From KTW-BWGL to EU DWD: new requirements for components in contact with drinking water

Under the new European Drinking Water Directive (EU Drinking Water Directive – EU DWD) the assessment of the materials and products in contact with potable water have been harmonised across Europe. For manufacturers, plant engineers and operators this represents a fundamental change in the approval, testing and labelling of components for drinking water applications.

For A. u. K. Müller customers however, this does provide planning certainty: products, that already meet the requirements of the KTW-BWGL, will be gradually transitioned to the new EU classification system and can continue to be used and procured without hesitation.

The KTW-BWGL previously in force in Germany („Criteria of plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water“) defines thy hygienic requirements for materials used in the drinking water sector. Basis for this are national evaluation procedures of the German Federal Environmental Agency.

With the EU DWD, a uniform European legal framework for materials and products intended to come into contact with drinking water is now being established for the first time. The aim is to improve drinking water hygiene within the European Union in the long term, whilst at the same time harmonising differing national regulations.

For manufacturers, this will mean harmonised testing and certification procedures, as well as a uniform conformity evaluation within the EU.

As a manufacturer of valve and fluid technology solutions for sensitive applications, A. u. K. Müller has been closely monitoring regulatory developments in the drinking water sector for many years.

Many products already meet the requirements of the KTW-BWGL, thereby laying the groundwork for transition to future EU DWD compliance. This gives customers a high degree of certainty regarding their investment and planning throughout the entire transition phase.

The transition to the new European requirements is taking place gradually, with clearly defined transition periods.

A. u. K. Müller not only keeps pace with regulatory changes as a manufacturer, but also actively contributes its expertise to the further development of future hygiene standards.

As a member of the VDMA, A. u. K. Müller is involved in the Indoor Hygiene | Drinking Water Hygiene Working Group and the Technical Committee for Building Fittings. There, we are actively helping to shape future requirements for safeguarding drinking water quality in collaboration with industry partners, trade associations and testing institutes.

Close collaboration within the industry makes it possible to assess new regulatory developments at an early stage and to develop practical solutions for safe drinking water applications.

The new European Drinking Water Directive establishes uniform long-term standards for materials in contact with drinking water and increases transparency within European markets.

By focusing on the EU DWD at an early stage, A. u. K. Müller is already laying the groundwork for long-term investment and planning certainty. Customers will therefore continue to benefit from safe, compliant and future-proof solutions for demanding drinking water applications.