SANS241

ISBN 0-626-18876-8
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Drinking water
Published by Standards South Africa

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SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2006 Amended to include the compliance target in the microbiological
requirements (4.2), to reword the NOTE to microbiological
requirements, to change the title of table C.2, and to update the
recommended referenced standards.
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee StanSA TC 5140.19, Water,
in accordance with procedures of Standards South Africa, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.
This standard was published in December 2006.
A reference is made in C.3 to "the national accreditation authority". In South Africa this means the
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
This edition cancels and replaces edition 6 (SANS 241:2005).
Annexes A, B and C are for information only.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment No. 1.
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
Contents
Page
Foreword
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................ 3
3 Definitions and abbreviations ................................................................................................ 4
4 Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 5
5 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................. 8
Annex A (informative) Sampling ............................................................................................ 10
Annex B (informative) Recommended South African national standards (SANS)

for use in testing ................................................................................. 11
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for the application of this standard ................................... 12
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 17
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SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
Drinking water
1 Scope
1.1 This standard specifies the quality of acceptable drinking water, defined in terms of micro-
biological, physical, organoleptic and chemical parameters at the point of delivery.
1.2 It describes two classes of drinking water: class I is considered to be acceptable for lifetime
consumption, and is the recommended compliance limit. Class II is considered to represent drinking
water for consumption for a limited period. This class specifies a water quality range that poses an
increasing risk to consumers dependant on the concentration of the determinand within the
specified range.
NOTE 1 The classifications of class I and class II are respectively analogous to the classifications Green and
Yellow used to differentiate among water qualities available for drinking purposes and described in Quality of
domestic water supplies – Volume 1: Assessment guide (see bibliography).
NOTE 2 The South African Compulsory National Standards Regulations under section 9 of the Water
Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997), for the quality of potable water directs Water Services Authorities to
this standard (referred to as SABS 241) for guidance.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a
standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements
based on this standard are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions
of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards
can be obtained from Standards South Africa.
ISO 6107-7, Water quality – Vocabulary.
SANS 5667-1/ISO 5667-1, Water quality – Sampling – Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling
programmes.
SANS 5667-2/ISO 5667-2, Water quality – Sampling – Part 2: Guidance on sampling techniques.
SANS 5667-3/ISO 5667-3, Water quality – Sampling – Part 3: Guidance on the preservation and
handling of water samples.
SANS 5667-4/ISO 5667-4, Water quality – Sampling – Part 4: Guidance on sampling from lakes,
natural and man-made.
SANS 5667-5/ISO 5667-5, Water quality – Sampling – Part 5: Guidance on sampling of drinking
water from treatment works and piped distribution systems.
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
SANS 5667-6/ISO 5667-6, Water quality – Sampling – Part 6: Guidance on sampling of rivers and
streams.
SANS 5667-11/ISO 5667-11, Water quality – Sampling – Part 11: Guidance on sampling of
groundwaters.
3 Definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions and abbreviations apply.
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1
coliform bacteria
group of aerobic and facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, lactose-fermenting
bacteria which typically inhabit the large intestine of man and animals
NOTE 1 See SANS 9308-1.
NOTE 2 Many of these organisms, including on occasion Escherichia coli, are able to survive and multiply in
the natural environment. [ISO 6107-7:1997]
3.1.2
cytopathogenic viruses
viruses that cause visible damage to a host cell culture as part of a replication process
3.1.3
Escherichia coli
E. coli
aerobic and facultatively anaerobic faecal (thermotolerant) coliform bacterium which ferments
lactose or mannitol with the production of both acid and gas, produces indole from tryptophan, and
hydrolyses 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-d-glucuronide (MUG), at 44 °C
NOTE 1 See SANS 9308-1 and SANS 9308-2.
NOTE 2 The normal habitat of E. coli is the large intestine of man and warm-blooded animals, and it is usually
not able to multiply in aquatic environments. The presence of E. coli in water does, therefore, indicate recent
faecal pollution. [ISO 6107-7:1997]
3.1.4
process indicator
group of organisms such as heterotrophic bacteria or coliform bacteria, that demonstrates the
efficiency of a process for chlorine disinfection
3.1.5
protozoan parasites
unicellular eukaryotic animal organisms that infect specific hosts as part of their life cycle
NOTE 1 See ISO 6107-5:2004.
NOTE 2 Examples of particular importance to drinking water include species of the intestinal parasites Giardia
and Cryptosporidium, the cysts and oocysts of which are excreted in faeces and could be transmitted by water to
other human or animal hosts.
3.1.6
responsible authority
as defined in the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) and associated regulations
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Edition 6.1
3.1.7
somatic coliphages
bacterial viruses which are capable of infecting selected Escherichia coli host strains (and related
strains) by attachment to the bacterial cell wall as the first step of the infection process
NOTE Somatic coliphages produce visible plaques (clearance zones) in a confluent lawn of host bacteria
grown under appropriate culture conditions. [SANS 10705-2:2002]
3.1.8
thermotolerant (faecal) coliform bacteria
coliform bacteria which can grow and which have the same fermentative and biochemical properties
at 44 °C as they have at 37 °C [ISO 6107-7:1997]
NOTE See SANS 9308-1 and SANS 9308-2.
3.2 Abbreviations
FTN – Flavour threshold number
NTU – Nephelometric turbidity units
TON – Threshold odour number
4 Requirements
4.1 Suitability and acceptability (see also annex C)
The authority administering this standard shall base its assessment of the suitability and
acceptability of water for drinking purposes on the consideration of its microbiological content, and
its physical, organoleptic and chemical properties as indicated in table 1 and table 2.
4.2 Microbiological requirements

