The Rapid Assessment of Pollution Sources (RAPS) is a method for estimating the quantity of contamination discharged by point sources within a particular area, based on a knowledge of the type of industry operating in that area. It was originally developed by the World Health Organisation (Economopoulos, 1993), and has recently been updated and modified by the Global International Waters Assessment GIWA project

The aim of this methodology is to provide an accessible, comprehensive and readily updated means of assessing the causes and sources of pollution. The methodology asks questions about the type of contaminant sources that are within an area and will calculate the expected contaminant loads. Potential mitigation options, to reduce the contaminant loads, such as avoidance, source control and waste water treatment options, are also detailed.

This website aims to enable a simple analysis of the point sources of pollution, within a specified area, and produce expected contaminant loads from these sources.

A considerable amount of data is required to complete the RAPS and the entire process may take a significant period of time.