Applications of testing for drinking water contact materials
European laboratory for testing in compliance with the Drinking Water Directive (DWD)
Materials used in drinking water distribution systems must undergo specific testing to verify that they do not release undesirable substances or adversely affect the quality of water intended for human consumption.
The Comie laboratory performs migration testing, chemical analyses and microbiological assessments on materials and components intended for contact with drinking water, supporting manufacturers in product development and conformity assessment.
Below are some examples of typical applications of the tests performed on these materials.
Migration testing on polyethylene pipes
Polyethylene (PE) pipes are widely used in drinking water distribution systems due to their mechanical strength and chemical stability. However, the presence of polymer additives, such as antioxidants, may result in the release of organic substances into the water.
To assess this phenomenon, migration tests are performed in accordance with EN 12873, using drinking water under controlled conditions.
Following migration testing, it is possible to determine the relevant substances originating from polymer additivesusing advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC-MS/MS.
In some cases, the laboratory develops dedicated analytical methods for the determination of specific compounds and their degradation products, allowing assessment of the full range of substances that may potentially be released from the material into drinking water.
Assessment of lead release from brass taps
Brass components used in taps and fittings may release small amounts of metals into water, particularly lead, depending on the alloy composition and the chemical characteristics of the water.
To assess this phenomenon, metal release testing can be performed in accordance with EN 16058, specifically developed for taps and metallic components intended for contact with drinking water.
The tests are carried out using the test waters defined in EN 15664-2 (Test Water 1, 2 and 3), which simulate different types of water found in European distribution systems.
During testing, a wide range of metallic elements is monitored by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a technique that enables the simultaneous determination of trace metals with high sensitivity.
This type of study makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of surface treatments or protective coatings in reducing the release of lead and other metals from brass components.
Screening of unexpected substances in polymer additives
Polymeric materials used in water distribution systems may contain stabilisers, antioxidants and other additives required to ensure material stability.
During use or as a result of degradation processes, non intentionally added substances (NIAS) may be formed.
To identify these substances, non target screening analyses can be performed on the migration solutions obtained during material testing.
The analyses are carried out using techniques such as:
- GC-MS for volatile and semi-volatile compounds
- LC-MS/MS for polar or non-volatile compounds
This approach makes it possible to identify both expected substances originating from additives and any unexpected degradation products, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the behaviour of drinking water contact materials.
Microbial growth testing on materials
Some materials used in water installations may promote the growth of microorganisms on their surfaces.
To assess this aspect, microbial growth testing can be performed in accordance with EN 16421.
The test measures the ability of a material to support microbial growth under controlled conditions that simulate real drinking water distribution systems.
This type of testing is particularly important for materials such as:
- plastics and polymers
- seals and elastomers
- internal coatings of plumbing components
The results make it possible to assess the biological stability of the materials and their potential impact on the microbiological quality of drinking water.
Assessment of protective coatings for metallic components
Protective coatings are increasingly used on metallic components to reduce corrosion and limit the release of metals into drinking water.
The effectiveness of these coatings can be assessed through release testing performed under controlled conditions that simulate the actual use of the components.
During testing, potentially released metals are monitored using highly sensitive analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, which enables the determination of very low concentrations of elements such as:
- lead
- nickel
- chromium
- copper
These tests allow manufacturers to assess the effectiveness of protective coatings, optimise surface treatment processes and verify product compliance with regulatory requirements for drinking water contact materials.
European laboratory for testing in compliance with the Drinking Water Directive (DWD)
The Comie laboratory supports manufacturers of components and materials intended for contact with drinking waterby carrying out migration testing and release testing in compliance with regulatory requirements
Analytical methods used for testing drinking water contact materials
The tests required under the Drinking Water Directive are carried out in accordance with specific European standards (EN), which define the test methods for materials intended for contact with drinking water.
Certification of materials in contact with drinking water under European legislation
Since the 1980s, the European Union has been working towards the harmonisation of legislation governing materials and products intended for contact with drinking water. This process is now framed by Directive EU 2020/2184 of 16 December 2020.