Starting from September 2026, a new law on Water Resources Management will come into effect in Georgia. The bill, which aims to protect water resources and ensure their sustainable use, will align Georgia’s water management policy with best international practices and bring it into compliance with principles established in the European Union. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the standards that form the foundation of European water protection legislation.
The management of water and wastewater is a legal and environmental responsibility, which German standards demand with the highest precision and rigor. These standards are primarily regulated by the German Standard Methods for the Examination of Water, Wastewater, and Sludge (DEV — Deutsche Einheitsverfahren).
They are developed by:
- The German Institute for Standardization (DIN — Deutsches Institut für Normung) and
- The Water Practice Standards Committee (NAW — Normenausschuss Wasserwesen).
These methods are frequently synchronized with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and EN (European Norm) standards. The DEV provides non-binding guidelines, which DIN then converts into enforceable standards.
Structure of German Standard Methods
The DEV categorizes analytical procedures into specific groups based on the type of parameter. This structure ensures that laboratory results in Germany are comparable and meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV, June 24, 2023) and the Wastewater Ordinance (AbwV).
| DEV Group | DIN Standard | Technical Description | Alignment with Engineering Operations |
| A | DIN 38402 | General Information (Sampling, Statistics) | Establishes precise sampling protocols for wastewater influent and effluent streams. |
| B | DIN 38403 | Sensory Methods (Color, Odor, Taste) | Basic aesthetic monitoring for potable water systems. |
| C | DIN 38404 | Physical & Physico-chemical Parameters | Critically important for the calibration of pH, temperature, and conductivity sensors. |
| D | DIN 38405 | Anions (Chloride, Nitrate, Sulfate) | Evaluates nutrient loading and compliance with industrial discharge limits. |
| E | DIN 38406 | Cations (Ammonium, Heavy Metals, Calcium) | Essential for biological treatment control (e.g., Nitrification processes). |
| F | DIN 38407 | Jointly Determinable Substances (Organics via GC/HPLC) | Used to detect complex organic pollutants in industrial water projects. |
| G | DIN 38408 | Gaseous Components (Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorine) | Validates DO (Dissolved Oxygen) probes in aeration basins (Note: Some methods merged into ISO/EN, e.g., DIN EN 25814). |
| H | DIN 38409 | Summary Indices / Action Parameters (BOD, COD, TOC) | Key metrics for designing the organic loading capacity of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP). |
| K | DIN 38411 | Microbiological Methods | Coliform bacteria testing to validate the disinfection efficiency of final effluent. |
| L | DIN 38412 | Test Methods using Water Organisms (Bio-assays) | Ecotoxicological testing (Daphnia, Algae) for sensitive discharge zones. |
| P | DIN 38413 | Specific Individual Components | Targeted detection of specific compounds present in trace concentrations. |
| S | DIN 38414 | Sludge and Sediments | Determines anaerobic digestibility and leaching potential for sludge treatment and disposal. |
| T | DIN 38415 | Sub-organismic Bio-tests (Enzymatic Inhibition) | In-depth toxicity screening for specific industrial pollutants. |
Technical Alignment with HACH Solutions
HACH products are specifically engineered for compliance with DEV/DIN standards. Below are the specialized solutions the company offers for measuring these critical parameters:
- DIN EN ISO 7027, Turbidity: The HACH TU5200 ISO Turbidimeter is the only device on the market utilizing 360° x 90° detection technology. This eliminates measurement errors and provides high-precision data for both clean water and high-turbidity wastewater applications.
- DIN 38405-9, Nitrate: LCK339/340 Cuvette Tests provide standardized photometric determination.
- DIN 38406-5, Ammonia: LCK303/304/305 Cuvette Tests for precise nitrogen analysis.
- DIN EN 1484, TOC/DOC: Unlike similar devices, the Biotector B7000i analyzer utilizes Two-Stage Advanced Oxidation Technology. This allows it to measure Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) even in the most challenging and complex wastewater matrices.
