Water Supply Industry Interpretations and Advice
Full list of Interpretations and Advice
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Risk assessment
Title: Laboratories – risk of contamination by backflow
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B01 00.51.10
Decision Date: October 2000
Text: In general, laboratories should be regarded as presenting the highest level of backflow risk (Fluid Category 5) unless, following a risk assessment, there is evidence to the contrary. However, arising from Health and Safety restrictions which should be in place, the laboratories of secondary schools can be considered less than a Category 5 risk.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: RPZ Valves
Title: RPZ valves - record keeping
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.7
Reference Number:B02 00.52.02 & 02.33.02
Decision Date: Oct 2000 & June 2002
Text: Where an RPZ valve (Type BA device) is no longer necessary for backflow protection, it can be left in place but should be recorded as "Not required". In the event that it was once again required, it would require regular testing. In those instances where RPZ valves are used for backflow prevention for backflow risks below fluid category 4, the Water Supplier should inspect the installation. It is preferable, but not obligatory, that the Water Supplier should maintain records of the installation.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Emergency supplies
Title: Renal Dialysis units – emergency water supplies to hospitals
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.1
Reference Number:B03 01.05.04
Decision Date: February 2001
Text: An acceptable arrangement, in an emergency, for the direct connection of a hospital renal dialysis unit to a supply pipe, bypassing the normal storage cistern, is via a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve (Type BA device), designating the system a fluid category four risk. A maintenance routine would be required that not only includes the RPZ valve, but also necessitates the regular flushing of the deadlegs up-stream and down-stream of the valve. Any hospital seeking to install such an arrangement should be advised to first establish that the supply pipe pressure is adequate for the supply via an RPZ valve. Hospitals are advised not to place reliance on a continuous mains supply.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Steam ovens – catering equipment
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B04 01.06.02
Decision Date: February 2001
Text: Steam ovens that are pressurised are to be classified as Fluid Category 5. Unpressurised steam ovens may be regarded as Fluid Category 3 - with protection by a double check valve or equivalent device.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Dry cleaning machines
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B05 01.22.04
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: The closed circuit cooling system in dry cleaning machines should be regarded as a Fluid Category 2 risk, unless or until circumstances arise that indicate a need for a review of the classification by the Water Supplier.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Backflow risk in dog and cat kennels
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B06 01.22.05
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: Hose union taps and washing machines for use at dog and cat kennels should be regarded as a Fluid Category 5 risk, because of the risk of human pathogens such as Cryptosporidium in animal body fluids and wastes.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Pressure washers
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B07 01.22.02
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: Pressure washers used for cleaning commercial hire plant and supplied by a 15mm bib tap which is connected to the mains supply, should be regarded as a Fluid Category 4 risk. A risk assessment should be carried out to establish if the risk may be higher, especially where the equipment or location to be cleaned could be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Use of 'Fluid Category 5'
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B08 01.22.03
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: The backflow risk classification “Fluid Category 5” should be reserved for examples of the worst backflow hazard. An indiscriminate categorisation of hazards as “Fluid Category 5” can compromise the classification system.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Filling loops
Title: Rapid filling of heating and cooling systems in non-domestic premises
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G24.2
Reference Number:B09 01.42.14
Decision Date: October 2001
Text: Where vented or unvented closed circuit heating or chilled water cooling systems are required to be rapidly filled for the purpose of flushing or initial filling after installation or after drain-down for major maintenance, it is permissible to use a temporary flexible filling loop connection from a supply pipe with backflow protection. Backflow protection is required to be by one double check valve installed on the connection point to the supply pipe, with an optional additional double check valve installed on the connection to the closed circuit filling point. The temporary filling loop must be removed after the filling is complete and before the system is pressurised. Routine topping up of the closed circuit during normal operation must be carried out with the backflow protection required by the Regulations.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Washbasins in hairdressing saloons.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B10 01.42.13
Decision Date: October 2001
Text: Washbasins used in hairdressing salons should be regarded as fluid category three, permitting the use of a double check valve or equivalent device as backflow protection for a flexible hose used with the washbasins.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Temporary supplies
Title: Dosing equipment - temporary connection under the provision of Regulation 2(2).
