Moldovan parliament amends law on drinking water quality

Citizens of the Republic of Moldova will benefit from safer and higher quality drinking water, in accordance with the latest public health standards. Parliament voted in the first reading on a draft amendment to the Law on drinking water quality.

The document, worked out by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency, aims to protect the health of the population by updating requirements for access to safe water sources. The new regulations provide for a review of the list of quality parameters subject to verification, the establishment of a risk assessment and management system for contamination, and the establishment of a clear framework for granting derogations to water suppliers.

The project also requires local public authorities to identify individuals with limited access to drinking water, connect them to distribution networks, and inform citizens about the water quality in their locality.

The National Public Health Agency will remain the institution responsible for monitoring water quality and evaluating requests for derogations.

Additionally, the aim is to modernize water treatment plants and equip all public networks with disinfection systems.

Official data show that in 2023, about 63% of localities in the Republic of Moldova were connected to public water supply systems.