Circular No. 15/2006/TT-BYT guides the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines.

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for inspecting clean water, drinking water, and household latrines

drinking water and household toilet facilities

__________________

Pursuant to Decree No. 49/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2003 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Pursuant to Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005 of the Minister of Health promulgating the Industry Standards: Clean Water Sanitation Standards;

Pursuant to Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health promulgating Drinking Water Sanitation Standards;

Pursuant to Decision No. 08/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005 of the Minister of Health promulgating Industry Standards: Sanitation Standards for Various Types of Latrines;

The Ministry of Health guides the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines as follows.

I. SCOPE OF REGULATION AND APPLICABLE OBJECTS

1. Inspection Objects

This Circular provides guidelines on the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines including: inspection regimes, inspection contents, and information and reporting systems regarding clean water, drinking water, and household latrines.

Thông tư này áp dụng đối với tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan đến hoạt động kinh doanh đối tượng thủy sản nuôi chủ lực trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam.

This Circular applies to organizations, individuals involved in providing or using clean water, drinking water, and households using latrines.

II. INSPECTION REGIMES

1. Regular Inspection

1. Monthly inspections shall be conducted for water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more.

1. 2. Inspections shall be conducted every six months for:

a) Centralized water supply stations serving communities with fewer than 500 people;

b) Household water supply methods;

c) Household latrines.

2. Unscheduled inspections shall be carried out in the following cases:

2. 1. When commencing exploitation or use of water sources;

2. 2. When there is a risk of contamination of exploited water sources;

2. 3. Upon request from competent authorities.

3. Scope of inspection and sample collection

3. 1. Regular inspections:

a) Inspect the general hygiene conditions of 100% of water plants, centralized water supply stations, household water supply methods, and household latrines within the jurisdictional area;

b) Collect water samples for testing from 100% of water plants and centralized water supply stations. The ratio of water sample collection for testing from household water supply methods will depend on the plan and actual conditions of each locality.

3. 2. Unscheduled inspections: Inspect the general hygiene conditions and collect water samples for testing from water plants, centralized water supply stations, or household water supply methods that are being inspected.

4. Inspection authority: As stipulated in Clauses 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of Part V of this Circular.

III. CONTENTS OF SANITARY INSPECTIONS FOR CLEAN WATER, DRINKING WATER, AND HOUSEHOLD LATRINES

A. For water plants and centralized water supply stations

1. Inspection of general hygiene conditions of raw water sources

1. 1. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using underground water sources:

a) Inspection limits: Within a radius of 330 meters for wells in areas where aquifers are well protected and 350 meters for wells in areas where aquifers are not well protected or poorly protected, measured from the extraction well (according to Vietnam Standard TCXD-33: 1995).

b) Content of inspection:

- Protective fences around the well;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels passing through;

- Livestock, poultry, or other types of livestock;information Waste, human feces, animal manure, carcasses.

           - c) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular.

1. 2. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using river water:

a) Inspection limits: Within a radius of 200 meters upstream from the water intake point, 100 meters downstream from the water intake point, and 100 meters on both sides of the riverbank measured from the highest water level (according to Vietnam Standard TCXD-33: 1995).

- Warning signs for the protected water source area;

b) Content of inspection:

- Trash barriers;

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels discharging into the river;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Ferry crossings, boats moored on the river;

- Human bathing, washing, production, and resource extraction activities;

Aquaculture activities;

- Livestock, poultry, or other types of livestock coming to bathe or drink water;

Waste, human feces, animal manure, carcasses.

- 1. 3. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using water from reservoirs:

1. 2. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using river water:

a) Inspection limits: Within a radius of 300 meters from the water intake point.

