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Materials Coming Into Contact With Drinking Water at Home: What To Watch Out For?
Materials Coming Into Contact With Drinking Water at Home: What To Watch Out For?
At home
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LEGAL NOTICE
This document has been prepared for the European Commission however it reflects the views only of the
authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information
contained therein.
ISBN 978-92-79-67981-0
doi:10.2779/884998
Photo credits: Public Domain - Creative Commons CC0. From Pixabay: Cover Picture by Tante Tati, page 1 by
ujeans, page 11 by leopold28, page 29 by Kaboompics. From Centre for Disease Control Minnesota: page 19.
1 Introduction .............................................................................. 1
W
hen materials are in contact The public water network, belonging to
with drinking water, impurities the water supplier, usually stops at the
can leach into the water, entrance of the household or, more
modifying its wholesomeness. As a precisely, at the water meter or the
result, products that involve these connection's stop valve. The part of the
materials may cause a significant risk to service pipe from the connection point –
human health or may deteriorate usually the stop valve - to the use
drinking water taste and odour. Private endpoint (tap, shower, etc.) is the
water systems can be affected by these responsibility of the property owner,
risks if they are not designed, including his kitchen or bathroom
maintained or controlled in the same plumbing.
way than public water supplies. This
guide provides advice and information All the plumbing inside home till the use tap
for the protection of the private part of (kitchen, shower…), is the responsibility of
the drinking water supply network, the the property owner.
domestic distribution system (see figure
below).
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Within the domestic distribution system, Substances are chemical elements and
water is in contact with multiple their compounds, natural or
materials and products, many of which manufactured, including additives or
are installed permanently for a long impurities. They can be harmless but
lifetime. These may impact on water they also can modify the characteristics
quality by releasing undesirable or toxic of water. A material can be made from
compounds, supporting microbial one or several substances. A product is
contamination, or impairing taste and usually made of various materials, each
odour. one including several substances.
Manufacturers are responsible for the
launch of products put on the market.
Materials are prepared from a
Householders or installers, users of
substance (or mixture of substances)
these products, are responsible for
suitable for use in a manufacturing
product choice and installation.
process. Materials types used for
The design of good plumbing facilities drinking water supply are, usually,
must be based on an understanding of metallic (iron, stainless steel, copper,
the technical requirements and relevant etc.), organic (plastics as PVC, HDPE,
regulatory restrictions. rubbers, coatings, etc.) or cement
based.
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Rather than the product itself, materials water heaters/coolers, water meters,
coming into contact with drinking water, filters, treatment devices, domestic
even in small components as rubbers, tanks linings, sealants, pumps, repair
have to be checked to confirm that the clamps and collars, etc.
product is safe. The composition of
metallic materials is easy to identify,
since they contain one or more metals Water systems practitioners and users
in certain proportions. Plastics and may be aware that many materials
rubbers are considered as "organic having been installed in the past are
materials". These polymers are made still installed and used today, even if
from a variety of substances (monomers their use is discouraged or prohibited.
and additives like stabilisers). Cement The case of lead pipes is well known:
based materials usually contain various limit of lead concentration in drinking
non-mineral substances mixed in the water is set by DWD (10 µg/L),
product or added. In addition to the requiring, in most case, the complete
intentionally added substances, different replacement of lead pipes. But it can be
reaction products and impurities are less known that lead compounds can be
present in the final materials. Without used in plastics or epoxy resins, or
the knowledge of the added substances, metallic alloys and solders.
it is difficult to identify the substances
present in the final product.
If hoses, pipes, fittings, taps and valves Users should check the compliance of the
are easy to identify, some products are product for the expected use (drinking
less visible for non-specialists, while water, hot/cold water, etc.) by reading
their interaction with water can be manufacturers’ instructions or product
significant: coatings, gaskets, but also factsheets.
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In each MS, national or local authorities can set standards higher than those of
DWD, or include additional requirements relevant within their territory. MS are
nevertheless not allowed to set lower standards as the level of protection of
human health should be the same within the whole European Union.
1
More information on Directive (98/83/CE):
as taste, odour, appearance and colour. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/FR/TXT/?uri=celex:31998L0083 or
At the European level, there are several http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
regulations to reach the goals fixed in content/FR/TXT/?uri=URISERV%3Al28079
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W
ater supply, treatment and There are differences between public
distribution have to protect water supply and household drinking
water quality from various water installations, especially in
possible contaminants, and from other buildings, which leads to different risks.
possible deteriorations of water quality
In household installations:
(taste, odour, etc.).
