Evaluation of the vulnerability to contamination of drinking water systems for rural regions in Québec,Canada |
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| Authors: | Geneviève Cool Christian Bouchard Patrick Levallois Florent Joerin |
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| Institution: | 1. Research Centre on Urban and Regional Planning (CRAD) , Université Laval, 1612 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval , Québec City , Qc , G1K-7P4 , Canada;2. Faculty of Science and Engineering , Université Laval, 2926A Pavillon Pouliot, Université Laval , Québec City , Qc , G1K-7P4 , Canada;3. Department of Public Health , Institut national de santé publique du Québec , 945, avenue Wolfe, 4e étage, local B4-56, Québec City , Qc , G1V-5B3 , Canada;4. School of Urban and Regional Planning, Université Laval, 1616 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval , Québec City , Qc , G1K-7P4 , Canada |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this paper is to describe a method for evaluating the vulnerability of drinking water systems to contamination, in particular in rural regions used intensively for agriculture. To do so, various indicators were developed to represent the source to tap multi-barrier approach for drinking water safety. These indicators correspond to four barriers: source susceptibility to contamination; water treatment efficiency; distribution system management; and, overall management of water quality. The indicators were classified, regrouped and weighted within a model based on a multi-criteria analysis. The method was developed and applied to 39 municipal water systems of rural Quebec, Canada. The model obtained can be used for planning purposes to prioritise water systems requiring improvements. |
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| Keywords: | drinking water rural water contamination multi-criteria analysis vulnerability |
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