According to a recent report, bottled water is four times more harmful to the environment than tap water (commissioned by the Swiss Gas and Water Association). The European Point of Use Drinking Water Association (EPDWA) has recognised the increased opportunities for providers of point of use drinking water systems. It is therefore urging more providers to join the organisation to better promote the benefits of mains fed drinking water to environmentally aware organisations.

As the industry’s representative body, the EPDWA promotes, develops and maintains the highest standards of hygiene, water safety and ethical business within the drinking water industry on a pan-European scale. This means that members gain from tools to promote their businesses to organisations looking to switch to point of use drinking water supply on a local, and national level. This support is provided by the EPDWA in the form of training, information and representation.

Currently the Association has over 120 members. They all benefit from the exchange of technical, scientific and regulatory information between themselves and related industry bodies. In addition the EPDWA serves as the point of use drinking water supply industry body in a representative capacity, existing as the authoritative voice of information concerning the industry and the actions of Government agencies and how these impact on the industry and its markets.

Manufacturers of point of use drinking water units qualify immediately for membership to the EPDWA, falling into five bands, according to company turnover. Simply applying and paying the relevant membership fee (starting at £250 a year for companies with a turnover of up to £100,000) will guarantee membership to these companies. On the other hand, distributors of point of use drinking water units are also eligible to join, but do need to undergo a mandatory distributor audit to assess their operations prior to membership being accepted.

Once membership is confirmed, all companies are entitled to use the EPDWA’s logo and branding on any company literature and promotional materials. In addition the EPDWA’s website provides a portal for potential customers to gain further understanding of the point of use market – and the benefits that opting for a point of use supplier will provide. A comprehensive search facility for potential customers means that members’ details are provided to them based on search terms according to the customer’s requirements for counter top, floor standing or fountain units, enabling them to filter their criteria to find the member that can best match their needs.

“Members of the EPDWA benefit from market visibility through the Association. The critical mass of the organisation means that our voice is heard at a Government level too. Therefore we can have a real impact in the way important legislation and standards surrounding the provision of drinking water are formulated,” said James Anderton, Chairman of the EPDWA, “There are also important business networking opportunities for members, with a full and varied calendar of events throughout the year.”

For more information on becoming a member of the EPDWA please use the email provided.

Email: info@epdwa.org