Water for the preparation of medicines for parenteral administration when water is used as vehicle (water for injections in bulk) and for dissolving or diluting substances or preparations for parenteral administration (sterilized water for injections).Water for injections in bulk is obtained from water that complies with the regulation on water intended for human consumption laid down by the competent authority, or from purified water, by distillation in an apparatus of which the parts in contact with the water are of neutral glass, quartz or suitable metal and which is fitted with an effective device to prevent the entrainment of droplets. The correct maintenance of the apparatus is essential. The first portion of the distillate obtained when the apparatus begins to function is discarded and the distillate is collected. During production and storage, appropriate measures are taken to ensure that the total viable aerobic count is adequately controlled and monitored. Under normal conditions, an appropriate action limit is a total viable aerobic count of 10 micro-organisms per 100 ml when determined by membrane filtration, using agar medium S. using at least 200 ml of water for injections in bulk and incubating at 30-35 °C for five days. For aseptic processing, stricter alert limits may need to be applied. Total organic carbon: maximum 0.5 mg/L