2024-10-31 13:44:00
Health risks associated with the use of EICH for domestic uses
Practices of substituting drinking water (water intended for human consumption) with non-potable water may cause health risks due to the presence of microbiological and physicochemical pollutants in this water, in particular the following risks:
Risk of exposure of people to pathogenic organisms and chemical substances, including risk of exposure of sensitive or vulnerable people Risk of contamination of drinking water networks by accidental interconnection of networks Risk of development of disease-vectoring mosquito larvae .
These risks can arise in the event of poor design or poor maintenance of systems for using water unfit for human consumption. For example, if users of these systems are not informed of the presence of non-potable water taps, they may make unintended uses of them, such as for food or personal hygiene, which can lead to water-borne diseases. gastroenteritis type. If the networks are not properly maintained, the quality of water unfit for human consumption can also deteriorate, through microbial development or the accumulation of chemical pollutants, and expose people using this water unfit for human consumption for domestic uses. permit.
In the event of poor design, absence or error in identification of the network, unauthorized interconnections (connection or “tapping” on the pipes) can lead to phenomena of water returning to the drinking water network ( by depression during work on the public network for example) with the effect of contamination of the public drinking water distribution network thus exposing the population supplied with contaminated water with risks and presenting the same symptoms of gastroenteritis type .
Feedback from “double networks” has shown, both in France and abroad, that total separation of networks cannot be ensured in the long term and/or on a large scale when a double network exists. in the habitat. The large-scale development of the recovery of water unfit for human consumption in the home therefore induces a risk of contamination of drinking water on the scale of the home and on the scale of a distribution unit. Informing users and transmitting knowledge of the existence of a non-potable water network is therefore essential to avoid misuse of these waters and networks.
Storing recovered water in tanks or reservoirs within buildings can create risks of parasitic development (chikungunya, etc.), transmission in the event of an avian epidemic and drowning for young children (depending on the design of the tank) .
Control of installations and administrative police power
As part of the inspection and control missions provided for in article L. 1431-2, carried out under the conditions of article L. 1421-2, the director general of the regional health agency may carry out the control of the implementation of the provisions of this section for systems subject to the declaration or authorization procedures mentioned, as the case may be, in Articles R. 1322-100 and R. 1322-101. As such, he may ask the owner of the internal water distribution networks to provide documents attesting to compliance with these provisions and carry out an inspection of systems using water unfit for human consumption.
If the prefect, contacted by the director general of the Regional Health Agency, notes that the provisions planned to ensure the health safety of users are not respected, he may decide to put the owner of the internal distribution networks on notice. water authorities to take the necessary preventive or corrective measures.
In the absence of a response or if the observations presented by the recipient of the formal notice are not satisfactory, the prefect may, after consulting the director general of the regional health agency, order the owner to cease or cause to cease any use of the system for the use of water unfit for human consumption.
Costs relating to water quality checks on systems using water unfit for human consumption, in particular checks carried out following a situation of risk to the health of users linked to the use of the system , are the responsibility of the owner of the internal water distribution networks.
In order to prevent the risks of contamination of the public drinking water network, article 57 of the law on water and aquatic environments of December 30, 2006 (art. L. 2224-12 of the general code of local authorities) has introduces the possibility for water service agents, in the event of use of a water resource other than that coming from the public distribution network, to access private properties to carry out checks on internal water distribution installations drinking water and sampling works, wells and boreholes. This possibility of controlling private installations applies to rainwater recovery equipment ( [‘actionname’, ‘external_>_Usage_domestique_d_eaux_impropres_a_la_consommation_humaine>_contrôle_des_installations_privatives_de_distribution_deau_potable_des_ouvrages_de_prélèvement_puits_et_forages_et_des_ouvrages_de_récupération_des_eaux_de_pluie’,’actionmode’, ”, ‘actionlabel’, ‘external,content,link,,custom_event’,’actionpname’, ‘component_label’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘contrôle des installations privatives de distribution deau potable, des ouvrages de prélèvement, puits et forages et des ouvrages de récupération des eaux de pluie’,’actionpname’, ‘component_value’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘ ‘component_hierarchy’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘content’,’actionpname’, ‘heading_hierarchy’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘>_Usage_domestique_d_eaux_impropres_a_la_consommation_humaine>_contrôle_des_installations_privatives_de_distribution_deau_potable_des_ouvrages_de_prélèvement_puits_et_forages_et_des_ouvrages_de_récupération_des_eaux_de_pluie’])” class=”spip_out” rel=”external”>decree n°2008-652 of July 2, 2008 and order of December 17, 2008 relating to [‘actionname’, ‘external_>_Usage_domestique_d_eaux_impropres_a_la_consommation_humaine>_contrôle_des_installations_privatives_de_distribution_deau_potable_des_ouvrages_de_prélèvement_puits_et_forages_et_des_ouvrages_de_récupération_des_eaux_de_pluie’,’actionmode’, ”, ‘actionlabel’, ‘external,content,link,,custom_event’,’actionpname’, ‘component_label’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘contrôle des installations privatives de distribution deau potable, des ouvrages de prélèvement, puits et forages et des ouvrages de récupération des eaux de pluie’,’actionpname’, ‘component_value’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘ ‘component_hierarchy’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘content’,’actionpname’, ‘heading_hierarchy’, ‘actionpvalue’, ‘>_Usage_domestique_d_eaux_impropres_a_la_consommation_humaine>_contrôle_des_installations_privatives_de_distribution_deau_potable_des_ouvrages_de_prélèvement_puits_et_forages_et_des_ouvrages_de_récupération_des_eaux_de_pluie’])” class=”spip_out” rel=”external”>control of private drinking water distribution installations, sampling works, wells and boreholes and rainwater harvesting works. In the event of a risk of contamination of water from the public network, the service instructs the subscriber to implement the necessary protective measures. If the measures have not been implemented, the service may close the connection.