Many different products are involved
From the collection point – that can be
such as water heater, drinking water
groundwater, river, spring, etc. – to the
reservoir, pipes, valves, backflow
private connection, where there is
preventer, taps, shower head and so
usually a stop valve and/or a water
on. All these products are made of
meter, water safety is handled by a
different materials;
water authority, whether it’s a public or
The surface of materials in contact
a private company. This supplier is
with water compared to the volume
responsible for the water quality
of transported water is higher;
upstream from the connection point.
The stagnation of water is related to
Downstream of this, it is the
the usage of the building; this can
responsibility of the household owner.
favour release of unwanted
Your domestic water system (plumbing) substances if water system was
can affect your water quality, even designed for a use greater than it
small components, as o-rings or actually is.
gaskets, can affect the quality of water.
Therefore, you can find below some of These specificity of household drinking
the key risks set out. water systems may lead to specific
risks.
WHAT IS A CONTAMINANT?
A contaminant is an unwanted constituent of drinking water which, because of its concentration,
amount or number, causes adverse health effects or deteriorates water quality. Contamination
can be physical (as temperature), chemical (as lead) or biological (as a microbe).
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Figure 3: Illustrations of
biofilm growth
(credits: DGVW/Eureau)
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I
n designing and constructing new water systems in buildings and homes
domestic distribution systems, were generally designed with limited
specific actions should be focused attention to prevent and control risks to
on minimizing sources of hazards (e.g. public health.
stagnant water, cross contamination,
long branch pipes and dead legs), as The following paragraphs indicate basic
well as facilitating access for monitoring criteria and practices to control risks
and maintenance. related to materials and products in
On the other hand, in case of existing contact with drinking water in new
domestic distribution system, it is domestic distribution systems and in
important to be aware that in the past, existing ones.
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Figure 4: A good installation (left side) may limit the length of pipes
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TIP!
AWAY FROM HOME? DON’T FORGET YOUR WATER SYSTEM!
When you leave home for a long duration you probably close your private water connection, to protect
it from a possible leakage. But when you are back home after a long duration, you may also check your
water network: run the taps for a few minutes to purge the volume of water that may have stagnated
in the pipes and reduce its possible stale taste.
The toilet cistern may also be properly (taps, showers). Any other devices or
installed, to ensure no siphoning back circuit have to be separated with a
into the water system. suitable backflow prevention device
depending on the level of risk or, even
Identify and separate the various better, no connection at all.
water systems
Hot water and cold water circuits may
Contamination may arise from a cross be separated. Hot water should be
connection, between various usage of protected with thermal insulation to
water: drinking water (cold / hot), keep cold drinking water's temperature
heating circuit, rain water, water from a low and reduce the risk of condensation
private source (well, spring), recycled and microbiological growth. Hot water
water, firefighting water circuit or even pipe should be installed at a suitable
wastewater! distance above cold water pipes.
It is recommended that every
circuit is clearly identified: TIP!
colours, labels, signals for
PREVENTING FROM BACKFLOW
unsafe water quality, or a
precise map of the circuits may To prevent the water from backflow out of domestic devices
avoid such mistakes. Some in the drinking water system, the use of protection devices is
countries have standards indispensable. The European standard EN 1717 deals with
which set out marking the means to be used to prevent the pollution of potable
requirements. water inside premises and the general requirements of
Drinking water shall be protection devices to avoid pollution by backflow.
connected strictly with
wholesome water devices
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TIP!
EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE OF WATER SYSTEM
IN CASE OF PERSISTENT CONTAMINATION
In case of a serious chemical or microbiological contamination of your water system, it could be useful to
scrub its internal surface by running a mixture of water-air into the pipeline while taps are kept open for
drainage. The introduction of the mixture may be conveniently performed using a commercial device
consisting of an air-compressor, a water inlet from a pressurized water tank or pipe, an electronically
controlled mixer and an outlet to be connected to the contaminated pipeline. The flow should be
continued until water becomes clear and colourless.
Before starting this operation, remember to disconnect all technological devices that may be present (e.g.
washing machine, dishwasher, etc.).
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TIP!
A WATER FILTER NEEDS MAINTENANCE
To reduce taste of water, many types of filters are available
(on the domestic plumbing, on taps, for jugs, etc.). Do not
forget to read and apply the manufacturer’s instructions:
cartridge have maximum duration of use. They may require
regular maintenance. They may be damaged, or split, and
release particles. Filters only last for a limited time: they
should be replaced after their lifespan is over.
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TIP!