Key Analytical Standards for Wastewater
For both industrial and municipal wastewater, the following standards are critically important for ensuring compliance with the AbwV (Wastewater Ordinance):
| Standard | Category | Parameter | Method | HACH Instruments & Reagents |
| DIN 38409-41 | Organics | COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) | Dichromate method for values > 15 mg/L. | LCK1414, 314, 614, 714, 114, 514, 014, 1014, 1714, 1814. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN 38409-44 | Organics | COD (Range 5-50 mg/L) | Dichromate method for low concentrations. | LCK 414, 314, 614, 714, 114, 514, 014, 1014, 1714, 1814. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN EN ISO 5815-1 | Organics | BOD₅ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) | Dilution and seeding method. | HACH BOD Sensors and Dilution Water Reagents. |
| DIN EN 1484 | Organics | TOC (Total Organic Carbon) & DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon) | Oxidation of organic carbon to CO2 via combustion or chemical oxidant (UV or high-energy radiation). CO2 detection via IR spectrometry, colorimetry, or thermal conductivity. Range: 0.3–1000 mg/L. | HACH Biotector B7000 analyzer (provides TOC, TN, and TP measurements). |
| DIN EN 12260 | Nutrients | TNb (Total Bound Nitrogen) | High-temperature oxidative combustion, converting nitrogen compounds into nitrogen oxides. | Integrated in Biotector or specific LCK cuvette tests. |
| DIN 38406-5 | Nutrients | Ammonium (NH4 −N) | Photometric method for concentration determination. | LCK 303, 304, 305, 503, 504, 505. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN 38405-9 | Nutrients | Nitrate (NO3 −N) | 2,6-Dimethylphenol method. | LCK 339. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN EN ISO 6878 | Nutrients | Total Phosphorus | Ammonium Molybdate spectrophotometric method. | LCK 348, 350. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN EN 872 | Solids | TSS (Total Suspended Solids) | Filtration through glass fiber filters. | HACH Portable TSS probes or Laboratory filtration setup. |
| DIN EN ISO 10523 | pH | pH Value | Electrometric method using a glass electrode. | HACH HQD series with IntelliCAL pH probes. |
| DIN 38405-13 | Hazardous | Cyanide | Photometric or titration method. | HACH Cyanide Reagents and Spectrophotometers. |
| DIN 38409-16 | Hazardous | Phenol Index | Photometric determination. | LCK 346. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN EN ISO 9562 | Hazardous | AOX (Adsorbable Organic Halogens) | Adsorption, combustion, and microcoulometric titration. | LCK 390. Compatible devices: DR 6000, DR 3900, DR 1900. |
| DIN EN ISO 11885 | Hazardous | Heavy Metals | ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry). | Analytical service or laboratory-grade spectrometers. |
| DIN EN ISO 5667-1 & -3 | Sampling | General Guidelines | Guidelines for sampling programs, selection of methods, preservation, handling, and transport of water, sludge, and sediments. | HACH AS950 Automatic Samplers. |
| DIN 38402-11 | Sampling | Spot and Composite Sampling | Guidelines for discrete (spot) and mixed (composite) sampling. | HACH AS950 series. |
| DIN 38402-30 | Sampling | Homogenization | Homogenization of samples containing suspended solids. | HACH Laboratory Stirrers/Homogenizers. |
Key Analytical Standards for Drinking Water
In Germany, the requirements for drinking water quality monitoring are exceptionally stringent, governed by the TrinkwV (2023) (Drinking Water Ordinance). The core standards include:
1. Sampling Standards (The Foundation of TrinkwV Monitoring)
| Standard | Scope of Application | Status according to TrinkwV |
| DIN ISO 5667‑1 | Design of sampling programs | Recognized technical rule |
| DIN ISO 5667‑3 | Preservation and handling of samples | Recognized technical rule |
| DIN ISO 5667‑5 | Sampling of drinking water (Treatment plants and distribution networks) | Recognized technical rule |
| DIN EN ISO 19458 | Sampling for microbiological analysis | Recognized technical rule |
2. Physical and Indicator Parameters
| Parameter | Standard | Legal Status | Method | HACH Laboratory Equipment |
| pH | DIN EN ISO 10523 | Indicator | Determination of pH via the potential difference between a glass electrode and a reference electrode (Electrometric method). | HACH pH measurement methods comply with ISO 10523 using IntelliCAL pH electrodes. |
