Procedural Aspects of the Usage of Local Water Resources in Connection with the Marketing of Natural Mineral Waters and Spring Waters: Comments on the Provisions of the EU Law and Polish Law

Abstract

According to EU law, proper water management is to ensure enduring and sustainable development taking into account the economic use of water resources and the availability of water in adequate quality and quantity. Within the framework of proper water management in the EU Member States, the use of local water resources for economic purposes involves state intervention in the form of granting of a permit (water-law permit or licence) for the exploitation of water intakes located in a given geographical area. However, obtaining such a permit does not entitle the undertaking to market the extracted waters as natural mineral waters or spring waters. To be able to use groundwater in bottling industry, national authorities must assess and classify the water. Of crucial importance are full water tests, which include the analysis of organoleptic, chemical and physico-chemical properties and microbiological examination of the water. As for natural mineral waters, the undertaking must also apply for official recognition of the water. The recognition procedure does not apply to spring waters.