Solution: Drinking water testing

What does a drinking water analysis involve?

The scope of testing is regulated in the Drinking Water Ordinance (Federal Law Gazette II 304/2001 as amended). A different number of substances are tested depending on the amount of water supplied daily.

• Minimum scope of testing for small water supply systems (<= 100 m³ of water supplied)
  • bacteriological examination (CFU 22 and 37, enterococci, Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria)
  • limited chemical-physical examination
• Routine checks
  • bacteriological examination (CFU 22 and 37, enterococci, Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria)
  • Temperature, odor, taste, turbidity, coloration, conductivity, pH value
• Full examination (comprehensive check)
  • bacteriological examination (CFU 22 and 37, enterococci, Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria)
  • comprehensive chemical-physical examination
  • Pesticide analysis

Who needs to have their drinking water tested?

All those who place drinking water on the market. Placing on the market means a drinking water supply that goes beyond the private circle (individual or family):

• municipal or cooperative water supplies
• Restaurants
• Private room rentals
• Communal supplies
• agricultural direct marketers

Not only drinking water that is used in food businesses or that is sold must comply with this regulation, but also drinking water that is used in more than one house (water communities).

Who may carry out the test?

The officially prescribed drinking water testing may only be carried out by a testing institute authorized in accordance with the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG) or by a person authorized to do so. Moser Wasser inspectors carry out the inspection activities in cooperation with an accredited conformity assessment body.

How often do inspections have to be carried out?

The inspection frequency depends on the daily volume of water supplied, but the various stages of the water supply system (e.g. treatment) must also be taken into account.