What are they and how do they affect you?
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
What are the Water Fittings Regulations?
The Water Fittings Regulations, are national requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. Their purpose is to prevent waste, misuse, undue consumption, or erroneous measurement of water and, most importantly to prevent contamination of drinking water.
Where do they apply?
All plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using equipment in all types of premises supplied or to be supplied from the public water supply come under the regulations. The regulations apply from the point where the water enters the property’s underground service pipe. Premises without a public water supply connection are not governed by these regulations, although following the requirements of the regulations will help safeguard other water supplies in the same manner.
Who has to comply with the Regulations?
Owners and occupiers of premises and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings have a legal duty to ensure that the systems satisfy the regulations. In most cases advanced notice must be given of proposed installations, so architects, building developers and plumbers have to follow the regulations on behalf of the future owners or occupiers.
Enforcement
The Government requires water suppliers to enforce the regulations. Water Suppliers can provide copies of their enforcement policies. Water suppliers will undertake inspections of new and existing installations to check that the regulations are being met. Where breaches of the regulations are found, the water supplier will require them to be remedied as soon as practicable. Where breaches pose a risk to health, the water supply to the premises may be disconnected immediately to protect the health of occupants or others fed from the same public supply. It is a criminal offence to breach the regulations and offenders may face prosecution.
How do the regulations affect you?
- Your plumbing system must be installed and maintained to comply with the regulations.
- You must prevent contamination of drinking water.
- You must give advanced notification of installation work.
- You will benefit from using an Approved Plumbing Contractor.
Click here to get a copy of the regulations and further advice.