oSIST prEN 890:2025
(Main)Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Iron (III) sulfate solution
Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Iron (III) sulfate solution
This document is applicable to iron (III) sulfate solution of various iron and/or acid contents (see 4.2) used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of iron (III) sulfate solution and specifies the requirements and the corresponding analytical methods for iron (III) sulfate solution and gives information on its use in water treatment. It also determines the rules relating to safe handling (Annex B) and use of iron (III) sulfate solution (Annex A).
Produkte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung
Dieses Dokument gilt für Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung mit unterschiedlichen Eisen- und/oder Säuregehalten (siehe 4.2) zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch. Es beschreibt die Eigenschaften von Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung und legt die Anforderungen sowie die entsprechenden Analysenverfahren für Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung fest. Es enthält Angaben für deren Anwendung in der Wasseraufbereitung. Es legt darüber hinaus Regeln für die sichere Handhabung (Anhang B) und Verwendung von Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung fest (Anhang A).
Produits chimiques utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Sulfate de fer (III) liquide
Le présent document est applicable au sulfate de fer (III) liquide de différentes teneurs en fer et/ou acide (voir 4.2) utilisé pour le traitement de l’eau destinée à la consommation humaine. Il décrit les caractéristiques du sulfate de fer (III) liquide, spécifie les exigences et les méthodes d’analyse correspondantes pour le sulfate de fer (III) liquide et donne des informations sur son utilisation dans le traitement de l’eau. Il fixe également les règles relatives à la sécurité de manipulation (Annexe B) et d’utilisation du sulfate de fer (III) liquide (Annexe A).
Kemikalije, ki se uporabljajo za pripravo pitne vode - Železov (III) sulfat, raztopina
General Information
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 29-Sep-2025
- Technical Committee
- IOVO - Water supply and waste water engineering
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 04-Aug-2025
- Due Date
- 22-Dec-2025
- Completion Date
- 01-Oct-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 04-Dec-2024
Overview
oSIST prEN 890:2025 establishes requirements for iron (III) sulfate solution used as a chemical treatment in drinking water production. Developed by SIST in alignment with CEN/TC 164, this standard covers product characteristics, purity criteria, analytical methods, and guidance for safe use and handling. Iron (III) sulfate solution, also known as ferric sulfate liquor, is widely used as a coagulant to improve water quality and ensure the safety of water intended for human consumption.
The standard is applicable to iron (III) sulfate solutions with varying iron and/or acid contents, detailing aspects such as chemical identification, commercial forms, physical and chemical properties, and storage recommendations. It also addresses regulatory compliance, product labelling, and transportation requirements according to European Union legislation.
Key Topics
- Chemical identification: Iron (III) sulfate solution is defined with its chemical formula Fe₂(SO₄)₃, with properties such as relative molecular mass and CAS number specified.
- Purity and quality control: Minimum purity requirements and strict limits on impurities like heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium) are outlined, with three grades and types defined to match varying water treatment needs.
- Analytical methods: The standard refers to EN 17215 for sampling and analysis procedures, ensuring accurate assessment of solution quality and compliance with regulatory thresholds.
- Safe handling and storage: Addressed in Annex B, guidelines include the use of suitable delivery and storage materials, safety data sheets, emergency procedures, and information on labelling and transportation.
- Coagulant performance: Guidance is provided on typical dosages, potential secondary effects (like increased sulfate content or pH reduction), and removal of residuals after coagulation through sedimentation and filtration.
Applications
Iron (III) sulfate solution is essential for:
- Municipal drinking water treatment: Used as a primary coagulant to remove suspended solids, organic matter, and other impurities from raw water, supporting public health objectives.
- Industrial water purification: Applied in processes requiring high-quality water, such as food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing.
- Compliance assurance: Helps water utilities and suppliers meet EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184) requirements, particularly regarding limits on trace metal concentrations and contaminants.
Practical implementation involves dosing iron (III) sulfate solution directly or after dilution, using acid-resistant pumps, and maintaining high turbulence at dosing points to optimize coagulation. Selection of appropriate grade and type is vital, considering water characteristics and operational factors.
Related Standards
- EN 17215: Analytical methods for iron-based coagulants used in water treatment.
- Directive (EU) 2020/2184: European standard for the quality of water intended for human consumption.
- Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008: Classification, labelling, and packaging requirements for substances and mixtures, impacting safety labelling and transportation of iron (III) sulfate solution.
For broader water treatment chemical standards, also consult:
- EN 883:2016 (Iron(III) chloride)
- EN 891 (Aluminium-based coagulants)
- Other harmonized CEN water chemical treatment standards
Summary
Compliance with oSIST prEN 890:2025 ensures the effective, safe, and sustainable use of iron (III) sulfate solution in the treatment of water intended for human consumption in Europe. This standard safeguards water quality, public health, and environmental protection while providing clear technical and safety guidelines for manufacturers, suppliers, and water utilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN 890:2025 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Iron (III) sulfate solution". This standard covers: This document is applicable to iron (III) sulfate solution of various iron and/or acid contents (see 4.2) used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of iron (III) sulfate solution and specifies the requirements and the corresponding analytical methods for iron (III) sulfate solution and gives information on its use in water treatment. It also determines the rules relating to safe handling (Annex B) and use of iron (III) sulfate solution (Annex A).