The percentage allowable compliance given in table 1 applies to the microbiological statistics for a
period of one year (99 % compliance target on an annual basis). Where a microbiological test result
exceeds the value given in column 4 or column 5 of table 1, immediate re-sampling together with
associated remedial action shall be implemented until the water quality complies with the
requirements given in column 3 of table 1. Amdt 1
NOTE Where a microbiological test result exceeds the value given in column 5 of table 1, an unacceptable
risk to health is implied. As the microbiological test result increases, an increasing risk to health is implied.
Amdt 1
Table 1 — Microbiological safety requirements
1 2 3 4 5
a
Allowable compliance contribution
Determinand Unit 95 % of samples, 4 % of samples, 1 % of samples,

min. max. max.
Upper limits
E. coli b or count/100 mL Not detected Not detected 1
Thermotolerant (faecal)
coliform bacteriac count/100 mL Not detected 1 10
a
The allowable compliance contribution shall be at least 95 % to the limits indicated in column 3, with a
maximum of 4 % and 1 %, respectively, to the limits indicated in column 4 and column 5. The objective of
disinfection should, nevertheless, be to attain 100 % compliance to the limits indicated in column 3.
b
Definitive, preferred indicator of faecal pollution.
c
Indicator of unacceptable microbial water quality, could be tested instead of E. coli but is not the preferred
indicator of faecal pollution. Also provides information on treatment efficiency and aftergrowth in distribution
networks.
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
4.3 Physical, organoleptic and chemical requirements

