The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Water Purification System (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2023. These rules provide guidelines on how to properly manage, store, and use the waste water and discarded parts from water purification systems.

The rules were published on November 10, 2023, but they will take effect on November 10, 2024.

Applicability: All manufacturers, importers, producers, suppliers, and users of Domestic or Commercial water purification systems must comply with these rules to ensure environmental safety and sustainability.

• Commercial Purifier System refers to a water purification device intended for use in commercial and industrial purposes. These systems are designed to handle larger volumes of water and are used in places such as offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and factories.
• Domestic Purifier System refers to a water purification device intended for use in residential households with a capacity of 25ltr per hour.

 

Responsibilities of Manufacturers or Users of Domestic and Commercial Water Purification Systems:

For Manufacturers:

1. Certification:

1. • Obtain a Standard Mark license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Indian Standard IS:16240.
   • Ensure that no water purification system, whether domestic or commercial, is sold without the Standard Mark and Bureau certification.

2. Waste Management:

1. • Manage discarded elements in accordance with:
     • Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
     • E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
     • Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

3. Compliance Reporting:

1. • Submit an annual compliance report to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) by November 30 of the following financial year.

For Users:

1. Adherence to Guidelines:

1. • Follow the guidelines set by the SPCB or PCC for the management, storage, utilization, and disposal of reject water and discarded elements.

2. Proper Disposal:

1. • Ensure that reject water and discarded elements are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, as per the regulations.

Responsibilities  of Water Supply Agency:

• Inform Consumers: Let consumers know about the sources and quality of their water.
• Monitor Water Quality: Keep track of the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water.
• Use Billing and Ads: Provide information through bills and public advertisements.
• Collaborate: Work with both municipal and private water suppliers.

 

Conformance Label on Domestic Water Purification System:

A Conformance Label on a domestic water purification system is a mark that indicates the system meets specific standards and regulations set by relevant authorities. This label ensures that the product has been tested and certified to provide safe and clean drinking water according to established guidelines.

Overview of Conformance Label

• Certification: Shows that the system has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or another authority.
• Standard Mark: Indicates compliance with Indian Standard IS:16240.
• Quality Assurance: Assures consumers that the product meets safety, performance, and quality standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Confirms that the product meets regulations like the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
• Consumer Confidence: Helps consumers trust that the water purifier is effective and reliable.

Nodal Agency Reference in Disputes

• Handling Disputes: If there are any issues or problems in following the rules, they are referred to the nodal agency.
• Committee Formation: The nodal agency creates a committee to assess how well processes are working and how efficiently things are being recovered.
• Guidance and Advice: The nodal agency gives advice on how to follow the rules, how to resolve disputes, and how to make sure processes are done correctly.

“In Conclusion, The Water Purification System (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2023, by MoEFCC, emphasize the importance of certification, responsible waste management, and environmental compliance in safeguarding water resources and promoting healthier communities.”

 

Disclaimer: This is an effort by team of Lexcomply.com, to contribute towards improving compliance management regime. User is advised not to construe this service as legal opinion and is advisable to take a view of subject experts.