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Water Supply
(Water Fittings) Regulations
New Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, to be known as Water Regulations came into force on 1 July 1999. Domestic and non-domestic customers alike should know about these Regulations. We may all be affected by them one day.
The new Regulations have been introduced to make domestic, commercial and industrial customers aware of the serious risks to health should pollution of drinking water occur. This type of contamination is potentially the most harmful kind of environmental pollution. Owners and occupiers of domestic, commercial and industrial premises are responsible for their water systems. Incorrectly installed plumbing that creates contamination of the water supply would leave them liable for prosecution, fines and costs to enable the water system to become fit for drinking once again. These costs may be considerable. Water Regulations state that anyone installing new water fittings after 1 July 1999 must ensure that they are of the appropriate quality and standard and are properly installed. A properly installed plumbing system prevents drinking water being contaminated with water designed for other uses such as central heating, washing machines and dishwashers. Naturally, water used for industrial purposes could be a major threat to a drinking water supply line through incorrectly installed water systems and fittings.
Under these new Regulations, notice to your water supplier must be made prior to starting certain types of plumbing works. These include alterations and extensions in non-domestic premises, installations of swimming pools and the fitting of certain types of power showers in domestic dwellings. Water companies also promote a Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) whose members take on liability of their work carried out in your homes.
Frequently asked questions
- I have never heard of Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. What are they for?
- How do they affect me?
- What if I ignore the Regulations? The government are not likely to send someone to my door and check, are they?
- If I am found to have a plumbing system which has not been installed correctly, can I be made to put it right?
- I normally contact a plumber to carry out work in my home. What happens if the job is not done correctly?
- What were the byelaws and how do they differ from Regulations?
- Where can I get the Regulations and further advice?
I have never heard of Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. What are they for?
Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations replace what was previously known as Water Byelaws. They have been passed by the Government to protect your water supply from being contaminated by sub standard or incorrectly installed pipework and fittings. These Regulations will also prevent waste and misuse of water supplied by Water Companies.
Whether or not you are a domestic, industrial or commercial customer, every person installing a water fitting must do so in accordance with the Regulations. For example, you must advise your water supplier before you fit certain water treatment units, customised garden irrigation systems and high powered booster pumps.
Your water supplier may check your plumbing. UK legislation allows Water Company Officers to call and inspect any property to ensure that plumbing work has been installed correctly.
Yes, in certain circumstances. For example, if a plumbing system represents a risk to health through contamination, works to rectify would need to be put in place. In extreme cases, financial penalties can be imposed.
If the works are not notifiable to the Company and you doubt that the work has been carried out correctly contact your Water Supplier to inspect the work. If it is wrong, and you have used an approved plumber he can be made to put it right. Water Companies, on behalf of the Government, are promoting an Approved Plumbers Scheme where plumbers may register. These plumbers must meet a set standard of qualification and experience. Should an approved plumber carry out sub standard works, he could be struck off the Scheme's list.
What were the byelaws and how do they differ from Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations? Water Byelaws were made and enforced by Water Suppliers. The Government has decided that this should change. They now hold the responsibility for setting the rules for the water supply industry. Water Companies act as the inspecting body to make sure their Regulations are adhered to.
Where can I get the Regulations and further advice?
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and their schedules (SI 1999 No. 1148 and No. 1506) are available from the Stationery Office and the internet at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/stat.htm.
Information and guidance leaflets about Regulations are available from W.R.A.S. (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) or Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water.
W.R.A.S. provides an advisory service for and on behalf of the water supply industry and for any person or body seeking guidance on the principles of Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. Further detail can be obatined from the W.R.A.S. website below.
Useful contacts at Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water
Water Regulations Inspectorate (Notifications)
Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water
Keith Helsby
George Jessel House
Francis Avenue
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH11 8NX
Tel: 01202 591111
Direct Line: 01202 597109
Facsimile: 01202 597031
Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS):
As for WRAS above
The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS):
Fern Close, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Oakdale, Gwent NP11 3EH
Tel: 01495 248454
www.wras.co.uk
