Vulnerable groups
Rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
Background
There is increasing awareness of increased susceptibility among certain vulnerable population groups to some water-related diseases. In particular, it is increasingly recognized that immunocompromised groups (e.g., those severely immunocompromised through HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive therapy) may be at risk from water supplies that meet normal, achievable standards of “safety.” The Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Final Task Force meeting (Geneva, 2003) recommended that guidance to address the specific concerns of such groups be included in the fourth edition of the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
Expected end-product(s)
New section to be inserted in Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (chapter 6 tentatively), to be included in the fourth edition; possible also a free-standing document.
Progress to date
A draft document has been prepared and will be circulated to the Chemical and Microbial Working Groups for comment.