Forum discusses water safety plans

Muscat: Deliberations of the ‘Water Safety Forum’, organised by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) began today.

The five-day event is being held in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), several government and private entities, and over 40 representatives from licensed water sector companies.

It aims to enhance the preparedness of water sector institutions in implementing water safety plans, improving operational oversight, and ensuring water quality across distribution, storage, and transportation stages. The event aligns with WHO technical guidelines and seeks to strengthen the sector’s regulatory and supervisory framework.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Mansour Talib Al Hinai, APSR Chairman, who emphasised the Authority’s ongoing efforts to develop Oman’s water sector regulatory framework. He highlighted the importance of enabling operators to adopt proactive risk management practices and enhance safety measures.

In his turn, Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, stated that the training program to be delivered during the forum will bolster the development and implementation of water safety plans, ensuring their sustainability while equipping participants with new expertise.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Oman in achieving the highest water safety standards.

The forum’s agenda features five specialised training phases spread across five days, covering a comprehensive range of theoretical and applied topics.

The first day focuses on foundational concepts of water safety plans and the importance of forming multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, public health experts, and quality specialists—to develop integrated and effective strategies.

Day two addresses risk assessment tools and identifying vulnerabilities in distribution systems, alongside scientific models for prioritising improvements and establishing safety and compliance indicators.

The third day centres on building an operational monitoring system based on accurate, real-time data, incorporating live surveillance techniques and quality verification methods for critical stages, as well as institutional documentation mechanisms.

The fourth day includes hands-on training through a field visit to main reservoirs in Al Khoudh, the Wilayat of A’Seeb, where participants will conduct practical assessments of emergency plans and test system resilience under crisis scenarios.

The forum concludes on the fifth day with a review of evaluation tools and case studies of WHO-endorsed plans used to refine institutional policies and ensure continuous improvement in water quality management systems.

Through this forum, the Authority for Public Services Regulation seeks to establish a comprehensive, science-based approach to water service management, fostering a national system grounded in prevention, oversight, and efficiency.

 The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of water services, improve operational transparency and compliance, and expand international cooperation while leveraging technical expertise to support institutional development and strengthen Oman’s water security.

The event is attended by representatives from regulatory and operational institutions, alongside local and international experts in water management, public health, and risk assessment. -ONA