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Document 92001E002344
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2344/01 by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Nitrate concentration in drinking water.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2344/01 by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Nitrate concentration in drinking water.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2344/01 by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Nitrate concentration in drinking water.
Dz.U. C 81E z 4.4.2002, p. 156–156
(ES, DA, DE, EL, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT, FI, SV)
92001E2344
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2344/01 by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Nitrate concentration in drinking water.
Official Journal 081 E , 04/04/2002 P. 0156 - 0156
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2344/01 by Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE) to the Commission (27 July 2001) Subject: Nitrate concentration in drinking water In view of the harm caused by nitrates in water it is specified that nitrate concentration in drinking water must not exceed 50 mg/l. Some scientists now appear to be questioning that limit. What technical and scientific bases were used to determine the limit for nitrate concentration in drinking water? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (20 September 2001) The threshold of 50 milligrams per litre (mg/l) for nitrate concentration in drinking water, laid down by Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption(1), is identical to the guide value proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO); it is the same as the threshold already adopted in the earlier directive on the same subject, Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980(2). This value guarantees protection against infantile methaemoglobinaemia. (1) OJ L 330, 5.12.1998. (2) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.