Water for human consumption is highly regulated and controlled. Over sixty parameters are considered to assess the quality of water: water is qualified as “drinkable” when it complies with the regulatory limit values for these parameters, as illustrated by the examples in the table below.

For natural waters, a classification is available, according to their physico-chemical properties. Thus, depending on the quality level (good or poor) of natural water, it will receive authorization for certain purposes (if necessary, after a specific treatment to enhance its quality). The more the water quality is impaired, the more restricted its uses.

Authorized uses according to the quality of natural water