The Discussion Paper identifies two primary functions of a Safe Drinking Water Bill. The first is to strengthen the protection of public health by providing a robust and transparent regulatory framework for drinking water supplies. The second is to provide clear direction to drinking water providers on how to achieve safety. In South Australia, drinking water safety is regulated under the Food Act 2001 and Food Regulations 2002. While this legislation provides a broad requirement for assuring that drinking water is fit for purpose it does not provide direction on how this requirement should be achieved or how it should be measured. A Safe Drinking Water Bill would address the lack of clarity provided under the current legislation and prescribe a consistent approach to assuring drinking water quality.
