Drinking water analysis

Drinking water is our most important nutrient. Drinking water is fresh water intended only for human consumption. The provisions concerning drinking water are specified in the Norwegian Drinking Water Regulations. We use drinking water for cooking, to rinse fruit and vegetables and to clean equipment and production environments. On average, each person uses 150-200 litres per day.

The provisions concerning drinking water and associated quality requirements are regulated in the Norwegian Drinking Water Regulations (in Norwegian). The regulations cover all aspects of drinking water supply from raw water to clean water, pipelines supplying residential homes, production facilities and modes of transport such as buses, airplanes, and ships. The purpose of the regulations is to safeguard the supply of drinking water at a satisfactory quantity and quality for consumers.

We perform accredited analyses covered by the Norwegian Drinking Water Regulations and we have extensive experience within this field, conducting more than 100,000 drinking water analyses each year.

We offer

• chemical, microbiological, and physical parameters in accordance with the Norwegian Drinking Water Regulations (Raw water, analysis in sample group A and B, as well as pesticides)
• hazard assessments and test plans adapted for the size and supply capacity of the waterworks concerned
• suitable sample packaging and transport boxes

In order for water to be deemed drinkable, it must meet certain quality requirements. For example:

Microbiological analyses:

• microorganisms (total number of bacteria and fungi)
• coliforms
• E.coli
• intestinal enterococci
• Clostridium perfringens

Chemical analyses:

• pH
• colour
• turbidity
• conductivity
• metal and mineral analyses such as copper, iron, manganese, sodium, calcium, etc.

An organoleptic analysis (odour and taste) must also be conducted.

Please refer to the overview of the scope of our accreditation: TEST 070

Sampling practicalities

Contact us and we will send you sample packaging, ensuring that you use the correct sample bottles for the different analyses. After sampling, it is essential that water samples are stored and transported to the laboratory in cold conditions, preferably the same day and within 12 hours.

Sampling guidelines and shipping forms can be found in our customer portal.

Why us

• SINTEF Norlab is an accredited laboratory and offers a wide range of accredited analyses.
• We use accredited subcontractors as needed.
• We offer extended reporting, including assessment of analysis results against any limit values.
• We can assist with sample collection if required by the customer.
• We can provide sample bottles and return packaging at no additional cost.