In addition, in the event of contamination of the public drinking water distribution network, the administrative and criminal sanctions provided for by the public health code may be applied. Thus, article L.1324-4 of the public health code indicates that “the act of damaging public works intended to receive or conduct water supply or allowing the introduction of materials likely to harm health, in spring water, fountains, wells, cisterns, pipes, aqueducts, water reservoirs used for public supply, is punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros.”
Emergency measures
In the event of an imminent risk to public health or a serious health threat mentioned in Article L. 3131-1, the owner of the internal water distribution networks immediately shuts down or causes the water use system to be shut down. water unfit for human consumption and implements or has implemented the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its system for users of the building.
These measures are in particular proportionate and adapted to the health risks of the system for users. They are the subject of regular communication by any means to residents, residents, workers or the public of the building and users.
The owner of said networks informs, by any means conferring a certain date on receipt of this information, the director general of the regional health agency of any situation of imminent risk to public health or serious health threat.
In the event of failure of the owner, the prefect, on his initiative or at the request of the general director of the regional health agency, may, without prior formality, suspend or prohibit the use of the system for using water unfit for use. human consumption and require the implementation of corrective and verification measures before putting the system back into use.
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#Domestic #water #unfit #human #consumption
**Interview with Dr. Claire Dupont: Health Risks of Using Non-Potable Water for Domestic Purposes**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. You’ve highlighted significant health risks associated with using EICH (eaux impropres à la consommation humaine) for domestic purposes. Can you summarize the primary health concerns for our audience?
**Dr. Dupont:** Absolutely. The primary health risks stem from the potential contamination that arises when non-potable water is used in domestic settings. This can include exposure to harmful microorganisms and various chemical pollutants. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk, as they may suffer from conditions like gastroenteritis if they inadvertently use non-potable water for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene.
**Editor:** That sounds alarming. What specific issues can arise from the design and maintenance of water systems that use non-potable water?
**Dr. Dupont:** Poorly designed or maintained systems can lead to accidental cross-connections between non-potable and drinking water networks. For example, if users are unaware of non-potable water sources, they may use this water for food preparation, risking serious health issues. Additionally, if non-potable water systems become contaminated due to neglect, it can lead to microbial growth and the accumulation of harmful chemicals, posing further dangers to users.
**Editor:** Are there regulations in place to control the use of these non-potable water systems?
**Dr. Dupont:** Yes, there are regulations. Regional health agencies have the authority to inspect and enforce compliance with safety provisions. If systems using non-potable water are found to be unsafe, they can issue notices to owners to rectify the situation. Failure to comply can lead to serious repercussions, including the cessation of water usage from these systems.
**Editor:** You also mentioned the risks associated with water storage in tanks. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Dupont:** Certainly. Storing recovered water can pose multiple risks if not designed correctly. For instance, stagnant water can become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, and poorly designed systems can result in drowning hazards, especially for young children. Such risks highlight the critical importance of proper design and maintenance in any water recovery system.
**Editor:** what steps can households take to mitigate these health risks?
**Dr. Dupont:** Education is crucial. Homeowners must be informed about the existence and proper usage of non-potable water systems. Regular inspections and maintenance of these systems are also essential. Ensuring clear labeling of water sources, using appropriate plumbing systems, and engaging with local health authorities can help safeguard against contamination. Ultimately, being proactive and informed is the best strategy for minimizing health risks associated with non-potable water use.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Dupont. Your expertise on this critical issue is invaluable as we promote public health and safety in our communities.