In an effort to effectively address the public health issues pertaining to drinking water, a
Technical Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water (TACSDW) was established in
2001 and produced this Environmental Health Field Manual for Private, Public and
Communal Drinking Water Systems in Alberta. This manual requires ongoing input and
maintenance to serve as a benchmark, and evolving water issues will require
consideration and incorporation into this body of standards and guidance for public health
professionals in this province.
This field manual is designed to be used by Health Agencies for the inspection and
investigation of public, private and communal drinking water supplies. This manual does
not govern POD, which is under the jurisdiction of Alberta Environment



Abbreviations
Glossary
Introduction
Chapter 1: Microbial indicators
Chapter 2: Sampling protocol
Chapter 3:Result interpretation
Chapter 4:Site investigation
Chapter 5: Water treatment for private and communal systems
Chapter 6: Communication and action protocol
Chapter 7: Disinfectant and pathogen reference chart