Newly proposed health regulations in Italy would severely limit, if not eliminate, a number of technologies common to the point-of-use/point-of-entry (POU/POE) industry, including carbon filters, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and hollow fiber, reports the Water Quality Association (WQA). The WQA is concerned that the new version of Decree 443, released by Italy’s Minister of Health, “would drive-up manufacturing costs for the water treatment industry and possibly serve as a trade barrier”.

Other consequences of the proposed legislation that the WQA has identified are:

• a ban on simple activated-carbon filters on the grounds of “bacterial proliferation and uncontrolled release of micro-pollutants”
• automatic regeneration of water softeners at least every four days
• notification of installation of devices in “public houses” including already installed equipment, with test results

Comments on the decree are due on 19 February 2007, with adoption proposed on 28 February 2007. If the decree is adopted, the WQA fears that the restrictions on POU/POE equipment could be copied by surrounding countries or markets.

The WQA is the international trade association representing the household, commercial, industrial, and small community water treatment industry.

Related news: Household treatment: PATH granted US$ 17 million to develop commercial market, Source Weekly, 11 Jan 2007

Related web site: WHO | The International Network to Promote Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage

Related publication: Cadmus Group (2006). Point-of-use or point-of-entry treatment options for small drinking water systems. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA 815-R-06-010. PDF file [791 KB]

Contact: Water Quality Association, USA, info@wqa.org, http://www.wqa.org

Source: WQA, 10 Jan 2007

Tags: policies & legislation, water quality