Discussion on standard of geothermal water quality for bathing use in China

Abstract

The use for bathing and Spa is one of the most important aspects of geothermal sector in China, and it is estimated that the related GDP is over 200 billion RMB annually. But there is not a proper technical standard related to the quality of geothermal (hot spring) water for bathing use in the country, and the most important problem lays on the limitation of chemical components that may be harmful to human health. Therefore, related studies has been carried out, including: (1) the statistic analyses of chemical characteristic of geothermal water in most of the provinces in China, (2) the content limitation calculation of components that may be harmful to human health when used for bathing and Spa, according to the toxicity of various poisonous components and the life time bathing times. A national standard for geothermal (hot spring) water bathing use has been put forward according to the result of the above research, as well as some other considerations. It is also proposed to put together an international standard of geothermal water quality for bathing and Spa use.