If you want to gain insight into the microbiological risks of a fountain or water playground in the built environment, you can now perform the Water Quality Check online. This new instrument was introduced by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. The check is intended for municipalities and water boards, among others.
Water in a city or village can contain bacteria or viruses as a result of, for example, waste, dog feces or vermin. People can get sick from it. Usually it’s not serious, but sometimes it is. The online Water Quality Check can be used to check whether the water is contaminated. An advice immediately follows on limiting the health risks.
Instrument for urban water concepts
The instrument has been developed for urban water concepts: constructed facilities that are – temporarily or otherwise – filled with water and where decoration, recreation or climate adaptation are paramount. There is often a combination with green. The current version of the Water Quality Check only focuses on fountains, water playgrounds, wading pools and cheaters. Later on, other water concepts will be added, such as wadis.
The Water Quality Check consists of two parts: a questionnaire to map the microbiological risks of a water concept and a calculation module for simple microbiological risk estimates. The module can be used to calculate how many people are at risk of infection if they are exposed to the water. According to the RIVM, health risks can often be limited by practical adjustments to the design of a water concept or measures during construction or management.
Intended for municipalities and water boards, among others
The check is intended for all parties involved in the design, construction and management of water concepts. This includes designers, municipalities, water boards, environmental services, provinces and municipal health services.
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