Tap water, drinking water, public distribution water, quality, treatment

Materials, treatment processes and products for mains supply water

Materials and objects used in stationary supply, treatment and production systems for water intended for human consumption:

Several European countries have been paying close attention to the materials and objects used in stationary supply, treatment and production systems for water intended for human consumption over the last decade or so. Each country has developed a specific authorisation and health conformity assessment system. In France, the public health code (1) lays down health requirements for these materials.
This health conformity is assessed depending on the type of material (organic, metal, made from hydraulic binders, etc.) and their use. The assessment conducted is based on formulation conformity or composition regulations with regard to positive reference lists, migration tests and acceptability criteria.

Although a Health Conformity Certification system exists for organic materials and objects (including those reinforced by fibres) and assembled products comprising at least one organic element, the regulations have not been entirely laid down for other families of materials: glues and adhesives, greases and lubricants, mortar and concrete and metal materials.
The health conformity certificates are issued by the laboratories accredited by the French Ministry for Health. However, for materials and objects for which a health conformity certificate cannot be issued and which are not explicitly authorised in the regulations, assessments are carried out on a case-by-case basis by ANSES.

The Agency also draws up guidelines for the assessment of materials and objects used in stationary water supply, treatment and production systems (oiled glass fibres, tin plating, glues and adhesives, greases and lubricants, etc.) and assesses applications for including a substance in the positive lists of authorised substances.

It also contributes to European harmonisation work.

Processes and products for treating water intended for human consumption:

In accordance with the public health code (2), the marketing of an innovative product or process for treating water intended for human consumption is only authorised if it has obtained a favourable opinion from ANSES as to its safety and effectiveness. All new treatments for water intended for human consumption undergo an evaluation by ANSES in order to ensure that these new products and/or processes do not denature the water.

Thanks to the experience it has gained in processing these dossiers, The Agency is able to draw up guidelines for the assessment of membranes, ion exchange resins, treatments using orthophosphates and forward-looking processes such as sea water desalination. It is currently working to draft similar documents for the assessment of UV treatments.

Materials and objects intended to come into contact with foodstuffs:

Bottles of spring water or natural mineral water, as well as large reuseable containers are subject to the regulations on materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. The Agency is working on drawing up a protocol for assessing packaging materials in partnership with the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (Inra), as explained on "Bottled water" page.

(1) articles R. 1321-48 and 49
(2) article R. 1321-50-IV

February 2010