AWWA JAW60135

Despite strenuous efforts to prevent them, waterborne disease outbreaks continue to occur from time to time in countries that have the knowledge and capability to prevent them. This article presents the concept that multiple adverse events or changes can often be associated with waterborne disease outbreaks. The information in this article is designed to encourage water treatment plant operators, water quality supervisors, and plant managers to maintain vigilance at all times so circumstances that might lead to a treatment failure and a disease outbreak can be avoided. The authors discuss the importance of water treatment plant personnel being alert at all times and remaining watchful for changes in source water quality, changes in treated water quality, or both to help minimize the likelihood of future waterborne disease outbreaks.