Drinking water hygiene with Geberit Safely prevent stagnation
Drinking water is subject to the strictest food safety regulations. Water suppliers continuously monitor it for chemical, microbiological and other indicator parameters, such as odour and turbidity.
Nevertheless, drinking water is not sterile; it contains microorganisms that form biofilms. In normal conditions, these biofilms do not pose a problem or affect the quality of the drinking water. A balanced ecosystem may actually improve water quality; however, biofilms can also form a breeding ground for germs that are hazardous to health.
Geberit supports professionals with expertise and the right products to help them design, operate and maintain drinking water systems correctly.
Health risks posed by legionella and pseudomonas
Bacteria multiply in drinking water systems when they find ideal conditions: the right nutrients, the right temperature and the right amount of time. If cold water warms up or is left to stagnate for extended periods of time, bacteria can breed and disrupt the natural balance of the microorganisms in the water. The main protagonists among water-borne, potentially infectious bacteria are Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Legionella can cause infection when inhaled. This can happen anywhere that polluted water droplets enter the air as aerosols; for instance, under the shower or on taps. This poses a number of health risks – particularly for vulnerable people.
Pseudomonas infections can lead to pneumonia, wound infections and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, they can even result in sepsis. Hospital patients, elderly people and infants are particularly at risk of infection.
Study: How legionella multiply
Working on behalf of Geberit, Prof. Dr. Hubert Hilbi and his research team at the University of Zurich systematically investigated legionella growth.
Their findings:
Legionella multiply more rapidly as temperatures rise, up to a maximum point. At 40°C, legionella double around three times more frequently per time unit than at 25°C. Instead of doubling twice from 1 to 4 at 25°C, the legionella double six times from 1 to 64 at 40°C.
The temperature-dependent flush interval
Based on the measured multiplication rates, a temperature-dependent flush interval can be calculated (blue dashed curve).
In accordance with VDI 6023-1, it is assumed that a flush interval of 72 h (Point 1) is sufficient at 25°C.
For higher temperatures, the flush interval is adjusted so that legionella multiply at the same rate within this time. For example, at 29°C, the recommended flushing interval is 46 hours (Point 2). This approach helps minimise the risk of bacterial contamination when cold water temperatures exceed the recommended threshold.
A DVGW research report also states that brief temperature increases above 25°C do not immediately result in high legionella concentrations.
Biofilm on pipe surfaces is generally not a problem, but can serve as a breeding ground for legionella in tap water
Legionnaires’ disease can trigger pneumonia; however, it is often not identified as the cause of illness. For that reason, the estimated number of unreported cases is high and the significance of the disease is underestimated.
Pseudomonas infections can lead to pneumonia, wound infections and urinary tract infections.
Consistently high water quality – responsibility of the building operator
Responsibility for water quality in domestic installations lies with the operator of the building. If the water warms up or remains stagnant for extended periods, unwanted bacteria can multiply. To prevent this, proper operation and regular maintenance of drinking water installation components are essential.
With the Geberit Hygiene System, we offer solutions to maintain the water quality in drinking water pipes.
Measures to maintain drinking water quality Tips for professionals
Plan drinking water installations effectively
A well-designed system should include a looped pipe installation on the floor with a frequently used consumer at the end of the pipe. Pipe dimensions should be kept as small as possible to minimise discharge times and reduce water volume in the pipes. The layout should also minimise the thermal load on the cold water pipes.
Ensure regular water replacement
In cases of infrequent use or periods of inactivity, it is essential to ensure steady water replacement. Hygiene flush units prevent extended periods of stagnation in the piping system.
Insulate water pipes
Without proper insulation, cold-water pipes can warm up, while hot-water pipes may lose heat. For this reason, drinking water pipes must be insulated for energy and hygiene reasons.
Ensure hygienic installation of drinking water pipes
Dirt can easily enter unprotected pipes and other components on building sites. Pipes and fittings from Geberit are protected from dirt by their packaging and other measures. The initial filling should be carried out with hygienically safe drinking water.
Suitable building products for pipelines and fittings
Geberit supply systems and drinking water hygiene products meet the required hygiene standards and are certified by the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW).
Proper planning of the relevant pipe fittings is crucial to ensuring hygienic drinking water throughout the entire building.
Maintaining drinking water quality Avoid legionella growth with the Geberit Hygiene System
The Geberit Hygiene System is a fully integrated concept for demand-driven and efficient hygiene management.
It allows our customers to create customised solutions that guarantee drinking water quality in all types of sanitary installations, regardless of usage patterns or frequency.
Do you have any questions? We are happy to help you.
Our specialists advise planners, plumbers and other professionals on their projects. They will be happy to advise you on how to best master your current challenges with our products.
Strict drinking water regulations Meeting national and European requirements
While water suppliers ensure that drinking water reaches the water service connection in a high-quality and safe condition, responsibility for maintaining water quality within the plumbing system lies with the building operator.
National regulations are derived from European Directive (EU) 2020/2184.
Drinking water installation brochure Download now
Our brochure provides professionals with detailed information on the planning, design and operation of drinking water installations.
Learn more about:
- Basic principles of drinking water hygiene
- The Geberit Hygiene System
- Geberit hygiene flush units
- Geberit supply systems
- Operation of the hygiene flush units
- Sensors and system components
- Hygienically perfect planning
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