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 2(2)
Reference Number:B11 02.09.03
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: The provisions of Regulation 2(2), in exempting from the Regulations certain temporary water supply connections, do not permit a chemical dosing unit to be intermittently connected to a hose union tap without the use of proper backflow protection related to the fluid risk posed by the chemicals. Regulation 2(2) applies to temporary water supplies e.g. for building construction purposes.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Flushing water systems prior to commissioning
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B12 02.07.11
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: The Fluid Category risk of a newly installed water plumbing system before flushing and commissioning is considered to be not more than Fluid Category 3. Rapid filling of the system would be permitted using a temporary connection by means of a hose of no greater than 25mm (1”) diameter, protected against backflow by a double check valve, unless a risk assessment, taking into account specific circumstances, indicates that a higher level of backflow protection is required.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Swimming pools in domestic and non-domestic premises and hose union taps
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B13 02.07.29
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Hose union taps for use in connection with swimming pools in domestic premises should be considered as requiring a verifiable double check valve or equivalent as a means of backflow protection and should have a self-closing trigger outlet. For pools in non-domestic premises, a minimum of a Fluid Category 4 protection device is required for the hose tap.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Baths – residential care accommodation
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B14 02.07.06
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Thermostatic Mixing Valves on supplies to baths and showers in residential accommodation classified as providing "Care in the Community" should be regarded as a Fluid Category 3 risk, unless a risk assessment indicates the likelihood of contamination greater than normal than that which may be found in domestic premises.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Fence-cleaning chemical spray equipment directly connected to mains
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B15 02.07.08
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Assessment of the backflow risk of the chemicals used by the Sadolin Clean & Protect System for cleaning and re-colouring wooden fences indicated a fluid category three risk. To use it as intended by the makers, with a hose union tap fed directly from the mains, requires backflow protection by a double check valve. No other chemicals should be used in the spray dispenser.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Maintaining supplies
Title: Cross connections - permissible arrangements
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: R14.2
Reference Number:B16 02.07.15
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Text amended September 2005 Ref: 05.39.14 This interpretation does not give justification for cross-connections in general. Where a storage cistern is normally used to provide continuity of the supply of wholesome water and is not required to provide backflow protection against contamination risks greater than fluid category three, in order to maintain a supply of water for domestic, food production or healthcare purposes in an emergency, a cross-connection to bypass the cistern, between a mains water supply pipe and a distributing pipe from the outlet of the cistern, will be deemed as complying with the Regulations, providing the connection is protected by an approved double check valve or equivalent Fluid Category 3 backflow protection device. The connection between the supply pipe and the distributing pipe should be as short as possible and assurances should be sought from users of the premises that there is a procedure in place, such as a flushing regime, for operating the bypass to minimize contamination from the effect of any dead legs and to prevent backflow. Where a pump with a design output of greater than 12 litres/mm is installed on the distributing pipe from the storage cistern, the cross connection of the supply pipe to the distributing pipe must not be made upstream of (i.e. before) the pump, without written consent from the local water supplier as required by Regulation (Byelaw) 5. A network analysis may need to be carried out on the distribution network at the customer’s expense to ensure that the pump will not have a detrimental effect on other outlets connected to the supply pipe or on the supplies of other customers connected to the water main.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Dishwashing machines in small nursing homes
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B17 02.07.04
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: In small nursing homes and other similar establishments, subject to a risk assessment based on local circumstances, a lower category of backflow protection than the usual Fluid Category 5 for healthcare premises can be accepted for dishwashing machines. The risk assessment should show that the need of the residents for healthcare does not result in a risk of contamination by backflow which is unacceptable for a lesser level of protection.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fire sprinklers
Title: Fire sprinkler systems – backflow protection of domestic water supplies
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B18 02.07.03
