VDMA is campaigning for a harmonized drinking water regulation across Europe

“Clean drinking water is a human right. This is one of the most important future issues of our time,” says Dr. Laura Dorfer, managing director of the VDMA Valves Association. By using materials that are suitable and approved for drinking water hygiene and water-saving technologies, the tapware industry is making a significant contribution to the responsible use of this important resource and ensuring clean drinking water.

The VDMA campaigns for harmonized drinking water regulations across Europe

During the IFAT trade fair in Munich, VDMA met with Federal Minister of the Environment Steffi Lemke to discuss the industry’s current climate protection solutions in the areas of recycling and water management. (Photo source: Julia Bergmeister, VDMA e.V.)

It is not without reason that the Federal Environment Agency gives the highest ratings for drinking water quality in Germany.

“It is even more important to maintain this high level of quality in the future and not slow down our members’ performance now,” emphasizes Dr. Laura Dorfer. “However, our members are currently struggling with massive national and European regulations. They are not coordinated and in some cases even contradictory. This applies in particular to the regulations regarding lead and the different definitions of limit values. Against this In this context, producers have no planning or investment security, especially with regard to significant changes.

“We urgently need harmonized drinking water regulations in Europe,” says Elisa Sasserath-Kentsch, vice president of VDMA Building Valves and member of the management board of Hans Sasserath GmbH & Co. KG. “We are therefore calling for legislation that applies equally to everyone and whose compliance is also monitored within European market surveillance. Only in this way can we maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, promote important innovations and technologies, and continue to ensure responsible and safe use of water.”

This applies not only here in Germany. “German water technology manufacturers are aware of the global water supply challenges. They meet their needs by offering tailor-made products that consistently pursue the goal of responsible use of a valuable water resource,” emphasizes Dr. Dorfer. “The industry is already providing solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.”

Visitors to IFAT Munich 2024, the world’s most important water and wastewater management exhibition, could see intelligent water filter technology, automatic leak protection systems and fittings designed to save water and ensure its safe use.

Water-saving valves save large amounts of drinking water in buildings. Thanks to water management systems, hygiene requirements and the desire to save water are no longer contradictory. “Another factor affecting ecological balance is water hardness,” explains Elisa Sasserath-Kentsch. “Scale deposits in the hot water system and circulation system lead to higher water and energy consumption. With our innovative water treatment products, our industry also contributes to the sustainable development of buildings in this context.”