[From the second European drinking water guideline to the new drinking water regulations].

The new drinking water regulations, effective 1.1.2003, introduced several new and hygienically important changes. The term "drinking water" has changed to "water for human consumption". The change of the term gives a remarkable extension of the scope of the drinking water regulations. One of the consequences is that the water in buildings in which the water is delivered to the public has now to be controlled as well. The planned measures may help to promote good consequences in case of accidents. The need for treatment makes it necessary to control raw water to a higher degree than before. In case of microbial contamination the water has to be treated by filtration. Disinfection may no longer be the only treatment to ensure a safe drinking water supply. The adherence to the technical rules demanded by the new drinking water regulations may convey much additional security to water supply.