4.3.1 The water shall comply with the requirements for class I for lifetime consumption in relation
to the physical, organoleptic and chemical but not the aesthetic requirements (see C.4.3) specified
in table 2 (95 % compliance target on an annual basis).
NOTE Compliance with aesthetic requirements has cost implications.
Table 2 — Physical, organoleptic and chemical requirements
1 2 3 4 5
Class II
Class I Class II water
(max. allowable
Determinand Unit (recommended consumption
for limited
operational limit) period,a max.
duration)
Physical and organoleptic
requirements
Colour (aesthetic) mg/L Pt < 20 20 – 50 No limitb
Conductivity at 25 °C
(aesthetic) mS/m < 150 150 – 370 7 years
Dissolved solids (aesthetic) mg/L < 1 000 1 000 – 2 400 7 years
Odour (aesthetic) TON <5 5 – 10 No limitb
pH value at 25 °C (aesthetic/
operational) pH units 5,0 – 9,5 4,0 – 10,0 No limitc
Taste (aesthetic) FTN <5 5 – 10 No limit
Turbidity
(aesthetic/operational/
indirect health) NTU <1 1–5 No limitd
Chemical requirements —
macro-determinand
Ammonia as N (operational) mg/L < 1,0 1,0 – 2,0 No limitd
Calcium as Ca
(aesthetic/operational) mg/L < 150 150 – 300 7 years
–
Chloride as Cl (aesthetic) mg/L < 200 200 – 600 7 years
–
Fluoride as F (health) mg/L < 1,0 1,0 – 1,5 1 year
Magnesium as Mg (aesthetic/
health) mg/L < 70 70 – 100 7 years
(Nitrate and nitrite) as N
(health) mg/L < 10 10 – 20 7 years
Potassium as K
(operational/health) mg/L < 50 50 – 100 7 years
Sodium as Na
(aesthetic/health) mg/L < 200 200 – 400 7 years
Sulfate as SO4= (health) mg/L < 400 400 – 600 7 years
Zinc as Zn (aesthetic/health) mg/L < 5,0 5,0 – 10 1 year
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Edition 6.1
Table 2 (concluded)
1 2 3 4 5
Class I Class II Class II water
Determinand Unit (recommended (max. allowable for consumption
operational limit) limited duration) period,a max.
micro-determinand
Aluminium as Al (health) µg/L < 300 300 – 500 1 year
Antimony as Sb (health) µg/L < 10 10 – 50 1 year
Arsenic as As (health) µg/L < 10 10 – 50 1 year
Cadmium as Cd (health) µg/L <5 5 – 10 6 months
Total Chromium as Cr (health) µg/L < 100 100 – 500 3 months
Cobalt as Co (health) µg/L < 500 500 – 1 000 1 year
Copper as Cu (health) µg/L < 1 000 1 000 – 2 000 1 year
–
Cyanide (recoverable) as CN
(health) µg/L < 50 50 – 70 1 week
Iron as Fe (aesthetic/
operational) µg/L < 200 200 – 2 000 7 yearsb
Lead as Pb (health) µg/L < 20 20 – 50 3 months
Manganese as Mn (aesthetic) µg/L < 100 100 – 1 000 7 years
Mercury as Hg (health) µg/L <1 1–5 3 months
Nickel as Ni (health) µg/L < 150 150 – 350 1 year
Selenium as Se (health) µg/L < 20 20 – 50 1 year
Vanadium as V (health) µg/L < 200 200 – 500 1 year
organic determinand
Dissolved organic carbon as C
(aesthetic/health) mg/L < 10 10 – 20 3 monthse
Total trihalomethanes (health) µg/L < 200 200 – 300 10 yearsf
Phenols (aesthetic/health) µg/L < 10 10 – 70 No limitb
a
The limits for the consumption of class II water are based on the consumption of 2 L of water per day by a
person of mass 70 kg over a period of 70 years. Columns 4 and 5 shall be applied together.
b
The limits given are based on aesthetic aspects.
c
No primary health effect – low pH values can result in structural problems in the distribution system.
d
These values can indicate process efficiency and risks associated with pathogens.
e
When dissolved organic carbon is deemed of natural origin, the consumption period can be extended.
f
This is a suggested value because trihalomethanes have not been proven to have any effect on human
health.
4.3.2 The water shall comply with the upper limit of class II for consumption for a limited period (97 %
compliance target on an annual basis (table 2)). Water quality in the lower half of class II is safe to
drink for long periods, however, should any health-related determinand fall consistently in the upper
half of class II (table 2), then it is deemed to be a potential problem and corrective action shall be
initiated because it presents an increasing risk to consumers. Where a chemical test result for a
health-related determinand exceeds the upper limit of the class II range, immediate re-sampling
should be considered and associated remedial action should be implemented until the water quality
complies with the requirements specified in the class II range.
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Edition 6.1
4.3.3 For organic determinands not covered in table 2, and if contamination of the water is evident,
then further analysis should be considered on specific organic determinands according to the nature
of the suspected contamination of the water resource.
NOTE Where appropriate, the latest edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking
water quality can be used for comparative purposes.
4.4 Organoleptic requirements

