Preserving drinking water quality
The government has measures in place to preserve drinking water quality in the Netherlands.
Clean and safe drinking water
Drinking water is an absolute necessity. It must be clean and safe, and may contain no more harmful substances and microorganisms than legally permitted.
Measures for preserving drinking water quality
The government is doing the following to preserve drinking water quality:
Standards on drinking water quality
The government sets the maximum allowable concentrations of harmful substances and microorganisms in drinking water. These quality standards, which are based on the European Drinking Water Directive, are laid down in the Drinking Water Decree. Drinking water companies use various techniques to purify ground water and surface water in order to produce clean and safe drinking water.
Requirements for drinking water supply products
Drinking water companies and plumbers must use approved products (such as pipes and taps) for drinking water systems. These must be used in such a way that drinking water does not become contaminated. The necessary regulations can be found in the Drinking Water Decree, the Buildings Decree and the ministerial order on materials and chemicals (drinking and warm tap water provision).
Monitoring drinking water quality
Drinking water companies must monitor the quality of the drinking water they provide to ensure that it complies with the quality standards set out in the Drinking Water Decree. They report their results to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT).