GERMAN ATV-DVWK

RULES AND STANDARDS

Standard
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

Sewers and Drains in Water Catchment

Areas

November 2002
ISBN 3-937758-42-9

Publisher Company of ATV-DVWK German Association for Water, Wastewater

Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17 y D-53773 Hennef y Postfach 11 65 y D-53758 Hennef
Tel. +49 (0)22 42 / 8 72-120 y Fax:+49 (0)22 42 / 8 72-100
E-Mail: lumma@atv.de y Internet: http://www.gfa-verlag.ded
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

User Notes
This Standard is the result of honorary, technical-scientific/economic collaboration which has been
achieved in accordance with the principles applicable therefor (statutes, rules of procedure of the ATV-
DVWK and the Standard ATV-DVWK-A 400E). For this, according to precedents, there exists an actual
presumption that it is textually and technically correct and also generally recognised.

The application of this Standard is open to everyone. However, an obligation for application can arise from
legal or administrative regulations, a contract or other legal reason.

This Standard is an important, however, not the sole source of information for correct solutions. With its ap-
plication no one avoids responsibility for his own action or for the correct application in specific cases; this
applies in particular for the correct handling of the margins described in the Standard.

The German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste, ATV-DVWK, is the spokesman in Germany for
all universal questions on water and is involved intensively in the development of secure and sustainable
water management. As politically and economically independent organisation it operates specifically in the
areas of water management, wastewater, waste and soil protection.

In Europe the ATV-DVWK is the association in this field with the greatest number of members and, due to
its specialist competence it holds a special position with regard to standardisation, professional training and
information of the public.

The ca. 15,000 members represent the experts and executive personnel from municipalities, universities,
engineer offices, authorities and businesses. The emphasis of its activities is on the elaboration and updat-
ing of a common set of technical rules and standards and with collaboration with the creation of technical
standard specifications at the national and international levels. To this belong not only the technical-
scientific subjects but also economical and legal demands of environmental protection and protection of
bodies of waters.

Publisher:
ATV-DVWK Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.,
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17, D-53773 Hennef

Marketing:
GFA Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik e.V., Hennef

Setting and printing (German original):

DCM, Meckenheim

© GFA Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik e. V., Hennef 2002

All rights, in particular those of translation into other languages, are reserved. No part of this Standard may
be reproduced in any form - by photocopy, microfilm or any other process - or transferred into a language
usable in machines, in particular data processing machines, without the written approval of the publisher.

2 November 2002
 ATV-DVWK-A 142E

Foreword
Sewers and drains must be so laid and operated that a contamination or any other adverse change to the
soil or surface waters is avoided. This applies to a particular degree for sewers and drains in catchment ar-
eas of water procurement systems which serve the public water supply (water catchment areas). In order to
describe and lay down the special requirements, the German Association for Water, Wastewater and
Waste (ATV-DVWK), the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) and the
German Association for Drinking Water Reservoirs [Arbeitsgemeinschaft Trinkwassertalsperren e. V]. (ATT)
have produced this Standard in a joint working group. It contains the requirements and conditions which,
according to previously available experience, are to be observed with the establishment and operation of
sewers and drains in water catchment areas. The statements contain regulations for the protection of
groundwater and surface waters (barrier reservoirs).

The Standard deals with planning, provides information for implementation and regulates maintenance. At-
tention is drawn to the examples in Advisory Leaflet ATV-M 146 carried out in practice.

The Standard replaces the version from 1992. Revision was necessary due to new findings with regard to
the hazard potential of wastewater as well as new technical developments. It also serves for the adoption of
EN 752-3 and EN 752-7 through the ATV-DVWK Set of Rules and Standards.

The financial effects of this Standard are difficult to estimate quantitatively. Compared with the previously
valid version of the Standard (1992), however, a cost reduction is more likely to be expected.

Authors
This Standard has been elaborated by the ATV-DVWK Working Group ES-5.6 “Sewers in Water catchment
Areas” within the ATV-DVWK Specialist Committee ES-5 “Design of Drainage Systems”.

Working Group ES-5.6 has the following members:

Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Cloesters, Köln

Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Edeling, Berlin
Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Güttler, Essen
Dipl.-Ing. Horst Kirchmaier, Frankfurt/Main
Dipl.-Ing. Karsten Körkemeyer, Bochum
Dipl.-Geol. Berthold Niehues, Bonn
Dipl.-Ing. Hardy Loy, München
Dipl.-Ing. Frank Rommel, Erfurt
Dr.-Ing. Lothar Scheuer, Gummersbach
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wagner, Spiesen
Ltd. BD Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Wagner, Saarbrücken (Chairman)
ORBR Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Wieching, Münster

November 2002 3
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

Contents
User Notes 2
Foreword 3
Authors 3
1 Area of Application 5
2 Definitions 5
3 Measures for the Protection of Surface Waters 5
3.1 Protective Zone I (Catchment Area) 5
3.2 Protective Zone II (Narrower Protective Zone) 6
3.2.1 General 6
3.2.2 Assessment of the Hazard Potential of Sewers and Drains 6
3.2.3 Planning Principles 7
3.2.3.1 General 7
3.2.3.2 Selection of the Discharge System 7
3.2.3.3 Requirements on Sewers and Drains 8
3.2.3.4 Requirements on Shafts 9
3.2.4 Production of Sewers and Drains 9
3.2.4.1 Building Materials and Components 9
3.2.4.2 Construction Work 9
3.2.4.3 Tests for the Acceptance of New Construction 10
3.2.5 Disused Sewers and Drains 12
3.2.6 Planning and Production of Private Property Drains 12
3.2.7 Operation of Sewers and Drains 12
3.2.7.1 General 12
3.2.7.2 Inspection 13
3.3 Additional Protective Zone (Protective Zone III) 13
4 Legal Provisions, Technical Rules and Literature 14
4.1 Legal Provisions 14
4.2 Technical Rules 14
4.2.1 DIN, EN, ISO Standard Specifications 14
4.2.2 ATV-DVWK Rules and Standards 15
4.2.3 DVGW / LAWA Rules and Standards 15

4 November 2002

1 Area of Application
This Standard is to be applied for both already ex-
isting water protective zones for groundwater,
springs and reservoirs (Protective Zones I – III)
and also for catchment areas of water procurement
systems for which no water protective zone has
been laid down. It is also to be applied analogously
to qualitative medicinal spring protective zones. In
quantitative medicinal protective zones the effects
of interferences to the soil on the hydraulic system
and the individual character of the medicinal spring
are all important. These assessments are subject
to separate considerations to the extent that the
depths of interference in accordance with the
[German] Protective Zone Ordinance are ex-
ceeded (see LAWA [Federal German States Work-
ing Group, Water] Directive).
The regulations and recommendations given below
apply fundamentally for new sewers and drains
and for those to be rehabilitated, including the as-
sociated shafts and other structures of the local
drainage system and the private property drainage
system both in the public and private sectors,
which are operated as gravity or pressure pipe-
lines. With this it supplements the regulations of
EN 476, EN 1610, EN 752, of Advisory Leaflet
ATV-M 101 and Standards ATV-A 105E, ATV-A
125E, ATV-DVWK-A 127E, ATV-A 128E, ATV-
DVWK-A 139E, ATV-A 140E, ATV-A 147E and
ATV-DVWK-A 157E.
For existing sewers and drains (commissioned be-
fore this Standard came into force) it is to be
examined, dependent on the local conditions, to
what extent the Standard is to be applied.
2 Definitions
Water catchment area
Catchment areas of water procurement systems
(wells, springs, barrier reservoirs) of the public
drinking water supply system.
Upstream coffer dam
As a rule a reservoir with a barrier structure placed
immediately upstream of a barrier reservoir.
Design capacity of a reservoir
Ratio of the storage volume to the mean annual
water inflow. With carryover storage [storage for
more than one year] the ratio is greater than 1.
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
Double-walled pipe systems
Pipe systems made up from two separately manu-
facture pipes which are not connected to each
other (medium pipe / jacket pipe).
Semi-double-walled pipe systems
Single-walled pipe system with hollow spaces in
the pipe wall which allow a monitoring for leaks.
Petrography
Scientific branch of geology which is concerned
with the composition of rocks, their natural inci-
dence, and in particular, also their formation and
transformation.
3 Measures for the
Protection of
Surface Waters
3.1 Protective Zone I (Catchment
Area)
Protective Zone I for groundwater is to ensure the
protection of drinking water procurement systems
and their immediate vicinity against any contami-
nant and encroachment (see DVGW Standard
W 101).
The discharge of wastewater through Protective
Zone I and, with this, the establishment of sewers
and drains is inconsistent with the requirements of
water pollution control. Should, in the public inter-
est, sewers and drains having to be established
within the area of Protective Zone I due to compel-
ling local and technical circumstances, then the
drawing off of water is to cease and the water sup-
ply otherwise ensured.
Protective Zone I for reservoirs is to ensure the
protection of barrier reservoirs from any en-
croachment (see DVGW Standard W 102).
The discharge of wastewater through Protective
Zone I of a barrier reservoir and, with this, the es-
tablishment of sewers and drains is inconsistent
with the requirements of water pollution control.
Should, in the public interest, sewers and drains
having to be established within the area of Protec-
tive Zone I due to compelling local and technical
circumstances, requirements are to be placed on
the construction and operation which go beyond
the level of requirements for Protective Zone II.
November 2002 5
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
3.2 Protective Zone II (Narrower
Protective Zone)
3.2.1 General
Protective Zone II for groundwater is to ensure the
protection from contamination due to pathogenic
micro-organisms as well as from other encroach-
ments which, with small flow durations and
stretches to the drinking water procurement sys-
tem, are hazardous (see DVGW Standard W 101).
Protective Zone II for barrier reservoirs is to ensure
the protection of the reservoir and the surface wa-
ters flowing into it against encroachments which
emanate from human activities and installations, in
particular through direct discharges, flooding and
erosion, (see DVGW Standard W 102).
Due to the hazard potential the discharge of waste-
water within the area of Protective Zone II for
groundwater and barrier reservoirs is, as a rule,
not acceptable. However, if sewers and drains
have to be established due to compelling local and
technical circumstances within Protective Zone II,
then these are to be limited to the extent neces-
sary in the public interest. The responsible water
authorities and the water supply companies con-
cerned are to be involved already with preliminary
investigations. Attention is drawn to official ap-
proval in accordance with the regulations under
[German] Federal State law.
3.2.2 Assessment of the Hazard
Potential of Sewers and Drains
At the forefront of planning measures a hydro-
geological expert opinion for the assessment of the
hydrogeological hazard potential is fundamentally
required. The hazard potential is determined by a
large number of individual factors which are asso-
ciated with various risk components and which can
have different effects dependent on local condi-
tions. In particular the following are be mentioned:
• type and condition of the sewers and drains,
• type and quantity of the wastewater,
• topography (in particular with barrier reser-
voirs),
• subsoil properties (hydrogeological conditions),
• danger of subsidence (e.g. coal mining).
6 November 2002
In general a very high hazard potential exists with:
• pressure pipelines,
• commercial and industrial wastewater,
• slight natural protective effect of the subsoil,
• severe settling movements of the subsoil (e. g.
coal mining),
• intersection of surface waters.
In these cases very high requirements are to be
placed on the selection of the respective discharge
system (see Section 3.2.3.2).
With the assessment of the natural protective ef-
fect of the subsoil the following are to be taken into
account:
• soil conditions (e. g. nature, type, substance
and permeability of the soil),
• geological conditions (e. g. loose-/compact
rock, petrography, thickness of layers, compac-
tion conditions, tectonics),
• hydrogeological conditions (e. g. interstitial/
fissure/karst aquifer, lesser aquifer, aquiclude,
groundwater cover, permeability, confined/
unconfined conditions, retention times, ground-
water levels, isopiestic lines).
Due to the need for protection of the aquifer and
taking into account the increased purification ca-
pacity of the unsaturated zone of the soil, the pro-
tective effect of the groundwater covering layers is
to be given special significance. Important indica-
tions for a low protective effect of the groundwater
cover are, for example:
• small separation between the invert of the
sewer and the surface of the groundwater with
mean, highest groundwater level (MHGL),
• fissured or karst compact rock, gravel, coarse
sand, high permeability.
In protective zones for barrier reservoirs the follow-
ing factors are above all to be involved in the de-
termination of the hazard potential:
• distance to surface water,
• danger of flooding,
• slope of the terrain,
• upstream coffer dams,
• capacity of the reservoir,
• absence of impoundment layers.
These are, as a rule, of greater relevance than the
above mentioned hydrogeological characteristic
values.

In accordance with the assessment of all factors
an evaluation of the therefrom resultant hazard po-
tential for the groundwater takes place. Sensitivity
analyses with regard to the worst-case considera-
tions (i.a. for pollutant breakthrough) should be
produced within the scope of the evaluation.
Also as result of the hydrogeological expert opinion
a duplicatable, justified classification of the hazard
potential must be carried out which leads to the fol-
lowing assessment (comp. Tab. 1):
• very high,
• high,
• less high.
3.2.3 Planning Principles
3.2.3.1 General
With new construction or the rehabilitation of sew-
ers and drains the greatest care is to be applied
with the selection of the drainage system. With this
comprehensive and thorough deliberations are to
be carried out and hydrogeological, hydrological,
drainage engineering and geological factors con-
sidered. Only then should one decide case by case
on a separate or combined sewer system or modi-
fied forms of these.
With the decision for a combined sewer system the
special concerns of water pollution control are to
be taken into account, in particular combined
wastewater payments are to be addressed before
discharge. With this it is to be examined whether a
pollution load reduction which goes beyond the re-
quirements of Standard ATV-A 128E is necessary.
The route of the pipeline is to be so chosen that
terrain and subsoil conditions unfavourable for wa-
ter pollution control are avoided. The greatest pos-
sible separation between sewer and and/or the
surface water is to be strived for.
Encroachment into the subsoil is to be minimised.
In this connection pipe driving technology and
trenchless laying (see EN 12889) as well as vac-
uum drainage (see EN 1091) are to be sought as
variants for the construction work.
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
The pipeline zone is to be so formed that a move-
ment of the groundwater along the pipeline zone,
which goes beyond the natural local conditions, is
to be avoided.
Placing of sewers and drains on pile foundations is
to be avoided in order to prevent a movement of
pollutants along the pile shaft, unless a threat can
be excluded due to the assessment of the hazard
potential (see Section 3.2.2).
Processes, which are employed for renovation and
repair, must have been tested in accordance with
the German Institute for Structural Engineering
(DIBt) approval principles for the selection and as-
sessment of rehabilitation processes with regards
to the effects on the soil and surface water condi-
tions (Notice of Conformity). Testing applies for the
environmental compatibility also for the duration of
installation, working and structural hardening, and
for structural engineering qualification. It is to be
ensured that the rehabilitated system corresponds
analogously with the requirements in accordance
with Section 3.2.3.3.
Injection and venting processes, due to the poten-
tial risks associated with the application of injection
medium (venting medium) and also in the later op-
erating phase, require the expert verification of the
certification of the product in specific cases of ap-
plication. With the planning, account is to be taken
of the special requirements and loadings which re-
sult from the regular repeat testing such as, for ex-
ample, continuously testable pipeline systems and
sections, appropriate inspection openings, possi-
bilities for closure etc.
Whenever the local conditions permit connecting
sewers are to be connected to shaft structures.
Preferably preformed connections are to be em-
ployed for connecting pipes and shafts. Attention is
drawn to the specifications of EN 1610 in combina-
tion with ATV-DVWK-A 139E.
3.2.3.2 Selection of the Discharge
System
The selection of the discharge system takes place
on the basis of the hazard potential determined
(see Section 3.2.2). Following discharge systems
are, depending on the hazard potential, possible
(see Tab. 1):
November 2002 7
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

