Important measures to Protect Drinking Water

Doors

Doors are the most important access point to a drinking water supply system. In the experience of the criminal investigation department, doors are the most frequent and favourite target of intruders, but are also usually the only access point for operating personnel.

For these reasons, the entrance door to a utility company must be user-friendly for authorised personnel, while at the same time keeping unauthorised persons out when locked.

For new builds and conversions, the installation of tested burglar-resistant doors in accordance with DIN V ENV 1627 provides the highest possible burglary protection (passive property protection), see also DVGW advice W 1050. These doors are subjected to a practical burglary test. It is essential that the corresponding test certificate is presented and that the doors are labelled with a type plate to prove conformity with the test certificate. This ensures that there are no weak points in the overall construction (building - structural opening).

The use of a burglar-resistant door in accordance with DIN V ENV 1627 only makes sense if the outer walls are made of masonry in accordance with DIN 1053-1 or reinforced concrete in accordance with DIN 1045. A door is only as good as its fixing in the wall. This means that installation must be carried out and certified by a specialist company in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Burglar-resistant doors in accordance with DIN V ENV 1627 are categorised into six resistance classes, with WK 6 being the highest resistance class. The choice of resistance class to be used must depend on the individual hazard situation (risk), for example the location of the property and the visibility of the element. Assistance with the risk analysis is provided by the criminal investigation departments and property insurers. According to the LKA recommendation, burglar-resistant doors of resistance class WK3 should be used if a burglar alarm system (EMA) is present. Resistance class WK4 is recommended if there is no intruder alarm system.

All HUBER doors of type TT2/WK3 or TT2/WK4 can also be equipped with additional electronic devices such as area security, magnetic contact, lock bolt contact and block lock. By transmitting the data to a control centre, the "open - closed" status of the doors can be monitored and documented.

Ventilation and air extraction systems

Aeration and ventilation systems in the drinking water storage tank are necessary to enable the exchange of air generated by the movement of the water level. DVGW worksheet W 311 recommends that the ventilation openings should not be installed directly above the free water surface in order to rule out any danger to the drinking water.

An aeration and ventilation system installed in the valve chamber can prevent both the risk to drinking water from air pollution and the introduction of toxic substances.