Important for survival and not at all self-evident: Drinking Water Hygiene Day aims to raise awareness of how indispensable clean drinking water is.
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Drinking Water Hygiene Day celebrates its first anniversary on December 1, 2024. The initiator is VDI expert Dipl.-Ing. Guido Hilden. The date was chosen because the Association of German Engineers (VDI) published the VDI 6023 guideline in white print for the first time on December 1, 1999.
Drinking Water Hygiene Day is in the context of WHO’s World Water Day and focuses on essential VDI guidelines on hygiene in drinking water installations. These standards ensure reliable health protection under the guiding principle of hygiene in technical building equipment. At first glance, drinking water is a given in Germany – clean, fresh, available at any time. But behind this supposed simplicity lies a sensitive system that repeatedly creates health and legal challenges.
“Drinking water hygiene is a central topic that does not yet receive the necessary attention among experts and consumers,” explains Arnd Bürschgens, expert in the plumbing and heating engineering trade and deputy chairman of the VDI Guideline Committee 6023. “Drinking Water Hygiene Day is an opportunity “To specifically point out the importance of this topic and to win over our colleagues as multipliers so that they can pass on the knowledge.”
Increased requirements and risks for drinking water hygiene
Christian Strehlow, expert and expert for drinking water hygiene at the IHK, reports in VDI podcast “Technology in your ear” about the challenges of modern drinking water systems. In conversation, that from December 1st streamable is, he explains why the increased demands for comfort in modern buildings – such as several bathrooms per household – lead to increasingly complex water systems. “The larger and more complex the systems become, the more the water can change in a negative way,” says Strehlow. Excessive amounts of water in pipes, defective materials or errors in the planning, installation or maintenance of drinking water systems can lead to pathogens spreading in the water. If these defects are not discovered in time, the health and safety of users are at risk – and in many cases the matter ends up in court.
In the future, Drinking Water Hygiene Day will provide a platform to provide targeted information about clean drinking water installations, new materials for pipes and current challenges in the area of technical building equipment. “Hygiene depends on participation,” emphasizes Bürschgens. “Only through a joint effort by experts and the public can we further improve the standards for clean drinking water and ensure them in the long term.” ■
Those: VDI / ml
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What specific actions can homeowners and building managers take to minimize the risks of contamination in their water systems, as highlighted by the experts in this interview?
## Interview: Ensuring Clean Drinking Water: A Conversation on Drinking Water Hygiene Day
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World-Today-News.com. Today, we’re discussing a topic crucial to our well-being: clean drinking water. December 1st marks Drinking Water Hygiene Day, a day initiated by VDI expert Dipl.-Ing. Guido Hilden to raise awareness about the intricacies of maintaining safe drinking water. To delve deeper into this vital issue, we’re joined by two experts:
* **Arnd Bürschgens:** Expert in plumbing and heating engineering and deputy chairman of the VDI Guideline Committee 6023.
* **Christian Strehlow:** Expert and expert for drinking water hygiene at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
**Section 1: The Importance of Hidden Systems**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Bürschgens, while clean drinking water seems readily available, your work highlights hidden complexities. Could you explain why Drinking Water Hygiene Day is necessary?
**Arnd Bürschgens:**
* (Explains the critical role of VDI guidelines in ensuring safe drinking water)
* (Elaborates on how seemingly simple infrastructures are susceptible to contamination if not properly maintained)
**Interviewer:** Mr. Strehlow, you’ve discussed the challenges of modern drinking water systems in the VDI podcast “Technology in Your Ear.” Could you expand on the specific issues arising from increasing complex water systems?
**Christian Strehlow:**
*(Discusses how increased demand for modern comforts like multiple bathrooms per household leads to larger, more complex water systems prone to contamination)*
*(Explains how the size and complexity of these systems contribute to increased risk, citing examples like stagnant water and material degradation)*
**Section 2: Understanding the Risks**
**Interviewer:** Both of you have emphasized the potential risks associated with improper drinking water hygiene. Could you elaborate on the health and legal implications of neglecting these risks?
**Arnd Bürschgens:**
*(Discusses the health risks associated with contaminated drinking water, such as the spread of pathogens)*
**(Explains how negligence can lead to legal repercussions, highlighting the importance of maintaining responsible standards) *
**Christian Strehlow:**
*(Expands on specific examples of legal cases resulting from contaminated drinking water)*
**(Emphasize the impact on individuals, communities and the potential financial consequences)
**Section 3: Looking Towards the Future**
**Interviewer:** What steps can be taken to ensure safe drinking water for the future? What role does Drinking Water Hygiene Day play in this effort?
**Arnd Bürschgens:**
*(Discusses the role of Drinking Water Hygiene Day as a platform for education and awareness)*
*(Highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between experts and the general public)*
**Christian Strehlow:**
*(Suggests practical solutions for maintaining high drinking water standards, such as regular maintenance, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns)*
**Interviewer:**
Thank you both for your insightful contributions. It’s clear that ensuring clean drinking water requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. We encourage our viewers to learn more about Drinking Water Hygiene Day and take proactive steps to protect this essential resource.
**Conclusion:**
Drinking Water Hygiene Day serves as a critical reminder that the privilege of clean drinking water comes with responsibility. By understanding the complexities of water systems and actively participating in maintaining their hygiene, we can ensure access to safe water for generations to come. For more information on Drinking Water Hygiene Day and VDI guidelines, please visit the VDI website.