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels discharging into the reservoir;

b) Content of inspection:

- Trash barriers;

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels discharging into the river;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Boats and rafts moored on the reservoir;

Human bathing and washing, tourism activities;

- Livestock, poultry, or other types of livestock coming to bathe or drink water;

- Livestock, poultry, or other types of livestock coming to bathe or drink water;

2. Inspection of water treatment processes includes:

- 1. 3. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using water from reservoirs:

1. 2. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using river water:

2. 1. Initial water storage tanks or ponds;

2. 2. Iron and manganese removal units;

2. 3. Coagulation and sedimentation tanks;

2. 4. Filtration tanks;

2. 5. Disinfection systems (tanks);

2. 6. Post-treatment storage tanks;

2. 7. Chemicals for water treatment (type, name, origin, storage conditions, expiration date, usage method, quantity stored);

2. 8. Chemical mixing units;

2. 9. Chemical storage warehouses;

2. 10. Safety equipment in case of accidents (for water plants);

2. 11. Quality control units;

2. 12. Review the results of water quality tests conducted by the plant from the previous inspection period to the current time and related water quality records.

3. Water quality inspection

3. 1. For water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more:

a) Number of samples and sampling locations: Follow the Drinking Water Sanitation Standards issued together with Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health.

b) Sampling techniques and sample preservation according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995.

c) Physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators tested and evaluated according to the Drinking Water Sanitation Standards issued together with Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health.

3. 2. For centralized water supply stations serving communities with fewer than 500 people:

a) Number of samples and sampling locations: At least two water samples should be collected for testing (each sample includes physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators) at the following locations: - One sample of treated water at the centralized water supply station; - One random sample of water from the tap of one household at the end of the water distribution network.

a) Number of samples for testing and sampling locations: At least two water samples shall be taken for testing (each sample includes both physical and chemical and microbiological parameters) at the following locations: - One sample of water after treatment at the water supply station; - One random sample of water from the tap of one household at the end of the water supply pipeline system;

b) Sampling techniques and sample preservation according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995;

c) Physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators tested and evaluated according to the clean water hygiene standards issued together with Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health.

B. For household water supply forms

1. Inspection of general hygiene conditions

1.1. For trough water and flowing water:

a) Inspection limit: Within a distance of 100 meters from the water source upstream.

b) Content of inspection:

- Human activities such as bathing, laundry, and resource production;

- Sewer pipes, canals, ditches, and drainage channels;

- Aquaculture activities;

- Livestock, poultry, or other types of animals for bathing and drinking;

- Waste, human feces, livestock manure, animal carcasses;

- Water conveyance tools;

- Water storage and scooping tools.

c) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

1.2. For dug wells:

a) Inspection limit: Within a distance of 10 meters from the center of the well.

b) Inspection contents: 

- Well cover;

- Well wall;

- Well lining (well body);

- Well apron;

- Water drawing tools;

- Drainage channels and sewage discharge points;

- Latrines, animal sheds;

- Garbage dumps and other pollution sources.

c) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

1.3. For drilled wells with a depth of at least 25 meters:

a) Inspection contents include: 

- Well mouth;

- Well apron;

- Water drawing tools.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

1.4. For drilled wells with a depth less than 25 meters:

a) Inspection contents include:

- Well mouth;

- Well apron;

- Water drawing tools;

- Drainage channels leading away from the well and sewage discharge points.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

1.5. For rainwater storage tanks:

a) Inspection contents include: 

- Water collection surface and gutter;

- Trash box or filter;

- Tank cover;

- Tank wall;

- Water drawing tools.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

1.6. For other water supply methods such as jars, pots, and containers:

a) Inspection contents include: 

- Well cover;

- Water storage containers;

- Hygiene condition inside the storage containers.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

2. Water quality inspection

2.1. Number of samples and sampling locations: Take one water sample for testing at the following locations:

a) For dug wells: take inside the well;

b) For drilled wells: take at the outlet of the pump or the outlet of the storage tank (if available);

c) For rainwater storage tanks: take at the outlet of the tank or inside the tank if there is no outlet;

d) For other water storage containers: take inside the container; households with water treatment systems should take the treated water.

