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Attention: If you are a private user, please contact your specialised installation company or, if necessary, a specialist wholesaler. Thank you for your understanding.

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Drinking water dispenser and Accessories
Public access to clean drinking water
Installation locations in cities
  • on marketplaces 
  • on shopping streets
  • at event locations 
  • at waiting points and rest areas
  • etc. 
Installation locations in the leisure sector
  • on hiking, cycling, and walking trails. 
  • at sports facilities
  • in parks, gardens and recreational facilities
  • etc. 
The key facts
  • 100% compliant according to DVGW guideline W 274

  • accessible Braille script

  • high hygiene security

  • compliance with UBA (German Federal Environmental Agency) regulations

Background

In recent years, average temperatures have been on the rise, particularly noticeable during the summer months. Dried-up streams and rivers, as well as wildfires, are significant consequences on the side of nature. However, the high temperatures also present challenges for people. Dehydration is increasing the number of rescue missions, adding pressure to an already heavily burdened healthcare system.

To counteract these challenges, the Federal Ministry for the Environment in Germany aims to establish as many public access points to clean drinking water as possible. This involves the installation of drinking water fountains in publicly accessible locations in cities and municipalities, which will be part of the public water supply and a task of public interest.

The government's proposed legislation, approved in August 2023, mandates the provision of tap water through drinking water fountains in public places.

The lawful construction of a drinking water fountain is assessed based on the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) guideline W 274. This guideline consolidates all specified standards that must be observed during construction. Our drinking water fountains have been designed in accordance with the DVGW guideline W 274.

Features

Material & Technology

To safeguard water cleanliness, all materials and substances that come into contact with drinking water are suitable according to UBA (German Federal Environment Agency) specifications. High stability of the structure, resilient materials, and secure installation provide protection against external influences such as vandalism, mechanical and chemical impacts, or weather-related effects. Through the built-in service flap at the base of the fountain, fittings can be disassembled, and the connection can be shut off. The upper sign on the structure serves as impact and sun protection for the attached fitting.

Hygiene

The touch protection around the outlet tap enhances hygiene protection directly at the water outlet. If the outlet is still contaminated, this can be inspected and removed. To avoid hygienic issues due to stagnant water within the fountain, the BEULCO drinking water dispenser can be flushed. All pipes inside the drinking water dispenser are also insulated to counteract contamination due to elevated temperatures.

Usage

The drinking water fountain is triggered manually or electronically (depending on the variant) for uncomplicated water withdrawal. The water is then dispensed for a short, fixed period of time. The water withdrawal point is of course barrier-free. 
The clearly visible labelling and Braille ensure that even people with impaired vision can clearly recognise and use the drinking water fountain.

Your contact person
Mario Hachenberg
Customer support
Marcus Hünnekens
Product | Technology | Regulations

According to DVGW W 274, there are a number of requirements for publicly accessible drinking water fountains in order to ensure safe hygienic tapping!
The BEULCO drinking water fountain is based on all these specifications in order to provide maximum safety in the area of drinking water supply.

Risks of Non-Compliance with DVGW Guideline W 274

Safe water withdrawal

It is important that publicly accessible drinking water fountains comply with the DVGW Guideline W 274 to ensure safe and hygienic use. The following should be strictly avoided:

  • Lack of labeling or unclear signage of drinking water fountains, which can lead to confusion or uncertainty among users.
  • Neglected cleaning of surfaces, leading to dirt and bacterial growth.
  • Use of materials not suitable for drinking water, which can contaminate the water.
  • Lack of touch protection on the outlet valve, leading to increased bacterial growth.
  • Lack of accessibility or signage in Braille, excluding people with disabilities or visual impairments.
  • Non-insulated pipes, leading to bacterial growth at high temperatures.

Why are drinking water Dispensers needed in public Places ?

Not only are the consequences of increasing climate warming intended to be mitigated by the installation of networked outdoor drinking water dispensers, but the achievement of the 17 sustainability goals of the EU, to which Germany has committed itself by 2030, is also intended to progress more quickly.

We want to contribute to achieving these goals and have developed a sustainability strategy within our company. This strategy encompasses all areas - from development through production to sustainable customer relations. Therefore, we have also addressed the issue of "drinking water supply in public areas" and developed a drinking water fountain, taking into account all legal requirements and adhering to drinking water hygiene standards.

The dispenser is primarily designed for drawing water into containers (bottles, cups, etc.). It is also not irrelevant that a networked water supply can potentially reduce CO2 emissions, as it is expected that the production and transportation of water bottles will decrease with the increased use of drinking water fountains.

Advantages

The promotion of the use of drinking water is supported across Europe by policymakers and businesses for environmental and climate protection reasons. The EU Commission calls on member states in the EU Drinking Water Directive to improve access to water for human consumption for all people and to promote the use of drinking water. Drinking water fountains contribute to adapting to future heat events in urban areas and conserve resources by reducing the consumption of bottled water.

Why public access to clean drinking water is important:

  • Saves resources by reducing bottled water consumption
  • Reduces CO2 emissions as no transportation is needed
  • Fewer rescue operations due to dehydration
  • Supports the sustainability goals of the EU

How do I start?

We are happy to provide you with personal and detailed advice on the key steps and guidelines of the EU Drinking Water Directive. As a rough overview, consider the following:

1. Once you have chosen our drinking water dispenser, contact your local water supplier regarding the installation of the drinking water fountain.
2. After consulting with your water supplier, you can begin the installation of the dispenser.
3. Before commissioning, you must submit an application to the relevant health authority. The health authority conducts regular sampling during operation.

What do I need to know?

  • Drinking water dispensers are subject to the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) and are monitored by the health authorities.
  • The purchased drinking water dispenser must meet the required safety and hygiene standards.
  • Guidelines of the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) Code of Practice W 274 must be observed.
  • Regular self-monitoring is required.
  • The drinking water fountain must be connected to the water supply network.
  • Optional year-round or seasonal access to the drinking water dispenser.
  • Application to the health authorities is required before commissioning.

Which Dispenser is suitable?

BEULCO, as a specialist in products and systems for drinking water supply, has responded to the requirements of the DVGW W 274 standard and adjusted the design recommendations of the standard.

  • The BEULCO drinking water dispenser meets 100% of the requirements of the DVGW Code of Practice W 274.
  • All materials in contact with drinking water are suitable according to UBA (German Federal Environment Agency) guidelines.
  • Protection against external influences.
  • Barrier-free use.
  • Clear labeling, including Braille.

We are Partner of Garden and Landscaping Association

Since June 1, 2023, we have been a member of the garden, landscaping, and sports facility construction association in North Rhine-Westphalia.

BEULCO Water
/31.01.2024
Drinking water dispensers for public areas

The German government has passed a draft law which stipulates that in future the public water supply, as a task of general interest, will also include the provision of tap water through drinking water fountains in public places.