A new regulatory framework for drinking water in Western Australia

Overview

The key focus of this consultation is to obtain feedback on the most effective option to manage the public health risks associated with the supply of drinking water in Western Australia (WA).

Please read the discussion paper on “A new regulatory framework for drinking water in Western Australia” before completing this survey.

The discussion paper provides a summary of the current regulatory framework for drinking water in WA and highlights the improvements that can be made to manage the public health risks associated with the supply of drinking water in WA more effectively. The three options for the new regulatory framework are:

• Option 1: Retain the status quo, that is, to replicate as far as is practicable the relevant provisions of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 (Health (MP) Act) in regulations under the Public Health Act 2016 (Public Health Act) and retain the arrangements with Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to condition the license of any drinking water service providers to enter into a binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health (DOH).
• Option 2: Deregulate the drinking water supply industry, that is, to repeal without replacement the relevant provisions of the Health (MP) Act. Drinking water suppliers will be allowed self-regulate and will only be bound by the general public health duty provisions of the Public Health Act.
• Option 3: Develop a new public health regulatory framework for drinking water under the Public Health Act which introduces a holistic approach to the management of public health risks associated with the supply of drinking water that would apply to the delivery chain from the catchment to consumer for all drinking water supplies in WA, including those not currently captured by other regulatory frameworks.

DOH’s preferred option is to develop a new public health regulatory framework for drinking water under the Public Health Act. A proposed regulatory framework that aligns with the principles and provisions of the Public Health Act is also presented in the discussion paper.

The survey should take approximately 40 minutes to complete. There are 44 questions. You do not have to comment on all the questions, and can focus on those areas that are important to you.

You will also be able to save your responses and return at a later time to complete the survey before submitting it.

You can read the survey questions here prior to completing the online survey.

When you complete each section, you will be returned to this page. Once you have completed at least one section, a submit button will appear.

At the completion of the survey, please make sure that you click the 'Submit' button at the bottom of this page in order to submit your responses.

Why your views matter

With the introduction of the Public Health Act in WA, the provisions in the Health (MP) Act relating to the safety of drinking water, must be reviewed and either repealed or replaced with new regulations in accordance with the new regulatory framework.

As part of the review process, this consultation will provide the DOH with valuable feedback on the most effective option to manage the public health risks associated with the supply of drinking water and the proposed regulatory framework. The feedback will also be presented to the Better Regulation Unit to assist in future management decision making.

You are welcome to provide additional feedback that may not be related to any of the questions or ideas for options that have not been considered.

Please explain the reasons behind your suggestions, and where possible evidence to support your views, estimates of any costs that may relate to the proposal, and examples of solutions.

What happens next

The information gathered from this consultation will be used in the development of the new regulatory framework. Your input is crucial as it will assist in identifying the areas of the proposed regulatory framework that needs further consideration.

After analysis of all submissions, a determination of which option to adopt, will be made. The results and findings of the consultation will be presented in a consultation summary report and submitted to the WA Better Regulation Unit, to support the preferred option.

The consultation summary report will be made available on the Department of Health website. 

Please email publichealthact@health.wa.gov.au if you have any queries.