2.2. Sampling techniques and sample preservation: According to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995. Evaluation method: Physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators are tested and evaluated according to the clean water hygiene standards issued together with Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health.

3. Inspection of the hygiene status of the water treatment area (if applicable) Inspect the general hygiene status of the existing household water treatment area such as: rainwater collector; filtration tank; materials in the filtration tank; water storage and drawing tools after treatment.

C. For household latrines

1. Inspection contents include:

1.1. Location of the latrine construction;

1.2. Surrounding hygiene of the latrine;

1.3. Number of septic tanks, condition of septic tanks, part where the lid of the septic tank meets the tank wall for septic tanks and pour-flush toilets, and the holding chamber for two-compartment toilets;

1.4. Effluent from the septic tank for septic tanks or the fecal outlet for two-compartment toilets;

1.5. Floor of the latrine;

1.6. Toilet seat, flush button for septic tanks and pour-flush toilets; cover of the toilet hole for two-compartment and sub-surface toilets with vent pipe;

1.7. Flush water, flush water storage container;

1.8. Liner material for two-compartment and sub-surface toilets with vent pipe;

1.9. Dirty paper storage container;

1.10. Vent pipe;

1.11. Flies and insects in the latrine;

1.12. Odor;

1.13. Shelter of the latrine.

2. Evaluation method: According to the checklist method specified in Samples 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular.

IV. INFORMATION AND REPORTING REGIME

1. Information regime

1.1. The results of hygiene inspections of clean drinking water and household latrines shall be reported to:

a) The inspected entity;

b) Competent state management agencies;

1.2. The results of self-inspection of drinking water hygiene by water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more must be reported to the Provincial Center for Preventive Medicine (hereinafter referred to as the Provincial Center for Preventive Medicine) where the water plant or centralized water supply station is located.

1.3. The results of self-inspection of clean water hygiene by centralized water supply stations serving communities under 500 people must be reported to the District Center for Preventive Medicine (hereinafter referred to as the District Center for Preventive Medicine) where the centralized water supply station is located.

The training institution is responsible for submitting reports on the results of each course to the Construction Department of the locality where its headquarters is located and where the training takes place for monitoring and management (according to the model in Appendix 11 of this Circular);

2.1. Reporting period: The data for reporting is calculated up to the last day of the reporting period, specifically as follows:

a) Monthly reports are calculated from the first day to the last day of the month;

b) Six-monthly reports are calculated from January 1 to June 30 each year;

c) Annual reports are calculated from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

2.2. Reporting deadline:

a) Deadline for submitting periodic monthly reports:

- No later than five working days after the end of the reporting period, the Provincial Center for Preventive Medicine sends the report to the Ministry of Health (National Center for Preventive Medicine), and simultaneously sends a copy to the Provincial Department of Health, and another copy to the specialized institute responsible for the region for reporting.

b) Deadline for submitting periodic six-month and annual reports: 

         - No later than five working days after the end of the reporting period, the Commune Health Station (hereinafter referred to as the Commune Health Station) submits the periodic report to the District Center for Preventive Medicine, and simultaneously sends a copy to the District Health Office for reporting;

        - No later than ten working days after the end of the reporting period, the District Center for Preventive Medicine sends the report to the Provincial Center for Preventive Medicine, and simultaneously sends a copy to the District Health Office for reporting;

- Not later than fifteen working days from the date of closing the books, the Provincial Preventive Health Center shall submit a report to the Ministry of Health (Vietnam National Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology) and simultaneously send a copy to the Provincial Department of Health and another copy to the specialized Institute responsible for the region for reporting purposes;

- Not later than twenty working days from the date of closing the books, the Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, the West Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute, the Pasteur Institute Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Public Health Institute shall submit a report to the Ministry of Health (Vietnam National Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology);

c) Time for submitting emergency reports: Report by telephone within twenty-four hours and by written document within seventy-two hours from the time an emergency occurs. In cases where a report is required by a superior authority, it shall be submitted strictly according to the time specified by the superior authority;

