Abstract: A real-time water quality monitoring and action trigger system driven by an expert system for managing distributed and redundant water sources. The monitoring systems are installed at the water sources and real-time analysis is conducted at regular intervals and/or by triggering. The results are forwarded to a centralized quality control center via advanced data communications networks. The management center is equipped with a highly reliable computer system running water quality control expert system. Based on the field data, appropriate actions can be derived via applying the rules and/or models built in the expert system and proper triggers are sent to the treatment facilities at the water sources through data networks. The expert system is an open system that not only can learn and refine the rules and/or models but also incorporate new inputs from qualified personnel.