rec_19

(19) The parametric values laid down in this Directive for the purposes of assessing the quality of water intended for human consumption are to be complied with at the point at which the water emerges from the taps that are normally used for water intended for human consumption. However, the quality of water intended for human consumption can be affected by the domestic distribution systems. The WHO notes that, in the Union, Legionella causes the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens. It is transmitted by warm water systems through inhalation, for instance during showering. It is therefore clearly linked to the domestic distribution systems. Since imposing a unilateral obligation to monitor all private and public premises for this pathogen would lead to unreasonably high costs, a risk assessment of domestic distribution systems is more suited to addressing this issue. In addition, the potential risks stemming from products and materials in contact with water intended for human consumption should also be considered in that risk assessment. The risk assessment of domestic distribution systems should therefore include, inter alia, a focus on monitoring of priority premises, as identified by Member States, such as hospitals, healthcare institutions, retirement homes, childcare facilities, schools, educational institutions, buildings with a lodging facility, restaurants, bars, sports and shopping centres, leisure, recreational and exhibition facilities, penal institutions and campgrounds, and an assessment of the risks stemming from the domestic distribution systems and related products and materials. On the basis of the risk assessment, Member States should take all necessary measures to ensure, inter alia, that appropriate control and management measures are in place, for example in case of outbreaks, in line with the guidance from the WHO, and that the migration of potentially harmful substances from construction products does not endanger human health.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-10-28 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.