Heat energy recovery/exchange systems
Protecting public health
Minimising the risk of contaminated fluids coming into contact with water to be used for domestic purposes is a key objective of the water fittings regulations/byelaws. In keeping with this principle, where there is considered to be a contamination risk this is either mitigated by avoidance or safeguards such as installing backflow protection.
Enforcement
Depending upon their design and fluids involved, heating and cooling systems which make use of heat recovery or exchange, including but not limited to those listed below, pose different potential contamination risks.
In enforcing the regulations/byelaws water undertakers take a risk based and proportionate approach. Enforcement policies cite the need to be transparent, consistent, targeted and accountable.
Mindful of the need to ensure sufficient safeguards are in place to address the possibility of drinking water supplies coming into contact with fluids which are not considered to be wholesome, in determining whether water fittings/systems making use of heat recovery or exchange are compliant with regulation 4(1) the following factors will be taken into consideration. Please note decisions will be taken on a case by case basis.
Please note: pipework supplying water for domestic use should be external to and separate from wastewater pipework. It should not be sealed within a fitting which conveys wastewater unless the local water undertaker has been notified and given consent.
Uncontrolled if downloaded. This is informative, non-statutory guidance and intended for general guidance purposes only; it is subject to change.
Compliance with this information should not be relied upon as guaranteeing no enforcement action will be taken by water undertakers. Water Regs UK accepts no liability for loss, indirect or consequential loss arising from or in connection with this guidance document.
