drikkevannsforskriften

Drikkevannsforskriften is the Norwegian regulation concerning drinking water. It sets legal requirements for the quality of water intended for human consumption and the measures that must be taken to ensure its safety. The primary goal of the regulation is to protect public health by preventing waterborne diseases.

The regulation specifies standards for various parameters, including microbiological contaminants, chemical substances, and indicators of water quality like turbidity and pH. It also outlines the responsibilities of waterworks and other parties involved in the production and distribution of drinking water. This includes requirements for regular monitoring and analysis of water quality, risk assessments, and the implementation of control measures.

Drikkevannsforskriften applies to all water supplied for drinking, cooking, or other domestic purposes in a piped system, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. It also covers water supplied in tanks or vessels. The regulation mandates that waterworks must operate in a way that ensures the water supplied is wholesome and does not present a risk to human health.

Enforcement of drikkevannsforskriften is typically carried out by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) and local health authorities. They are responsible for overseeing compliance, conducting inspections, and taking action in cases of non-compliance. The regulation is regularly updated to reflect new scientific knowledge and international standards, such as those from the European Union.