The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, No. 1148 (as amended)

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 is a legislation in the United Kingdom that sets out specific requirements and standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of water fittings and systems within properties. The main purpose of these regulations is to ensure the safe and efficient supply of water and to prevent contamination of the water supply.

The regulations establish various requirements for water fittings and systems, including plumbing appliances, pipes, fittings, and fixtures, to ensure they are properly designed and installed to prevent backflow, cross-connections, and other potential hazards that could compromise the quality and safety of the water supply. This includes measures to prevent the risk of contamination, waste, undue consumption, and incorrect measurement of water.

The regulations apply to a wide range of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This encompasses both new installations and modifications to existing systems, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the specified standards in order to maintain the integrity of the water supply network and protect public health.

To enforce these regulations, relevant authorities and agencies may conduct inspections and assessments to ensure that water fittings and systems are in line with the stipulated requirements. Non-compliance can result in penalties and corrective measures to bring installations up to the required standards.

In essence, The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 play a crucial role in safeguarding the quality and safety of the water supply by establishing stringent standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of water systems, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring the efficient use of water resources.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 outline specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with the established standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of water fittings and systems within properties in the United Kingdom. This evidence serves as a means to verify that installations meet the regulations' goals of maintaining a safe and uncontaminated water supply.

Key aspects of the evidence requirements include:

1. Product Approval: Water fittings and related components must demonstrate compliance with relevant British and European standards. Manufacturers are often required to provide evidence such as test reports, technical specifications, and certifications to demonstrate that their products meet the necessary quality and safety standards.
2. Design and Installation Plans: Property owners, installers, or designers are often required to submit detailed plans and diagrams showcasing the proposed design and layout of the water fittings and systems. These plans should reflect compliance with the regulations, indicating measures to prevent backflow, contamination, and proper fitting installation.
3. Materials and Components: Evidence of using approved materials and components, such as pipes, valves, and connectors, should be provided. This could include documentation that certifies the suitability of these materials for contact with potable water and their compliance with relevant standards.
4. Risk Assessment and Backflow Prevention: Property owners or installers may need to perform a risk assessment to identify potential sources of contamination or backflow within the water supply system. Evidence of these assessments, along with proposed prevention measures, should be documented.
5. Testing and Inspections: Documentation of testing procedures and inspection reports is required to verify that the installation conforms to the regulations. This includes pressure testing, flow rate measurements, and checks for proper backflow prevention mechanisms.
6. Maintenance Records: Evidence of regular maintenance and servicing is crucial to ensure the ongoing compliance and functionality of water fittings and systems. Maintenance schedules, records of inspections, and any corrective actions taken should be kept as evidence.
7. Certification and Competence: Evidence of the competence of the installer or contractor performing the work is often required. This can include qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience to ensure that the installation is carried out by skilled professionals.
8. Notification and Approval: Depending on the scope of the work, property owners or installers may need to provide evidence of notifying relevant authorities or water suppliers about the installation or modification of water fittings. Approvals or permits granted may also need to be documented.

Overall, the evidence requirements under The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 are designed to ensure that water fittings and systems are installed and maintained in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination, backflow, and other potential hazards to the water supply, thereby safeguarding public health and the integrity of the water distribution network.