Table 1: Selection of the discharge system related to the hazard potential

Hazard potential Discharge system (with observation of Section 3.2.3.3)

Very high • Double-walled pipe systems (separation between medium and jacket
pipes must be sufficiently large so that leakage and seepage water
can flow unhindered; subsequent examination of the intervening
space must be possible)
• Vacuum systems
• Continuous leak monitoring systems
High • Single-walled pipe systems with increased level of safety (mineral
encapsulation, monitoring of sleeves, semi-double-walled solutions
or similar)
Less high • Single-walled systems

• Possibilities of determining leaks (leak warning

3.2.3.3 Requirements on Sewers and
Drains
Local constraints are to be taken into account in
each individual case for the selection of system
and material for sewers and drains. The advan-
tages and disadvantages of the available alterna-
tives are to be weighed against each other with the
decision process for the determination of the suit-
able system and material. With this decision proc-
ess the following assessment criteria are to be
taken into account, which are to be weighted for
the individual case depending on the individual risk
components:
• Ability of the of the pipe connection to bend,
• Shear strength of the pipe connection,
• Number of pipe connections,
• Corrosion resistance against the medium to be
carried, aggressive soils and water,
• Service life,
• Behaviour with regular loading and overloading
(fracture and deformation behaviour),
• Sensitivity to transport damage,
• Storage capability before installation,
• Requirements with regard to laying technique,
• Examination of the suitability for acceptance of
pipelines and pipe connections,
• Security of the connection (e. g. interaction of
sealing material, acceptance of loads in the ax-
ial and transverse direction),
• Quality assurance of materials, pipes and sys-
tems,
• Possibilities for rehabilitation,
• Permeation of
• pollutants through the pipe walls and connec-
tions,
system).
With regard to the employment of double-walled
systems the following requirements are to be addi-
tionally mentioned:
• To avoid an uncontrollable transfer of load from
the jacket to the medium pipe, which has not
been taken into account statically, appropriate
design precautions are to be taken with rigid
jacket pipes such as, for example:
• The outside diameter of the inner pipe, includ-
ing the spacers, must be at least 10 % smaller
than the inside diameter of the outer pipe.
• Spacers with predetermined breaking points so
that an unacceptable loading of the medium
pipes is excluded.
• In the case of flexible jacket pipes possible de-
formation is to be taken into account with the
selection of the medium pipe.
• With pressure pipelines the jacket pipe must be
so designed that, with failure of the medium
pipe, it can also serve as pressure pipeline.
• Static verification is to be produced that, in the
case of a leakage of the protective pipe, the
medium pipe cannot float or a flotation remains
without damage.
Double-walled pipe systems with a very high haz-
ard potential as well as single-walled pipe systems
must satisfy the following minimum requirements;
for double-walled pipe systems with a less high
hazard potential these are recommended:
• The seals are either to be attached solidly to
the pipes or fixed in chambers specially cre-

