Decision support tool

System description

Water use and users

A description of your water system and the users will help you in defining quality targets and the description of possible control measures. Document the water use and users comprehensively. Therefore you should know:

Which part of the water is used for:

  • Drinking water
  • Irrigation
  • Other uses (please specify)

Is exposure to aerosols likely? [1]

  • Irrigation
  • Fountains
  • Direct commercial use of water from the water body (e.g as cooling water for drilling heads in mining; spray water for dust control)

Are there specific sensitive consumer groups, who should receive targeted warnings in times of elevated risk of cyanotoxin occurrence?

  • Swimming classes for children
  • Hospitals and dialysis units [2]
  • Private users, which use surface water or water from shallow wells influenced strongly by surface water [3]

Is the water system used for recreation?

  • Bathing (including unregulated/illegal use [4])
  • Water sports
  • Fishing
  • Other uses

[1] Aerosols

Uptake as aerosol has been repeatedly discussed

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[2] Dialysis

Dialysis exposes people to approximately 120 L of water.

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[3] Private water supplies

Private water supplies like farm dugouts

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[4] Recreational and illegal use

Swimming is often practised even where it is illegal,

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