Businesses
What the regulations are for
The regulations prevent waste, misuse, undue consumption, erroneous measurement and prevent contamination.
Where the regulations apply
The regulations apply to all plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using equipment connected to the public water network.
The regulations apply from the point water enters the property’s underground service pipe.
Premises without a public water supply connection are not governed by these regulations.
How the regulations apply to you
Owners, occupiers and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings, have a legal duty to make sure systems meet the regulations.
Architects, building developers and plumbers must follow the regulations on behalf of the future owners or occupiers.
Notifying the water company of work
In most cases, the installer, owner or occupier must give us advance notice of proposed work.
It is not possible to begin work until we have given consent.
Consent will not be withheld unreasonably, and may be granted subject to conditions, which must be followed.
If consent is not given within ten working days, it is deemed to have been granted.
The installer, owner or occupier must make sure work meets the Regulations.
Enforcing the regulations
The Government require us, the water company, to enforce the regulations.
We will inspect installations, in line with our enforcement policy [PDF].
As the owner, occupier or installer, it is your legal duty to ensure the systems meet the requirements. Where we find breaches of the regulations, you must correct the work.
Carrying out work at marine sites like boatyards
If you need to carry out plumbing work at a marine location such as a boatyard or dock, read the industry best practice guidance for inland and coastal marine work [PDF] to make sure your project is compliant.
Contact the team
You can contact our Water Regulations team by email, you can call on 0345 266 7922 or write to:
Severn Trent, Water Fittings Dept
West Service Road, Raynesway
Derby DE21 7BE
