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.