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Where a fire sprinkler system is connected to the supply pipe used for domestic purposes (i.e. without additives), there should be backflow protection by a device rated to at least fluid category two (e.g. by a single check valve) at every branch to the sprinkler system.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Maintaining an air gap
Title: Pre-rinse spray units for catering use
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B19 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: A hose and trigger-operated spray attachment of a catering pre-rinse unit did not require additional backflow protection provided it was installed to comply with the requirement for an AUK3 air gap and the unit was not damaged or altered such that the outlet did not compromise the air gap, for example by remaining below the spillover level of the sink. The AUK3 air gap thus provided gave backflow protection against the fluid category five risk which the sink represents. Where on inspection of premises it was found that the air gap had been compromised, alternative means of providing the backflow protection should be required by the Water Supplier’s enforcement staff.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Flexible hoses
Title: Retaining rings for backflow protection of flexible shower hoses
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B20 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: Constraining the outlet of a flexible shower hose from being placed below the spillover level of the shower tray or bath by means of a retaining ring is an acceptable means of backflow prevention in domestic and hotel bathrooms, but unacceptable where the fluid category risk could obviously be judged as being more severe, for instance, in a mortuary.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Flexible hoses
Title: Flexible hoses used in catering premises for vegetable preparation
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B21 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: Hoses used in vegetable preparation areas in catering establishments should be considered as fluid category 5 and therefore require an air gap – either AUK3 or supply via a suitable storage cistern.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Water heaters
Title: Filling and topping up heating system primary circuits.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3 and G24.2
Reference Number:B22 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: Heating system appliances of any size in purely domestic premises, and single appliances or combinations of appliances rated at an output of not more than 45kW (150,000 Btu/hr) in other types of premises (such as small offices), should be regarded as a fluid category three backflow risk. For such appliances, a temporary filling loop with a double check valve for backflow protection is permitted, the filling loop being disconnected when it is not in use. The double check valve must be installed before the filling loop and remain on supply pipe connection when the loop is disconnected. For appliances above this heating output, in other than a house, the filling system would require fluid category four protection.]
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Backflow protection
Title: Temporary water supplies to agricultural shows and festivals etc.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 2(2) and G15.5
Reference Number:B23 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: Where these supplies are temporary, i.e. less than one month, the Regulations should be considered to have been complied with where there is a simple written agreement setting out the conditions of use and backflow prevention measures, broadly in line with the provisions of Regulation 2(2) i.e. the water supply is metered and the supplier’s main is protected against backflow, with all taps for supply of water for domestic purposes protected by a double check valve or equivalent protection.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Glass washers
Title: Glass washing machines
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B24 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: Counter-top or under-counter cabinet type washers used for washing drinking glasses in bars etc. are accepted as being in fluid category three where they represent no greater risk than domestic dishwashing machines.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Fluid category
Title: Cement batching plant
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:B25 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: Cement batching plant which could contain cement, additives and aggregate being mixed with water, is accepted as being in Fluid Category 4, permitting the use of an RPZ valve for its backflow protection. The valve should be tested either on relocation of the plant between building sites or at six-monthly intervals, whichever is more frequent.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Secondary backflow protection
Title: Secondary backflow protection for Caravan and residential park homes
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.24a
Reference Number:B26 03.06.12
Decision Date: February 2003
Text: Where caravan holiday homes (static caravans) and residential park homes, located at the same elevation, are supplied by a common supply pipe or distributing network, secondary backflow protection is not obligatory unless a site risk assessment indicates a need. Where they are situated at different elevations, secondary backflow protection is required, unless a site risk assessment indicates there is some other adequate backflow protection.
Area of Interest: Backflow prevention
Topic: Backflow protection
Title: Backflow protection for water supplies to construction sites
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15
Reference Number:B27
Decision Date: May 2008
Text: This information is only available as a downloadable pdf file. To download the file, please click on the link below.
