This Strategy document complements and expands directives of the National Water Sector Development Strategy, 2008 through various plans and recommendations. It commences with an analysis of specific hazards to water quality in Tanzania and in particular to water intended for human consumption. Analysis is made of sources of pollution. The policy framework is based on integrated catchment management. Decisions must be made after careful consideration of community views and wider community interests. This Strategy is largely divide into two parts: Principles of a water quality management strategy (Part A) and a process for water quality management (Part B). Part A mainly concerns a system approach to water quality whereas part B actually sets out procedures and methods for water quality management including issues such as integration of basin, national and transboundary planning, water quality objectives and water quality criteria, pollution control on a basin level, and other matters regarding basin management. The aim of this water quality management and pollution control strategy is to: improve quality of life and social wellbeing by promoting development that safeguards the welfare of current and future generations; protect biological diversity and maintain essential ecological processes, as these benefit all but especially the poorest members of society. The guiding principles of the strategy are that - resource management decisions should integrate considerations of short and long term economic, environmental, social and equity consequences; where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used to justify delaying measures to prevent environmental degradation; actions and policies should consider any transboundary economic, social and environmental impacts; a strong, growing and diversified economy will be needed to enhance the capacity for environmental protection; environmentally sound methods must be used to maintain and develop internationally competitive industries; cost effective and flexible policy instruments should be adopted, such as improved valuation, pricing and incentive measures; and Management decisions and actions should allow for broad community involvement on issues which affect them. The challenge is to develop and manage water resources, so that economic, social and community needs are satisfied and aquatic ecosystems are sustained. This requires a balanced approach that applies all the foregoing principles and objectives equally, allowing no single one to predominate.
National Water Quality Management and Pollution Control Strategy.