The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

PART 1 N.I. General

Analysis of samples N.I.

1.—(1) The district council must ensure that each sample is analysed in accordance with Annex III to Directive 98/83 and this Schedule.

(2) For each parameter specified in the first column of Table 1 in Part 2 the method of analysis is specified in the second column of that table.

(3) For each parameter specified in the first column of Table 2 in Part 2 the method of analysis is one that is capable of—

(a) measuring concentrations and values with the trueness and precision specified in the second and third columns of that table; and

(b) detecting the parameter at the limit of detection specified in the fourth column of that table.

(4) For hydrogen ion, the method of analysis must be capable of measuring a value with a trueness of 0.2pH unit and a precision of 0.2 pH unit.

(5) The method of analysis used for odour and taste parameters must be capable of measuring values equal to the parametric value with a precision of 1 dilution number at 25 ºC.

(6) For the purpose of this paragraph—

• “limit of detection” is—

  (a)

  three times the relative within-batch standard deviation of a natural sample containing a low concentration of the parameter; or

  (b)

  five times the relative within-batch standard deviation of a blank sample;

• “precision” (the random error) is twice the standard deviation (within a batch and between batches) of the spread of results about the mean;

• “trueness” (the systematic error) is the difference between the mean value of the large number of repeated measurements and the true value.

Authorisation of alternative methods of analysis N.I.

2.—(1) The Agency may authorise a method different from that set out in Part 2 if satisfied that it is at least as reliable.

(2) An authorisation may be time-limited and may be revoked at any time.

Sampling and analysis by persons other than district councils N.I.

3.—(1) A district council may enter into an arrangement for any person to take and analyse samples on its behalf.

(2) A district council must not enter into an arrangement under paragraph (1) unless—

(a) it is satisfied that the task will be carried out promptly by a person competent to perform it; and

(b) it has made arrangements that ensure that any breach of these Regulations is communicated to it immediately, and any other result is communicated to it within 28 days.