Proactive testing provides an early advantage in anticipation of the EU's new drinking water directive

– My advice is to work proactively. It can take time to carry out the necessary tests and gather the required documentation. Therefore, it is wise to start well in advance to ensure compliance, says Robert Gladh.

After 2032, when the transition period ends, you will need approval in accordance with EU common rules, even for products that were previously approved nationally. This new approval must be issued by a notified body — an entity registered with the EU. RISE has applied to become one of these bodies in Sweden.

With so many points to keep track of, how should one approach this?

– The first step is to establish whether you are covered. When a manufacturer approaches us in the early stages, we request certain documentation and compare it with that set out in the Drinking Water Directive. If they are covered, which they usually are, we can draw up a plan to ensure compliance through type approval, says Robert Gladh.

In order to obtain type approval, your documentation must be in order. For example, if you manufacture plastic pipes for piping systems, you need to gather information about the plastic mixture you use. If you supply the plastic mixture, you should be prepared to answer questions from your clients.

– RISE is already receiving calls from desperate entrepreneurs who have been asked by customers whether their products comply with the drinking water directive. It is not really possible to answer that question. Not having a clear answer can create uncertainty at the next stage of the process. You may not be able to sell as much as you want if you cannot provide clear information about regulatory compliance, says Robert Gladh, continuing:

– However, if you can say, 'We are currently conducting material testing with RISE and will soon be able to share a report,' that would give you a competitive advantage.

Securing supply is the larger goal to which product safety is linked

The revised drinking water directive has two main objectives. The first is to protect human health. The other is to safeguard the availability of drinking water by reducing losses. The EU has identified drinking water leakage as unsustainable and is encouraging Member States to invest in new piping systems to ensure a secure supply of drinking water. This is where product safety comes in – the materials and components used in these systems must be of a consistently high quality and remain safe and durable over time.

In Sweden, between 15 and 17 per cent of drinking water is lost through leaks between the time it is produced at a water treatment plant and when it reaches consumers. The same problem exists throughout Europe. Robert Gladh says that municipalities and water companies must now identify which pipes are particularly critical for the drinking water supply.

RISE conducts research in this area, including the risk classification of pipelines using AI. We also collaborate with organisations to develop intelligent working methods and ensure informed decision-making when upgrading the pipeline network.

Robert Gladh's message to municipalities, water and sewage companies, and manufacturers of products that come into contact with drinking water could not be clearer: it's better to be safe than sorry.