Retrospective of natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria: Regulatory Framework and Technical Aspects

In this paper, we present the current situation of both natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria. The evolution in legislation regarding the exploitation, production and marketing of bottled natural mineral and spring water are discussed in the first part. A critical analysis of this legislation, through a comparative study with European and international legislations is also exposed in this study. In the second part, an inventory of operating sites of natural mineral water or spring water is given. Then, the physicochemical characterization and classification of waters on the different sites of natural mineral waters are presented. Finally, in order to establish a database for natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria, the first data are then given.