The organoleptic quality of the water should be acceptable to the majority of the consumers.
NOTE The organoleptic quality of the water is of an operational nature, and does not make the water unsafe
to drink.
5 Monitoring
5.1 Design of monitoring programmes
It is recognized that, in many instances, the cost of performing a full analysis against table 1 and
table 2 can be prohibitive. It is recommended that a graded monitoring system be implemented
whereby certain determinands critical to operational efficiency be monitored on a frequent basis
(see C.2).
5.2 Sampling programme

The recommendations given in SANS 5667-1 shall be used as the basis for a sampling programme,
and the recommendations given in SANS 5667-2, SANS 5667-3, SANS 5667-4, SANS 5667-5,
SANS 5667-6 and SANS 5667-11 shall be used as the basis for implementing the sampling
programme.
NOTE 1 It is not practicable to prescribe a standard frequency of sampling without taking into consideration
all the variables associated with a water supply, which include effects on the water from climatic, human and
industrial activities, the volume of water processed, the population served, the area of reticulation and the
capabilities of the analytical facility (both in terms of capacity and in terms of analytical performance). For this
reason, a sampling programme should take into consideration appropriate international recommendations.
NOTE 2 For numbers of samples and frequency of sampling, refer to the guidelines in annex A.
NOTE 3 In the absence of a formally established sampling programme, the suggested minimum sampling
frequency given in table A.1 can be used as an interim measure.
5.3 Analysis
Use any method of analysis that can offer the required accuracy.
When the determinand is a metal, ensure that the method used is capable of determining the total
metal present.
NOTE 1 A list of currently available recommended test methods is given in annex B.
NOTE 2 In cases of dispute, use a referee method agreed upon between the parties concerned, or as laid
down in regulations, as appropriate.
NOTE 3 As technology advances, more cost-effective methods are becoming available and may be used,
provided that they offer the required accuracy. To save costs the possibility of using simpler methods and
indicator "test kit" methods for small water providers can be considered (see bibliography).
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Edition 6.1
5.4 Consumer issues

It is recommended that a consumer complaints register be maintained, and that an annual water
quality report be published.
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Annex A
(informative)
Sampling
A.1 Suggested minimum frequency of sampling

Table A.1 — Suggested minimum frequency of sampling (water works final sample)
1 2
Frequencya
Population served
min.
More than 100 000 10 every month per 100 000 of population served
25 001 – 100 000 10 every month
10 001 – 25 000 3 every month
2 500 – 10 000 2 every month
Less than 2 500 1 every month
a
During the rainy season, sampling should be carried out more frequently.
A.2 Frequency of sampling (distribution networks)
Frequency of sampling in distribution networks should be dictated by the size and nature of the
distribution network, parameter variability, as well as by the incidence pattern of consumer
complaints. It is a minimum requirement that at least some regular sampling within the distribution
networks be done (see 5.2).
A.3 Points of sample collection
Ongoing monitoring should include the monitoring of drinking water quality from source, through
treatment and distribution, to the end-user. Monitoring points within the network need to include post-
water treatment works, reservoirs, major delivery points, network dead-ends, high occupancy
buildings, hospitals and schools, and areas perceived to be problematic. See also C.1.1(b).
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Annex B
(informative)
Recommended South African national

standards (SANS) for use in testing
B.1 General
The South African national standards listed in table B.1 are recommended for use in testing, since
they can offer the required accuracy.
Table B.1 — Recommended SANS standards for use in testing
1 2
Determinand Test method
Aluminium SANS 6169/SANS 11885
Ammonia SANS 5217
Antimony SANS 379
Arsenic SANS 376/SANS 11885
Bacteriological quality SANS 5221
Cadmium SANS 5201/SANS 11885
Calcium SABS 6265/SANS 11885
Chloride SANS 374/SANS 163-1
Chromium SANS 6054/SANS 11885
Cobalt SANS 6170/SANS 11885
Colour SANS 7887
Copper SANS 5203/SANS 11885
Cyanide SANS 6703-1 and SANS 6703-2
Dissolved solids SANS 5213
Electrical conductivity SANS 7888
SANS 163-1/SANS 10359-1 and
Fluoride
SANS 10359-2
Iron SANS 5207/SANS 11885
Lead SANS 5208/SANS 11885
Magnesium SANS 6265/SANS 11885
Manganese SANS 5209/SANS 11885
Mercury SANS 6059
Nickel SANS 6171/SANS 11885
Nitrate and nitrite SANS 5210
Odour SM 2150 Ba
pH value SANS 5011
Phenol SANS 6439
Selenium SANS 377/SANS 11885
Sodium SANS 6050/SANS 11885
Sulfate SANS 163-1/SANS 6310
Taste SM 2160 Ba
Turbidity SANS 375/SANS 5197
Zinc SANS 5214/SANS 11885
a
Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater
(see bibliography).
Amdt 1
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B.2 ASTM standard test methods
All the determinands for which the requirements are listed in table 1 and table 2 can be evaluated
with the required accuracy, using the test methods given in volume 11.01 and volume 11.02 of the
Annual book of ASTM standards 2000. (See bibliography.)
B.3 APHA-AWWA-WEF test methods
All the determinands for which the requirements are listed in table 1 and table 2 can be evaluated
with the required accuracy, using the test methods given in Standard methods for the examination
of water and wastewater. (See bibliography.)
Annex C
(informative)
Guidelines for the application of this standard
C.1 Drinking water quality management

