Icelandic waterworks first began implementing hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) as a preventive approach for water safety management in 1997. Since then implementation has been ongoing and currently about 68% of the Icelandic population enjoy drinking water from waterworks with a water safety plan based on HACCP. Preliminary evaluation of the success of HACCP implementation was undertaken in association with some of the waterworks that had implemented HACCP. The evaluation revealed that compliance with drinking water quality standards improved considerably following the implementation of HACCP. In response to their findings, waterworks implemented a large number of corrective actions to improve water safety. The study revealed some limitations for some, but not all, waterworks in relation to inadequate external and internal auditing and a lack of oversight by health authorities. Future studies should entail a more comprehensive study of the experience with the use of HACCP with the purpose of developing tools to promote continuing success.
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Research Article|
March 01 2008
HACCP and water safety plans in Icelandic water supply: Preliminary evaluation of experience
María J. Gunnarsdóttir;
1Samorka the Association of Icelandic Waterworks, Sudurlandsbraut 48, 108, Reykjavík, Iceland
E-mail: [email protected]
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Loftur R. Gissurarson
Loftur R. Gissurarson
2Orkuveita Reykjavíkur, Reykjavik Energy, Baejarhalsi 1, 110, Reykjavík, Iceland
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
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J Water Health (2008) 6 (3): 377–382.
Article history
Received:
December 31 2006
Accepted:
July 31 2007
Citation
María J. Gunnarsdóttir, Loftur R. Gissurarson; HACCP and water safety plans in Icelandic water supply: Preliminary evaluation of experience. J Water Health 1 September 2008; 6 (3): 377–382. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2008.055
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