In Germany, the hygienic requirements for cement-bound materials in the drinking water domain are specified in Worksheet W 347 (October 1999) by the German Gas and Water Engineering Association (DVGW). The worksheet stipulates the evaluation of organoleptic parameters, such as odour or flavour, as well as the release of TOC, arsenic, lead and chromate. When organic concrete admixtures, additions etc. are used, the micro-biological behaviour has to be tested in accordance with DVGW Worksheet W 270 additionally.

Worksheet W 347 has been revised since the year 2002. According to the new draft, the total contents of some trace elements in the cement are applied as a yardstick for evaluation, which is a major conceptual modification. If values are lower than the contents listed in the table, no separate leaching tests are required. If these contents are exceeded, the maximum permissible release quantities for the corresponding elements, which are listed as well, have to be complied with. Lithium release only needs to be tested when lithium compounds are used as concrete admixtures. The new issue of Worksheet W 347 is expected to be completed and adopted this year.

At European level, a regulators group commissioned by the EU member countries has been working on establishing a European Acceptance Scheme (EAS) for construction products in contact with drinking water since 1999. The EAS is to apply to all construction products (plastics, metals, cement-bound materials, etc.) that get in contact with drinking water, and is to be based on the following principles:

• Preservation of the respective national consumer protection levels in place
• Guarantee of possible application for all common materials
• Compilation of a comprehensive acceptance system
• Guarantee of transparency and confidentiality

An EAS subgroup “Cement-bound products and materials” was set up at the end of 2003 to identify and classify the relevant cement-bound products within the scope of the EAS. Moreover, this group is to work out proposals for evaluation processes, the application of test methods and the parameters to be analysed.