| Electrical Conductivity (25 °C) | DIN EN 27888 | Indicator | Method for measuring the electrical conductivity of water. | IntelliCAL CDC401 conductivity sensor. Measures conductivity, TDS, salinity, and resistivity. |
| Turbidity | DIN EN ISO 7027 | Indicator | Nephelometry (diffuse radiation) for low turbidity; Turbidimetry for high turbidity. | TU5200 Lab Turbidimeter utilizes the nephelometric method. |
| Color | DIN EN ISO 7887 | Indicator | Methods A–D: Visual inspection and/or optical methods, including absorbance at 410 nm / comparison with the hexachloroplatinate scale. | DR6000 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. |
| Free/Total Chlorine | DIN EN ISO 7393‑1 / ‑2 | Operational Control | Titrimetric or colorimetric method using DPD (N,N-diethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine): measuring the absorbance of the red DPD complex (Photometry) or colorimetric comparison. | HACH DPD Laboratory Procedures (USEPA DPD method documentation); HACH DPD Reagent Sets. |
3. Standards for Microbiological Analytics
| Parameter | Standard | Legal Status | Method |
| E. coli & Coliforms | DIN EN ISO 9308‑1 | Certified Method | Membrane filtration + cultivation on Chromogenic Coliform Agar (CCA). |
| Intestinal Enterococci | DIN EN ISO 7899‑2 | Certified Method | Membrane filtration method. |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | DIN EN ISO 16266 | Certified Method | Membrane filtration method. |
| Legionella | DIN EN ISO 11731 | Certified Method | Culture methods for the isolation and enumeration of Legionella. |
| Clostridium perfringens | DIN EN ISO 14189 | Certified Method | Membrane filtration method for vegetative cells and spores. |
| Colony Count (22 °C / 36 °C) | DIN EN ISO 6222 | Indicator Method | Enumeration of culturable micro-organisms by inoculation in a nutrient agar culture medium and aerobic incubation at 36 °C and 22 °C. |
4. Standards for Chemical Analysis (Organic and Inorganic)
| Parameter Group | Standard | Legal Status | Method | HACH Products |
| Anions (NO3− , NO2− , Cl−, SO42− ) | DIN EN ISO 10304‑1 | Recognized | Ion Chromatography (Liquid Chromatography of Ions) for dissolved anions. | HACH Ion Chromatography solutions or LCK cuvette tests for screening. |
| Metals (Trace) | DIN EN ISO 17294‑2 | Recognized | ICP‑MS method for selected trace elements. | Analytical service support or specialized reagents for sample preparation. |
| Metals (Major) | DIN EN ISO 11885 | Recognized | ICP‑OES method for selected major elements. | Analytical service support or specialized reagents. |
| TOC / DOC | DIN EN 1484 | Recognized | Oxidation of organic carbon to CO2 via combustion or oxidation/UV/other high-energy radiation, followed by quantitative determination of CO2 . | DR6000 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (supports numerous lab methods for organic monitoring). |
| Oxidizability (Permanganate Index) | DIN EN ISO 8467 | Recognized | Heating the sample with KMnO4 + H2 SO4 , reduction of residual permanganate with oxalate, followed by titration with permanganate to determine consumption. | HACH Digital Titrators and specific Permanganate Index reagent sets. |
5. PFAS (Special Case)
| Parameter | Standard | Status | Method |
| PFAS‑20 / PFAS‑4 | Validated LC‑MS/MS | Required | The specific method is not defined in TrinkwV; compliance is typically confirmed via validated LC‑MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). |
6. Accreditation and Quality Assurance (Mandatory)
| Standard | Role | Requirements/Services |
| DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 | Mandatory Laboratory Accreditation | 1. Accredited equipment and traceability2. Calibration services3. Standardized methods |
| DAkkS Accreditation | Required for TrinkwV testing | Compliance with the German National Accreditation Body (DAkkS) standards is mandatory for official drinking water analysis. |
Monitoring Frequency according to TrinkwV:
- Group A (Routine Parameters): Microbiological and basic indicators (E. coli, Enterococci, Turbidity, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Colony Count, etc.).
- Group B (Comprehensive Chemical Suite): All chemical parameters, including metals, pesticides, PFAS, etc.