This document is applicable to iron (III) sulfate solution of various iron and/or acid contents (see 4.2) used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of iron (III) sulfate solution and specifies the requirements and the corresponding analytical methods for iron (III) sulfate solution and gives information on its use in water treatment. It also determines the rules relating to safe handling (Annex B) and use of iron (III) sulfate solution (Annex A).
oSIST prEN 890:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.060.20 - Drinking water; 71.100.80 - Chemicals for purification of water. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN 890:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 17882:2024, SIST EN ISO 22753:2023, SIST EN 18057:2025, SIST EN ISO 11781:2025, SIST EN ISO 17174:2024, SIST EN 17881:2024, SIST EN ISO 20813:2023, SIST EN 18033:2025, SIST EN 890:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
oSIST prEN 890:2025 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Kemikalije, ki se uporabljajo za pripravo pitne vode - Železov (III) sulfat, raztopina
Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Iron (III) sulfate
solution
Produkte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Eisen(III)sulfat-
Lösung
Produits chimiques utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée à la consommation
humaine - Sulfate de fer (III) liquide
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 890
ICS:
13.060.20 Pitna voda Drinking water
71.100.80 Kemikalije za čiščenje vode Chemicals for purification of
water
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2025
ICS 71.100.80 Will supersede EN 890:2023
English Version
Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human
consumption - Iron (III) sulfate solution
Produits chimiques utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau Produkte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den
destinée à la consommation humaine - Sulfate de fer menschlichen Gebrauch - Eisen(III)sulfat-Lösung
(III) liquide
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 164.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 890:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Description . 6
4.1 Identification . 6
4.1.1 Chemical name . 6
4.1.2 Synonym or common names . 6
4.1.3 Relative molecular mass . 6
4.1.4 Empirical formula . 6
4.1.5 Chemical formula . 6
4.1.6 CAS Registry Number . 6
4.1.7 EINECS reference . 7
4.2 Commercial forms . 7
4.3 Physical properties . 7
4.3.1 Appearance . 7
4.3.2 Density . 7
4.3.3 Solubility (in water) . 7
4.3.4 Vapour pressure . 7
4.3.5 Boiling point at 100 kPa . 7
4.3.6 Freezing point. 7
4.3.7 Specific heat . 7
4.3.8 Viscosity (dynamic) . 7
4.3.9 Critical temperature . 7
4.3.10 Critical pressure . 7
4.3.11 Physical hardness . 7
4.4 Chemical properties . 7
5 Purity criteria . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Composition of commercial product . 8
5.3 The grade of the product . 8
5.4 The type of the product . 8
6 Test methods . 9
6.1 Sampling . 9
6.2 Analyses . 9
7 Labelling - Transportation - Storage . 9
7.1 Means of delivery . 9
7.2 Risk and safety labelling according to the EU Directives . 9
7.3 Transportation regulations and labelling . 10
7.4 Marking . 11
7.5 Storage . 11
7.5.1 Long term stability . 11
7.5.2 Storage incompatibilities . 11
Annex A (informative) General information on iron (III) sulfate solution . 12
A.1 Origin . 12
A.1.1 Raw materials . 12
A.1.2 Manufacturing process . 12
A.2 Quality of commercial product . 12
A.3 Use . 13
A.3.1 Function . 13
A.3.2 Form in which it is used . 13
A.3.3 Treatment dose . 14
A.3.4 Means of application. 14
A.3.5 Secondary effects . 14
A.3.6 Removal of excess product . 14
Annex B (normative) General rules relating to safety . 15
B.1 Rules for safe handling and use . 15
B.2 Emergency procedures . 15
B.2.1 First aid . 15
B.2.2 Spillage . 15
B.2.3 Fire . 15
Bibliography . 16
European foreword
This document (prEN 890:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 164 “Water
supply”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 890:2023.
— update of the information related to limit values in Table 2 and Annex A.
Introduction
In respect of potential adverse effects on the quality of water intended for human consumption, caused
by the product covered by this document:
a) this document provides no information as to whether the product may be used without restriction
in any of the Member States of the EU or EFTA;
b) it should be noted that, while awaiting the adoption of verifiable European criteria, existing
national regulations concerning the use and/or the characteristics of this product remain in force.
NOTE Conformity with this document does not confer or imply acceptance or approval of the product in any
of the Member States of the EU or EFTA. The use of the product covered by this document is subject to regulation
or control by National Authorities.
1 Scope
This document is applicable to iron (III) sulfate solution of various iron and/or acid contents (see 4.2)
used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of iron
(III) sulfate solution and specifies the requirements and the corresponding analytical methods for iron
(III) sulfate solution and gives information on its use in water treatment. It also determines the rules
relating to safe handling (Annex B)
...



