1.2 - The specific benefits of tap water for health: Directive 98/83 / EC
Besides these, what benefits for our health would we have if we consumed tap water instead of bottled water?
What all the waters to drink must have in common is the fact that they are drinkable, that is, they must be hygienically safe, have an odor and taste that make them acceptable, and respect precise criteria and limits regarding the chemical and physical characteristics. In fact, in order to guarantee safety for human consumption, Art. 4 of Directive 98/83 / EC obliges Member States to respect some minimum requirements, so that the water is defined as drinkable and, that is, does not contain micro-organisms and pests or other substances, in quantities or concentrations such as to represent a potential danger to human health and meets the minimum requirements, or microbiological and chemical parameters, established at Community level. To this end, Member States set parametric values at national level, which cannot be less stringent than those indicated in Annex I of that directive.
Furthermore, the directive establishes that the parameter values must be respected in the points specifically indicated by Article 6 and provides for the control of drinking water by the Member States (Article 7), in order to ascertain compliance with the parameter values , through analysis methods (sampling and possible disinfection treatment), the indication of the withdrawal points, as well as the establishment of adequate control programs.
All this makes us understand how clean, safe and healthy tap water is as bottled mineral water since it must be continuously subjected to treatments, analyzes and controls that ensure its purity.
Today, 20 years after its entry into force, the European Council Drinking Water Directive (Directive 98/83 / EC) is subject to revision. An update called for by several parties to ensure minimum quality and safety standards that respond to the evolution of pollutants. A proposal aimed at reinforcing the right to good quality water, touching on the themes of accessibility, consumer protection, health, quality of life, up to the circular economy and sustainable development.
