Water quality
Water quality is monitored up to your water meter. Water as a food product being supplied to households is subject to a number of controls and stringent quality criteria.
Great attention is paid to controlling the quality of water from public mains. Water is checked using analytical methods under Decree No 252/2004 as applicable, which provides for the sanitary requirements for drinking and hot water and the frequency and scope of drinking water control. The Decree is in accordance with EU regulations and represents the implementation procedure for the act on protection of public health. Tap water is subject to more frequent and - in certain parameters - more stringent quality control than packaged water. About one hundred various parameters are determined for drinking water. Every consumer has the right to information on the quality of water in public mains to the full extent of parameters specified by the law - unlike with packaged water whose label often mentions just a few selected parameters or omits them completely.
What can compromise the quality of distributed water ?
Sometimes seemingly trifling matters can worsen the quality of water. In fact, everything depends on the quality and proper maintenance of interior water-supply pipes.
Here are a few examples of things that can pollute water at your home:
- Unused pipes and water main accessories (old taps for watering flowers, old washbasins) may capture standing water, in which bacteria can proliferate.
- Taps and filters lacking maintenance can also support bacteria proliferation.
- Reverse suction of water caused by fluctuating pressure in the water main pipes: water once used can be sucked in randomly and pollute public water mains. Therefore, do not leave the watering nozzle in a pool of water or can in the garden. At home, do not leave the shower nozzle in a tub filled with water. This way you prevent reverse
How to best maintain your interior water-supply pipes
Maintain your water taps and their accessories regularly. At least once a quarter, dismantle and clean all parts of your water taps - filters, aerators, flexible shower components ...
Do not forget to clean water heater tanks. The same applies to all equipment for storing water.
Things to keep in mind when installing new interior water-supply pipes:
If you are building or renovating your house or flat, it is better to refer installation of interior water-supply pipes to a professional contractor. If, however, you do the installation yourself,
- Prevent anything that might cause undesirable increases in water temperature (routing water pipes near heating mains);
- Prevent all corrosion risks (juxtaposing different metals, laying pipes on the ground...)
When consuming water
- Prior to drinking, mainly in the morning or when you get back from work or at the end of the weekend, let the water run for half a minute. The quantity of thus'consumed' water is only equal to one toilet flushing and this way you make sure the water you drink is fresh.
- Do not use hot water from the tap for cooking.
When storing water
- Keep water in the refrigerator and regularly replace ice for drinks
- Use only clean vessels and consume the water within 24 hours
- Protect water from dust and smells
- Water can be adversely affected by air and light, therefore:
- Use sealable bottles or cover the vessels with foil
- Do not expose the water to the sunlight.
Should we pay attention to wastewater as well ?
Prior to returning to the environment, wastewater is, of course, treated. You too can participate in keeping the environment clean. All you have to do is refrain from discarding the following products down your drain or toilet:
- Expired or unused medications
- New or used oil products
- Excess paints, varnishes and thinners
- Preparations against living vermin (insecticides, pesticides...) etc.
Dispose of such substances using the system for elimination of hazardous waste.