Characterization and Cost Analysis of Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Programs in India and Jordan

Water quality monitoring programs aim to support provision of safe drinking water through informed decision making at three levels: policy makers, water providers, and communities or end users. Little guidance or published evidence exists on best monitoring practices for low resource settings, such as in developing countries. The purpose of this research was to characterize current monitoring practices in India and Jordan, and analyze the costs of monitoring programs. Characterization included institutional mapping of the water sector and describing monitoring programs. Cost analysis included marginal costs; test materials, laboratory and sampling staff labor, and sample transportation. Focus was on monitoring of biological parameters (e.g. E. coli, coliforms, and H2S Presence-Absence). Data collection involved mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. The different approaches to monitoring drinking water and the principal components of cost in three states in India and in Jordan are presented. The study indicates that there is potential for substantive optimization of monitoring programs as currently practiced particularly in low population density areas.Master of Science in Environmental Engineerin