MEASURES FOR DRINKING WATER HYGIENE DURING PROLONGED ABSENCE
MEASURES FOR DRINKING WATER HYGIENE DURING PROLONGED ABSENCE
Unfortunately, most people are unaware of how to properly handle our drinking water when it comes to its hygienic safety. In this regard, we share the same responsibility as the municipal waterworks. To ensure hygienically safe drinking water, water pipes must be used at least every 72 hours. This applies to both businesses and private households. This means that measures must be taken even after a long weekend or temporary closures of offices or individual floors. Non-use of drinking water installations leads to stagnation and greatly increases the risk of microbial contamination with legionella and other pathogenic germs.
In plain language: Every water pipe must be used at the endpoint every 3 days. This means running both hot and cold water separately at each tap for about 30 seconds, and flushing toilets. If this is not possible, preventive and follow-up measures must be taken in accordance with DVGW guidelines. We will explain these in more detail below.
Preventive measures during absence
Longer than 72 hours
Shut off appliances connected to the drinking water pipe (water filters, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.). Switch off hot water boilers and refrigerators if necessary to save energy. It should be noted that the hot water pipe must be completely emptied to avoid slow cooling, which is favorable for legionella.
Longer than 4 weeks
Shut off the main water line. Switch off water heaters and circulation pumps.
LEOGANT water system measure: Remove and dispose of the filter cartridges from water filters and dispensers. Empty the pipes.
Longer than 1 year
Have the house connection professionally disconnected from the supply line.
Measures for recommissioning
Longer than 72 hours
Several taps throughout the building must be opened simultaneously to ensure a sufficiently strong flow through the distribution pipes. The flushing must be carried out for both the cold and hot water pipes.
LEOGANT water system measure: Let the water run for at least 10 minutes. If several taps are connected to one system, make sure to open all taps at the same time. Disinfect the outlet and fittings with a spray disinfectant.
Longer than 4 weeks
When recommissioning after 4 weeks, a complete water exchange must be carried out at all taps by flushing with water according to DVGW worksheet 557. The flushing must be carried out for both the cold and hot water pipes. The hot water pipe must be flushed with an operating temperature of > 55°C.
LEOGANT water system measure: Disinfect and clean the filter housings, taps and pipes. Insert new filter cartridges. Let the water run for at least 10 minutes.
Longer than 6 months
In addition, a microbiological examination of the drinking water must be carried out in accordance with the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV).
About the author:
Thomas Hartwig is a certified nutritional advisor and founder of LEOGANT. He has been working intensively with the element of water for many years. He is an esteemed keynote speaker and guest on podcasts, where he shares his knowledge and experience. In his work, he combines insights from natural science and medicine with philosophical approaches to contribute to a holistic water awareness.