Drinking Water Ordinance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn the essential standards for water quality and legionella prevention for building managers in Switzerland.
This ordinance establishes the legal framework for maintaining safe drinking water and ensuring that shared water systems meet specific health and safety standards.
Who it's for
This ordinance is specifically intended for managers of buildings that utilize shared water systems. If you are responsible for the maintenance and oversight of water supply within residential or commercial properties where multiple occupants share the same plumbing infrastructure, you fall under these regulations.
What you get
The ordinance provides a clear set of standards focused on maintaining high water quality (Wasserqualität). It outlines the necessary measures required to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, specifically focusing on legionella prevention. By following these guidelines, managers can ensure that the water supplied to tenants and occupants remains safe for consumption and general use.
What it costs you
Compliance requires an ongoing commitment of both time and money. You will be responsible for the costs associated with regular, professional water testing to ensure the system meets the required standards. Additionally, you must budget for the routine maintenance of the water infrastructure to prevent contamination and ensure the system functions as intended.
The catch to know
The most significant risk involves the presence of legionella (Legionellen). If water quality is not managed strictly according to the ordinance, it can lead to legionella outbreaks. For property managers, these outbreaks represent a major legal liability, making strict adherence to the prevention guidelines essential to avoid legal complications.
How to apply
- Determine if the buildings under your management utilize shared water systems.
- Review the specific standards for water quality and legionella prevention set by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.
- Arrange for regular, professional testing of the water to monitor for any deviations from the standards.
- Implement a consistent maintenance schedule to keep the plumbing and filtration systems in good working order.