Radioactivity in drinking water

​There is a European directive that provides a framework for controlling radioactivity in drinking water and the radiation dose received from the consumption of different forms of drinking water. Natural mineral waters and small private supplies are not included.

The EU standards

The Council Directive 2013/51/EURATOM applies to tap water and to water in bottles or containers intended for human consumption.

This directive does not apply to natural mineral waters and small private supplies. The directive covers both natural and artificial radionuclides.

It establishes the general principles for monitoring and provides technical details (sampling rates, methods of analysis, methods of measurement, etc.).

The directive sets values ​​for radon (100Bq/l), tritium  (100Bq/l) and the so-called "indicative dose"  (0,1mSv), which covers many other radionuclides.

The values ​​have an indicative function: they are not limits. Exceeding a value should not be considered a health risk without taking a closer look at the situation.

​A thorough investigation can, if justified, lead to corrective action. If so, the public must be informed.

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