BIS and WHO Drinking-Water Quality Standards for Commercial Sites
Quick answer: which standard should a commercial site follow?
In India, commercial sites should identify the applicable Indian legal, regulatory and contractual requirements first. BIS IS 10500 is the Indian drinking-water specification commonly used to assess drinking-water quality, while WHO Guidelines provide international health-based guidance and risk-management principles. WHO guidance does not replace applicable Indian requirements.
Commercial-site water quality should not be judged by taste or TDS alone. In India, the applicable regulatory and contractual requirements must be identified for the site. WHO guidance supports risk-based water-safety management, while Indian standards and local rules determine the requirements that apply in India.
BIS and WHO do different jobs
| Reference | Role |
|---|---|
| BIS IS 10500 | Indian drinking-water specification used for assessing drinking-water quality; confirm the current edition and amendments from BIS. |
| WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality | International health-based guidance that supports national standards, water-safety plans and risk management from source to consumer. |
WHO guidance is not a substitute for applicable Indian law, consent conditions, licences or client specifications. A commercial facility may also need sector-specific requirements.
Parameters to assess
- Microbiological: indicators and organisms relevant to public-health risk.
- Physical: turbidity, colour, odour and appearance.
- General chemistry: pH, dissolved solids, hardness and alkalinity.
- Inorganic contaminants: fluoride, nitrate, iron, arsenic, lead and others based on source risk.
- Treatment-related: disinfectant residuals and by-products where applicable.
A practical compliance workflow
- Identify the water source, intended use and applicable authority.
- Use a competent laboratory and a suitable sampling plan.
- Compare results with the correct current requirements—not an internet chart.
- Select treatment for the contaminants actually present.
- Validate treated water before use.
- Monitor at a frequency based on risk, source variability and applicable rules.
- Maintain sampling, service and corrective-action records.
Why TDS alone is insufficient
A TDS meter estimates ionic content through conductivity. It does not identify pathogens, arsenic, lead, pesticides or individual salts. Water can have an acceptable-looking TDS reading and still require broader testing.
Official references
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards portal — check the current status, amendments and applicable requirements for IS 10500.
- WHO Drinking-water Quality Guidelines — international health-based guidance and water-safety risk-management principles.
ABHIRO supplies water-testing products and application-based purification systems; final compliance must be demonstrated through suitable testing and the requirements applicable to the site.
Explore more practical resources in the ABHIRO Water Treatment Knowledge Centre, covering industrial RO systems, membranes, filtration, water testing, softening, treatment chemicals and maintenance.
