Everything about drinking water: laws, parameters and maximum allowable values

Water is found in nature in many forms and with a multitude of organic or inorganic substances dissolved in it or in suspension. Depending on these substances in the water, it can be declared potable or non-potable.

In Romania there are 2 laws that regulate water quality. In this article we will summarize these laws and display the complete list of drinking water parameters and maximum allowable values according to current legislation.

The drinking water laws are as follows:

1. Law no. 458 of July 8, 2002 on the quality of drinking water.
2. Law no. 311 of June 28, 2004 for the amendment and completion of Law no. 458/2002 on the quality of drinking water.

In these laws, drinking water is defined as water intended for human consumption, as follows:
a) any type of water in its natural state or after treatment, used for drinking, food preparation, or other domestic purposes, regardless of its origin and regardless of whether it is supplied through a distribution network, from a reservoir, or distributed in bottles or other containers;
b) all types of water used as a source in the food industry for the manufacture, processing, preservation or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption.
c) water from local sources, such as wells, springs, etc., used for drinking, cooking or other domestic purposes.

Drinking water must be wholesome and clean, meeting the following conditions:
a) to be free of microorganisms, parasites or substances which, by their number or concentration, may constitute a potential risk to human health;
b) to meet the minimum requirements set out in the law.

The quality parameters of drinking water are of 3 types: microbiological, chemical and indicators. Below we have extracted from the 2 laws all the parameters and maximum allowable values.

Microbiological parameters

Microbiological parameters for water sold in bottles or other containers

Chemical parameters

Indicator parameters

The values presented in this study are those regulated by law. Water from the public network must mandatorily fall within these values. However, in most cases the water leaves the public network as potable, but becomes contaminated because the pipes through which it reaches the population are old and deteriorated.

Although water from the public network is delivered as potable, it becomes contaminated along the way (sand, rust, sediment, bacteria, etc.). In order to consume this water, we recommend installing a water filter. For tap water, to make it drinkable, you need a classic filtration system containing at least a sediment cartridge (5 microns) and an activated carbon cartridge (block or granular). This way you will successfully filter sand, rust and other sediments, and also remove chlorine and its by-products. In addition, you can add other cartridges to reduce hardness, eliminate bacteria or improve water quality.

If you have water from a well or a spring, since it is not treated and periodically monitored, we recommend installing a reverse osmosis system. This is the only solution that guarantees potable water regardless of the contaminants in the input water. Being a molecular filtration process, it removes 98% of chemical and microbiological contaminants from the water.

For some time now, a water filter has become indispensable in our homes. You save money and time, have the guarantee of clean water and enjoy greater comfort (no more carrying water and always having good water available). In terms of utility, it is similar to a refrigerator or a washing machine. Think about how you would manage without a washing machine. It would be difficult, wouldn't it? Once you have a water filter at home, you will never want to give it up. FILTRO offers you quality equipment for a cleaner life.