BELGAQUA Certification

What is BELGAQUA?

BELGAQUA is the Belgian Water Sector Federation responsible for testing products for their suitability for contact with drinking water.

In 1975, BELGAQUA developed a centralised control system for devices and introduced certification for backflow prevention systems and approvals for fluid categories that may come into contact with potable water. If all technical requirements are met, it is possible to obtain a certificate of conformity for devices or systems preventing backflow. Manufacturers or distributors of fluids that may come into contact with drinking water in these systems receive a certificate of compliance in accordance with the criteria set out in EN 1717. This guarantees that installed devices and fluids meet regulatory safety and hygiene standards.

Certification and Drinking Water Safety

High-quality drinking water is essential for public health. Every consumer must have access to clean, safe drinking water, including aspects related to sensory parameters such as taste, odour, and colour.

Materials in contact with water should not pose a health risk. Harmful substances may leach into the water, potentially altering its taste or smell. The substances used in such materials also affect water hygiene and overall quality. That’s why it is crucial that all products coming into direct contact with drinking water comply with strict sanitary regulations.

Benefits of BELGAQUA Certification

BELGAQUA provides technical approvals for water supply system components and assesses materials intended for drinking water use.

The main goal is to enhance the safety of drinking water distribution networks. The scope of BELGAQUA-compliant regulations includes:

• Devices or installations introduced to the Belgian market for connection to the water supply system

• Approvals for check valves and backflow prevention systems

• Approvals for fluid categories suitable for contact with drinking water

It's important to note that BELGAQUA assessments do not cover product performance aspects, such as durability or efficiency.

Certificate Validity

Once the technical evaluation concludes with a positive outcome, BELGAQUA issues a certificate of compliance or inspection valid for up to five years from the date of issuance. If any modifications are made to hydraulic components or parts that may influence hydraulic flow, BELGAQUA must be notified immediately. A new technical assessment will then be required, based on a separate application. Any changes to the composition of fluids in contact with drinking water also invalidate the existing certificate.

Application Process

For check valves or backflow prevention systems:

The application must include:

• Applicant identification (company name, address, phone number, etc.)

• Product description (brand name, valve type, marking, model, diameter, specific features, etc.)

• Any additional documentation that supports the application such as technical files, hydraulic diagrams, existing certificates

For domestic installation devices:

Applications must include:

• Applicant identification

• Description of the request (device type, application, brand name, model, diameter, etc.)

• Supporting documentation to aid in assessment

For fluids in contact with drinking water:

Each fluid requires a separate application form including:

• Applicant identification

• Description of the fluid’s use (device type, application, specific features, etc.)

• Optional attachments such as chemical composition and safety data

BELGAQUA Certification – Additional Information

BELGAQUA reserves the right to carry out inspections at its own expense if deemed necessary. The applicant is also required to pay an application fee determined by the BELGAQUA Board.

Holders of a BELGAQUA certificate or approval may display the BELGAQUA logo or pictogram only with prior written consent from the federation.

Products Approved by BELGAQUA

Materials approved for contact with drinking water must comply with stringent safety standards. The production, storage and distribution of potable water must adhere to legal and sanitary requirements to protect consumer health.

Therefore, it is crucial that all products intended for direct contact with drinking water do not negatively impact water quality by releasing unwanted or harmful substances, compromising health, altering taste or odour, or promoting microbial growth.

Manufacturers are responsible for placing safe, certified products on the market. Meanwhile, system owners and users are accountable for the correct operation and regular maintenance of water installations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, by email (Power@PowerRubber.com), or via our contact form.