Tastes and odours associated with
YOUR WATER DEVICES ALSO NEEDS MAINTENANCE!
water
Aerators, showers, but also every filter should be cleaned
Some materials may cause an regularly to avoid accumulation of materials and
unwanted odour or taste for microorganisms growth.
water. A wide range of
materials are associated with If there is lime scale deposits, damping in a very weak acid,
tastes and odours including like vinegar, or coffee machine maintenance product, can
vegetable oils, solvents, coal dissolve the scale residue. Do not forget to rinse after
tar linings, rubbers used in treatment.
flexible hoses, some plastics or Keep the tap open for a few minutes: if
epoxy, adhesives and cements, water is still not clear, you may ask
lubricants and sealants, etc. This can be your neighbours if they have the same
caused by pipes or fittings that are not issue. In this case, you should contact
designed for a drinking water use or the local water authority for more
that have not been properly stored or information and, depending on their
installed, but other appliances like advice, not use water for drinking: it
dishwashers or washing machines may could be contaminated and unsafe.
also generate backflows in the drinking Doing laundry may be avoided so as not
water system. to cause stains.
To prevent these problems, an installer If the neighbourhood doesn’t have this
may: problem, the issue is probably located
Ensure that every fitting connected on your domestic water network.
to the drinking water tap is only for
drinking water use;
If water has a cloudy or white
Ensure water from appliances
appearance, this can be related to fine
cannot return in the drinking water
air bubbles. Keep water in a transparent
system, by using an appropriate
jug or glass: air bubbles will escape
backflow prevention device.
from the bottom upwards in a few
minutes. On the other hand, if the
Water colour colour is caused by matters that settle
down in a deposit at the bottom, you
When a repair has been performed on may contact the local water authority
the public water supply, or in a building for more information.
outside private homes, water at home
could have a brown or orange colour.
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W
ater quality varies from place qualified as "hard" or "soft" water, or
to place in Europe and - even even aggressive, scale water … What
more locally - from a region or should be kept in mind when choosing
a city to another. Water is sometimes materials for the water facilities?
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What is the effect of using hard water or In these cases, maintenance should be
soft water? performed: for appliances that can be
removed (aerators, showers, filters)
Soap, shampoo, cleaning detergents they can be damped in a weak acid (like
do produce less lather when used in vinegar) for a few hours, this will
hard water conditions: more remove scale residues.
product is needed for the same
result ;
For non-removable parts like pipes, to
Clothes that have been washed and prevent lime deposits, domestic drinking
dried are less rough if soft water is water systems can be equipped with a
used ; specific treatment system: the softener.
This device should only be used when
Spans, glasses may have white hardness do cause a real problem for
spots and residues due to hard the water system. It has to be chosen
water ; with care: softeners need maintenance,
some are not to be recommended for
Hard water do produce white scale
users with sodium-restriction issues
residues in pipes, aerators, valves,
and, for oversized devices, retention
etc. The settling is enhanced when
time in the device can cause bacteria to
water temperature varies: boilers,
develop. If water characteristics do not
heaters, mixing tap, dish washer or
imply hardness related issues, such
washing machines may be affected.
appliances may not be needed. When
The scale sheet may reduce the
such a device is needed, it can be
energetic efficiency of these
preferable to install a softener only on
appliances;
the hot water circuit, or on the water
circuit involved in hardness related
Regarding health, whatever the
problems.
hardness, drinking water provided
by the public water supplier has to
Choosing a new product
comply legal requirements. It is
therefore safe and do not need be Before installing a new product, the
treated at household level; plumber shall check whether the
product is fit for expected use and
Hard water has a different flavour conditions, especially fit for a drinking
than soft water… but the effect on water usage. The conditions may
human health is limited, except in include the quality of water that will be
cases of specific diseases related to in contact with the product during its
minerals or salt. High levels of scale, use: its temperature, aggressiveness or
hard water, can be a source of softness, or even presence of
calcium or magnesium for your disinfection products, as chlorine, may
body, but a limited one, nutrient be checked, to confirm its compliance
from food are a more important with the chosen product.
source.
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Coatings
Copper
Lubricants
Copper alloys Cementitious mortar
Plastics (PVC, PE)
Galvanised steel Asbestos cement
Rubbers
Galvanised cast iron Concrete
Silicones
Carbon steel Composites cement (e.g.
fibre reinforced) Combinations of the above
Cast iron
Materials permitted for
Stainless steel use in all the above
Figure 10: Diversity of products and materials that may be in contact with drinking water
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others remain unaffected and are the end-use application, e.g. Hot & Cold
perfectly reliable when exposed to drinking water or heating systems, as
chemicals like chlorine. prescribed in relevant product
standards. The European product
standards specify application classes
Beware: materials for cold water are not all (hot water at 60 or 70°C, under floor
compliant for hot water. low-temperature, and high temperature
radiator heating). The marking reflects
the basic characteristics of the product.
