ZVSHK: The state must set an example in the handling of drinking water

The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) industry is calling for more efficient use of drinking water. The government must lead by example and significantly reduce consumption in schools and government offices.

Isolated rainfall does little to alleviate the water shortage in many regions of Germany. Given the ongoing drought and numerous municipal water withdrawal bans, the German Association for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK) is calling for more efficient use of drinking water. The government must lead by example. In addition to short-term measures, the association believes that water consumption in buildings should be permanently reduced.

"Drinking water is a precious resource. Saving water not only protects resources but is also generally economical," says Daniel Föst , Managing Director of the ZVSHK (German Central Association for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning). The sanitary, heating and air conditioning (SHK) trades have technical solutions that, according to the association, can reduce consumption in some cases with manageable effort.

This includes, for example, water-saving fittings and shower systems, modern toilet flushing systems, the elimination of leaks, and more efficient hot water preparation.

The association is calling for water efficiency to be given greater consideration in consulting services, building modernizations, and government funding programs. The ZVSHK (Central Association of German Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors) also believes public buildings should be held accountable. According to the association, the federal government, states, and municipalities should utilize currently available investment funds to modernize schools, administrative buildings, and other public facilities, among other things.

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Infrastructure billions should also be used for more efficient water management.

"With the many billions being invested in infrastructure, the state should also renovate its schools, administrative buildings, and public facilities and invest in more efficient water management," says Föst. The association emphasizes that drinking water hygiene must, of course, be guaranteed in all conservation measures. 

Technical modifications to drinking water installations should therefore be planned and implemented by qualified plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) companies. The German Association for Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK) sees the PHVAC trade as an important point of contact for owners, operators, and consumers. From the association's perspective, the goal must be to make water consumption more efficient not only during periods of acute drought, but on a permanent basis.

Source: ZVSHK

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