C.1.1 Preliminary water quality risk assessment
A preliminary water quality risk assessment should be carried out by the responsible authority when
designing the drinking-water quality management system. This should include the following:
a) a review of the status quo of all water supply information (water sources, water treatment,
distribution network, historical records, present management procedures, etc.); and
b) a detailed preliminary water quality investigation including a full analysis of each raw water
source quality, and targeting potentially problematic issues or areas (or both) with special
consideration given to post-water treatment works, reservoirs, network dead-ends, high
occupancy buildings, hospitals and schools, areas perceived to be problematic, and any regions
using untreated water.
NOTE 1 The preliminary water quality investigation should ideally be conducted during peak demand or
during periods of the poorest raw water quality to determine site-specific water quality risks.
NOTE 2 An annual review of the water quality should be undertaken and recommendations made to modify
the monitoring programme. This is to ensure that the monitoring programme remains dynamic and relevant to
the changing process, environmental, and demand conditions.
C.1.2 Ongoing water quality risk management
C.1.2.1 The water quality risk management plan should include the following:
a) at least one full analysis per year;
b) where any changes in the environment or process or delivery (or all) occur, at least monthly
drinking-water quality monitoring from source, through treatment and distribution, to the end-
user; and
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c) assurance of the fitness for use of drinking water by analysis against the determinands specified
in this standard should not be the only measure to ensure acceptable water quality. It is
necessary to implement a water safety plan applying quality management principles aimed at
protection of the water resource, treatment to the required quality specification, and protection of
the treated water in the distribution system.
C.1.2.2 This standard is based on end-point analysis of drinking water supplies. The next step to
remain in line with international trends would be to design strategies for water quality management
based on water safety plans using risk assessment and the principles of Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points (HACCP) as described in the latest edition of the WHO guidelines for drinking
water quality.
C.2 Water quality monitoring programme grading system

C.2.1 General
This water quality monitoring programme grading system is applicable to the waterwork's final water.
The grading system may also be used in conjunction with distribution network monitoring. It is
recognized that, in many instances, the cost of performing a full analysis against table 1 and table 2
can be prohibitive. To enable consumers to take an informed decision regarding the water quality that
they are receiving, it is necessary that they obtain the information needed for this purpose. To this end
it is recommended that the following grading system be implemented with suggested frequencies of
testing for the indicated determinands (see table C.1).
Table C.1 — Example of the use of a water quality monitoring grading system
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Programme More
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually
level frequent
Level 1 √
Level 2 √
Level 3 √
Level 4 √
Level 5 √ √
NOTE 1 Where no water quality determinands are monitored, this should be made
known to the consumers so that they are able to take the necessary steps to protect
themselves.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that a consumer complaints register for the aesthetic

qualities of the water be maintained (see 5.4).
C.2.2 Level 1
Analysis of the following water quality determinands is considered the minimum requirement for the
purpose of indicating ongoing levels of operational efficiency in a water treatment plant and
acceptable water quality within the distribution network:
• conductivity, or dissolved solids;

• pH value;
• turbidity;
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• E. coli (or faecal coliform bacteria); and