Area of Interest: Disputes
Topic: Resolving disputes
Title: Advice on disputes and arbitration
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 13
Reference Number:D01 02.16.02
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Where a dispute exists between any person and the Water Supplier arising from (a) the granting of consent in response to notification or (b) the refusal by the Water Supplier to apply to the Regulator for a relaxation, Regulation/Byelaw 13 sets out a procedure for resolving the matter. Where customers have grievances over other Regulations matters, they will need to use a different means of resolving them. WRAS offers one informal means of resolution by discussing the issues with each party and seeking to establish a mutually acceptable and consistent interpretation. WRAS can be contacted by telephone, letter or e-mail to request its involvement. The Water Supplier has the responsibility to enforce the Regulations in its area of supply and may need to seek an interpretation of the Regulations from the courts by bringing a prosecution, where other means fail to resolve disputes. (Regulation 13).
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Stopcocks
Title: Need for boundary stopcocks
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G10.3
Reference Number:I01 00.53.15
Decision Date: October 2000
Text: Where an Intex or an equivalent meter box is mounted on the wall of a property thereby supplanting the need for a boundary stopcock, one legal interpretation based upon sections 46(6), 158(4) and 163(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991 is that a boundary stopcock is still required. However, this interpretation is not shared by Ofwat and some Water Suppliers.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Preventing cross connection
Title: Inappropriate use of blue coloured pipe
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G14.1
Reference Number:I02 01.05.14
Decision Date: February 2001
Text: To prevent blue colour-coded pipe being used for inappropriate purposes – conveying sewage etc., Local Authorities should be encouraged to add conditions to Licences for Road Opening prohibiting incorrect uses.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Pressure testing
Title: Plastics pipes - test requirements.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G12.3
Reference Number:I03 01.22.08
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: The Regulations offer a choice of methods for pressure testing of plastics pipe systems. The selection of either Test A, requiring the rapid pressurisation of the system and subsequent inspection for pressure loss and leaks or Test B, pressurisation and monitoring of pressure drop, shall be a matter for the Water Supplier.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Stop valves
Title: Stop valves – for two or more premises with common supply or distributing pipes
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G10.3, G10.4
Reference Number:I04 01.22.09
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: For two or more separately-occupied premises supplied by a common supply or distributing pipe, if a key operated, emergency shut-off valve is installed which is under the control of a building supervisor on a 24 hour per day basis, an individual site assessment could conclude that Clauses G 10.3 and G 10.4 of the Department’s Guidance were satisfied with regard to the location of stop-valves to multi-occupancy buildings
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Pipes
Title: Location of pipes under solid floors
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G 7.1
Reference Number:I05 01.22.07
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: The requirement for satisfactory installation of pipes under solid floors shall be one length of pipe (i.e. without joints) or, alternatively, the installation should undergo a satisfactory pressure test witnessed by the Water Supplier's inspector.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Contamination
Title: Ban on lead-based solder – declaration from developer/installer
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G2.1
Reference Number:I06 01.49.03
Decision Date: October 2001
Text: Water Suppliers are encouraged to request developers and installers to include a signed statement, when making notification of plumbing plans, that lead-based solder will not be used for joints in plumbing systems which deliver water for domestic or food production purposes.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Water heaters - expansion water
Title: Isolation valves in expansion vessel pipework.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G17.1d
Reference Number:I07 02.07.12
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Examples have been found of multiple unvented water heaters connected via isolation valves to a common expansion vessel, in order to enable maintenance work to be carried out on one heater without draining down the system. A risk arises that if the isolation valve is not re-opened after a maintenance operation, the water which would otherwise be accommodated in the expansion vessel will be discharged to waste through the expansion valve. Where its staff are aware of it, the Water Supplier has a duty to advise customers in writing of the potential waste of water arising from this practice and to advise removal of the isolation valves.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Pipes
Title: Colour coding of supply pipes
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: R 2.1.6 & R14.1
Reference Number:I08 02.07.09
