Industrial valves for drinking water: which type is best? ECI answers

Find out which industrial valves are suitable for drinking water, what the regulations say and what products ECI offers

The choice of industrial valves for drinking water is a crucial aspect in the design and management of water systems as it determines the safety, reliability and quality of the entire distribution system. Valves, in fact, play a fundamental role in controlling the flow, regulating pressure and intercepting the passage of water, and when it comes to water intended for human consumption, much more stringent requirements come into play than in other industrial areas.

It is essential that the materials used - metals, gaskets and internal linings - are non-toxic, corrosion-resistant and comply with international regulations for contact with drinking water. An unsuitable valve can release contaminants, alter the organoleptic properties of the water, or compromise the hygiene of the system, with direct consequences for consumer health and regulatory compliance of the system. Choosing the most suitable solution therefore means considering not only the type of valve –ball, butterfly, gate or check– but also the chemical compatibility of the materials, the hydraulic seal, the durability over time and the maintainability of the component.

Let's take a look at what type of valves to use for drinking water, what materials are permitted by law, and what ECI solutions are best suited for this type of application.

Requirements for industrial valves in drinking water circuits

Valves intended for drinking water must meet precise sanitation standards to ensure that the fluid is not contaminated. In Europe, the reference regulations are:

European Regulation (EU) 2020/741, which does not directly concern the production or certification of drinking water valves, but is part of the broader regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the hygienic and sanitary safety of water intended for human consumption. In this context, it establishes that all materials and components that come into contact with drinking water - including valves - must be suitable for contact with water, that is, they must not release harmful substances, not alter the organoleptic characteristics of the water, and not promote microbial proliferation. In practice, the regulation requires that valves intended for drinking water comply with high quality and safety standards, based on risk assessments and rigorous hygiene controls, harmonised at European level. The aim is to ensure that the materials used are safe, durable and comply with health requirements, thus contributing to the protection of public health. Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption and the new
Directive (EU) 2020/2184, which replaced 98/83/EC for the quality of drinking water.
Any national certifications such as DVGW (Germany), WRAS (UK) or ACS (France).

In general, valves intended for drinking water must be non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean and must not release harmful substances in contact with water. Internal components (such as seats, seals and stems) must be made of compatible materials and tested for drinking use.

Suitable materials for drinking water

Among the most commonly used materials in drinking water valves we find:

low lead or lead-free (lead-free) brass;
AISI 304 or AISI 316 stainless steel, ideal for healthcare applications;
certified technical plastic (such as food grade PVC-U or PP-H)
EPDM gaskets for food use, resistant to chlorine and limestone.

Each material is chosen based on its compatibility with water conditions (temperature, pH, pressure) and the required service life.

Ball valves: a reliable solution for drinking water

Ball valves represent one of the most reliable and widespread solutions in drinking water distribution systems, thanks to their ability to ensure a perfect seal, simple and immediate maneuvering, and a long operating life even under intensive use conditions. The operating principle is based on a perforated ball that rotates inside the valve body: with a rotation of only 90°, the water passage is opened or closed cleanly and safely. This mechanism ensures not only rapid flow interception, but also a reduction in the risk of stagnation, a key aspect of keeping water clean and preventing bacterial contamination. The absence of internal cavities where impurities or deposits can accumulate makes ball valves particularly hygienic and easy to maintain, contributing to the stability of water quality over time.

To be suitable for use with drinking water, these valves must be constructed of materials certified and compliant with European regulations on the quality of water intended for human consumption. In particular, the valve body is made of certified low-lead brass or stainless steel, materials that guarantee corrosion resistance and chemical neutrality. Internal seals, usually made of PTFE or food-grade EPDM, ensure an airtight seal and prevent any unwanted leakage or infiltration. Thanks to these features, ball valves offer an optimal balance between hydraulic performance, hygiene safety, and reliability over time, making them the ideal choice for domestic, industrial, and municipal systems where water safety is a top priority.

What type of valves to use for drinking water: an overview

In addition to ball valves, depending on the system and specific use, you can also use:

butterfly valves with stainless steel disc and EPDM seals;
non-return valves (check valves) made of brass or stainless steel;
globe valves to precisely regulate the flow;
coated cast iron shutters and stainless steel shutter, for main water networks.

The choice depends on flow rate, pressure, available space and the need for regulation or shut-off.

ECI solutions: certified, high-quality industrial valves

As we have seen, choosing the right valves for drinking water means ensuring safety, hygiene and reliability for the entire plant. Knowing the suitable materials, the required certifications and the types available helps to make the best choice.

Relying on a partner like ECI means relying on technical expertise, certified products and an extensive catalogue designed for the real needs of the water and industrial sector. Indeed, ECI proposes a selected range of certified industrial valves for drinking water, designed to ensure reliable and long-lasting performance. Among the most suitable models:

ball valves with brass body, PTFE seals, for civil and industrial plants, with ideal versions also for highly corrosion environments or with sanitary needs.
Wafer butterfly valves: compact, efficient and also suitable for drinking water if equipped with certified seals.
Check valves: to prevent reflux into water systems.

All ECI products are chosen based on quality, durability, and regulatory compliance criteria, with dedicated technical assistance for every plant need. Discover the wide range in the ECI Valve catalogue or contact us to request a personalized consultation!