• appropriate residual treatment chemicals and disinfectants, such as chlorine (frequent measure-
ment required).
C.2.3 Level 2
In order to comply to this level of monitoring, any water quality determinands, which have been
identified from the preliminary or annual analyses (or both) (refer to C.3) of all water quality
determinands listed in tables 1 and 2 and table C.3 that may pose a health threat to consumers,
should also be included in the routine monitoring programme outlined under level 1.
C.2.4 Level 3
In addition to the requirements of level 2, the inclusion of the following seven water quality
determinands in the routine monitoring programme is recommended for the purpose of establishing, at
a manageable cost, the continued acceptability of a given source of groundwater or surface water:
• fluoride as F;
• (nitrate and nitrite) as N;
• coliform bacteria;
• heterotrophic plate count;
• iron as Fe;
• manganese as Mn;
• arsenic as As; and
• somatic coliphages.
C.2.5 Level 4
In addition to the water quality determinands included under level 3, the following physical,
organoleptic and chemical determinands should be added:
• taste;
• odour;
• sulfates;
• chlorides;
• sodium;
• trihalomethanes (if chlorination is used);
• aluminium;
• the microbiological indicator determinands listed in table 1 as well as appropriate alert indicators
from table C.3, with the exception of viruses and protozoan parasites;
• cyanide;
• lead; and
• mercury.
C.2.6 Level 5
All the water quality determinands listed in both tables 1 and 2, as well as the alert indicators from
table C.3 should be included in the routine monitoring programme.
Should abnormal results be encountered in any of these analyses, it might be necessary either to
increase the sampling frequency, or to perform additional analyses (or both).
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C.3 Measurement
Where non-accredited laboratories are used, best practice would encourage regular cross-checks
against independent third party laboratories, preferably accredited by the national accreditation
authority (see foreword).
To save costs, the possibility of using simpler methods and indicator "test kit" methods for small
water providers may be considered.
C.4 Compliance
C.4.1 General
To provide consumers with the necessary security, they should be provided with appropriate water
quality compliance information.
Table C.2 — Classification of compliance with microbiological Amdt 1

and chemical requirements that have health implications
1 2 3 4
Microbiological Chemical requirement
Quality of requirement (see table 2)
water system
Column 5 of table 1 Class I Class II
Excellent ≥ 99 % ≥ 95 % ≥ 97 %
Good ≥ 98 % ≥ 90 % ≥ 95 %
Fair ≥ 97 % ≥ 85 % ≥ 90 %
Poor < 97 % < 85 % < 90 %
NOTE If the compliance frequency targets in respect of microbiological and chemical
requirements are in conflict with one another, take a conservative approach and
classify performance according to the lower category.
Water quality performance should be established on an annual basis indicating compliance (as a
percentage) to each requirement listed in table 1 (microbiological safety requirements) and water
quality determinands listed and tested for in respect of each class as indicated in table 2 (physical,
organoleptic and chemical requirements). It should be noted that only determinands with health
implications should be considered for compliance and the other only included for information and
operational purposes. It is also recommended that analyses not performed should be documented.
C.4.2 Microbiological
Exceedance of alert levels (table C.3) will require immediate remedial action and non-routine follow-up
sampling, which should be continued until such time as the exceedance has been corrected.
Response procedures to be followed when alert level deviations occur should preferably be described
in water safety plans.
C.4.3 Physical, organoleptic and chemical
The water is deemed to fail compliance for physical and chemical requirements of this standard
when a confirmed sample (i.e. a re-sampled and re-analysed sample) exceeds the upper limit of
class II, but only for items that pose a health threat. Failure on aesthetic determinands alone does
not necessarily imply that the water is unsafe for human consumption (see 4.3.1).
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Table C.3 — Operational water quality alert values
1 2 3
Determinand Unit Alert level
Turbidity NTU 5
Residual chlorine mg/L < 0,5a
Heterotrophic plate countb count/mL 5 000
c
[Total] coliform bacteria count/100 mL 10
d
Somatic coliphages count/10 mL 1
e
Cytopathogenic viruses count/100 L 1
e
Protozoan parasites count/10 L 1
(Giardia/Cryptosporidium)
a
Dependent on network characteristics and chlorine demand. A residual of 0,5 mg/L
applies to the waterwork's final water. The appropriate level in distribution system is
0,2 mg/L. Where other disinfectants are used, appropriate alert levels should be selected.
b
Process indicator that provides information on treatment efficiency and aftergrowth in
distribution networks.
c
Indicates potential faecal pollution and provides information on treatment efficiency and
aftergrowth.
d
Process indicator that provides information on treatment efficiency and could serve as a
model for human enteric viruses.
e
Confirms a risk of infection and faecal pollution, and provides information on treatment
efficiency. The detection of selected viruses confirms faecal pollution of human origin.
C.4.4 Corrosivity
Where possible and cost effective in the treatment process, the water chemistry should be optimized
in the treatment process so as to minimize the corrosivity of the treated water.
C.4.5 Algal and cyanobacterial toxins

