Policy and Regulatory Framework for Water Treatment Chemicals Globally

Water treatment chemicals are closely related to water safety and environmental protection, so they are subject to strict policy and regulatory constraints globally. Different countries and regions have formulated corresponding standards and regulations to regulate the production, use, and discharge of water treatment chemicals, ensuring their safety and environmental friendliness. This article summarizes the global policy and regulatory framework for water treatment chemicals, analyzing the differences and common trends between different regions.

In Europe, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation is the core regulatory framework for water treatment chemicals. It requires manufacturers to register chemicals, evaluate their environmental and health risks, and obtain authorization for high-risk chemicals. The European Union also has strict standards for the residual concentration of water treatment chemicals in drinking water, such as the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). In North America, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formulates standards for drinking water disinfectants and disinfection by-products, and regulates the use of water treatment chemicals through the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Canada also has corresponding regulations to control the environmental risks of water treatment chemicals.

In Asia-Pacific, China has formulated a series of national standards for water treatment chemicals, such as GB/T 15892-2020 for polyaluminum chloride and GB 14991-2016 for water treatment biocides, regulating the quality and safety of chemicals. Japan and South Korea also have strict regulations on water treatment chemicals, focusing on environmental protection and water safety. The common trend of global regulations is to strengthen the environmental and health risk assessment of water treatment chemicals, promote the use of green and biodegradable products, and tighten the limits on residual chemicals and by-products. With the continuous improvement of global environmental awareness, the policy and regulatory framework for water treatment chemicals will become more stringent, promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the industry.