Understanding Water Regulation 4: what you need to know

In the UK, water security faces a major challenge from leaks in everyday appliances like pipes, taps, and toilets. Households might be losing up to 900 million litres of clean drinking water daily because of these leaks.

But there's good news—Water Regulation 4 is here to help. This essential regulation ensures that our drinking water remains clean and safe by setting high standards for water fittings, focusing on minimizing leaks, waste, and contamination. Here’s why this matters and how you can stay compliant to protect our precious water supply.

Why Water Regulation 4 matters?

• For Everyone: People care deeply about drinking water quality and are concerned about contaminants. Water Regulation 4 tackles these issues head-on by mandating high standards for water fittings, which helps reduce waste and prevent contamination.
• For Water Companies: These companies are responsible for supplying and inspecting drinking water fittings. Compliance with Regulation 4 is essential for them to maintain water safety and quality.
• For the Construction Industry: Builders, plumbers, and manufacturers need to follow Water Regulation 4. Despite its importance, many in the industry are still unaware of its impact. Raising awareness is key for industry success.

What you need to know

Scope and Aim: Water Regulation 4 applies to all water fittings where potable water is used, from installation to maintenance. Its main goals are to ensure clean drinking water, prevent contamination, and minimize waste.

Key Requirements:

• Prevent Contamination: Ensure water fittings are designed to avoid contamination.
• Minimize Waste: Reduce water leakage and wastage.
• Ensure Safety: Proper installation and maintenance are crucial.

Compliance for installers and manufacturers

• Installers: Plumbers and builders must use and install compliant products to avoid penalties and ensure public safety.
• Manufacturers: While not legally required, producing compliant products is vital for market access and avoiding exclusion from the UK market.
• Distributors: Although not legally required to comply, distributors can enhance their sales and assist installers by offering products that meet compliance standards.

BSI Kitemark

The BSI Kitemark is a valuable certification that ensures product quality and adherence to Regulation 4.

This certification signifies rigorous quality checks and ongoing audits, offering confidence in product safety and performance. It helps installers select compliant products and supports manufacturers and distributors in growing their market presence.

How to comply

The Regulation states that compliance shall be achieved either through appropriate CE Marking, conformity with an appropriate British Standard or some other national specification which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance, or it conforms with a specification approved by the Regulator.