5. Regulations governing water intended for human consumption

5.1 International and national organizations

Current regulations on water intended for human consumption are based on international, European and national texts.

WHO guidelines are global guides. They serve as a reference for states or groups of states, and are not mandatory.

In its 1998 directive, the WHO confined itself to setting performance requirements for parameters that could have an impact on consumer health.

In 2004, a major change was made to this WHO approach. It now provides for obligations of means with the "Water Safety Plan" (WSP) approach. This approach was reinforced when the guidelines were revised in 2011.

European directives are binding on EU member states.

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