Group A Parameters (Routine Monitoring):
| System Size – Average Daily Production (m3/day) | Required Monitoring Frequency (Group A) |
| < 10 | 1 time per year |
| ≥ 10 – ≤ 1,000 | 4 times per year |
| > 1,000 – ≤ 10,000 | 4 times per year + 3 additional tests for every additional 1,000 m3/day |
| > 10,000 – ≤ 100,000 | 3 times per year + 1 additional test for every additional 10,000 m3/day |
| > 100,000 | 12 times per year + 1 additional test for every additional 25,000 m3/day |
Group B Parameters (Comprehensive Chemical Suite):
| System Size – Average Daily Production (m3/day) | Required Monitoring Frequency (Group B) |
| < 10 | Once every 3 years |
| ≥ 10 – ≤ 1,000 | 1 time per year |
| > 1,000 – ≤ 10,000 | 1 time per year + 1 additional test for every additional 4,500 m3/day |
| > 10,000 – ≤ 100,000 | Scaling determined according to Annex 6 (the same calculation principle applies) |
| > 100,000 | Scaling determined according to Annex 6 (the same calculation principle applies) |
Notes (as specified in TrinkwV)
- Average Values: Volumes represent the average values for a calendar year.
- Minimum Requirements: Frequencies represent the minimum legal requirements.
- Health Authority Discretion: The Health Office (Gesundheitsamt) is authorized to adjust monitoring frequencies based on a risk-based approach (§§ 34–38 TrinkwV).
- Special Regulations: Specific rules exist for Legionella, PFAS, and post-filtration turbidity, etc. (which are not included in these general tables).
Key Differences Between EU and German Standards
The relationship between German and EU standards in water analytics is based on harmonization. In most cases, they are identical; however, Germany often leads by establishing stricter limit values or implementing specific analytical methods for regulatory enforcement.
The Hierarchy of Harmonization
A standard labeled as DIN EN ISO signifies that its technical content is identical across three levels:
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization): International standard.
- EN (European Norm): European standard (mandatory for all EU member states to adopt, requiring the withdrawal of any conflicting national standards).
- DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung): The European standard published in German for use in Germany.
Note: If a standard is only labeled as DIN (e.g., DIN 38404-3), it indicates that a corresponding EN/ISO standard does not yet exist, or the German method is maintained for specific national legal reasons (e.g., wastewater levies).
While analytical methods in Germany and the EU are largely identical, differences often arise in their application and the permissible concentration limits for various substances:
| Aspect | European Union (Directives) | Germany (Ordinances/Regulations) |
| Legal Status | Directives (e.g., 2020/2184) set objectives but must be transposed into national law to take effect. | Ordinances (TrinkwV, AbwV) represent direct, binding legal requirements for users and operators. |
| PFAS Limits | PFAS-20 Sum: 0.1 µg/L. | Stricter: Starting from 2028, Germany adopts the “PFAS-4” limit of 0.02 µg/L. |
| Wastewater Levies | Not regulated at the EU level. | Dependent on specific DIN methods for COD and Nitrogen to calculate wastewater discharge taxes. |
| Technical Rules | General guidelines and framework. | DVGW/DWA Rules: Detailed “Codes of Practice” that are more specific and stringent than ISO/EN standards regarding facility operation. |
Although the Wastewater Ordinance (AbwV) is based on the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Germany frequently mandates BAT (Best Available Technology) requirements for industrial sectors that significantly exceed the minimum EU standards.
According to the AbwV, analytical results must be obtained using specific DIN, EN, and ISO methods to ensure legal certainty for tax assessments. Regarding the Drinking Water Ordinance, Germany has updated the TrinkwV to include new parameters such as Bisphenol A and Haloacetic Acids, which are not yet present in the legislation of many other EU countries.
Summary
German water analytical standards (DEV/DIN) form a robust system that ensures environmental protection, public health, and the economic efficiency of industrial processes. Consequently, meeting these standards—especially for parameters such as PFAS, TOC, and COD—requires advanced instrumentation.
HACH products have led this field for decades, offering solutions that fully comply with DIN EN ISO requirements. These solutions help you:
- Mitigate legal and tax-related risks.
- Optimize energy consumption.
- Reduce reagent waste.
Ultimately, on September 1, 2026, the Georgian Law on Water Resources comes into full effect. Corresponding technical regulations will define the standards required for local compliance. However, since the DIN system is globally recognized as the “Gold Standard,” achieving compliance with these benchmarks will serve as a definitive guarantee of meeting Georgia’s new regulatory requirements.