8 November 2002

ated for this (Rollring connections are not per-
mitted). With mutual bending as well as with
shear loading the requirements of EN 476 are
to be met.
• The verification for the pipe connection is to be
carried out within the scope of initial testing
and outside monitoring.
• Pipes and pipe connections must remain leak-
proof (factory test) up to a pressure of 240 kPa
(= 2.4 bar). Each individual pipe must be sub-
jected to a qualification test following manufac-
ture. This qualification test must be suitable to
provide verification that the two above given
requirements are met. This verification can be
produced through a leak testing of each indi-
vidual pipe.
• If pipes are subjected to a test pressure of at
least 500 kPa (= 5 bar), testing of each twenti-
eth pipe suffices. The pipe manufacturer must
then, however, be certified in accordance with
EN ISO 9001, whereby a quality assessment
within the scope of this certification is a pre-
requisite.
• With rigid pipes the stability verification is to be
based on a 20 % increased safety coefficient
referred to Class A of the Standard ATV-
DVWK-A 127E.
• Verification is to be provided that high pressure
cleaning equipment can be employed without
damage.
• Bedding is to be formed in accordance with EN
1610 and ATV-DVWK-A 139E Bedding Type I.
• For flexible pipes a deformation δ of max. 4 %
is permitted. The boundary value applies as 90
% fractile.
• With plastic pipes the following continuous in-
ternal minimum wall thicknesses are to be
maintained for the cover of operational (high
pressure cleaning equipment) and laying
conditioned loading:
- HDPE: 3.5 mm
- PP: 3.5 mm
- PVC: 2.5 mm
These specifications apply for sewers and drains
which serve for permanent wastewater discharge.
For stormwater sewers and overflow channels the
structural requirements can be reduced. Then at
least the requirements for Water Protective Zone
III are to be met.
The manufacture of street outlets takes place in
accordance with the relevant standard specifica-
tions and directives. The provisions of this Stan-
dard for stormwater sewers and overflow channels
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
apply for connecting drains from street outlets to
the sewer.
3.2.3.4 Requirements on Shafts
The relevant standard specifications and technical
rules are to be observed with regard to the re-
quirements on shafts and for their manufacture. In
particular attention is drawn to EN 476 and Stan-
dard ATV-DVWK-A 157E.
As a rule, the medium pipes are to be led closed
through the shaft.
Facilities for watertightness testing during opera-
tion are to be planned.
The dimensions of the shaft must be so selected
that sufficient room is available for sound monitor-
ing of the medium and jacket pipes from the shaft.
The shafts are to have as few as possible joints.
Drop structures with external small flow bypass are
not permitted.
Subsidence should as far as possible be excluded.
With subsidence that nevertheless takes place no
leaks may occur (ATV-DVWK-A 157E Chap. 3.2).
3.2.4 Production of Sewers and Drains
3.2.4.1 Building Materials and
Components
Building materials and components must at the
least satisfy the requirements in accordance with
EN 1610 and ATV-DVWK-A 139E. In addition they
may contain no water hazardous substances which
can be washed out (e.g. with pipe coating, pipe
bedding and trench backfill).
Pipes employed must be capable of inspection us-
ing normal TV camera techniques (“light absorp-
tion effect”).
3.2.4.2 Construction Work
Further to the specifications in EN 1610 and ATV-
DVWK-A 139E the following details are to be ob-
served:
It is pointed out to all those involved in the con-
struction that the project is to be carried out in a
water catchment area. The construction measure
November 2002 9
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
is to be completed rapidly. No hazarding of surface
waters may arise from construction site activities.
Only such firms are to be tasked which fulfil the cri-
teria of the RAL Quality Assurance GZ 961. In this
case the customer has to make use of a system for
the examination of suppliers or firms in accordance
with Article 30 of the EC Directives 93/38/EEC and
98/4/EC. The Güteschutz Kanalbau e. V. [German
Association for Quality Protection for Sewer Con-
struction] is such a system.
The auxiliary construction material used may not
be water hazardous.
Particular care must be taken with the employment
of construction machinery and equipment. Vehicles
and construction machinery are to be secured
against loss of fuel and oil, construction machinery
is to be checked each working day for this; minor
repairs are to be carried out immediately. Other-
wise the equipment is to be exchanged. Electrically
powered construction machinery is preferred to
those with internal combustion engines. The em-
ployment of biodegradable hydraulic oils is to be
preferred in hydraulic units.
Customers’ supervisory personnel should be pre-
sent on site during critical phases of the construc-
tion work.
So far as the storage of materials subject to ero-
sion is necessary for the implementation of con-
struction, this must be limited by time and space to
the necessary degree and washing away excluded
by suitable precautions.
As a rule, with construction work, the following are
not acceptable:
• the carrying out of cleaning, maintenance and
repair tasks on construction machinery, equip-
ment and vehicles as well as refuelling,
• storage and decanting of water-hazardous sub-
stances (e.g. fuels, lubricants),
• establishment of workshops, living quarters
and storage sites,
• toilet facilities. If the distances to toilet facilities
outside Protective Zone II are unreasonably
far, then transportable toilet facilities with
sealed collection tanks are to be erected, fae-
ces are to be removed demonstrably and regu-
larly and fed to a central sewage treatment
plant,
• percolation of wastewater and harmfully pol-
luted precipitation water,
10 November 2002
• fixed preparation facilities for construction ma-
terials.
• construction site facilities are to be avoided
with barrier reservoirs. If, for compelling rea-
sons, this is not possible, the separation to sur-
face waters must be at least 20 m.
Further details are to be taken from the respective
Protective Zone Ordinance.
3.2.4.3 Tests for the Acceptance of New
Construction
Following and with the production of pipe bedding
and side backfilling the degree of compaction is to
be determined and documented. Attention is drawn
to Standard ATV-DVWK-A 139E.
Visual inspections and watertightness tests are to
be carried out following completion of all construc-
tion measures and before commissioning. Only
such firms which fulfil the criteria of the RAL Qual-
ity Assurance GZ 961 should be tasked with im-
plementation. In this case the customer has to
make use of a system for the examination of sup-
pliers or firms in accordance with Article 30 of the
EC Directives 93/38/EEC and 98/4/EC. The
Güteschutz Kanalbau e. V. [German Association
for Quality Protection for Sewer Construction] is
such a system.
For visual inspection the notes in Advisory Leaflet
ATV-M 143E Parts 1 and 2 are to be observed.
In general the provisions in accordance with EN
1610 in combination with Standard ATV-DVWK-A
139E apply for the watertightness testing of gravity
systems. With deviation from or supplementation
of the there described test criteria the following
conditions are to be taken into account:
• testing may only be carried out by a qualified
specialist firm and not by the construction firm
itself.
• the responsible water authority and the water
supply company involved are to be involved in
the testing.
• shafts are to be tested by filling with water up
to the upper edge of the shaft in accordance
with EN 1610 and ATV-DVWK-A 139E.
• an informative test protocol on the watertight-
ness testing, based on Advisory Leaflet ATV-M
143E Part 6, which makes the testing compre-
hensible for the customer, is to be produced in
situ.

