China’s National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention has officially rolled out the country’s first special hygienic standard for water quality in emergency water supply, namely the Hygienic Standards for Emergency Water Supply in Sudden Drinking Water Contamination Incidents (WS/T10038-2025). The standard is scheduled to come into force on March 1, 2026, building a solid safeguard barrier for drinking water safety under emergency conditions.
1. Core Quality Requirements
1.1 Zero Tolerance for Microorganisms
Emergency water supply shall undergo strict disinfection. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli shall not be detected in water samples, and the total bacterial count shall not exceed 100 CFU/mL.
1.2 Sensory and Chemical Indicators
The turbidity shall be ≤5 NTU, the chromaticity shall not exceed 20 degrees, and no peculiar smell or odor is allowed. The pH value shall range from 6.5 to 9.0, while the pH range for reverse osmosis water supply is adjusted to 5.0-9.0. The residual chlorine in tap water at the end of the pipe shall be no less than 0.05 mg/L.
1.3 Characteristic Pollutants
Emergency reference values shall be formulated based on health risks, supporting targeted and rapid detection of pollutants.
2. Emergency Response Procedures
2.1 Water Supply Institutions
Relevant institutions shall immediately activate emergency plans to control pollution sources and conduct disinfection. Temporary water supply equipment must be cleaned and disinfected to avoid secondary water pollution.
2.2 Emergency Monitoring
Conventional water quality indicators shall be monitored no less than once a day, while characteristic pollutants shall be detected once every 2 to 4 hours. The monitoring scope covers source water, finished water, and tap water at the end of the pipe, with all data submitted in real time.
2.3 Water Supply Restoration
Normal water supply can only be resumed after thorough pollution source control and 24 consecutive hours of qualified water quality complying with GB 5749-2022. The restoration shall be assessed and publicly announced by health authorities.
3. Public Protection Guidelines
First, bottled water is highly recommended for drinking. Tap water should be boiled for 1 minute before consumption, and 3 minutes in high-altitude areas. Boiling remains the most effective way to eliminate pathogenic bacteria.
Second, turbid raw water shall be filtered before disinfection and boiling. Water storage containers require regular cleaning and disinfection.
Third, avoid drinking or contacting water from unidentified sources.
