Drinking Water: how to manage it responsibly

Drinking water is an essential resource distributed to our homes by the Italian state. It’s crucial not only for public health but also for environmental and industrial sustainability.
Yet, doubts remain about the safety of domestic water systems. Even though 86.4% of Italian households connected to the municipal network say they’re satisfied with the service, nearly 29% still avoid drinking tap water.¹

These numbers show that the perceived quality of water doesn’t depend only on how it’s treated but also on what happens along the distribution network (from the main valve to the final components inside our homes).

A global commitment, a local responsibility

Water lies at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): goal 6 focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water for all, while Goal 13 calls for urgent action against climate change.

Reaching these goals requires everyone’s participation: from each individual to the companies we work with. Small everyday choices can make a big difference in our sector too: ensuring safe, efficient systems, choosing certified materials, and minimizing water losses are all part of the solution.

By following these principles, even manufacturing companies like ours can actively contribute to global goals, without compromising on quality or production efficiency.

Awareness today

In 2022, Italy lost 42.4% of the water introduced into its distribution networks.²
That’s an alarming figure that highlights the urgent need for structural action.

At the same time, awareness of water waste is growing: around 70% of Italians over the age of 14 say they try to avoid wasting water, and climate change is now seen as one of the nation’s top environmental concerns.³

This growing awareness around responsible water management is opening new opportunities for companies in the water sector, especially through the development of more reliable and certified technologies.

DVGW Valves: certified safety by Itap

One of the key factors in guaranteeing safe drinking water is the use of certified components suitable for contact with water intended for human consumption.

DVGW-certified valves, available across several products in our catalog, meet the highest European standards for hygiene and system reliability:

• The Green DVGW line, with full flow and conical threading.

• The Ideal DVGW line, with full flow and cylindrical threading.

Both product lines fully comply with drinking water regulations and are tested according to the strict standards of the Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches (DVGW). This German certification ensures rigorous safety, hygiene, and environmental standards through extensive testing and quality control.

The first step in everyday responsibility

Responsible water management begins with the careful selection of the right components.
Using certified valves, such as our DVGW solutions, means actively contributing to system safety and to the protection of one of our planet’s most vital resources.

Every choice, from those who design, install, or manage water systems, helps build a more ethical and sustainable future. It all starts with the product you choose to work with.

Want to know more? Check out our blog article on DVGW certification, or explore the technical details of our Ideal and Green valves on the website.

Sources

1 – ISTAT – Water Statistics, 2020–2024

2 – ISTAT – Total Water Losses in Italy, 2022

3 – ISTAT – Aspects of Daily Life Survey, 2023

FAQ

What is a DVGW valve?

A DVGW valve is a component certified by the Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches (DVGW), the German association that ensures hygienic and technical compliance of materials used for drinking water. DVGW valves guarantee regulatory conformity, durability and safety in any water system.

Why use certified valves for drinking water?

Certified valves help prevent contamination, stagnation and material degradation. They ensure compliance with European standards and reduce the likelihood of costly maintenance or system failures.

How can water loss in distribution networks be reduced?

Water loss can be reduced by designing efficient systems, using high-quality components and regularly monitoring the networks. Choosing reliable valves and fittings is the first step toward a safer, more sustainable system.

What’s the difference between Green DVGW and Ideal DVGW lines?

Both lines are certified for drinking water use. The Green DVGW line is designed to minimize stagnation and optimize flow, while the Ideal DVGW line features a dezincification-resistant brass body for more demanding applications.