European Communities (Quality of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water) Regulations, 1989. Country/Territory Ireland Document type Regulation Date 1989 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Water Keyword Potable water Freshwater pollution Inland waters Water quality standards Policy/planning Inspection Pollution control Geographical area Atlantic Ocean Islands, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, North Atlantic, North-East Atlantic, Northern Europe Abstract These Regulations give effect to Council Directives No. 75/440/EEC and No. 79/869/EEC.They prescribe quality standards and methods and frequencies of analysis for surface fresh water used or intended for use in the abstraction of drinking water. A sanitary authority shall classify surface water in their area in accordance with the quality standards specified in Part II of the Schedule to these Regulations into three categories: A1, A2, A3. Where surface waters have been so classified, it shall be the duty of the sanitary authority to take the necessary measures to ensure that each of the waters concerned meets the quality standards appropriate to its category, except in case of the case of floods or other natural disasters and other circumstances specified in regulation 5. Water which does not meet at least the quality standards specified in Part II of the Schedule in respect of category A3 water, may not be used for the abstraction of drinking water. Where appropriate, and, in particular, where the quality of surface water falls within category A3, a sanitary authority shall prepare an action programme, including a timetable, for the improvement of the water quality. A sanitary authority shall regularly monitor the quality of surface water pursuant regulation 6. (8 regulations completed by 1 Schedule) Full text English Website www.bailii.org