Operation and maintenance network
Rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
The establishment of a link with the operation and maintenance network is included in the plan of work of the rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
Background
The Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Final Task Force meeting (Geneva, 2003) stressed the importance of establishing a link between the Protection and Control Working Group and the “operation and maintenance network” (OMN). The network was created in 1981 during a global forum formed by 300 people. The core group consists of 10–15 persons. The OMN has produced several useful publications, which can be downloaded from the WHO web site. The manuals have been designed to accommodate a wide variety of people. In 2000, the Institute for Public Health, Japan, took over the coordination of the OMN.
Expected end-product(s)
Better harmonization of international activities and increased communication
Progress to date
A liaison who is from the Protection and Control Working Group as well as from the Institute of Public Health, Japan, has been appointed. The Working Group and the Operations and Maintenance Network have agreed to collaborate on specific tasks, and the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Working Group meeting (Geneva, 2005) encouraged continued linkage and activities.