EN 12904:2005

• Abstract:

  This document is applicable to silica sand and silica gravel used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of silica sand and silica gravel and specifies the requirements and the corresponding test methods for silica sand and silica gravel. It gives information on their use in water treatment.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 15-Mar-2005
• ICS: 71.100.80 - Chemicals for purification of water
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 164 - Water supply
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 164/WG 9 - Drinking water treatment
• Current Stage: 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 23-Jun-2022
• Completion Date: 17-Sep-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12904:2005 - Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Silica sand and silica gravel

• Replaces: EN 12904:1999 - Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Sand and gravel
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008
• Refers: EN 12901:1999 - Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Inorganic supporting and filtering materials - Definitions
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 12902:2004 - Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Inorganic supporting and filtering materials - Methods of test
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 15798:2010 - Products used for the treatment of swimming pool water - Filter media
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 15798:2022 - Products used for the treatment of swimming pool water - Filter media
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 14898:2006+A1:2007 - Water conditioning equipment inside buildings - Active media filters - Requirements for performance, safety and testing
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 17093:2018 - Domestic appliances used for drinking water treatment not connected to water supply - Jug water filter systems - Safety and performance requirements, labeling and information to be supplied
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 12904:2005 is a CEN standard that covers silica sand and silica gravel used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption. The document describes the relevant characteristics of these filter media, specifies requirements and the corresponding test methods, and provides information on their use in water treatment. EN 12904 helps ensure that silica-based media are suitable and safe for use in drinking‑water filtration and related processes.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: materials covered (silica sand and silica gravel) and intended use in drinking‑water treatment.
• Material characteristics: descriptive parameters such as grain size distribution, physical form, chemical purity, mechanical stability and absence of harmful contaminants (examples of typical characteristics a purchaser or tester will consider).
• Quality requirements: conformance criteria that suppliers and users must meet to ensure media performance and safety.
• Test methods: standardized procedures to verify compliance with the specified requirements (sampling, laboratory tests and performance checks).
• Guidance on use: practical information for selection, installation and maintenance of silica media in filtration and clarification systems.

Applications

EN 12904 is practical for professionals and organizations involved in:

• Water utilities and municipal treatment plants selecting and specifying filter media for drinking-water filtration.
• Filter media manufacturers and suppliers establishing quality control and demonstrating compliance to buyers.
• Laboratories and testing bodies performing standardized tests to verify media properties and safety.
• Consultants and engineers preparing technical specifications, procurement documents and design guidance for filtration systems.
• Regulators and procurement officers referencing harmonized criteria for public supply and infrastructure projects.

Benefits of using EN 12904 include improved reliability of filtration performance, consistent material quality, and reduced risk of introducing contaminants into drinking water through filter media.

Related Standards

EN 12904 complements other national and international standards and guidance on drinking‑water quality, water treatment chemicals, and filtration media. Users should consider EN 12904 alongside local drinking‑water regulations and additional CEN/ISO documents that cover specific testing, measurement procedures, or materials used in water treatment.

Keywords: EN 12904, silica sand, silica gravel, water treatment, drinking water, CEN standard, filter media, test methods, water filtration.

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Proizvodi, ki se uporabljajo za pripravo pitne vode - Kremenov pesek in kremenov prodProdukte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Quarzsand und QuarzkiesProduits utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée a la consommation humaine - Sable et gravier de quartzProducts used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Silica sand and silica gravel71.100.80Chemicals for purificat
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