CAEN Code Rev. 3

36

Water collection, treatment and supply

EU NACE Equivalent: NACE Rev. 3 — 36

This macroeconomic category includes all activities related to the collection of water from nature, its treatment to make it drinkable or usable for industrial purposes, and its distribution to consumers. Practically, it covers the entire chain from source to tap, including infrastructure maintenance and desalination.

Entrepreneur Profile

This CAEN code 36 is intended for entrepreneurs and companies (SRL, PFA) wishing to develop a business focused on water collection, treatment and supply. It is ideal for founders aiming to offer specialized services or products in this economic niche within the Romanian market.

Who should avoid:

Avoid the exclusive use of code 36 if the main activity of your company shifts towards other commercial or related branches not specified in the official description. See the excluded activities section below.

Division 36 of the National Classification of Economic Activities (CAEN) covers a sector of strategic importance for Romania: water collection, treatment and supply. Water is a vital resource not only for human consumption but also for industry, agriculture and energy production. In the context of climate change and increasingly frequent droughts, efficient management of water resources has become a national and European priority. In Romania, old water infrastructure and high network loss rates (some estimates indicate over 30%) represent a major challenge. Entrepreneurs operating in this field face massive investments in modernization, compliance with drinking water quality standards imposed by the European Union and the need to implement efficient treatment technologies. From a macroeconomic perspective, the sector contributes to public health, to attracting European funds through the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme and to improving the quality of life in rural areas. In addition, the transition to a circular economy encourages the reuse of treated water and resource recovery, which opens up new business opportunities. Challenges include the need to digitize networks for real-time monitoring and to educate the public on responsible consumption. Nevertheless, the demand for safe and quality water makes this division a stable field with long-term growth potential.

Included Activities

✅ Collection of water from rivers, lakes, springs and underground sources
✅ Physical, chemical and biological treatment of raw water
✅ Distribution of drinking water through public networks, pipes or tankers
✅ Maintenance and operation of water supply systems
✅ Desalination of seawater for the production of drinking water
✅ Supply of industrial water, including for cooling or processing

Excluded Activities

❌ Wastewater treatment (code 37)
❌ Construction of water networks (code 42)
❌ Manufacture of water treatment equipment (code 28)
❌ Distribution of bottled water (code 11.07)
❌ Agricultural irrigation activities (code 01.61)

Similar or Related CAEN Codes:

From the same category of economic activities:

View code CAEN 360 View code CAEN 3600

Întrebări Frecvente

What type of companies can use CAEN code 36?

Any legal entity in Romania (SRL, PFA, Individual Enterprise) performing activities related to "water collection, treatment and supply" is required to have this code authorized in its articles of incorporation or at the Trade Register.

Are special permits required for CAEN 36?

The need for permits depends on the exact nature of the operations carried out under class 36. Some activities require authorizations from DSV, Environment, or Occupational Safety, while others can be conducted solely based on the self-declaration at incorporation.