What is compliance to UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and how can we help?

UK WATER SUPPLY (WATER FITTINGS) REGULATIONS 1999

Regulation 4 is one of many and varied laws, guidelines, rules and regulations governing the work of architects and designers today. Like anything that’s in place to protect the safety of the public and other building users, architects and designers ignore Regulation 4 at their peril. So what is it? And how can you ensure compliance? Let’s get into it...

What is Regulation 4?

Regulation 4 is a key part of the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. It governs the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems to prevent contamination of the water supply. Regulation 4 applies to any product which carries drinking water (wholesome water). This means water suitable for drinking, cooking, food preparation and washing, without posing any danger to human health. Its purpose is to ensure such products do not cause waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of the water supply.

In practical terms, this means that every component used in a plumbing system – from pipes and taps to water fountains and ice makers – must meet strict safety standards to protect public health.

What's the significance of Regulation 4 as a legal requirement?

Regulation 4 ensures that any water fittings used in new builds or renovations comply with the safety standards necessary to maintain the quality of the water supply. For architects, designers and contractors, compliance is not optional: failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, delays in project completion or, in extreme cases, legal action.

This not only protects consumers but also ensures the efficient use of water, supporting the UK’s long-term sustainability goals, which aim to help achieve the availability of an estimated 4,800 million extra litres of water needed per day by 2050.

There have been instances of fines and prosecutions related to breaches of the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, although specific cases related solely to Regulation 4 may not always be heavily publicized. However, failure to comply with these regulations can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage, project delays or legal action due to the risk of contamination or damage to the public water supply.

Why should architects and designers pay close attention?

Architects and designers play a pivotal role in the specification process, and compliance with Regulation 4 should be at the forefront of their minds when selecting products for a project. By choosing fittings that meet these legal standards, they not only protect the end-users but also safeguard their own professional reputation. Specifying compliant products ensures peace of mind for everyone involved in the project.

Additionally, water companies have the authority to refuse connection or even to disconnect water supplies if non-compliant products are used. This alone can have serious financial implications for developers or contractors, as any delays caused by non-compliance can lead to penalties for project delays, reputational damage and additional costs to replace or rectify non-compliant installations.

That’s why it’s crucial for architects and designers to work closely with suppliers who understand and adhere to these regulations, minimising risk and ensuring the smooth progression of a project.

Who is legally responsible for ensuring products are compliant?

Responsibility for compliance with Regulation 4 falls on several parties, including the installer, who is ultimately legally responsible as soon as the water is switched on and starts to flow. However, the owner of the building, the manufacturers, architects and designers also have a duty to ensure the products specified meet the necessary standards.

What certifications do i need to look for?

For years, WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) was the go-to certification to demonstrate compliance with Regulation 4 and there is a common misconception in the marketplace that WRAS is the only body that can be used. However, KIWA and NSF offer independent certifications that are legally accepted by water authorities in the UK.

The NSFreg4 and KUKreg4 (KIWA) frameworks provide the legally required testing and certification demanded by Regulation 4, and therefore demonstrate full compliance with the exact same levels of product approval as WRAS. This variety in certification bodies offers more flexibility for architects and designers when specifying products, without compromising on quality or compliance.

Put another way, architects and designers who limit projects to those products approved by WRAS are reducing the scope of what can ultimately be delivered. By stipulating the broader Regulation 4 instead, they can open up the specification to a much more varied pool of products and suppliers, offering greater potential in the finished project while remaining fully compliant with the regulations.

How do I ensure that products are compliant? 

To confirm that a supplier's products meet the standards of Regulation 4, start by looking for clear compliance indicators. Most compliant products will feature a certification logo on their packaging, which signifies that the product has undergone testing and is safe for use in drinking water systems in the UK.

The most authoritative way to check for compliance is to check the relevant online compliance directory – that is WRAS, NSF or KIWA. See the links below to their respective websites.  

NSF DIRECTORY     

WRAS DIRECTORY    

KIWA DIRECTORY    

Why you can always trust Ideal Standard?  

At Ideal Standard, we take Regulation 4 compliance very seriously. Firstly, we ensure the non-metallic materials we select are compliant to BS6920 and metallic materials are selected from a positive list of the 4MS scheme, all to ensure our products are not harmful to human health.

Then, all of our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet or exceed the legal standards set out in the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. Whether certified through WRAS, KIWA or NSF, we ensure our products are fully compliant and ready for installation in any project, large or small.

With Ideal Standard, you get more than just a name you can trust; you get certified assurance that the products you specify meet the highest standards of safety and quality. So why choose anyone else?

Read about our Standards

Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) Reg 4 guidance

Tom Reynolds explains the importance of compliance with regulation 4 and the common misconceptions