Water supply (water fittings) regulations 1999

Northumbrian Water is required to enforce the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

What are water regulations?

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 were made by government to replace the then existing Water Byelaws. These new regulations apply to maintaining the integrity of any plumbing system installed in a domestic, commercial, industrial or agricultural property that is supplied with water from the public water mains. The regulations are designed to protect the public water supply against, waste, misuse, undue consumption, contamination and erroneous measurement.

One of the major differences between the old byelaws and the new regulations is a requirement to notify Northumbrian Water and obtain consent if you intend to do any of the following;

1) The erection of any new building or structure
2) The extension or alteration of the water system in any premise except a domestic house
3) The material use of an existing premise
4) The installation of a number of high consumption items itemised in section 5 of the regulations.

What do I need to do to notify Northumbrian Water if I am required to?

You can download a notification form and explanatory document below, this will guide you through the process of notification.

Where can I get a copy of the Water Regulations?

You can get a copy of the regulations by contacting Northumbrian Water’s Regulation Department who will send a copy out to you or by contacting www.wras.co.uk from where they can be downloaded immediately.

Within the WRAS website you will also find a list of specialised guide lines that may help interpret the water regulations and provide detailed requirements for certain installations. There is also a link to a document called the Water Fittings Directory where you will find a list of all water pipes and fittings that have been tested to ensure that if installed correctly they will meet the requirements of the water regulations.

Who do the water regulations apply to?

The water regulations apply to the owner or occupier of a property that has a water supply connected to Northumbrian Water’s water mains.To assist our customers with conforming to the requirements of the regulation Northumbrian Water has written a number of its own guidance notes to cover the following procedures.

Looking for a WRAS approved plumber or groundworker?

WIAPS Approved Plumbers are recognised by all water suppliers in the UK. To find out more view the WIAPS website by clicking on the link.

Document	PDF
New development guidance notes
Notification requirements
The pressure testing of new supplies
The disinfection of new supplies
The disinfections of existing plumbing systems