Any premises which have, or will have, a mains water supply, even it is only a backup supply have to comply with:
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014
An important item of public health legislation, their purpose is to protect drinking water supplies. Their objective is to prevent contamination, misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water. They do this by setting legal requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of water fittings, including water-using appliances.
The water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland are legal requirements which apply to all premises which have, or will have, a mains water supply, even it is only a backup supply.
An important item of public health legislation, their purpose is to protect drinking water supplies. Their objective is to prevent contamination, misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water. They do this by setting legal requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of water fittings, including water-using appliances.
Any premises with, or which will have, a mains water supply falls under the scope of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland.
These regulations/byelaws place a legal duty on the owners or occupiers of premises and anyone undertaking plumbing work for them to ensure all the applicable requirements are complied with. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
The water fittings regulations/byelaws apply to all premises with a mains water supply, even if it is only a backup supply arrangement.
They apply to all water fittings (both above and below ground) and water using appliances from the point where the mains water enters the property (usually the stop tap at the property boundary) to the point it is used by the consumer.
The current regulations/byelaws do not apply to plumbing systems which were lawfully installed under previous water fittings byelaws. However, water undertakers can require changes to be made to such systems under other legislation.
We all take it for granted when we turn the tap on there will be water and it will be safe to drink.
The water fittings regulations/byelaws exist to help ensure this is the case. Their purpose is to prevent customers plumbing systems contaminating and wasting drinking water supplies, an important public health measure to protect both those within the premises and the wider community.
The need for everyone to have access to clean, safe drinking water is why it is so important for those responsible for water fittings to ensure plumbing systems are compliant with all, not just some of the applicable parts of the regulations/byelaws.
Those responsible for water fittings should ensure plumbing systems are compliant with all, not just some of the applicable parts of the regulations/byelaws.
Water fittings themselves have to be compliant
Where, and the way in which water fittings are installed has to be compliant
How plumbing systems are used and maintained has to be compliant
Risk | Examples of measures which could be taken |
Water fittings, including water using appliances, contaminate or waste drinking water supplies | Ensure water fittings are of an appropriate quality and standard as well as suitable for installation |
Proposed changes to plumbing systems contaminate or waste drinking water supplies | Notification this is a simple and essential check which will highlight potential contamination or waste concerns Consider using an approved contractor |
Existing plumbing system installations: changes to, or the way they are operated contaminates or wastes drinking water supplies | Be aware of the legal obligations imposed by the water fittings regulations/byelaws, including the need to notify Ensure plumbing is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and any relevant regulatory requirements. Use the installation guidance published by the local water undertaker and Water Regs UK Consider using an approved contractor In the case of specific installation queries contact the local water undertaker for advice |
The current regulations/byelaws do not apply to plumbing systems which were lawfully installed under previous water fittings byelaws. However, water undertakers can require changes to be made to such systems under other items of legislation.
Water undertakers have a legal duty to enforce the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland, in their area of supply.
To check the requirements are being complied with water undertakers will carry out inspections and take enforcement action when contraventions/offences are identified.
For further details please refer to water undertakers’ enforcement policies.
A water company which has the statutory duty to supply water and/or sewerage services to premises within a specific geographical area.
Regulations & Byelaws which apply include but are not limited to:
Relevant guidance includes but is not limited to:
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