Water regulations
The rules and regulations that ensure the water system is safe and efficient.
Water rules and regulations
Helping you understand the Regulations
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 are statutory requirements for the design, installation, composition and maintenance of water fixtures and fittings. They were created under the Water Industry Act 1991.
Water fittings mean any item that’s connected to your water supply. This includes taps, valves, cisterns and solder. It applies from the point where water enters your property’s underground service pipe (usually at the boundary of your property).
If water fittings aren’t installed or maintained correctly, they might not meet the requirements of the regulations and give rise to water quality problems such as contamination and waste, misuse, or undue consumption.
What do the Water Regulations do?
They to prevent:
- Contamination
- Waste
- Misuse
- Undue consumption
- Erroneous measurement
By law, everyone has to follow the Water Regulations. As a water company, we also have an obligation to enforce them.
The Water Regulations apply to:
- Owners and occupiers
- Anyone who installs or maintains plumbing systems and water fittings
- Architects, building developers and plumbers (for new buildings)
People who fall into the categories above must ensure plumbing fittings have been designed, installed and maintained correctly.
Our role as a water company
As well as following the Water Regulations, we need to ensure others follow them. For this reason, we need to be told in advance of certain plumbing work you’re planning to undertake.
We’ll review the information and withhold or grant consent subject to conditions.
By law, we cannot unreasonably withhold consent for your work. If you have not received a reply from us within 10 working days of writing to us, consent is deemed to have been given and you can proceed with the work.
For further information, see the documents below.
Notification of temporary water Supplies
Event organisers proposing to connect a temporary water supply to an existing connection must complete and submit this form at least ten working days before the commencement of any work.
Notification of proposed Plumbing works
This form must be completed and submitted to Bristol Water at least ten working days before the commencement of any notifiable works.
Reduce Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve rules
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valves are devices that prevent backflow. Those proposing to install, relocate or replace RPZ valves will find Bristol Waters Notification form here, Competent RPZ valve testers will find commission and compliance test report forms here.
Temporary events: Water safety plan - key information
This document summaries’ the information to be included in a Water Safety Plan which should be submitted to Bristol Water prior to the event taking place, as part of the notification process.
Water Regs UK notification
Guidance to Regulation 5 and the requirement to notify Bristol Water of proposed plumbing works can be found here.
Water Regs UK
You will find information on the UK water fittings regulations here including guidance and publications.
Temporary Events Booklet
The information provided in this booklet will help temporary event organisers and installers to understand their legal obligations under the water fittings regulations.
Find a WaterSafe approved Plumbing business
Competent plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists can be found here.
Code of practice enforcement policy
This code of practice tells you how Bristol Water will go about duties of enforcement.
Fire Sprinkler Guidance
The purpose of this guide is to provide an approved set of design specifications for new connections and installations associated with fire sprinkler systems.