Analytical Control of Natural Mineral Waters and Spring Waters

 

 

The Mineral Natural Waters are from the public domain of the State while the Spring Waters are from the private domain, however, the analytical control performed by DGEG does not distinguish between them, both being controlled since 1986, with the implementation of analytical control programs, due to the recognition of the need to acquire data that lead to a greater knowledge of them and thus allowing their better management and valorization.

With the aim of clarifying, streamlining, simplifying, and harmonizing the concept of summary and complete physicochemical analyses, and taking into account the growing technical and scientific knowledge on the exploitation of natural mineral waters and spring waters, the DGEG revised these analysis concepts in 2025 through Order n.º 3434/2025, of March 18, published in the Diário da República.

 

Accordingly, this order revoked the previous (Order n.º 14413/2016 and Order n.º 5868/2017), and updated the definition of the mandatory parameters for summary and complete physicochemical analyses to be carried out within the scope of the analytical control of these resources, in line with the legal obligations of license holders and concessionaires.

 

 

Main updates:

 

• Specification of the mandatory parameters for each type of analysis: summary and complete.

 

• Requirement for the determination of certain gases in complete analyses and arsenic (As III), when applicable.

 

• Screening for organic compounds such as trihalomethanes and hydrocarbons, as indicators of potential contamination or interference.

 

• Establishment of detection limits for radiological parameters and quantification limits for other parameters.

 

• Reinforcement of the obligation to submit test reports in a timely manner.

 

• Encouragement to participate in Proficiency Testing to ensure the reliability of results.

 

 

From 2025 onwards, the reporting of results from analytical control programs must be carried out via the DGEG's online analysis portal, and must be submitted within a maximum of 10 working days, in accordance with the Portuguese Code of Administrative Procedure, starting from the date of issuance of the test report/analysis bulletin.

 

 

Rectification Statement n.º 520/2025/2, of May 28, corrected the original text of the Order published in March.

 

 

 

For any questions or concerns regarding the Analytics Platform, please contact us at analises.aguas@dgeg.gov.pt