Sanitary water - microbiological requirements and limits

Sanitary water must meet certain requirements of microbiological purity in order to be allowed for use. The Regulation of the Minister of Health of December 7, 2017 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (Journal of Laws of 2017, item 2294) contains limits and requirements that must be met to consider water fit for use. The types of parameters and the frequency of water monitoring and testing vary depending on the source of the water, its storage, storage and intended use. In the following issue, we will focus on what limits apply to the microbiological parameters of water supplied from water supply devices and individual intakes covered by the regulation. It is basically public water that is found in the taps and valves of our homes, workplaces, food outlets and public places.

The parameters and parametric values that the above water should correspond to are included in Part A of Annex No. 1 to the Regulation:

and Part C of Annex No. 1 to the Regulation:

In the case of parameters where the requirements are set to "0", the matter is clear - the absence of microorganisms in a given sample volume is required. Things are a little different for the total number of microorganisms at 22°C. The regulation does not specify a numerical parametric value, it only gives us the information: "No incorrect changes". This is due to the fact that water has its own natural bacterial microflora, the number of which may increase or decrease depending on the ambient temperature, season, etc. However, appropriate regulations have been issued:
It is recommended that the total number of microorganisms should not exceed:

• 100 CFU /1 ml in water introduced into the water supply network,
• 200 CFU /1ml at the consumer's tap.