The intensive use of pesticides in the country has addressed the stakeholders concerns regarding the potential risks of these substances to the environment and to the human beings. In this context, the water for human intake can be an important form of exposure. The drinking water national standard is regulated by the Ministry of Health Act 518/2004, which considers 22 pesticides. The objective of this paper is to present and to discuss aspects of the current Brazilian standard of water potability, with regard to the necessity of insertion of pesticides and to the definition of maximum permitted values (VMP). The strategy of the methodology of risk assessment was used for the systematization and analysis of the available information in literature. The discussions and notes of the paper could contribute for the forthcoming national legislation review process.
risk assessment; drinking water standards; pesticides