Treatment operational processes should be carefully optimized in the event of treating water for
drinking purposes where the raw water contains algal and cyanobacterial blooms that could contain
toxins. Monitoring of the raw and treated water for toxins is necessary where heavy algal blooms are
dealt with in treating the drinking water.
C.5 Reporting
It is recommended that water quality performance against this standard be reported or published at
least annually in a suitable media accessible to relevant stakeholders. This will serve to encourage
consumer participation in the water quality management process.
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Bibliography
Standards
Annual book of ASTM standards 2000 – Section 11: Water and environmental technology –
Volume 11.01: Water (I).
Annual book of ASTM standards 2000 – Section 11: Water and environmental technology –
Volume 11.02: Water (II).
ISO 6107-5, Water quality – Vocabulary – Part 5.
ISO 17381, Water quality – Selection and application of ready-to-use test kit methods in water
analysis.
SANS 163-1/ISO 10304-1, Water quality – Determination of dissolved fluoride, chloride, nitrite,
orthophosphate, bromide, nitrate and sulfate ions, using liquid chromatography of ions – Part 1:
Method for water with low contamination.
SANS 374, Standard test methods for chloride ion in water.
SANS 375, Standard test method for turbidity of water.
SANS 376, Standard test methods for arsenic in water.
SANS 377, Standard test methods for selenium in water.
SANS 379, Standard test method for antimony in water.
SANS 5011/ISO 10523, Water quality – Determination of pH.
SANS 5197 (SABS SM 197), Turbidity in water.
SANS 5201, Water – Cadmium content.
SANS 5203, Water – Copper content.
SANS 5207, Water – Iron content.
SANS 5208, Water – Lead content.
SANS 5209, Water – Manganese content.
SANS 5210, Water – Nitrate and nitrite content.
SANS 5213, Water – Dissolved solids content.
SANS 5214, Water – Zinc content.
SANS 5217, Water – Free and saline ammonia content.
SANS 5221, Microbiological analysis of water – General test methods.
SANS 6050, Water – Sodium content.
17
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
SANS 6054, Water – Chromium content.
SANS 6059, Water – Mercury content.
SANS 6169, Water – Aluminium content.
SANS 6170, Water – Cobalt content.
SANS 6171, Water – Nickel content.
SANS 6265, Water – Calcium and magnesium content – Atomic absorption spectrometric method.
SANS 6310, Sulfate content of water (turbidimetric method).
SANS 6439/ISO 6439, Water quality – Determination of phenol index – 4-Aminoantipyrine

spectrometric methods after distillation. Amdt 1
SANS 6703-1/ISO 6703-1, Water quality – Determination of cyanide – Part 1: Determination of total
cyanide.
SANS 6703-2/ISO 6703-2, Water quality – Determination of cyanide – Part 2: Determination of

easily liberatable cyanide.
SANS 7887/ISO 7887, Water quality – Examination and determination of colour.
SANS 7888/ISO 7888, Water quality – Determination of electrical conductivity.
SANS 9308-1/ISO 9308-1, Water quality – Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and
coliform bacteria – Part 1: Membrane filtration method.
SANS 9308-2/ISO 9308-2, Water quality – Detection and enumeration of coliform organisms,
thermotolerant coliform organisms and presumptive Escherichia coli – Part 2: Multiple tube (most
probable number) method.
SANS 10359-1/ISO 10359-1, Water quality – Determination of fluoride – Part 1: Electrochemical

probe method for potable and lightly polluted water.
SANS 10359-2/ISO 10359-2, Water quality – Determination of fluoride – Part 2: Determination of

inorganically bound total fluoride after digestion and distillation.
SANS 10705-2/ISO 10705-2, Water quality – Detection and enumeration of bacteriophages –

