Water, Water everywhere

Water is a key part of every food business and the quality of that water is obviously essential to food safety.

According to the Food Standards Code (www.foodstandards.gov.au), all food businesses must ensure that the water they are using as an ingredient and for cleaning is Potable, regardless of where the water comes from.

This means that it must be safe for consumption. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications) provide the minimum requirements that must be met to ensure that water is safe for consumption.

Businesses that have reticulated water should contact their local council’s Water Department to confirm if the water supplied is Potable and meets these Guidelines.

Businesses that have their own water supply must also meet the requirement of Potability and will need to test the water periodically to ensure that this requirement is met. These businesses may require filters to ensure that the water is safe. Rainfall and environmental issues may have an impact on water quality and safety, and more testing may therefore be required. The local council’s Environmental Health Officer is the best person to talk to about water testing and how often it will be required to ensure water safety.

Filters are a tool that is commonly used by food businesses to monitor and control water safety and quality. There are many different types and styles of water filters. The particular filter used by a business is dependent upon the water use and initial quality as well as the pipes and systems in place in the business.

If a business uses filters, they must be included in the Maintenance Program of the business. This is to ensure that the filters are always clean and fit for use. A record should be kept of the maintenance to show it was done according to the required Maintenance Schedule.