• prerequisite for the implementation of an infil-
tration testing is a groundwater level which lies
above the crown of the pipe and at least corre-
sponds with the maximum possible position of
the groundwater level in the sewer network. If
the existing water level is not sufficient for this
test, the pressure on the test object due to the
groundwater can possibly be increased
through the application of a vacuum in the test
space. The amount of the vacuum required re-
sults from the difference of the maximum pos-
sible position of the water level and the level of
the groundwater. Following the application of
the vacuum for 45 min, infiltrated or infiltrating
groundwater is to be investigated by means of
visual inspection. A visible entry of water is not
permitted.
• Pressure pipelines including the jacket pipe are
to be tested in accordance with EN 805; vac-
uum pipes in accordance with EN 1091. The
testing times are to be increased by 50 % in
comparison with the testing of facilities outside
Protective Zone II. Preliminary tests and pres-
sure drop tests are to be carried out with pres-
sure pipelines.
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
• Gravity pipelines with a depth of more than 5 m
may not be tested using air but only with water,
taking into account the above given extension
of test time. Testing is then to be correspon-
dent with a water filling up to the upper edge of
the shaft or to the maximum possible water
level. Test pressures above 50 kPa (= 0.5 bar)
are therefore permitted.
• watertightness testing of pipe connections only
is fundamentally inadmissible.
• the following conditions are to be taken as the
basis for water, air overpressure and air vac-
uum tests (see Tables 2 – 4).
• for the determination of test times in accor-
dance with Tables 3 and 4 for non-circular pro-
files, annular spaces of double-walled pipe sys-
tems and test equipment for pipe connections
the following applies:
4·V
dE =
A
with
dE [m] Effective diameter
V [m3] Volume of the test space
A [m2] Wall area of the test space,
wetted inner surface

Table 2: Test conditions for water pressure testing

Test pressure hydrostatic pressure through filling the shaft to the upper edge, related to the
crown of the pipe min. 10 kPa (= 100 mbar)
Prefilling time not laid down, normally 1 h
Test duration 45 min
Permitted 0.15 l/m2 (pipelines)
water addition 0.2 l/m2 (pipelines including shafts)
0.4 l/m2 (Shafts)
(m2 describes the wetted inner surface)

Table 3: Test conditions for air overpressure testing

P0 ∆p Test time t in min

in kPa DN 100 DN 200 DN 300 DN 400 DN 600 DN 800 DN 1000
(in mbar)
20 1,5
2.5 5 7 10 14 19 24
(200) (15)
10 1,5
3.5 7 10 14 21 28 35
(100) (15)
Intermediate values and test times for larger nominal widths can be calculated using the following
formulas:
for p0 = 20 kPa: t = 24 x d in min (with internal diameter d in m)
for p0 = 10 kPa: t = 34.5 x d in min (with internal diameter d in m)
With t ≤ 5 min rounding up is to the next half minute and with t > 5 min to the next full minute.

November 2002 11
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

Table 4: Test conditions for air vacuum testing

P0 ∆p Test times t in min

in kPa DN 100 DN 200 DN 300 DN 400 DN 600 DN 800 DN 1000
(in mbar)
-20 1.1
2.5 5 7 10 14 19 24
(-200) (11)
-10 1.1
3.5 7 10 14 21 28 35
(-100) (11)
Intermediate values and test times for larger nominal widths can be calculated using the following
formulas:
for p0 = -20 kPa: t = 24 x d in min (with internal diameter d in m)
for p0 = -10 kPa: t = 34.5 x d in min (with internal diameter d in m)
With t ≤ 5 min rounding up is to the next half minute and with t > 5 min to the next full minute.

In addition it applies that, for gravity sewers and
drains, the watertightness testing both with water
and with air may stretch over a maximum of one
reach and a maximum of 100 m. If there is a re-
quirement to test reaches or sewer sections >
100 m together then the test times are to be mul-
tiplied by the factor from the length L of the test
section in metres divided by 100.
It is to be ensured that a watertightness testing
off building drains and laterals is possible through
suitable measures such as an inspection/cleaning
access fitting or an inspection shaft.
3.2.7 Operation of Sewers and Drains

All sewers and drains, tests and acceptances are
to be documented.
3.2.5 Disused Sewers and Drains
Permanently disused sewers and drains must be
removed or have their hollow spaces filled. Plug-
ging materials with organic bonding agents are
not permitted.
3.2.6 Planning and Production of
Private Property Drains
The provisions of DIN 1986 and EN 752 are rele-
vant for planning and construction of sewers and
drains for buildings and private properties.
If such facilities have to be established in Protec-
tive Zone II due to special local conditions then
the increased requirements of this Standard are
to be fulfilled for building drains and laterals. In
deviation from this single-walled systems can be
sufficient in justified individual cases, in particular
in catchment areas.
The laying of inaccessible building drains, for ex-
ample under the floor of buildings, is not permit-
ted. The conditions of Section 3.2.4.3 apply for
testing.
3.2.7.1 General
Standards ATV-A 140E and ATV-A 148E, Advi-
sory Leaflet ATV-M 143E and DIN 1986 are to be
observed for operation including servicing and
maintenance. The requirements for the harmless
discharge of wastewater are specified therein.
With sewers and drains in water catchment areas
operating personnel – over and above training re-
ceived for sewer operation - are to be made famil-
iar with the special conditions and requirements
within the protective zones. For this instruction is
to be carried out at least once a year.
The following are to be kept available perma-
nently on site:
• inventory plans of the sewers and drains,
• approvals, authorisations and other adminis-
trative decisions under water law,
• [German] Protective Zone Ordinance with pro-
tective zone plan, operating instructions includ-
ing description of measures in case of abnor-
mal occurrence (alarm, catastrophe plan).
The documents are also to be made available to
the operator the water catchment area.
The treatment process is to be so selected that
no damage to pipes and pipe connections can
occur.