Part 2: Enumeration of somatic coliphages.
SANS 11885/ISO 11885, Water quality – Determination of 33 elements by inductively coupled

plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
18
SANS 241:2006
Edition 6.1
Other publications
Ashbolt NJ, Grabow WOK, Snozzi M. Chapter 13: Indicators of microbial water quality. In: Water
Quality Guidelines: Guidelines, Standards and Health. Editors Fewtrell L and Bartram J. World
Health Organization Water Series. IWA Publishing, London, 2001. pp 289-315.
South Africa. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and Water Research Commission. Quality
of domestic water supplies – Volume 1: Assessment guide. 2nd Ed., 1998. Department of Health,
Pretoria.
Grabow WOK, Taylor MB, de Villiers JC. New methods for the detection of viruses: call for review of
drinking water quality guidelines. Water Science and Technology 43, 2001. pp 1-8.
Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. American Public Health
Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation
(WEF). Washington DC.
World Health Organization. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality – Volume 1: Recommendations.

World Health Organization, Geneva.
© Standards South Africa
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ISBN 0-626-18876-8

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Published by Standards South Africa

This standard was published in December 2006.

This edition cancels and replaces edition 6 (SANS 241:2005).

Annexes A, B and C are for information only.

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................ 3

3 Definitions and abbreviations ................................................................................................ 4

Annex A (informative) Sampling ............................................................................................ 10

Annex B (informative) Recommended South African national standards (SANS)

Annex C (informative) Guidelines for the application of this standard ................................... 12

This page is intentionally left blank

ISO 6107-7, Water quality – Vocabulary.

3 Definitions and abbreviations

NOTE 1 See SANS 9308-1.

NOTE 1 See SANS 9308-1 and SANS 9308-2.

NOTE 1 See ISO 6107-5:2004.

4.2 Microbiological requirements

Table 1 — Microbiological safety requirements

Determinand Unit 95 % of samples, 4 % of samples, 1 % of samples,

4.3 Physical, organoleptic and chemical requirements

NOTE Compliance with aesthetic requirements has cost implications.

Table 2 — Physical, organoleptic and chemical requirements

4.4 Organoleptic requirements

5.2 Sampling programme

NOTE 1 A list of currently available recommended test methods is given in annex B.

5.4 Consumer issues

A.1 Suggested minimum frequency of sampling

A.2 Frequency of sampling (distribution networks)

A.3 Points of sample collection

Recommended South African national

Table B.1 — Recommended SANS standards for use in testing

B.2 ASTM standard test methods

B.3 APHA-AWWA-WEF test methods

Guidelines for the application of this standard

C.1 Drinking water quality management

C.1.2 Ongoing water quality risk management

a) at least one full analysis per year;

C.2 Water quality monitoring programme grading system

NOTE 2 It is recommended that a consumer complaints register for the aesthetic

• conductivity, or dissolved solids;

• E. coli (or faecal coliform bacteria); and

Table C.2 — Classification of compliance with microbiological Amdt 1

C.4.3 Physical, organoleptic and chemical

Table C.3 — Operational water quality alert values

C.4.5 Algal and cyanobacterial toxins

ISO 6107-5, Water quality – Vocabulary – Part 5.

SANS 374, Standard test methods for chloride ion in water.

SANS 375, Standard test method for turbidity of water.

SANS 376, Standard test methods for arsenic in water.

SANS 377, Standard test methods for selenium in water.

SANS 379, Standard test method for antimony in water.

SANS 5011/ISO 10523, Water quality – Determination of pH.

SANS 5197 (SABS SM 197), Turbidity in water.

SANS 5201, Water – Cadmium content.

SANS 5203, Water – Copper content.

SANS 5207, Water – Iron content.

SANS 5208, Water – Lead content.

SANS 5209, Water – Manganese content.

SANS 5210, Water – Nitrate and nitrite content.