In an update aimed at enhancing public health and customer service, eateries, cafeterias, and catering companies across the nation will soon be mandated to provide drinking water to their patrons free of charge.

This development follows the passage of a government bill, sanctioned on March 19, 2024, by the Chamber of Deputies, the final decision-making body in this matter. The legislation, initiated by the Government and first approved by the Senate on March 20, 2023, underwent a significant amendment by the Health and Family Committee.

This amendment mandates the complimentary provision of potable water from the distribution network to consumers in restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services.

The law clearly defines ‘drinking water' or ‘water intended for human consumption' as any water, whether in its natural state or treated, intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation, or any other household use, in both public and private spaces. This includes water irrespective of its source, whether supplied through a distribution network, from a cistern, or bottled, and encompasses spring waters and any water used in any food-related establishment for the production, processing, preservation, or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption. Moreover, the term ‘internal distribution system' is detailed as the entirety of pipes, fittings, and devices installed between the water taps used for potable water and the distribution network, in both public and private settings, where the internal system's components do not fall under the water supplier's responsibility, according to current legislation. A ‘water supplier' is defined as any entity that supplies water intended for human consumption, whether as a producer and/or distributor.

The legislation is poised for promulgation by President Klaus Iohannis, marking a significant step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for all, aligning with public health priorities and consumer rights.