12 November 2002

3.2.7.2 Inspection
Under the term “inspection” are to be understood
measures for the recording and evaluation of the
actual status of the wastewater system. Here op-
tical inspection (visual examination) and the wa-
ter tightness test have particular significance.
Inspection is to be carried out and logged at regu-
lar intervals dependent on the local conditions
and on the type and condition of the sewers and
drains. The water supply company is to be in-
formed of the measure and, if necessary, is to
take part. The inspection intervals are to be de-
termined in agreement with the water authorities.
A first repeat of the watertightness is to be carried
out after 2 years, others are to be carried out, as
a rule, every 5 years after the first. Between
these an optical inspection is to be carried out
which can be replaced by a watertightness test.
Depending on the type and loading of the sewers
and drains shorter intervals between optical in-
spections and watertightness tests can become
necessary. With the inspection of double-walled
pipe systems, in addition to the medium pipe, the
jacket pipe is also to be tested. Time intervals for
the inspection of private property drainage sys-
tems are to be taken from DIN 1986-30. Attention
is drawn to Section 3.2.4.3 with regard to the test
arrangements so far as no other requirements
are laid down by the operator in agreement with
the water authorities (e.g. admissibility of tests of
pipe connections).
The criteria for testing of pressure drains are to
be determined for the individual case.
3.3 Additional Protective Zone
(Protective Zone III)
Protective Zone III for groundwater is to ensure
the protection against far reaching impairments in
particular against non- or difficult degradable
chemical or radioactive contamination (see
DVGW Standard W 101).
Protective Zone III for barrier reservoirs is to en-
sure the protection of the reservoirs and their af-
fluent from far reaching impairment from the
catchment area (see DVGW Standard W 102).
In Protective Zone III the laying and operation of
sewers and drains taking into consideration of the
necessary measures for the protection of surface
waters is fundamentally permitted.
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
The general planning principles for sewers and
drains listed in Section 3.2.3.1 apply analogously
for Protective Zone III. With the employment of
Injection and venting process, however, no spe-
cialist verification of the certification of the prod-
ucts is necessary in the specific case.
As a rule, in Protective Zone III, single-walled
sewers and drains in accordance with the rele-
vant standard specifications and directives are
sufficient, so far as particular situations (hydro-
geological conditions, intersection with rail facili-
ties, roads, surface waters etc.) do not demand
other solutions.
In the immediate vicinity of the boundaries of Pro-
tective Zone II or with large-area sensitive subsoil
conditions (e. g. open karst), similar or the same
structural requirements as in Protective Zone II
can be appropriate in the individual case,
whereby the hydrogeological expert opinion for
the determination of the hazard potential should
produce clarity (Section 3.2.2).
If the protection requirement of surface waters in
Protective Zone III is also not as high as in Pro-
tective Zone II, there are nevertheless pollutants
which, even with longer flow times and longer
flow paths retain their harmful properties. There-
fore an increased security of the surface waters
must be undertaken which, as a rule, is to be en-
sured through intensive surveillance and monitor-
ing of the sewers and drains.
A repeat of the watertightness test is to be carried
out after 2 years and, as a rule, is to be repeated
every 15 years. Between these two optical in-
spections are to be carried out which can be re-
placed by watertightness tests. Depending on the
type and loading of the sewers and drains shorter
intervals for optical inspections and watertight-
ness testing are required. Attention is drawn to
Advisory Leaflet ATV-M 143E Part 6 with regard
to the test arrangements so far as no other re-
quirements are laid down by the operator in
agreement with the water authorities. Tests of the
pipe connections are recognised in place of the
testing of the complete pipeline, if another test is
not technically or economically justifiable.
November 2002 13
ATV-DVWK-A 142E
4 Legal Provisions,
Technical Rules
and Literature
[If there is no known English translation
of a specific document a courtesy
translation is provided in square
brackets]
4.1 Legal Provisions
93/38/EEC: Directive of the Council dated 14
June 1993 on the Co-ordination of the Award of
Contract by Customers in the Field of Water, En-
ergy and Traffic Supply as well as in the Tele-
communication sector.
98/4/EC: Directive of the European Parliament
and the Council dated 16 February 1998 for the
Amendment of Directive 93/38/EEC on the Co-
ordination of the Award of Contract by Customers
in the Field of Water, Energy and Traffic Supply