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Pipes buried within the boundary of a property must comply with the Regulations and should be colour-coded for identification purposes, whereas the Water Supplier’s pipes buried in the road are subject to the colour-coding conventions in the National Joint Utilities Group voluntary code of practice.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Water heaters - expansion water
Title: Mains fed water storage heaters of 15 litres or less.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G17.1d
Reference Number:I09 02.07.05
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Although it is excluded from the Guidance in G17.1d, manufacturers are advised that a water heater of 15 litres or less capacity, fed from the supply pipe, should be fitted with an approved expansion vessel or approved expansion valve. This is to prevent failure of the heat exchanger because of the inability of expansion water to return to the supply pipe if, as is usual, a check valve is installed upstream. An Installation and Requirement Note (IRN) will be added to relevant entries in the Water Fittings and Materials Directory.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Fittings
Title: Continued use of fittings lawfully installed under the former Water Supply Byelaws.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 2(4)
Reference Number:I10 02.07.16
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Regulation 2(4) (Byelaw 2(4)) has the effect of permitting nothing in the Regulations to require owners or occupiers of premises to alter fittings that were lawfully installed in accordance with the requirements of the former Byelaws in force at the time of installation. However, if in the reasonable opinion of the Water Supplier an unacceptable risk of contamination or waste of water exists as a result of these ‘lawfully installed’ fittings, the owner or occupier of the premises could be committing an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991 section73(1) or the equivalent legislation in Scotland. In such a case, the Water Supplier can require the necessary modification to the fittings to reduce the risk, e.g. to require a level of backflow protection which meets the requirements of the Regulations in force now. In enforcing the former byelaws, where they felt that local circumstances warranted it, some Water Suppliers allowed alternative arrangements to those generally illustrated in the Water Supply Byelaws Guide at that time. If improvement is now considered necessary, the apparent exemption for such existing alternative arrangements (i.e. ‘fittings which were lawfully installed under Byelaws’) does not apply. Even with such previously agreed terms, the Water Supplier can require (and in default of action by the owner or occupier, install) improvements if it considers that it is now necessary to meet the assessed risk. However, Water Suppliers are advised to examine any written terms for the alternative arrangements which had been agreed with owners or occupiers, as they may constrain the Water Supplier’s ability to require the owner or occupier to bear the expense of meeting higher standard provision now.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Accessibility of pipework
Title: Accessibility of supply pipes passing through premises in multi-occupancy.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G7.1 & G10.2
Reference Number:I11 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: Where a supply pipe passes through one occupancy to another, it should be protected from impact damage and have adequate frost protection and be installed in a continuous service duct. This could include the use of a purpose-made wooden duct with pipes held by clips at intervals. It should be possible to remove pipe work for repair or maintenance.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Stop valves
Title: Provision and location of common or separate supply stop valves in buildings
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G10.3 and G10.4
Reference Number:I12 02.33.02
Decision Date: June 2002
Text: A stop valve is required either inside or immediately outside the premises on the supply pipe to comply with the Guidance Clauses G10.3 and G10.4 and Diagram G10.4a. The addition of an external stop valve on the supply pipe to the premises, fitted at the boundary of the property, should be considered good practice, but not mandatory.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Servicing valves
Title: Hose union taps considered as service valves
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G11.1
Reference Number:I13 03.06.05
Decision Date: February 2003
Text: Hose union bib taps, where solely used to isolate the flow of water to an appliance, as for example with dishwashers and washing machines in domestic premises, can be considered to be servicing valves.
Area of Interest: Installation
Topic: Discharge pipes
Title: Discharges from condensing boilers
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G19.4
Reference Number:I14 03.06.07
Decision Date: February 2003
Text: The expansion relief valve and the condensate discharge pipes of condensing boilers must be arranged so that their outlets can be observed to have satisfactory air gaps above any tundish which conveys the discharge and so that a discharge from either one can be observed independently of the other.
Area of Interest: Installation / Water Quality
Topic: Disinfection of pipework
Title: Time elapsed before re-disinfection
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G12.3
Reference Number:IWQ01 02.07.10
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Where disinfection of supply pipework or pipework in buildings is considered to be required, and the disinfected pipework is not commissioned and used within 30 days of successfully completing the initial disinfection, the disinfection process should be repeated before it is commissioned if a risk assessment shows that this is necessary.
