Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 - UK Water Safety Standard
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 are UK legal requirements preventing water contamination and waste. They regulate all water fittings, appliances, and installations to protect public water supply quality and promote conservation.
Overview
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (often called "Water Regulations" or "Water Regs") are statutory requirements in England and Wales that regulate the design, installation, and maintenance of water fittings and water-using appliances. The primary objectives are to prevent contamination of public water supply, prevent waste or misuse of water, and prevent undue consumption of water. Unlike the Approved Documents which provide guidance, these Regulations have legal force and must be complied with. They apply to all water fittings installed after July 1, 1999, and any alterations to existing systems. The Regulations specify requirements for backflow prevention, water efficiency, pipe materials, system design, and notification procedures for certain installations. Water suppliers (water companies) enforce these Regulations and can require removal or modification of non-compliant installations. WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) provides approval for products and competent person schemes for installers.
Key Features
- Legal requirement to prevent backflow contamination of public water supply
- Backflow prevention device requirements based on fluid category risk assessment
- Water efficiency requirements including flow limiters and dual-flush toilets
- Prohibition of certain fittings and practices (e.g., single-check valves in high-risk locations)
- Notification requirements to water supplier for certain installations
- Requirements for water system design to prevent stagnation and Legionella growth
- Materials and product approval through WRAS certification
- Competent person self-certification schemes for installers
Applicability
The Water Fittings Regulations are primarily used by:
- Registered plumbers and installers for all water supply work
- Water companies (utilities) for enforcement and installation approval
- Building control for coordinating with plumbing installations
- Commercial kitchen designers for backflow prevention in catering equipment
- Facilities managers for compliance in existing buildings
- Product manufacturers for WRAS approval of fittings and appliances
- Competent person scheme operators for installer certification
Geographic Application: Apply in England and Wales. Scotland has separate regulations (Water Byelaws 2000 Scotland). Northern Ireland has distinct water service regulations.
Comparison Notes
- Standalone water quality law - Independent of Building Regulations but coordinates with Approved Document G
- Stricter backflow rules than US - More comprehensive fluid category system and backflow device requirements
- WRAS approval system - Product certification scheme unique to UK market
- Water supplier enforcement - Unlike US where building departments enforce plumbing codes
- Notification requirements - Must notify water supplier for certain installations before commencing work
Official Source: https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/