Environment Ministry Updates Drinking Water Standards and Specifications

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has updated the standards and specifications for non-bottled drinking water in the Kingdom, in accordance with the Water Law and its executive regulations.The ministry highlighted the crucial need to monitor water quality at production, transportation, distribution, and storage stages, to ensure compliance with approved standards and specifications. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring that every individual has access to clean and safe water to fulfill their basic needs.The ministry stressed that according to the updated standards, water must be devoid of substances that could harm public health or the environment. It detailed essential properties included in these standards, covering physical, inorganic, and organic chemicals, trace elements, heavy metals, organic compounds, and hydrocarbon properties. Moreover, it specified standards for chemicals resulting from water treatment and disinfection processes, radioactive substances, radionuclides , and microbiology.According to the ministry, the update aligns with top global, regional, and Gulf standards, including those set by the World Health Organization and the GCC Standardization Organization.The ministry stressed that all providers of non-bottled drinking water, be they in the public or private sector, must comply with these specifications and standards to ensure clean, contaminant-free water for consumers.Source: Saudi Press Agency