as well as in the Telecommunication sector.
4.2 Technical Rules
4.2.1 DIN, EN, ISO Standard
Specifications
DIN 1986 Beiblatt [Supplement 1]
Entwässerungsanlagen für Gebäude und Grund-
stücke – Stichwortverzeichnis; [Drainage and
sewerage systems for buildings and plots of land
– Index]; July 1998
DIN 1986-3
Drainage and sewerage systems for buildings
and plots of land; Part 3: Rules for service and
maintenance; July 1982
DIN 1986-4
Drainage and sewerage systems for buildings
and plots of land; Part 4: Use of sewer pipes and
fittings made from different materials; November
1994
DIN 1986-30
Drainage and sewerage systems for buildings
and plots of land; Part 30: Inspection and mainte-
nance; January 1995
14 November 2002
DIN 1986-32
Drainage and sewerage systems for buildings
and plots of land; Part 32: Backflow gates for
non-faecal sewage; Inspection and maintenance;
June 1986
DIN 1986-33
Drainage and sewerage systems for buildings
and plots of land; Part 33: Backflow gates for fae-
cal sewage; Inspection and maintenance; Octo-
ber 1987
DIN 1986-100
Entwässerungsanlagen für Gebäude und Grund-
stücke [Drainage and sewerage systems for
buildings and plots of land; Part 100: Additional
provisions for EN 752 and EN 12056]; March
2002
DIN 1988-2
Drinking water supply systems; materials, com-
ponents, appliances, design and installation
(DVGW Code of practice); December 1988
EN 476
General requirements for components used in
discharge pipes, drains and sewers for gravity
systems; 1997
EN 752
Drain and sewers systems outside buildings
EN 805
Water supply – Requirements for systems and
components outside buildings; 2000
EN 1091
Vacuum sewerage systems outside buildings;
1996
EN 1610
Construction and testing of drains and sewers;
1997
DIN EN 1610 Beiblatt 1 [Supplement 1]
Verlegung und Prüfung von Abwasserleitungen
und -kanälen – Verzeichnis einschlägiger Nor-
men und Richtlinien [Construction and testing of
drains and sewers – Index of relevant standard
specifications and directives]; 1997
EN 12056-1
Gravity drainage systems; Part 1: General and
performance requirements; 2000
 ATV-DVWK-A 142E
EN 12056-2 ATV-A 148E
Gravity drainage systems; Part 2: Wastewater Service and Operating Instructions for Personnel
systems, planning and calculation; 2000 of wastewater Pumping Stations, Wastewater
Pressure Pipelines and Stormwater Tanks (Guide
EN 12056-3 to the Formulation of an Instruction); March 1994
Gravity drainage systems; Part 3: Roof drainage,
planning and dimensioning; 2000 ATV-DVWK-A 156
Regeln für den Kanalbetrieb – Regenbecken und
EN 12056-4 –entlastungen [Rules for the Operation of Sewers
Gravity drainage systems; Part 4: Wastewater lift- – Stormwater Tanks and Overflows]; November
ing installations; planning and dimensioning; 2000
2000
ATV-DVWK-A 157E
EN 12056-5 Sewer System Structures; November 2000
Gravity drainage systems; Part 5: Installation and
testing, instructions for operation, maintenance ATV-M 101E
and usage; 2000 Planning of Drain and Sewer Systems, New Con-
struction, Rehabilitation and Replacement; May
EN 12889 1996
Trenchless construction and testing of drains and
sewers; 2000 ATV-M 143E-1
Inspection, Repair, Rehabilitation and RepIace-
EN ISO 9001 ment of Sewers and Drains; Part 1: Principles;
Quality management systems – Requirements; December 1989
2000
ATV-M 143E-2
RAL-GZ 961 Inspection, Repair, Rehabilitation and RepIace-
Herstellung und Instandhaltung von Abwasserlei- ment of Sewers and Drains; Part 2: Optical In-
tungen und -kanälen – Gütesicherung [Producti- spection; April 1999
on and maintenance of sewers and drains – Qua-
lity assurance]; April 2002 ATV-M 143E-6
Inspection, Repair, Rehabilitation and RepIace-
ment of Sewers and Drains; Part 6: Leak Testing
4.2.2 ATV-DVWK Rules and of Existing, Earth Covered Sewers and Drains
Standards and Shafts Using Water, Air Overpressure and
Vacuum; June 1998
ATV-DVWK-A 127E
Static Calculation of Sewers and Drains; ATV-M 146E
August 2000 Implementation Examples for ATV-Standard A
142E Sewers and Drains in Water catchment Ar-
ATV-A 128E eas; April 1995
Standards for the Dimensioning and Design of
Stormwater Structures in Combined Wastewater
Sewers; April 1992 4.2.3 DVGW / LAWA Rules and
Standards
ATV-DVWK-A 139E
Installation and Testing of Drains and Sewers; DVGW W 101
June 2001 Richtlinien für Trinkwasserschutzgebiete; I. Teil:
Schutzgebiete für Grundwasser; [Standards for
ATV-A 140E Drinking Water Protective Zones; Part I: Protecti-
Rules for the Operation of Sewers; Part 1: The ve Zones for Groundwater] February 1995
Sewer Network; March 1990
DVGW W 102
Richtlinien für Trinkwasserschutzgebiete; II. Teil:
Schutzgebiete für Talsperren [Standards for Drin-
king Water Protective Zones; Part II: Protective
Zones for Barrier Reservoirs]; April 2002

November 2002 15
ATV-DVWK-A 142E

DVGW W 403
Planungsregeln für Wasserleitungen und Was-
serrohrnetze [Planning Rules for Water Pipelines
and Water Networks]; January 1988
LAWA
Richtlinien für Heilquellenschutzgebiete [Stan-
dards for Protective Zones of Medicinal Springs];
January 1998

16 November 2002