2. 3. Content of the report:

a) The commune health station shall implement reporting in accordance with the contents prescribed in Model No. 1 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

b) The District Preventive Health Center shall implement reporting in accordance with the contents prescribed in Model No. 2 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

c) The Provincial Preventive Health Center shall implement reporting in accordance with the contents prescribed in Models No. 3 and 4 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

d) The Institutes of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, the West Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute, the Pasteur Institute Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Public Health Institute shall implement reporting in accordance with the contents prescribed in Model No. 5 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

V. IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Vietnam National Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology shall be responsible for:

1. 1. Directing, urging, guiding, and inspecting activities related to the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines nationwide;

1. 2. Organizing the development, revision, supplementation, and submission to competent authorities for issuance of guidance documents, standards, and technical regulations related to the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines;

1. 3. Summarizing and reporting annually on the inspection work of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines of localities to the leadership of the Ministry of Health;

2. The Institutes of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, the West Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute, the Pasteur Institute Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Public Health Institute shall be responsible for:

2. 1. Summarizing, analyzing, and reporting on the situation of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines in the provinces under their jurisdiction to develop plans for technical support;

2. 2. Researching and proposing technical solutions for the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines; solutions to ensure the safety of water sources and household latrines;

2. 3. Guiding localities on technical expertise for the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines;

2. 4. Conducting inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines when natural disasters, catastrophes, epidemics occur, or when requested;

3. The Provincial Health Departments shall be responsible for:

3. 1. Directing subordinate units to carry out inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines within the province or city;

3. 2. Ensuring human resources, equipment, and budget allocation (in the annual budget) for the implementation of inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines within the province or city;

4. The Provincial Preventive Health Center shall be responsible for:

4. 1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status, taking samples of water, conducting tests, and evaluating results for water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of five hundred people or more within the province or city;

4. 2. Cooperating with District Preventive Health Centers to urgently inspect the hygiene status, take samples of water, conduct tests, and evaluate results for centralized water supply stations serving communities of less than five hundred people, various forms of household water supply, and household latrines within the province or city;

4. 3. Developing annual plans and budgets for implementing inspection activities of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines and submitting them to competent authorities for approval;

5. The County Health Bureau shall be responsible for:

Directing commune health stations to carry out inspections of the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply and household latrines within their management area;

6. The District Preventive Health Center shall be responsible for:

6. 1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status, taking samples of water, conducting tests, or sending samples to higher levels for testing and evaluating results for centralized water supply stations serving communities of less than five hundred people;

6. 2. Regularly taking samples of water, conducting tests, or sending samples to higher levels for testing and evaluating results for various forms of household water supply within the management area;

6. 3. Cooperating with commune health stations to urgently inspect the hygiene status of household latrines within the management area;

6. 4. Annually developing plans and budgets for organizing the implementation of inspection activities of clean water and household latrines and submitting them to competent authorities for approval;

7. The Commune Health Station shall be responsible for:

7. 1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply within the management area;

7. 2. Regularly and urgently inspecting the hygiene status of household latrines within the commune, town, or township;

7. 3. Annually developing plans and budgets for organizing the implementation of inspection activities of the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply and household latrines and submitting them to competent authorities for approval;

8. Water plants and water supply stations shall be responsible for:

8. 1. Ensuring the provision of clean water and drinking water meeting the standards set forth in Decision No. 09/2005/QD-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health on the issuance of Industry Standards: Clean Water Sanitation Standards and Decision No. 1329/2002/QD-BYT dated April 18, 2002, of the Minister of Health on the issuance of Drinking Water Sanitation Standards;

8. 2. Self-inspecting water quality regularly every week to ensure that the provided water meets the prescribed quality standards;

VI. IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

This Circular shall take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, units are requested to report to the Ministry of Health (Vietnam Preventive Medicine Department) for review and resolution./.