You need to know this if you’re responsible for an RPZ valve

New requirements for RPZ testers came into force on the 1st of November

What’s changed?

By the 1^st of November 2026 all RPZ testers needed to revalidate their competency by updating their qualification.

Failure to do this would not only mean water undertakers would no longer consider them as competent to test but automatic suspension if they were a members of an approved contractor scheme.

This is a separate, additional requirement to the change in test equipment requirements which came into force on the 1^st of July 2026.

What should you do?

If an RPZ valve you are responsible for needs to be tested after the 31^st of October, make sure the tester you are using has this new qualification. It confirms their competency to test RPZ valves and report the results correctly which is a condition for an RPZ valve to be installed.

If you would prefer independent confirmation, please use the RPZ valve tester search on the WaterSafe Register website. This free to use website lists RPZ testers who belong to one of the approved contractor schemes which validate the competency of testers and suitability of their test kits.

If an RPZ tester is recognised on a site specific basis they won’t be listed. Typically, local water undertakers require these testers to obtain prior confirmation their reports will be acceptable – if in doubt contact your water undertaker.

Please note: ultimately, it is the local water undertaker’s decision whether an RPZ test report is acceptable.

Why do RPZ valves need to be tested?

RPZ valves are used to protect drinking water supplies from contamination by high risk substances, such as carcinogenic chemicals.

Needless to say, everyone wants to ensure drinking water remains safe which is why water suppliers insist on regular testing to confirm RPZ valves are working properly. The method of testing, competency of those testing, equipment they must use and reporting test results, are all set out in a legal document, the RPZ AIM.