<\/span>What is the Drinking Water Directive and what does it introduce?<\/span><\/h2>\nThe European drinking water directive introduces a more comprehensive and<\/strong> structured<\/strong> approach<\/strong>: it no longer focuses solely on water control, but considers the entire<\/strong> supply chain,<\/strong> from source to point of use.<\/p>\nKey<\/strong> changes<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n- stricter water quality<\/strong> standards<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- a risk<\/strong>–based<\/strong> approach<\/strong> across the entire supply chain;<\/li>\n
- increased attention<\/strong> to<\/strong> contaminants<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- harmonized<\/strong> requirements<\/strong> for<\/strong> materials<\/strong> and<\/strong> products<\/strong> in contact with drinking water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This last aspect is the most significant innovation for the sector: for the first time, the European drinking water directive defines common EU rules for materials used in system components<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/span>Key deadlines: why 2026 is a turning point<\/span><\/h2>\nThe implementation of the Drinking Water Directive<\/strong><\/em> is already underway, but the key date for the industry is December 31, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\nFrom this date, the new European requirements for materials and products in contact with drinking water will fully apply, including components such as valves<\/strong>, fittings<\/strong> and distribution<\/strong> systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe new framework includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- the use of EU Positive Lists (EUPL)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- harmonized testing methods<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- product conformity<\/strong> assessment<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- EU declaration of conformity<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- a dedicated European marking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These elements were defined in the delegated and implementing acts published by the European<\/strong> Commission<\/strong> in 2024<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIn Italy, the directive has been implemented through Legislative Decree 18\/2023<\/strong>, later updated by Legislative Decree 102\/2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe Italian regulatory framework includes a transition<\/strong> period<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n- December 31, 2026<\/strong>: EU rules come into force<\/li>\n
- December 31, 2032<\/strong>: end of the transition period for products already on the market with previous certifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A key technical reference for this transition is the 5 \u03bcg\/l lead limit<\/strong>, one of the most relevant parameters introduced by the Drinking Water Directive.<\/p>\n![\"DWD](\"https:\/\/www.itap.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/Immagini-interne-DWD_01-1024x569.jpg\")
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<\/span>Materials in contact with drinking water: what changes?<\/span><\/h2>\nOne of the most important aspects of the directive concerns materials<\/strong>, especially metal alloys used in components.<\/p>\nThe new European system is based on the EU Positive Lists (EUPL)<\/strong>, which define the substances<\/strong> and compositions<\/strong> allowed<\/strong> for contact with drinking water.<\/p>\nThese lists were developed from previous technical lists created by the 4MS group<\/strong> (Germany, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom), which still represent a key technical reference for the sector.<\/p>\nAmong the alloys<\/strong> most<\/strong> aligned<\/strong> with the new regulatory framework are:<\/p>\n\n- CW509L<\/strong><\/li>\n
- CW510L<\/strong><\/li>\n
- CW511L<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These alloys have a reduced<\/strong> lead<\/strong> content<\/strong> and are suitable for meeting the<\/strong> new<\/strong> European<\/strong> requirements<\/strong>, particularly regarding lead limits.<\/p>\nDuring the transition<\/strong> period<\/strong>, some of the traditional<\/strong> alloys<\/strong> are still widely used, including:<\/p>\n\n- CW617N<\/strong><\/li>\n
- CW612N<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Itap Green DVGW ball valves is already aligned<\/span><\/h2>\nIn this regulatory context, anticipating the requirements of the DWD<\/strong> is a strategic advantage.<\/p>\nFor this reason, at Itap we have updated our Green DVGW ball valves range<\/strong><\/a>, replacing CW617N with CW510L<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThis evolution is combined with our anti-legionella ball<\/strong>, a distinctive feature that helps improve<\/strong> drinking<\/strong> water<\/strong> safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe result is a valve that combines:<\/p>\n
\n- hygienic<\/strong> safety<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- technical<\/strong> performance<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- stronger alignment<\/strong> with the new European regulatory framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"DWD](\"https:\/\/www.itap.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/Immagini-interne-DWD_02-1024x569.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n<\/span>Preparing today for the DWD<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Drinking Water Directive<\/strong><\/em> represents a major step forward for the plumbing and heating sector, introducing a more structured and harmonized European system.<\/p>\nFor industry<\/strong> professionals<\/strong>, this means:<\/p>\n\n- understanding regulatory deadlines<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- knowing the differences between materials and alloys<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
- evaluating product evolution over time<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In a context where regulations evolve rapidly, choosing future-ready materials means reducing risks and ensuring long-term continuity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\nWant to learn more?<\/h3>\n
Would you like more information about our products or regulatory developments in the sector? Contact us<\/strong><\/a> to receive support from our team.<\/p>\n
Key<\/strong> changes<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n This last aspect is the most significant innovation for the sector: for the first time, the European drinking water directive defines common EU rules for materials used in system components<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The implementation of the Drinking Water Directive<\/strong><\/em> is already underway, but the key date for the industry is December 31, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n From this date, the new European requirements for materials and products in contact with drinking water will fully apply, including components such as valves<\/strong>, fittings<\/strong> and distribution<\/strong> systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The new framework includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n These elements were defined in the delegated and implementing acts published by the European<\/strong> Commission<\/strong> in 2024<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In Italy, the directive has been implemented through Legislative Decree 18\/2023<\/strong>, later updated by Legislative Decree 102\/2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Italian regulatory framework includes a transition<\/strong> period<\/strong>:<\/p>\n A key technical reference for this transition is the 5 \u03bcg\/l lead limit<\/strong>, one of the most relevant parameters introduced by the Drinking Water Directive.<\/p>\n One of the most important aspects of the directive concerns materials<\/strong>, especially metal alloys used in components.<\/p>\n The new European system is based on the EU Positive Lists (EUPL)<\/strong>, which define the substances<\/strong> and compositions<\/strong> allowed<\/strong> for contact with drinking water.<\/p>\n These lists were developed from previous technical lists created by the 4MS group<\/strong> (Germany, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom), which still represent a key technical reference for the sector.<\/p>\n Among the alloys<\/strong> most<\/strong> aligned<\/strong> with the new regulatory framework are:<\/p>\n These alloys have a reduced<\/strong> lead<\/strong> content<\/strong> and are suitable for meeting the<\/strong> new<\/strong> European<\/strong> requirements<\/strong>, particularly regarding lead limits.<\/p>\n During the transition<\/strong> period<\/strong>, some of the traditional<\/strong> alloys<\/strong> are still widely used, including:<\/p>\n In this regulatory context, anticipating the requirements of the DWD<\/strong> is a strategic advantage.<\/p>\n For this reason, at Itap we have updated our Green DVGW ball valves range<\/strong><\/a>, replacing CW617N with CW510L<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This evolution is combined with our anti-legionella ball<\/strong>, a distinctive feature that helps improve<\/strong> drinking<\/strong> water<\/strong> safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The result is a valve that combines:<\/p>\n The Drinking Water Directive<\/strong><\/em> represents a major step forward for the plumbing and heating sector, introducing a more structured and harmonized European system.<\/p>\n For industry<\/strong> professionals<\/strong>, this means:<\/p>\n In a context where regulations evolve rapidly, choosing future-ready materials means reducing risks and ensuring long-term continuity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Would you like more information about our products or regulatory developments in the sector? Contact us<\/strong><\/a> to receive support from our team.<\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Key deadlines: why 2026 is a turning point<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/span>Materials in contact with drinking water: what changes?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/span>Itap Green DVGW ball valves is already aligned<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\n<\/span>Preparing today for the DWD<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Want to learn more?<\/h3>\n