Area of Interest: Non-compliance
Topic: Crown immunity
Title: Application of the regulations to premises previously covered by Crown immunity
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 2(2)
Reference Number:NC01 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: It is considered likely that any properties that had been under Crown immunity had been instructed by their authorities to comply with the then current byelaws, but in the instances of infringements relating to the risk of contamination, modifications could be required. Other improvements could be required only where installation or modification took place after 1st December 2000, when Crown immunity was withdrawn by the Government.
Area of Interest: Non-compliance
Topic: Timescale for improvements
Title: Proportionality and timescales in requiring compliance
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G15.3
Reference Number:NC02 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: Where a Water Supplier required improvements to a plumbing system which failed to comply with the requirements for backflow protection, taking into account the Water Supplier’s duty of “due diligence” to enforce the Regulations, it was acceptable to apply a pragmatic approach to the timescale for completion of the improvements where they involved technically-complex or expensive solutions, subject to the level of risk of backflow being less than fluid category 5, the provision of additional temporary protection as an interim measure, where appropriate, and an agreement that the required improvements would be completed by an agreed date. In the event that the premises user refused to honour the agreement and declined to install a new machine at the appointed time, legal proceedings might have to be undertaken to enforce the Regulations.
Area of Interest: Notification
Topic: Fire sprinklers
Title: Fire sprinkler systems - adequate water supply
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 5
Reference Number:N01 01.03.12
Decision Date: February 2001
Text: There is no requirement in the Regulations for householders to notify the Water Supplier of an intention to install a fire sprinkler system if it is to be installed as an extension to an existing domestic system. However, consultation between householder and Water Supplier is strongly recommended and is endorsed by the British Standard 'Draft for Development', DD 251: 2000. It should be noted that the flow rate of water required by a sprinkler system may exceed that available from the water main and the sprinkler system may function inadequately. The British Standards Institute has been alerted to the possible problems involved in water supplies to domestic sprinklers. The Water Suppliers are represented in technical and policy discussions with the National Fire Sprinkler Association to develop suitable and safe systems.
Area of Interest: Notification
Topic: Details of notifiable work
Title: Notification of alterations – exemption for minor work
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 5
Reference Number:N02 02.15.05
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Prior notification has to be given to the Water Supplier of proposed alterations or extensions of water systems in non-domestic premises (Regulation 5, Table, Item 2). However, for minor work on extensions and alterations to existing plumbing systems in non-domestic premises, the Water Supply Industry deems that the notification requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws 2000 (Scotland) will be satisfied, without prior notification being given, where the following requirements are met: (i) The modification of any pipework is confined to extending or altering a pipe run to a maximum alteration of 3 metres, using pipe of no greater diameter than that of the pipe to which it is attached; and (ii) The proposed repositioning or alteration of any existing fitting or appliance does not increase the backflow risk associated with it. The fitting or appliance must have adequate backflow protection, in compliance with the Regulations; and (iii) No new fitting or appliance which is to be installed as part of the extension or alteration has a backflow risk greater than fluid category three nor is listed in item 4 of the Table in Regulation/Byelaw 5. Where these requirements are not met in proposed extensions or alterations to existing plumbing systems in non-domestic premises, the notification will be required, as laid down in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws 2000 (Scotland).
Area of Interest: Notification
Topic: Approved Contractors
Title: Approved Contractors exemption from Notification and Compliance Certificates.
