What are critical control points (CCP) in water treatment?

Critical control points (CCP) are specific stages in the water treatment process where control measures can be applied to ensure the safety and quality of the water being treated. These points are critical because they directly affect the potential hazards that could compromise the water quality. In essence, they are points in the treatment process that require strict monitoring and control measures to minimize or eliminate risks, which ensures the treated water meets health and safety standards.

In the context of water treatment, CCPs might include processes such as disinfection, filtration, or chemical addition where measurements and actions can significantly impact the treatment efficacy. Effective management of these control points aids in developing procedures and policies that safeguard the water quality from potential contaminants.

The other options do not accurately define CCPs. While improving the taste of water is important, it does not directly relate to the critical control necessary for safety and quality assurance. Steps in the wastewater disposal process may involve various treatment stages, but they do not directly pertain to the critical control measures aimed at preventing hazards in drinking water treatment. Locations where water is extracted can be essential for resource management but do not represent operational control points in the treatment process itself.