It focuses only on the key aspects of risk assessment, management and communication relevant to higher levels of arsenic in drinking water, which are geological factors, the extent of arsenic occurrence, total exposure of arsenic and the role of drinking water, including regulatory aspects as well as technical (treatment) issues.

The Best Practice Guide on the Control of Arsenic in Drinking Water tries to raise public awareness on this subject, which seems to be low and risks are being underestimated in a number of regions. This is especially valid for Europe although less for other regions which are typically more contaminated with arsenic.

The referred practices conform to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is a useful guide for drinking water suppliers, experts of municipalities, public health authorities, drinking water regulators and non-governmental organisations.