Investigation on Drinking Water Safety in China in 2006

Objective To investigate the health management condition and water quality of centralized water supply units and secondary water supply facilities. Methods Data identification, on-site investigation, sampling test were conducted in 2006. Results The most serious problem existing in the municipal and self-constructed water plants was unqualified water quality testing facilities and the eligible rate was only 71.7% and 46.7% respectively. 32.7% of self-constructed water plants did not have health permits. Only 68.5% of drinking water related products and disinfection products used in the secondary water supply facilities were holding valid health permits. The eligible rates of source water quality in the municipal and self-constructed water plants were 75.3% and 80.0%, in the treated water were 85.0% and 77.5%, in the tap water were 92.4% and 82.0% respectively, in the secondary water supply was 80.8%. Conclusion Health management work still needs to be strengthened and water quality monitoring should focus on the microbial indicators and perceptible indicators.