Archive
Below is a random selection of some of our older news articles and press releases.
If you are looking for something specific use the archive search below.

APLUS joins UK’s largest contractor scheme
27 May 2025APLUS, the Approved Plumber Scheme for Anglian Water, is the latest to become part of the UK’s largest approved contractor scheme – the Water Industry Approved Plumbers' Scheme (WIAPS). The move will make it even easier for consumers in the Anglian Water region to find qualified contractors, while enhancing the recognition and reach of the region’s approved plumbing professionals. WIAPS is

Consultation on draft 2024 RPZ AIM
10 Feb 2024The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, byelaws in Scotland, apply to all premises which have, or will have, a mains water supply. The purpose of these legal requirements being to safeguard drinking water supplies by preventing contamination, waste, misuse, undue consumption and erroneous measurement. On behalf of its subscribers (water undertakers who enforce the regulations and have the
Meet Water Regs UK
01 Apr 2021The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has separated its subscriptions and approvals activities into two separate businesses, Water Regs UK and the Water Regulations Approvals Scheme (WRAS). The move follows an internal review and a series of in-depth surveys of members, stakeholders and subscribers. The findings prompted the launch of the Water Regs UK and Water Regulations Approvals

WATCH: WRAS launches useful video on backflow prevention
15 Jan 2021WATCH: WRAS LAUNCHES USEFUL VIDEO ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS)has launched a new, informative video on preventing and identifying backflow in common domestic scenarios. Backflow is water moving in the wrong direction within a plumbing system. The video, which is live on the WRAS website and social media channels covers key information such as when backflow
WIAPS Education sector launched
28 Feb 2022Education membership sector is open to plumbing apprentices and to lecturers Application forms available via www.waterregsuk.co.uk Water Regs UK has launched the WIAPS Education Sector (Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme), aimed at plumbing apprentices working towards recognised qualifications or lectures teaching recognised qualifications. Water Regs UK administers WIAPS on behalf of 15
Qualified RPZ testers given reminder to join a scheme
22 Oct 2022Water Regs UK reports that a number of testers who have been trained in the new Approved Installation Method have not registered with an approved scheme. Meanwhile, two new qualifications have now been recognised by RPZ Valve Tester sector approval schemes, increasing access to RPZ Tester training for those who did not complete conversion training in 2020 Water Regs UK is urging qualified RPZ

How approved plumbers see work changing after the pandemic
14 Jul 2020A survey of approved plumbers by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has shown how they see the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the industry in the long term. Two thirds (68%) of those surveyed said things will change forever after the pandemic ends, with over half (59%) saying they expect social distancing and more stringent hygiene practices to continue indefinitely. The pandemic has also

WATCH: An exclusive look at how a water fitting is tested to become an 'Approved Product'
10 Jul 2019Waterfittings, such as taps, pipes and showers, must be of an appropriate quality and standard to comply with UK water fittings regulations and byelaws, and prevent water from being contaminated – and a WRAS Approval is one way of demonstrating that a water fitting complies with this requirement. To give an insight into how water fittings are tested , The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme
Plumbing projects are the number one diy disaster in UK homes
30 Mar 2022Survey reveals that plumbing professionals are called in more often than any other trade to fix a botched DIY job A new survey has confirmed that plumbers are the UK’s most used tradespeople when it comes to fixing problems caused by ‘have-a-go DIY-ers’. Water Regs UK compared a range of typical jobs that are carried out in UK homes and recorded how many people have tried but failed to complete

A third of plumbers cite cashflow as biggest concern during pandemic
15 Jun 2020A survey* of plumbers by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme ( WRAS ) has shown the true impact of Covid-19 on the industry. A third (30%) of those surveyed said cashflow was their biggest concern since the pandemic began, above worries about a family member getting ill (26%) and returning to business post lockdown (19%). These findings show just how hard lockdown restrictions have hit plumber