For more specific explanation on
Products in contact with hot water
hydraulic performance and heat
(pipes, taps for example) are more
conductivity for example, please refer to
vulnerable and their components should
the manufacturer's technical
not release unwanted substances.
documentation.
Plastic pipes and fittings are marked for
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"pick up" some materials. This corrosion Plastics polymer pipes or fittings are
may enhance releases of unwanted used widely for distribution systems and
substances (as zinc, copper or lead used domestic installations. Depending on
in alloys or solders). the type of polymer (PVC, PR, HDPE,
PEX, etc.), some of these materials are
High levels of chlorine can corrode
susceptible to release unwanted
metal: rust can appear and weaken
substances.
metal. These metals should be
protected from direct contact with
drinking water, for example with an
As some materials can be damaged by
inside coating designed for this use.
UV from sun light, they should not be
placed directly in open air, and the
conditions required for storage have to
be applied. A technical factsheet may be
provided when looking for installation of
a new appliance, or product used for
repair.
Hydrophobic compounds can migrate
through some types of plastic piping.
These materials may not be placed in
soil contaminated with hydrocarbons.
Storing or using hydrocarbons or
solvents close to plastic piping that is
porous to hydrophobic compounds can
contaminate drinking-water. Storing
such products in boiler rooms can lead
to increased migration
of organic substances
due to elevated
temperatures.
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Galvanic/electrolytic corrosion
When installing a new water system
with various metallic compounds, it’s
recommended to keep in mind the risks
of interactions between materials: the
galvanic series have to be respected.
When two metals are in contact with the
same water, the less noble material
(down the following scale) may be
subject to galvanic corrosion.
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2
The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration
in the water as calculated according to specifications of the
maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with
the water (Source Annexe 1, DWD (98/83/EC))
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Users, Plumbers,
What do you have to do?
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P
lumbers and householders should standards and regulations for how the
check manufacturers’ installation product will be installed and used.
guidance and product factsheets
and take them into account, to ensure
any product is compliant with expected
5.1 Typology of standards
3
Standard is defined in Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012
4
Other independent international standards
organizations (ASME, ASTM, IEEE, etc.) do
5
develop and publish standards for various BS for British Standards, DIN for Deutsches
international uses. Institut für Normung, etc.
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TIP!
RELEVANT STANDARDS AND TESTS
Looking for a standard on a product, is not looking for any standard: several topics are covered with
norms. For example, ISO 9001 is quality management system and ISO 14 001 is environmental
management system; these standards are applied to the company, not to the product.
As a standard is voluntary and restricted to a specific use, when choosing a product or material in
contact with drinking water, it's preferable to look for certifications required in your country ( see table
below)
When a product is said to be “Tested by a laboratory” it may be preferable to check what kind of
laboratory and what tests were performed. To be sure of the quality of testing, you may look for an
authorised and independent laboratory.
5.2 CE marking
6
The definition, the format and the general
Figure
principles 13: Thethe
governing CE CE
marking
marking are in
Regulation No design
765/2008/EC. Decision No
768/2008/EC provides for conformity assessment
procedures that lead to its affixing
7
Please note that a CE marking does not indicate
that a product has been approved as safe by the
EU or by another authority. It does not indicate
the origin of a product neither.
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5.3 National authorities where to find more information and main quality marks
Some EU Member States established States. Some schemes for the approval
schemes for the approval of materials of materials are mandatory whereas
and products, and these may include an others are voluntary means for a
associated ‘quality mark’. Various manufacturer to demonstrate
certification systems exist, with possibly compliance with national requirements.
recognition between some Member The main ones are summarized below.
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www.mh.governme
Bulgaria Ministry of Health DVGW accepted
nt.bg
National Institute of
Czech Republic www.szu.cz DVGW accepted
Public Health
Health Board,
Estonia Ministry of social affairs www.sm.ee Environmental Health www.terviseamet.ee
Department
Environmental
Ireland www.epa.ie
Protection Agency
National Institute of
Italy Ministry of Health www.salute.gov.it Health (ISS) www.iss.it
DVGW accepted
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Administration of water
Luxembourg www.eau.public.lu DVGW accepted
management
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APPENDICE
Current EU legislation relating to materials and substances in contact with drinking water
Construction Products Regulation (CPR) To ensure that construction works do not release dangerous
substances into drinking water or substances which have an
Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 otherwise negative impact on drinking water.
Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) To ensure that biocidal products and residues in contact with
drinking water do not have unacceptable effects on human or
Council Directive 89/106/EEC animal health,
Gas Appliance Directive (GAD) To ensure that gas appliances and fittings do not compromise
Directive 2009/142/EC the safety of persons, domestic animals and property.
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KH-04-17-388-EN-N
doi:10.2779/884998