Potable Water Supply
The FBO must ensure that an adequate supply of potable water is available at all times to all food preparation sinks, ice makers and drinking water taps as defined by EU directive 98/83/EC and translated into Irish Law as S.I. No 106 of 2007.
Taps for drinking water purposes shall be designated as such & maintained in a clean & hygienic condition.
The drink water point should not be located at the wash hand basin.
Vacuum breakers shall be included in the water distribution system at all locations where back siphoning could occur.
Public Water Supply.
Water taken directly from a public supply i.e., a supply under the control of the local authority, must be regarded as potable unless there is a warning from the local authority that the water is not suitable for human consumption.
In the event that the food business is notified that the water supply is not of potable quality, the FBO must provide an alternative source of potable water for use in the food business.
Private Water Supply
Water taken from a private group water scheme, a private well or storage tanks must only be regarded as potable if it has been tested at the point of use and at frequency required by SI 278,2007 & found to comply with these regulations by the FBO.
Where a private supply is in use measures must be taken to prevent contamination of the supply from surrounding activities.
Water from a private supply must be treated to ensure it is suitable for use in a food business.
Non potable water
Where non potable water is used for non-food purposes e.g. fire control, it must be suitably identified.
