Service companies involved in the inspection and maintenance of water distribution systems are becoming increasingly important. As a result, a DVGW Code of Practice has been published that sets out the qualification criteria for such companies. An accompanying certification procedure is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2008.

The Code of Practice W 491-1, dated February 2007, was published as "Qualification criteria for companies involved in the inspection and maintenance of water distribution systems; Part 1 Company requirements". This Code of Practice provides the specified requirements for the certification of the respective service companies. The certification committee is yet to be formed, and its membership is currently being decided on. The constitutive session is planned for September. The actual requirements and the documents that need to be submitted will be subsequently established. The new certification procedure is expected to be launched at the beginning of next year.

The DVGW's tried and tested model for specialist company certification was also applied to this qualification procedure. Staff qualifications and experience, necessary provision of equipment, appropriate management of setup and workflow, proper documentation of work and other quality assurance items must all be submitted and reviewed. It is especially important to demonstrate that trained staff are available in accordance with DVGW Code of Practice W 492-2. Information about the dates for the relevant training courses can be provided by the DVGW Bildungswerk (Vocational Training Centre).