TrinkwV

Trinkwasserverordnung, abbreviated TrinkwV, is the German regulation governing the quality and safety of water intended for human consumption. It implements the European Union's Drinking Water Directive and applies to public water supply networks as well as other installations delivering drinking water to end users. The regulation outlines the responsibilities of water suppliers and operators, including source protection, treatment, distribution, and information duties, and it provides the legal framework for ensuring potable water meets health-based standards.

It sets microbiological and chemical parameter limits, action thresholds, and the required monitoring programs. It specifies sample points, frequencies, and methods, as well as procedures for triggering notifications to authorities and consumers when values are exceeded. The TrinkwV also requires documentation, operating records, risk assessments, and measures to prevent contamination, maintain water quality, and ensure rapid remediation when problems occur.

Enforcement is carried out by the German Länder under national law, with oversight from health and environmental authorities. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and mandatory corrective actions. The regulation is periodically amended to align with EU rules and scientific advances, and it covers both public water systems and other supplies connected to the public network, including institutional and private sources in certain cases.