Waters for Human Consumption
Waters for Human Consumption: Safety and Health Regulation
Clean drinking water is the foundation of a healthy life. In Turkey, the "Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption" is a critical guide for regulating water quality and protecting public health. In this article, we will discuss the basic principles of the Regulation, water quality requirements, inspection processes and its contribution to health.
What is the Purpose of the Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption?
This regulation was developed to ensure the safety of drinking and potable water in Turkey. The main objectives of the Regulation are to protect water resources, ensure that water meets certain quality standards and minimize health risks associated with water. The quality standards specified under the Regulation cover the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of water and ensure that it reaches the consumer safely.
Scope of the Regulation
The Regulation aims to protect public health by guaranteeing the quality of water resources and covers the following types of water
- Drinking and Potable Water: Water used for domestic consumption and for activities such as cleaning and cooking in daily life.
- Packaged Water: Types of water that are bottled or packaged and sold for consumer consumption.
- Other Waters for Human Consumption: Water used for different needs but not directly consumed.
Water Quality Standards
The Regulation assesses water quality according to three basic criteria: microbiological, chemical and physical:
| Microbiological parameters for drinking water |
Microbiological parameters for source waters |
| E. coli |
E. coli |
| Enterococcus |
Enterococcus |
| Coliform bacteria |
Coliform bacteria |
| P. aeruginosa |
P. aeruginosa |
| Anaerobic spore-bearing sulfite-reducing bacteria |
Anaerobic sporulating sulfite-reducing bacterium |
| Pathogenic Staphylococci |
Pathogenic Staphylococcus |
Maximum:
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C |
Maximum:
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C |
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C in the sample taken after packaging in the manufacturing plant
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C
Maximum colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C in the sample taken from packaged water sold in the market |
After packaging in the manufacturing plant;
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C
Maximum in a sample taken from packaged water sold in the market:
Colony count at 22 °C
Colony count at 37 °C |
| Parasites |
|
| Chemical Parameters |
| Acrylamide |
Fluoride |
| Antimony |
Lead |
| Arsenic |
Mercury |
| Benzene |
Nickel |
| Benzo (a) pyrene |
Nitrate |
| Boron |
Nitrite |
| Bromate |
Pesticides |
| Cadmium |
Total pesticides |
| Chromium |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Copper |
Selenium |
| Cyanide |
Tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene |
| 1,2-dichloroethane |
Trihalomethanes-total |
| Epichlorohydrin |
Vinyl chloride |
| Indicator parameters |
| Aluminum |
Odor |
| Ammonia |
Oxidizability |
| Chloride |
Sulfate |
| C. perfringens (including spores) |
Sodium |
| Color |
Taste |
| Conductivity |
Colony count at 22 °C |
| pH |
Coliform bacteria |
| Iron |
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) |
| Manganese |
Turbidity |
| Radioactivity Parameters |
| Total indicator dose |
Water Quality Monitoring and Audit Process
Regular inspection and monitoring of water quality is mandatory under the "Regulation on Water for Human Consumption". A series of tests are carried out to ensure that water resources are protected, clean water is provided regularly and water remains safe until it reaches the consumer. The inspection processes are as follows:
- Microbiological Testing: Regular microbiological analysis of water ensures that pathogens that may threaten public health are detected.
- Chemical Tests: Regular tests are carried out for chemicals that may be present in the water. Chemical testing reduces the risk of contaminants such as pesticides, industrial waste or environmental pollutants entering the water.
- Physical Tests: Physical characteristics of the water such as color, turbidity and taste are evaluated. Physical testing is an important step to ensure the cleanliness and purity of the water to consumers with confidence.
Impact of the Regulation on Water Supply Processes
This regulation ensures that water providers guarantee water quality and comply with certain standards in their water supply processes. Pipelines, storage facilities and other infrastructure used in water supply need to be regularly inspected. This is essential to ensure that water is delivered reliably to the end user.
Public Health Impacts
The Regulation plays a critical role in preventing diseases spread through water sources by aiming to ensure that drinking and potable water offered to consumers is safe for health. In addition, regular inspection of water protects public health by preventing infectious diseases and chemical poisoning.
Advantages of the Regulation
The "Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption" provides many advantages:
- Public Health Protection: Regular testing of water enables measures to be taken to protect public health.
- Safe Water Supply: Clean and safe drinking water is essential for people to lead a healthy life. This regulation ensures the continuity of a reliable water supply.
- Environmental Protection: In order to reduce the environmental impact of water and to ensure the protection of natural resources, it has been harmonized with the principles of environmental sustainability.
"Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption" contributes directly to human health by guaranteeing drinking water quality. It protects the purity of water through microbiological, chemical and physical quality standards. This regulation provides an important framework to protect public health and ensure safe drinking water. Such regulations on water safety not only protect public health, but also support environmental sustainability. Ensuring the quality and safety of water resources is a critical step towards a healthy society and a livable environment.
Why NANOLAB?
NANOLAB always offers the most reliable and fastest solution with its experience in the sector and strong infrastructure in the analysis of human consumption waters. It analyzes the chemical, physical and microbiological parameters of human consumption waters at the highest quality standards in full compliance with the Safety and Health Regulation. Thanks to its ISO 17025 accreditation, test results are internationally recognized and the safety and suitability of water is accurately assessed. With its wide range of equipment and expert technical team, it performs analysis processes meticulously and provides fast and effective results. Thanks to its regulatory expertise, relevant regulations and other legal requirements are fully met. Nanolab stands out as the address where reliability, quality and speed are combined in human consumption water analysis.