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 5; Regulation 6(2); G15.7
Reference Number:N03 02.08.02
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Under Regulations 5(1) and (2), an Approved Contractor does not have to give advanced notification of the proposed installation of certain work as follows:- (a) the extension or alteration of a water system on any premises. (b) a bidet with an ascending spray or flexible hose. (c) a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly or other mechanical device for protection against a fluid which is in fluid category 4 or 5. However, it is a Water Industry requirement that prior notice of installation of an RPZ valve is given. For RPZ valves it is also a Water Industry requirement that details of the commissioning and testing of the valve must be provided to the Water Supplier. (See WRAS Information and Guidance Note 9-03-02, referred to in Government Guidance Clause G15.7). For all installations for which prior notification is required, Regulation 6(2) requires an Approved Contractor to send to the Water Supplier a certificate stating that the installation work carried out complies with the requirements of the Regulations. The Regulations therefore do not require certificates to be sent to the Water Supplier for installation by Approved Contractors of items (a), (b) and (c) above. However, Approved Contractors are advised to check the terms and conditions of their Scheme because some schemes still require these certificates to be sent to the Water Supplier.
Area of Interest: Relaxations
Topic: Consistency
Title: Seeking national Water Supply Industry support
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 11. Byelaw 11
Reference Number:R01 01.44.03
Decision Date: October 2001
Text: A Water Supplier wishing to seek a Relaxation of the Regulations, (or Byelaws in Scotland,) should advise WRAS in advance so that the Industry as a whole can consider the proposal and, if appropriate, be seen by the Regulator, the Industry’s customers and by developers and installers to be promoting consistency by jointly supporting the relaxation.
Area of Interest: Requirements for Water Fittings
Topic: Interruption to water supply
Title: Electric water heaters - continuity of supply
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 4(1)(b)
Reference Number:RWF1 01.25.01
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: It is a matter for the EU Electrical Products Directive and associated Regulations and not primarily a matter of responsibility for the Water Supplier where an electric water heater connected to the mains water supply is damaged when the water supply is temporarily interrupted. Such interruptions, although rare, can occur and reference can be made to the requirement that "Every water fitting shall ….. be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used".
Area of Interest: Use of water
Topic: Fire sprinklers
Title: Provision of water for fire sprinkler systems in domestic premises
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: -
Reference Number:UW01 00.53.09
Decision Date: October 2000
Text: Guidance provided by the Loss Prevention Council (LPC) supports the use of fire sprinkler systems for domestic premises. Under the Water Industry Act, Water Suppliers have a duty to provide water for fire fighting purposes, but its use for fire-fighting in domestic premises does not come under the normal provision of water supplied for domestic purposes.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Preventing contamination
Title: Standpipes
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 3(2)
Reference Number:WQ01 00.28.05
Decision Date: June 2000
Text: The use of standpipes frequently gives rise to the problem of discoloured water. Water Suppliers may invoke Section 174 of the Water Industry Act 1991, “Interference with works etc” in instances of any misuse of a standpipe.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Preventing contamination
Title: Taste of TCP from flexible hoses
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 3(2)
Reference Number:WQ02 00.29.19
Decision Date: June 2000
Text: House builders and developers are encouraged to install a single check valve on supplies to washing and dishwashing machines due to the problem, frequently encountered by customers, of a ‘TCP’ taste to water from both their cold and hot water taps, arising from the interaction of chlorine with unsuitable rubber flexible hoses.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Maintaining wholesomeness
Title: Chemical dosing equipment for maintaining water quality
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G26.1
Reference Number:WQ03 00.53.03
Decision Date: October 2000
