Systematic approaches to the establishment of national drinking water quality standards in the Republic of China

'Drinking Water Management Regulations' in the ROC need to be examined and revised in order to meet local environmental and domestic requirements. In making these changes certain factors, including health risks, environmental monitoring, treatment technologies, cost-effectiveness analysis, and social impacts, must be taken into consideration. The National Drinking Water Quality Standards in Taiwan are established through a process of evaluation by experts and scholars. The appropriate strategies and implementations that should be taken to upgrade drinking water quality include water monitoring requirements, improved control of water sources, reasonable water rate structure, an effective system of notification, and public education.