Notify Us
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are national requirements that are aimed at protecting water supplies
The Regulations provide information enabling the correct installation, maintenance and use of water fittings.
Prevention of Waste, Misuse, Undue Consumption, Contamination and Erroneous Measurement of water supplied by the water undertaker are the key aims of the Regulations.
To enable us to effectively enforce the Regulations, installers, architects, designers and users should be aware of the Regulations and the need for advanced notification for certain types of plumbing work.
When Should You Notify Us About Plumbing Work and Why?
You must notify us before carrying out work on any water system installations in connection with:
- Erection of any new building / structure
- Extension / alteration of water system - non domestic premises
- Material change in use of any premises
- Bidet - ascending spray / flexible hose
- Bath - larger than 230 litres
- Specified shower units (none at present)
- Pump / booster drawing more than 12 l/min
- Reverse osmosis unit
- Water treatment unit producing wastewater discharge or requiring regeneration
- RPZ valve or other mechanical device for preventing backflow prevention in Fluid 5 or 4
- Garden watering systems - unless hand operated
- Water systems laid outside buildings less than 750mm or greater than 1350mm below ground
- Automatically replenished ponds or swimming pools of more than 10,000 litres
You must provide us with the following details:-
- Name and address of person giving notice
- Description of proposed work
- Location of the premises
- Plan of the part of premises relating to the notice and diagram showing pipework and fittings to be installed approved contractor name - if applicable
Why The Need To Notify ?
The Regulations were produced to prevent waste, misuse, contamination, undue consumption and erroneous measurement of water and Regulation 5 identifies the main areas of installation / alteration which water suppliers would need to be aware of in advance. We can then grant conditional consent or consent without conditions.
What Can Happen If You Don't Notify The Water Supplier ?
It is a criminal offence to start work without notification and consent and there have been prosecutions!
How Do I Notify You ?
You will need to notify us in writing and for certain types of installation also provide a plan and a diagram of the pipework. WRAS have produced a useful information leaflet on Notification (pdf download 251kb) that fully explains your responsibilities and the information we require. We have produced a Standard Notification Form ( pdf download 37kb) to assist you.
How Do I Find an Approved Contractor ?
There are a number of approved contractor schemes in operation in the UK. South Staffs Water supports the Water Industry Approved Scheme (WIAPS) which is administered by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). There are 2 main types of approved contractor, those undertaking work on laying and repairing external water services and those undertaking general plumbing and heating work. The easiest route to find an approved contractor is to log onto the WRAS website and search under the Approved Plumber link and then select South Staffordshire Water in the Local Water Supplier box.
Where Can I Get More Regulations Information ?
To assist you in complying with the Regulations we have a number of leaflets and information and guidance sheets that we can supply including copies of the Regulations, a Standard Notification Form (download 37kb) and explanatory leaflets on the Regulations (download 248 kb) and Notification (download 251kb).
The WRAS website www.wras.co.uk is an extremely useful source of information for Water Regulation matters. From this site you can order a copy of the Water Regulations Guide, which explains in detail how to comply with the requirements of the regulations and access the Water Fittings and Materials Directory on line. WRAS can also provide independent advice on Water Regulations issues if required and can be contacted on 01495 248454.
Water Regulations Queries
If you have a query regarding interpretation of the Regulations or would like advice on how to comply with a specific Regulation you can contact our Water Regulations Team on 01922 638282.
If you would prefer to write to us with a query we will aim to provide a substantive response within 5 working days of receipt. You can do this by writing to :-
Water Regulations Manager
South Staffordshire Water Plc
Green Lane
Walsall
WS2 7PD