The history of the oldest technical and scientific gas and water association in the world is characterised by change and re-adjustments. The DVGW has always adapted its structure and organisational set-up to match the growing scope of our work, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing our position as a technical authority.

In the beginning there was gas...

The DVGW was founded in Frankfurt in 1859 as 'The Association of German Gas Experts and Agents of German Gas Works'. The Statutes stated the purpose of this association as follows: 'Firstly, to encourage closer personal acquaintance with other colleagues from the industry through regular annual meetings; secondly, to further the exchange of experience and ideas in the technical field and to help clarifying conflicting views through eye-to-eye discussions; and thirdly and finally, to carry out investigations and experiments.

... then came water...

The water industry joined the association in 1870, which thereafter called itself 'The Association of German Gas and Water Experts'. In 1882, it adopted the title 'German Association of Gas and Water Experts'.

At that time, the focus was on working out the scientific and technical fundamentals in order to solve the problems which arose as a central gas and water supply system was being set up in Germany's communities and cities.

... finally the female experts ...

In view of the fact that women are also actively working in the gas and water industry, the association in 1976 opted to change its name to 'DVGW - Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e.V. - Technisch-wissenschaftliche Vereinigung (German Association for Gas and Water, a registered association - technical-scientific association').

... and always at the hub of everything: honorary commitment.

A large number of active honorary workers - both male and female - contribute in reducing the DVGW's workload. These men and women draw up the DVGW Regulations in the various committees, and they contribute greatly to our vocational training programme. To honour their commitment, the DVGW, ever since it was founded, has awarded prizes to experts of outstanding merit.

The DVGW in the 21st century

The merger with DELIWA on January 1st 2000 was the DVGW's response to the fundamental restructuring activities going on in the public supplies industry. This merger caused the latest change in name, which now is 'DVGW Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e.V. - Technisch-wissenschaftlicher Verein (German Association for Gas and Water, a registered technical-scientific association)'. While this merger rounds off our range of services offered in the vocational training field and reflects our aim to streamline synergies even more efficiently, it also contributes towards reducing costs, to the benefit of the entire industry.