Along the water transport route from the springs to Vienna, the key quality criteria are continuously monitored. At 15 monitoring stations, data on water and air quality are measured and transmitted to a sub control centre in Vienna, where they are continuously monitored.

Prevention ensures spring protection

The extensive spring protection areas of the 1st and 2nd Spring water main are strictly safe- guarded to prevent any contamination of the water in the spring catchment areas. For this reason, these regions may be used for agricultural, tourism and construction purposes only to a very limited degree.

Main control centre

Although the Vienna Waterworks deliver one of the most basic necessities of human life to the capital’s population, an essential part of their work is done out of the public eye. For example, balancing the natural water supply with the varying scope of demand in the city is a key task handled by the main control centre. The 32 water reservoirs have a storage capacity roughly equalling a three-day demand.

Quality checks

The Institute for Environmental Medicine of the City of Vienna checks if Vienna’s drinking water corresponds to the provisions of the Austrian Drinking Water Regulation. For this purpose, regular tests are carried out to determine whether the water contains viruses or bacteria or whether the physico-chemical composition of the water presents any other changes.

Safeguarding quality

When conducted into the pipeline network, Vienna’s drinking water is disinfected with chlorine dioxide. The Vienna Waterworks implement this measure as a basic requirement to ensure satisfactory hygienic conditions, as it protects drinking water against influences that might impair the natural watercycle. The dose added is minimal and taste- and odourless in these concentrations.

Use water carefully

Even if the supply of the Austrian capital with good-quality drinking water is safeguarded, every citizen may still contribute to the responsible use of this precious resource. The average daily consumption per household is approx. 150 litres. About one third of this volume is used for flushing the toilet! Taking a shower instead of a bath in the tub, making sure to repair dripping faucets or installing thermostats and single-lever mixers are just a few suggestions to safeguard effective water use. (Source: Municipal Department 31 – Vienna Waterworks)

Information & Contact:

Municipal Department 31 - Vienna Waterworks
Grabnergasse 4-6
A-1060 Vienna
Tel. +43 1 599 59-0