Ensuring the quality of drinking water is a major public health issue. That is why, in France, all materials and equipment that come into contact with water intended for human consumption must meet health requirements. In this context, the Health Compliance Certificate (ACS) is crucial. All water treatment professionals must be familiar with it in order to choose the right equipment, such as Hectron’s AG range of automatic filters, to ensure that there is no risk to consumer health.
What is ACS certification?
The Health Compliance Certificate is an official approval created in 1999 and made mandatory in 2006, which guarantees that materials and equipment in contact with drinking water are safe for consumer health.
The purpose of this certification is to ensure that no hazardous substances migrate from the materials into the water and to preserve the organoleptic (taste, smell), physicochemical and microbiological properties of the water. ACS certification is a regulatory requirement for all parties involved in drinking water networks.
Who is affected by ACS?
French regulations are very clear about everyone’s responsibilities:
Manufacturers and distributors must ensure that their products have a valid ACS. This applies to pipes, tubes, fittings, pumps, valves and filtration systems.
Operators and installers are, of course, required to check with their suppliers that all materials and equipment installed are compliant and have the appropriate certificates.
Property owners are responsible for the compliance and maintenance of networks, as well as the quality of the water distributed, from the water meter onwards.
How do you obtain ACS certification?
Health compliance analysis (ACS) can only be carried out by a laboratory accredited for this purpose by the Minister of Health. To date, two main laboratories are authorised at national level: CARSO and EUROFINS.
This work involves analysing the composition of materials, carrying out migration tests to verify that no undesirable compounds migrate beyond a certain threshold, and possibly carrying out an organoleptic assessment to ensure that the material does not alter the taste, smell or appearance of the water.
An ACS is valid for five years, after which a renewal must be requested.
Filtration systems and the ACS
Filtration devices fall under a specific category within the ACS system, as they come into contact with water and must therefore comply with strict requirements. With regard to automatic filtration systems, compliance with ACS provisions guarantees that the materials do not release any harmful substances, that organic materials are inert, that automatic washing does not alter the sanitary quality of the water, and that the metals used comply with all relevant standards.
This is an essential requirement when choosing equipment for professionals, as regulatory certification allows them to install devices for human consumption in a compliant manner.
The AG Hectron range: ACS-certified automatic filtration
Hectron offers its range of AG automatic filters, which can be ACS-certified as an option, to meet the expectations of professionals who must ensure that their installations comply with regulations while delivering optimal performance.
Performance and technology
Hectron AG range filters provide filtration from 1 to 500 microns to effectively separate suspended particles, fine sand, clay and other impurities, thanks to suction ramps that ensure efficient automatic washing while requiring little water. Differential pressure measurement automatically adjusts the frequency of washing according to the water load.
The stainless steel casing guarantees durability and corrosion resistance, while the integrated automation system enables monitoring and maintenance.
The ACS option: a commitment to health and safety
For applications requiring optimal health and safety compliance, Hectron offers the AG range with ACS certification. This option guarantees that all materials in contact with drinking water have been tested in an approved laboratory.
It is particularly sought after for municipal installations, collective buildings, the food industry, establishments open to the public and, more generally, all drinking water treatment installations.
A range suitable for all flow rates
The AG range is available in four models: AG100 (flow rate up to 12 m³/h), AG200 (flow rate up to 45 m³/h), AG300 (flow rate up to 120 m³/h), and AG400 (flow rate up to 340 m³/h). Every professional can therefore be sure to find the right solution that also meets their health compliance requirements.
Why choose ACS-certified equipment?
While choosing ACS-certified equipment may be a regulatory requirement, it offers many advantages. First, certification ensures that the water distributed meets all health standards to protect consumer health. In the event of an inspection, having certified equipment is immediate proof of regulatory compliance.
In addition, certified materials are generally of better quality and more durable, ensuring the longevity of installations. Finally, choosing certified equipment increases credibility and professionalism in the eyes of customers and partners.
Conclusion
ACS certification is the foundation of drinking water safety in France, and for water professionals, it is a marker of quality and responsibility towards public health.
By offering its range of AG automatic filters with the ACS option, Hectron is demonstrating its commitment to delivering high-performance technical solutions capable of meeting the most stringent health requirements. In every drinking water treatment project, it is essential to purchase ACS-compliant and certified equipment, such as Hectron’s AG range of automatic filters. This ensures that technical performance is combined with health and safety.
