. “The Water Safety Plan Network will help spread the knowledge needed to ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water throughout the region.”

This news is from the The International Water Association (IWA) announcement of 19 August 2009, Stockholm during the Stockholm International Water Institute  World Water Week.

Notes:

The International Water Association (IWA) is a global reference point for water professionals, spanning the continuum between research and practice and covering all facets of the water cycle. Through its network of members and experts in research, practice, regulation, industry, consulting and manufacturing, IWA is in a better position than any other organisation to help water professionals create innovative, pragmatic and sustainable solutions to challenging global needs.

The United States is committed to increasing equitable and affordable access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries, in close coordination with host country partner governments, civil society and other donors. In fiscal year 2008 the United States obligated more than $1 billion dollars for global water- and sanitation- related activities. For more information see the recently published 2009 Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act Report to Congress at http://www.state.gov/g/oes/water/

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