If the production sites water comes from a town or regional water supply, do we still need to do water monitoring?

If the production sites water comes from a town or regional water supply, do we still need to do water monitoring? Do we have to conduct microbiological testing for water? How can we test the water ourselves to make sure it is usable at our site?

Yes.   I would test water form municipal sources as well.    It helps ensure / validate that there are no issues with the distribution system on site.  I would also have a copy of the local water report. 

A potability test is readily available by most third party labs.   Its easier in my opinion if you are not familiar with the test method.    Since the test / water could effect food safety, it also gets you around the 17025 "accordance" clause.  

11.5.3.2 Microbiological analysis of the water and ice supply shall be conducted to verify the cleanliness of the supply, the monitoring activities, and the effectiveness of the treatment measures implemented. Samples for analysis shall be taken at sources supplying water for the process or cleaning or from within the site. The frequency of analysis shall be risk-based and at a minimum annually. 11.5.3.3 Water and ice shall be analyzed using reference standards and methods.

Where internal laboratories are used to conduct input, environmental, or product analyses, sampling and testing methods shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, including annual proficiency testing for staff conducting analyses.

Agreement with above.

We get local utility water and run tests prior to R/o system and after r/o.  We use water as an ingredient, drinking and cleaning.

We send test kits out monthly. 

Hi PPPP,

To add to kingstudruler1’s post and info from the SQF Food Safety Code, as well as monitoring water from your supply, you should be monitoring water at the point of use to ensure it isn’t contaminated by your water distribution system.

Kind regards,

Tony

Yes. You should perform the testing once in six months for the complete physical, chemical, microbiological parameters from the third party lab as per the regulations specified in your country.

Hi PPPP,

 

To add to kingstudruler1’s post and info from the SQF Food Safety Code, as well as monitoring water from your supply, you should be monitoring water at the point of use to ensure it isn’t contaminated by your water distribution system.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

This x 10.  I always kept the municipal water reports on file when they were published each year, and we did quarterly testing of various water use points within our plant.  Especially at the end of hoses used for equipment sanitation, the sinks used for handwashing, and any dispensing points if you use water as a processing aid.  Just because the city gives you clean water doesn't mean your process isn't mucking it up.

YES.

We have city water and they come out annually and run tests at rotating site withing the plant for free.

We have city water and they come out and test at rotating sites within the plant--for free!

Yes.  I've also always had to provide the city water report as well.

Yes, definitely, more so in a dairy facility. You should be sampling your water across the facility at a minimum of monthly but have a plan of all of your potable water outlets so different points are sampled each month. Also look for areas where water may not be used much so may become stagnant in the pipes. For dairy we sample and test 100 ml each month and test for e.coli and coliforms. To support your testing also get your water authorities water reports. (Usually accessible from their web site)  They test regularly and do full analysis at a minimum of annually. You cannot just rely on their reports though, as what happens to the water leaving their facility to the time it gets to yours? Hence the need to do your own testing.

We do not use any water in our process but our auditor raised the issue of hand washing (and cleaning). The municipal reports can only show results from the sites tested when tested. Your internal water handling equipment (pipes) can cause contamination under certain circumstances so they want to see the condition of the water from a point within your facility to ensure there is no internal contamination occurring. We do our testing annually (since it isn't used in any of our processes) using a local municipality lab service.