Compliance
TrinkwV
Term from the vending glossary
Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV 2001, amended 2023): establishes limit values for microorganisms, contaminants and chemical parameters in drinking water. Operators of POU water dispensers must ensure water dispensed at the outlet meets these limit values — filter replacement and hygiene checks are mandatory record-keeping requirements.
The Drinking Water Ordinance implements the European Drinking Water Directive into German law and establishes limit values, testing obligations and reporting requirements for systems dispensing water for human consumption. Mains-connected water dispensers fall under these regulations once connected to the building's water system.
For operators, this entails specific obligations: connections must comply with technical standards, systems must be protected against backflow, filters and pipework must be maintained according to manufacturer specifications. Anyone dispensing water to the public or employees is regarded as an operator under the Ordinance — regardless of whether dispensing is free or charged.