Water Hygiene Material Testing for Drinking Water Contact

The quality of drinking water in Europe is regulated by Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and in Germany by the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV). These regulations not only define requirements for the drinking water itself but also for the materials and products used in the extraction, distribution, and storage of drinking water. Section 14 of the TrinkwV stipulates that these materials must:

• not impair human health,
• not negatively affect the taste/odor of drinking water,
• not promote the growth of microorganisms,
• release as few substances as possible into the drinking water.

The verification of these requirements is carried out through migration tests and microbiological assessments according to DVGW guidelines and the Environment Agency’s recommendations. Among other things, microbial growth promotion (DVGW W 270, DIN EN 16421) and the migration rate of substances into contact water are examined.

Accredited Testing Laboratory

The Hygiene Institute of the Ruhr Area is accredited according to DIN EN ISO 17025:2018 and specializes in drinking water hygiene testing. Our test reports and certificates are accepted by recognized certification bodies such as HyCert.

Our Range of Services

We conduct drinking water hygiene suitability tests on non-metallic materials, including plastics, elastomers, silicones, coatings, lubricants, as well as cement-bound materials and enamel/ceramics. In addition, we offer testing as part of the in-house production control (WPK) for confirming the drinking water hygiene suitability of products.

Our Testing Standards

• Evaluation basis for enamels and ceramic materials
• KTW-BWGL (Plastics, coatings, lubricants, elastomers, silicones)
• Silicone transition recommendation, TPE transition recommendation
• Elastomer guideline
• DIN EN 12873-1 / DIN EN 12873-2, DIN EN 1420, DIN EN 1622
• DVGW Worksheet W 347, OENORM B 5014-1
• Groundwater hygiene testing (CEN/TS 16637-2:2014-11, DIN EN 1963)

Consulting and Training Service

We provide ongoing consulting and support to our clients in implementing drinking water hygiene standards. Should you have any specific questions regarding water hygiene and material testing, we are happy to assist you.

Microbiological testing for Drinking Water Contact

In Europe, the quality of water for human use is regulated by EU Directive 2020/2184 and in Germany by the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV). These regulations not only address the water itself but also the materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. Section 14 of the TrinkwV mandates that these materials:

• Do not impair human health,
• Do not adversely affect the taste and odor of the water,
• Do not promote the growth of microorganisms,
• Release as few substances into the water as possible.

Compliance with these requirements is ensured through testing according to the guidelines of the Federal Environment Agency and DVGW standards. This includes tests for microbial growth (DVGW W 270, DIN EN 16421) as well as migration tests, which analyze the established parameters in the contact water.

Accredited Testing Laboratory

The Hygiene Institute of the Ruhr Area is an accredited laboratory for drinking water hygiene testing according to DIN EN ISO 17025:2018. We conduct these tests in line with recognized evaluation guidelines, and the resulting test reports are accepted by certification bodies such as HyCert.

Our Service Portfolio

We offer drinking water hygiene suitability testing for non-metallic materials, including plastics, elastomers, silicones, coatings, and cement-bound materials. Our testing follows relevant standards such as:

• DIN EN 16421 (KTW-BWGL)
• DVGW Worksheet W 270

In addition, we carry out microbiological material testing and hygiene inspections, and provide comprehensive consulting and training services.

Microbiological Material Testing

• Antimicrobial equipment / Biodegradability (ISO 22196, JIS 2801, ASTM 2180)
• Testing according to DIN EN ISO 846
• Testing of cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Microbiological testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products

Hygiene Testing and Consulting Services

For companies that require these services by law or voluntarily, we offer:

• Site inspections
• Hygiene training
• Hygiene planning

We assist in the planning and implementation of hygiene inspections and provide on-site training for your employees. For specific inquiries, we are happy to offer expert consulting services.

Introduction to HVAC Systems

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems significantly impact the working and living environments of millions of people worldwide. When properly designed, installed, and maintained, HVAC systems positively contribute to the health, well-being, and performance of room occupants. However, improper planning and inadequate maintenance can have the opposite effect and pose health risks.

Our Expertise for Your HVAC Systems

With years of experience, we offer comprehensive consulting and support for the planning, installation, maintenance, and renovation of HVAC systems. Our institute specializes in all relevant testing and services:

• Hygiene initial inspections and routine inspections according to VDI 6022 Part 1
• Hygiene conformity testing for HVAC systems, devices, and cooling towers
• Material testing according to DIN EN ISO 846
• Measurements of indoor air quality (microbiological parameters)
• Microbiological testing of colony counts, Legionella, and other pathogens in various waters
• Analysis of samples from humidifier, cooling water, and surface samples
• Conformity testing according to technical regulations in ventilation and air conditioning technology

Our Service for Companies

For businesses requiring inspections and testing due to legal regulations or voluntarily, we offer tailored solutions:

• Hygiene Inspections According to VDI 6022 Part 1: These regular inspections help prevent health risks associated with poorly maintained HVAC systems. We conduct an independent assessment of your HVAC system and conditioned spaces, including microbiological testing and measurement of climate parameters such as temperature, humidity, and air speed.
• Hygiene Initial Inspection: For new HVAC installations, we perform an independent hygiene initial inspection according to VDI 6022 Part 1.

Why Regular Inspections Are Important

The hygiene inspections include a thorough examination of filters, ducts, and heat exchangers, as well as humidifier and make-up water. Air quality in the conditioned spaces is also analyzed to ensure a safe environment. At the end of the investigation, you will receive a report documenting the hygienic and technical condition of your HVAC system.

Ongoing Consulting and Training

Take advantage of our ongoing consulting services and meet the increasing demands for education and training in HVAC technology. We are always here to provide expert knowledge and practical solutions to ensure the long-term quality and safety of your HVAC systems.

Let’s work together to ensure that your HVAC system operates not only efficiently but also hygienically flawless!

You can find more information about our extensive range of services on our website. Discover the various testing and certification services we offer and learn more about our expertise in enviromental hygiene and toxicology.

Our Services as a Certification Body
Document the drinking water hygiene suitability of your product with a certificate from HyCert. Rely on our decades of expert knowledge. Our team will gladly guide you through the entire certification process—from application submission to the issuance of the certificate.

Our certification programs are based on the recommendations of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) for conformity confirmation of the drinking water hygiene suitability of products.

We are an accreditation body certified by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS). To carry out the necessary inspections worldwide as part of the certification process, HyCert collaborates with renowned external inspection bodies that have many years of experience in auditing and sampling. Naturally, in-house staff will also conduct inspections.

Basic information about the costs of certification and a detailed cost estimate will be provided once the scope of the certification is known.

If you have any questions about certifying your drinking water products, we are here to help.

If you would like to start the certification of your product, download the certification application, fill it out, and send it to us. After reviewing your application, HyCert will decide whether the product can be certified and will then send you the certification contract for mutual signing, along with all the necessary documents.

We look forward to working with you!