Tap water quality in France: we tell you everything you need to know
Table of contents
Every day, millions of French people do one simple thing: turn on the tap. But how many wonder about the quality of the water they drink? Drinking water, at the crossroads of health, environmental and economic issues, deserves our full attention. Let's take a look at the quality of tap water in France and how it is monitored.
The quality of tap water in France
1. Background and general context
From the public fountains of the villages of yesteryear to the complex modern distribution network, access to water has always been a key issue.drinking water has constantly evolved. Historically, our ancestors relied on natural sourcesIt was only in the 20th century that water purification became systematic. It was only in the 20th century that water purification became systematic, with the development of technologies and the rise of health concerns.
2. Standards in force
French regulations are among the strictest in the world. It is based on hundreds of criteria, ranging from mineral concentrations to traces of pesticides. These standards are the fruit of many years of scientific research, aimed at guaranteeing healthy water for everyone, regardless of where it comes from or where it goes.
As a result Regional Health Agencies (ARS) ensure that water complies with health standards through ongoing monitoring. France is made up of a number of different regions, each of which has its own specific geographical and environmental controls.
3. The water journey: from the natural environment to your glass
The water we drink comes either from groundwater or surface water (rivers, lakes). After collection, it is treated to remove impurities, then stored in reservoirs before being distributed. Each stage is rigorously controlled to prevent contamination.
Drinking water quality issues
This chapter looks at the various substances that can alter the quality of tap water.
1. Natural contaminants
Although certain elements, such as the calcium or the magnesium.are beneficial to health, others, such as arsenic or certain radionuclidesnaturally present in the subsoil of certain regions, can pose long-term health problems.
2. Microbiological quality
First and foremost, microbiological quality is essential to ensure water safety. The presence of micro-organisms can indicate contamination at various levels, such as the transport or the storage.
These organisms can cause gastrointestinal problems in consumers. Germs such asEscherichia coli are indicators of faecal contamination.
Viruses, bacteria, parasites... These micro-organisms, often of faecal origin, can cause sometimes serious illnesses. The chlorinationwhich is widely used in France, can neutralise these threats.
3. Nitrates: Meeting the Challenge
Secondly, the presence of nitrates is a cause for concern. Although they occur naturally, their increase can be due to human activities, such as agriculture. Nitrates can be transformed into nitrites in the human body, hindering the transport of oxygen by red blood cells.
4. Pesticides: Chemical intruders
Despite their usefulness, pesticides can infiltrate our water reserves. The presence of these substances in water is mainly due to agriculturebut also to the industry. The long-term effects of pesticides remain a major concern.
5. Water Radiology: Natural Radioactivity
Some regions, particularly those with granitic terrain, can have a high level of radioactivityhigh natural background levels. Monitoring these radionuclides is essential to guarantee consumer safety.
6. Lead: A heavy metal to watch out for
Finally, the presence of lead in water is closely monitored, and standards have been tightened from 25 µg/L to 10 µg/L in 2013.
7. Other substances
It should also be noted that new substances such as drug residues or perfluorinated compoundsare constantly being discovered and studied to understand their impact on water quality.
Hormones, medicines, cosmetics residues, vinyl chloride... Natural water cycles, through rain, run-off or discharges, bring these new substances into rivers and groundwater. Their long-term impact on health and the environment is still poorly understood.
If the analyses carried out by the ARS prove the presence of the various contaminants listed above in concentrations exceeding a certain threshold, the health authorities will declare the water to be non-compliant.
Concept of non-compliance
La non-compliance of water can have a wide range of implications, from simply altering the taste or smell of the water to more serious health risks for the population.
The concept of water non-compliance in France refers to the situation where the water supplied does not meet the quality norms and standards set by the regulations in force. When water is declared 'non-compliant', this means that it presents health risks or does not meet established organoleptic, physico-chemical or microbiological requirements.
Types of non-compliance
1. Microbiological non-compliance
The presence of pathogenic micro-organisms in drinking water is strictly regulated. Some examples of non-compliance criteria include :
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): 0 CFU (Colony Forming Unit) / 100 mL. Any positive result is a non-conformity.
- Enterococci: 0 CFU/100 mL. Any positive result is a non-compliance.
- Bacteria that can be revived at 22°C and 36°C: These criteria depend on the volume of water distributed and the source (surface or ground water). Their presence in large numbers may indicate a treatment or contamination problem.
2. Chemical non-compliance
Chemical substances have various threshold values, depending on their toxicity and potential effects on health. Here are a few examples:
- Nitrates: 50 mg/L.
- Pesticides: For the most part, 0.1 µg/L for an individual pesticide and 0.5 µg/L for the total sum of pesticides detected.
- Lead: 10 µg/L.
3. Organoleptic non-conformity
Non-compliance criteria for organoleptic parameters are more subjectivebecause they often relate to the characteristics taste, olfactory or visual of water. However, regulations define thresholds for certain parameters:
- Colour: generally expressed in Hazen units (HU). Water with a colour greater than 20 HU could be considered non-compliant, but this also depends on the local characteristics of the water.
- Turbidity: expressed in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). A common threshold is 4 NTU, but this can vary according to region and water source.
- Taste and smell: These criteria are more subjective. Any change in taste or smell can be reported by consumers and investigated.
4. Monitoring and detection
Detecting non-compliance relies on regular monitoring. The Regional Health Agencies (ARS), in collaboration with water service operators, carry out regular checks to ensure that the water distributed complies with standards.
Read also:Â How can I descale a kettle and extend its life?
Tap water quality by municipality
Given the stakes involved, transparency is essential. Today, everyone in France can access data on the quality of their local water, via dedicated platforms or the annual reports of water distributors.
1. Visit your local council's website
Most town halls and local authorities make the results of drinking water analyses available to the public. These reports are generally published every year. They provide detailed information on whether the water complies with current standards.
2. Check the annual water distribution report
Every year, water distributors publish a detailed report on the quality of the water they distribute. This document provides a precise overview of the analyses carried out throughout the year. It is often available on the distributor's website or can be requested directly.
3. Use government platforms
Government platforms such as the SISPEA (Système d'Information sur les Services Publics d'Eau et d'Assainissement) provide access to detailed data on the quality of drinking water in all French municipalities:https://www.services.eaufrance.fr/carte-interactive
The ministry of health also provides full information on the analyses carried out to monitor water quality in your municipality:Â https://sante.gouv.fr/sante-et-environnement/eaux/eau
Read also: What is the price per m3 of water in France and in my municipality?
Towards purer tap water
So while tap water is safe to drink, its quality can be greatly improved by the use of various domestic filtration devices.
1. Water purifiers
Faced with growing concerns, the home purification market has exploded. Filter carafes, osmosis machines, tap filters... There's a wide range on offer.
Read also: Water purifier: the complete guide
2. Ever more efficient technologies
While filter carafes are effective against chlorine, other technologies, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration, can eliminate a wider range of contaminants.
3. The limits of filtration
But filtering water is not without consequences. Water that is too pure, for example, can corrode pipes. What's more, inadequate filter maintenance can lead to contamination.
Read also:Â Tap water filter - Que Choisir ?
In conclusion, in France, water is one of the most closely monitored foodstuffs in order to ensure its quality and good public health. The measures in place ensure that drinking water remains safe to consume, even if improvements are constantly being sought.
Article written on 10/08/2023 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.
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