A treatment plant is a plant or system where a process is performed in the purpose of improving the sanitary quality of the water or to make them suitable for drinking water or reduce agents that might diminish the sanitary quality of the water.
The treatment plant must receive the approval of the Ministry of Health regarding the treatment process and the chemical system components used in the treatment process. In addition, there are
standards stipulated by The Standards Institute that were initiated by the Ministry of Health regarding the construction and coating materials used in the water systems that come in contact with drinking water (Israeli Standard 5452) and regarding the chemicals used in the treatment processes (Israeli Standard 5438)
The quality of the water in the treatment plants is continuously monitored, and through laboratory tests performed by the plants’ operators and the water suppliers.
Ministry of Health representatives monitor the conduct of the tests (performed according to an annual plan scheduled with the water supplier and is approved by the Ministry of Health), and the tests’ results are received via a computer program. Tests that found a deviation from the regulations are immediately reported, and the Ministry of Health instructs the water suppliers to take the necessary actions in order to guarantee public health.
In addition, the different treatment plants are equipped with continuous control and alert systems, so that any malfunction or deterioration in water quality are reported to the water suppliers and they are reported to the Ministry of Health. If necessary, the supply from the treatment plant is halted.
The Ministry’s representatives also perform periodical sanitary engineering supervision in the water sources, treatment facilities and the supply systems.
