Water Quality Awareness 101 2 | P a g e 4. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HOW DRINKING WATER MAY BE COMPROMISED Safe drinking water may be impacted in many ways, which usually fall into two categories, indirect and direct action. An indirect action is an activity that is carried out in the vicinity of, or may flow into an asset, infrastructure, catchment area or waterway and eventually leads to drinking water, or water that is destined to become drinking water, being contaminated. An accidental fuel or chemical spill is an example of an indirect action. A direct action is more specific and closer to the drinking water or water that is destined to become drinking water. This includes weed and vermin eradication, pipeline repairs and everyday maintenance projects. Basic Principles