Montenegro adopts new law for safe drinking water standards

The Parliament of Montenegro has adopted the Law on Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for Human Consumption. This legislation introduces stricter quality control standards, risk management protocols, and enhanced transparency for citizens.

The law regulates the entire water supply chain, including catchment areas, sources, treatment, storage, distribution, and final delivery. Public water supply entities will be required to implement self-control systems, assess risks, and take preventive or corrective measures.

Institutional oversight will be strengthened through the Institute of Public Health, which will conduct basic and periodic water monitoring. Additionally, a specialized Water Commission will be established as an advisory body to coordinate between the health, environmental, and water management sectors.

Under the new law, water suppliers must regularly and publicly publish water quality data. In the event of quality non-compliance, consumers must be promptly informed about the identified risks, their causes, and any necessary restrictions on water use.