Text: Where equipment for continuous dosing of chemicals, such as chlorine dioxide, is proposed for use by owners or occupiers to maintain water supply quality in premises (e.g. to protect against the growth of Legionella bacteria), dosed water must be wholesome if used for drinking, cooking or food production purposes. Where chlorine dioxide is to be used for this purpose, to ensure that dosed water is wholesome, the following conditions should be met by the operators of the equipment: a) there should be evidence of the quality of the chlorine dioxide and its concentration e.g. use of chemicals with current DWI ‘Regulation 25’ approval; b) there should be evidence of the effectiveness of the control of flow and chemical dosing device(s) i.e. evidence of the stability of the proportional control of chlorine dioxide against typical water flow rates that would be encountered in practice; c) there should be evidence demonstrating that the 0.5 mg/l concentration of chlorine dioxide, chlorate and chlorite is not exceeded. This would require chemical analysis, for chlorine dioxide, chlorites and chlorates, of water samples from trial installations extending over several weeks. d) there should be a programme for regular chemical analysis of chlorine dioxide, and, where significant background concentrations in the mains water supply justified it, by the measurement of chlorites and chlorates in the proposed installation. Where these conditions are met, the chlorine dioxide dosing equipment is considered to be fluid category three and must have a suitable backflow protection for the connection feeding it. If these conditions are not met, it is recommended that the Water Supplier should inform the owner and occupier that drinking water taps supplied directly off the supply pipe should be installed in convenient locations and clear instructions should be given that taps supplied with dosed water should not be used for drinking, cooking or food production purposes. In the event of reluctance by the owner or occupier of the premises to act accordingly, the Environmental Health Officer should be advised. These conditions could be used as a model for acceptability of other types of chemical dosing equipment used for similar purposes.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Pressure testing and disinfection
Title: Changing premises from private water supplies to public supplies
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 2(1)
Reference Number:WQ04 02.07.07
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: If necessary on the grounds of possible contamination, in premises where a private water supply is to be replaced by a mains water supply, the plumbing system should be brought up to the legal requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations and then be pressure tested and, if necessary disinfected, before connection is made to the mains supply.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Liability
Title: Dosing equipment - responsibility
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G27.1
Reference Number:WQ05 02.07.33
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: A Water Supplier is not liable if secondary dosing equipment installed in premises fails or becomes defective. Responsibility for maintaining equipment to ensure the quality and safety of water supplies within the premises lies with the owner or occupier of the premises, even if Water Regulations consent for the installation of the dosing equipment has been granted by the Water Supplier.
Area of Interest: Water Quality
Topic: Contamination
Title: Preventing stagnation in a fire sprinkler system
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: Regulation 3(2)
Reference Number:WQ06 02.51.01
Decision Date: October 2002
Text: A fire sprinkler system for domestic properties which was designed to supply a WC from the end of sprinkler pipework, with the intention of preventing long-term stagnation of water which would otherwise occur in the sprinkler ‘dead-leg’, did not contravene the Regulations. However, there were concerns about a number of other elements of the system which related to the supply of water to it – e.g. the size of supply pipe required to provide adequate flow and pressure of water; the inability of a meter, designed for sprinkler flow rates, to detect small flows in the sprinkler system due to toilet flushing.
Area of Interest: WCs
Topic: Warning pipes
Title: Internal warning pipes (overflows)
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G25.8
Reference Number:WC01 00.32.03 & 00.54.11
Decision Date: June & October 2000
Text: The use of internal warning pipes (standing overflows) in WC flushing cisterns, such that overflowing water is discharged into the back of the WC pan, is accepted as an equally effective device to an external warning pipe. This acceptance is subject to (a) the cistern inlet valve being of a type which meets the performance requirements of the Regulators’ WC Specification and (b) inlet valves of a compact type (e.g. those manufactured to BS1212 Part 4) having a strainer fitted up-stream of the float operated valve to trap debris (swarf etc.) which might cause premature failure of the valve.
Area of Interest: WCs
Topic: Warning pipe
Title: WC cisterns - inappropriate use
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G25.8
Reference Number:WC02 01.22.06
Decision Date: June 2001
Text: Disposal of condensate water via a WC cistern and internal warning pipe (overflow) to a WC pan could be mistaken for a warning discharge and is not acceptable.
Area of Interest: WCs
Topic: Flushing performance
Title: WC pans - on site test of flushing effectiveness
Regulation/Byelaw Clause Reference: G25.11
Reference Number:WC03 02.10.02
Decision Date: February 2002
Text: Where there is the need to check the effectiveness of flushing of an already-installed WC which should meet the Regulators’ WC Specification, the Finnish Nordtest, Section 6.4.5A shall be used as an on-site test with the use, specifically, of Andrex toilet paper. Details of the test may be obtained from the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.