How many years are microbiological records required to be kept by law?

The requirement for keeping microbiological records by law for a duration of five years is based on regulatory guidelines established to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This period allows sufficient time for reviewing historical data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions if any issues arise with water quality.

Maintaining records for five years ensures that water systems have adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance with safety standards, which can be critical during inspections or evaluations by regulatory authorities. It also helps to provide a clear picture of water quality over time and supports the public health objective of preventing waterborne diseases. Keeping records for this length of time aligns with best practices in environmental monitoring and supports the traceability of water quality assessments.