Monitoring of the quality of water for human consumption with regard to the radioactive substances it contains, following the evaluation by EEAE of the measurement results of the years 2018-2020
Circular D1(d)/GP 80755/16-12-2020 was published, which concerns the monitoring of the quality of water for human consumption with regard to the radioactive substances it contains, as determined on the basis of European Directives.
The parameters for monitoring radioactivity in water for human consumption are: tritium, radon and indicative dose.
According to the a.p. A.c/414/15815/2020/09-12-2020 document of the EEAE, water supply “responsible persons” are currently required to monitor water for human consumption only with regard to the indicative dose until further notice.
The indicative dose is calculated from the results of the following measurements:
Measurement of total alpha/violet radiation
Measurement of uranium isotopes (U-238 & U-234)
As of 1/1/2021, water supply operators, in implementation of their obligations, shall carry out sampling in areas under their responsibility to monitor the radioactivity of water for human consumption with the aim of both:
Α. Determination of total alpha and total beta radiation:
The determination of total alpha and total beta radiation shall be carried out on an annual basis on all samples of water for human consumption taken for the monitoring of radioactivity in water for human consumption.
and
Β. The determination of uranium isotopes:
The determination of uranium isotopes shall be conducted on all samples of human drinking water taken from fusion points (sampling points) that are being monitored for radioactivity for the first time.
The determination of uranium isotopes for other cases of samples of water intended for human consumption shall be carried out on an annual basis only in those samples in which the alpha-radiation activity, as determined above, exceeds the limit of 0,1 Bq/L.
The samples to be measured should be sent to the laboratories of the EEAE or to laboratories authorised for this purpose in accordance with the provisions of the legislation in force.
Finally, it is noted that:
1) Water supply operators are obliged:
(a) communicate the results of the measurements to the EEE through the authorized analysis laboratories, which then communicates them to the Ministry of Health and the European Commission.
(b) apply to the NEC, through the authorised analysis laboratories, for a ‘certificate of suitability for drinking water’.
2) The NEC evaluates the results of the measurements and issues the “Certificate of Suitability”.
Read the Circular in detail:
radioactivity_80755_2020
