Quality required of Surface Water intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water Regulations, 2001 (L.N. No. 339 of 2001). Country/Territory Malta Document type Regulation Date 2001 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Supplement to the Official Gazette No. 17,181 of 28 December 2001, pp. B 3819-27. Subject Food & nutrition, Water Keyword Food quality control/food safety Potable water Water supply Freshwater pollution Surface water Water quality standards Pollution control Geographical area Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Mediterranean, Southern Europe Abstract These Regulations concern quality requirements which shall be met by surface waters used or intended for use in the abstraction of drinking water after appropriate treatment. They shall not apply to groundwater, brackish water and water intended to replenish "water-bearing beds". For the purposes of these Regulations, all surface water intended for human consumption and supplied by distribution networks for public use shall be considered drinking water. Surface waters shall be divided into three categories (A1,A2 and A3) in accordance with the quality and characteristics of the water as set out in Annex II. Appropriate standard methods of treatment are given in Annex I. In accordance with regulation 5, the Competent authority may apply more stringent values than those given in Annex II, and may anyhow revised, but may never lead to deterioration of the current quality of surface water. The Competent Authority shall draw up an action plan and observe other requirements set out in regulation 5 for the protection of quality of surface waters. Regulation 9 specifies circumstances under which these Regulations may be waived. Regulation 10 defines offences. Full text English References - Legislation Implements Environment Protection Act, 2001 (Act No. XX of 2001). Legislation | Malta | 2001 Keyword: Basic legislation, Environmental planning, Institution, Pollution control, Authorization/permit, EIA, Special fund, Inspection, Policy/planning, Biodiversity, Management/conservation Source: FAO, FAOLEX