SVGW

SVGW - Swiss Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water

The SVGW is a professional association under private law based in Switzerland that issues technical guidelines, recommendations and certifications in the field of gas and water supply. The aim of the SVGW is to promote safety and quality in the water and gas industry. The best-known publications relate to drinking water, in particular the selection and approval of technical components.

What is the SVGW?

The SVGW is the Swiss Gas and Water Industry Association. The organization was founded in 1866 and is based in Zurich. The SVGW is the largest trade association for water and gas companies in Switzerland and represents the interests of its members at a political and economic level.

What are the tasks of the SVGW?

The SVGW has a variety of tasks, including:

• Promoting the professionalization of the industry: The SVGW offers its members further education and training opportunities and promotes the development of industry standards.
• Representation of interests: The SVGW represents the interests of its members at a political and economic level and is committed to fair regulation of the industry.
• Promoting cooperation: The SVGW promotes cooperation and exchange between water and gas companies and supports the development of networks and partnerships.

Who can become a member of the SVGW?

Every water and gas company in Switzerland can become a member of the SVGW. Membership offers a wide range of benefits, including access to further training opportunities, political and economic representation of interests and a network of industry experts.

Is SVGW certification required by law?

No. The SVGW guidelines are not legally binding. They are technical recommendations that are not legally binding. Municipalities, water suppliers and building owners may therefore also use products that are not certified by the SVGW - as long as the general safety and hygiene standards are met.

Change in certification practice

Since 2015, the SVGW no longer certifies drinking water post-treatment devices (e.g. activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, limescale converters, energizers). Reason: Drinking water in Switzerland is of high quality and does not require any additional treatment. A certificate could give the impression that post-treatment is necessary.

Excluded from this regulation are devices for the protection of installations (e.g. mechanical filters, descaling systems with salt), which will continue to be certified.

Criticism and practice

Practice shows that many reputable manufacturers sell devices that are not certified by the German Association for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (SGWA), yet are still widely used. Alternative testing centers and international standards also provide reliable evidence of the quality and safety of such products.

Note: SVGW certification can be associated with effort and costs - for example, due to the need for renewal every five years. Many manufacturers therefore rely on scientific evidence, laboratory tests and international certifications as an alternative guarantee of quality.

Conclusion

The SVGW is an important organization in the Swiss water and gas industry. As a trade association, the SVGW represents the interests of its members and promotes the professionalization and progress of the industry. Every water and gas company in Switzerland can become a member of the SVGW and benefit from the advantages of membership.