Water quality

What water do we drink?

What is drinking water?

The quality of drinking water must meet the strict prescriptions set by the Ministry of Health and the EU. Two basic conditions must be observed:

• the water may not contain microbes or viruses that cause diseases;
• the water may not contain undesirable elements in concentrations greater than the values stated in the standards.

Is water an inexhaustible resource?

On the Earth water is in a permanent, continual cycle of renewal lasting for several months. In France, just as in all other states in the Earth's temperate zone, this cycle provides us with sufficient raw water.

Although this cycle is continual, the quality of water may deteriorate. During its journey it comes up against sources of contamination originating from nature and human activity. In order to protect sources of water we rush for the nature's help with complex technical solutions.

Special monitoring at every station

We monitor the characteristics of water continuously, from the source (in other words from the rivers or water aquifer) all the way to your tap.

We continuously monitor the main characteristics of the water upwards from the water source point with the help of the alarm stations. If we notice that any limit value has been passed, we inform the drinking water production plant of this immediately, so making it possible to adjust the water treatment method in accordance with the individual contaminants.

Sensors monitor every step of the water cleaning process in the drinking water production plants. They check the efficiency of the cleaning in order for the quality of the water to be perfect.

We check the quality of the water along the whole length of the network, in the water reservoirs, in the pressure regulators, all the way up to the place it is used.

Protect the quality of water

The water that the Water Utility Companies bring you is completely healthy. Its quality is ensured by numerous tests. But just as in the case of all other foodstuffs, you also have a job to do in the interest of protecting quality. Here are a few rules that we are apt to forget.

Never drink water that is stale!

After spending a few days away from home the water in the pipe system gets stagnant, at such times bacteria can grow in it. So before you drink tap water it is advisable to let the water run until you get completely cold water. The cold water means that you have drained away the stagnant water.

Observe the rules of hygiene

• You use clean pans when cooking so you need to clean your drinking glasses as well. Regularly clean your jugs and pans in salty water or using vinegar, then rinse thoroughly.
• Change your ice cubes regularly so they do not absorb the smell of other foods.
• Clean the equipment in your water system regularly, the water heater for example.
• Keep the parts of your taps well maintained (filter, spray nozzle), as well as other equipment, like your water softener, the flexible pipe in your shower, as these have to comply with the health standards.

Drink water fresh out of the tap

Cold is good for water. Only use cold water for drinking. If you have mixer taps make sure that the lever is turned completely to the right. Before drinking water do not leave it in contact with the air or in direct sunlight for a long time.

Only use the right water when cooking

Do not use hot water for making tea, coffee, instant drinks or preparing freeze dried products (because warmth is favourable for bacteria). Warm up water in a pan or in the microwave instead.

Chlorine, lead and lime

Chlorine, lead and lime

The Water Utility Companies continuously monitor the characteristics of the water brought to you. This guarantees quality. In the following we answer questions that we are sure you have asked yourself when you notice that the water contains chlorine, lime or lead. The chlorine and lime content of water is completely normal.

Why is water cloudy occasionally?

Lime is present in all types of water as a natural constituent and it has no effect on health.

The lime content of water depends on the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Water that contains dissolved mineral salts, e.g. magnesium and calcium, is actually recommended for everyday consumption.

The characteristics of very hard water containing at lot of lime:

• soap does not make so many suds and can be rinsed easier;
• white marks remain on your kitchenware after drying;
• it blocks up hot water pipes, boilers and electrical household appliances.

The characteristics of soft water containing less lime:

• soap makes more suds and so is more difficult to rinse;
• no marks remain on your kitchenware;
• pipes do not get blocked.

In order to protect your boiler turn the water temperature down to 50° or 55° as above 60° scale forms more quickly.

Why does water sometimes have a smell of chlorine?

In the interest of maintaining all of the quality characteristics of water, for example, the mineral salts essential for health, the drinking water production plants add a small amount of chlorine to their water output and at other points in the drinking water system, approximately 0.2 grams per 1000 litres. Using chlorine here in Europe we can protect against serious epidemics. The only disadvantage is its smell, which is not really disturbing and easy to get rid of.

How can you get rid of the chlorine smell?

The chlorine smell differs in intensity at various points of the drinking water system. Chlorine is a volatile material and you can do the following to get rid of its smell:

• leave the water to stand in the air for a little while before drinking;
• store water in a glass bottle or glass jug, but for no longer than 24 hours!
• if you want to drink it straight away, add three of four drops of lemon juice to it per litre.

What can you do if your pipes are made of lead?

Today it is forbidden to use lead to make water pipes. If they have not yet been replaced in your home, it is worth doing the following:

• Do not drink water that has stood for a long time in the pipes. After being away for the weekend or after a holiday let the water run for a while before drinking from it, or use this water in the bathroom;
• When making drinks or cooking do not use hot water from the tap, heat up cold water instead;
• It is worth regularly maintaining your water softener and scale inhibitor equipment. Lack of maintenance to this equipment may lead to the corrosion of the internal pipe system, which results in the dissolving of the lead content of the old pipes.