Your essential WRAS water regulations guide - What is WRAS approval and why does it matter?

When installing water systems, meeting strict legal requirements is key to delivering safe, efficient, and long-lasting performance. However, navigating water regulations can sometimes be a daunting, time-consuming process for housebuilders.

That's where WRAS approval comes in. Whether you're specifying fittings for a commercial property or installing a tap in a small office, WRAS-approved products make it easy to stay compliant and confident in your work.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know: what WRAS means, why it matters, and how it helps you keep things running smoothly – without stress or setbacks.

What is WRAS approval?

The WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) is a subscription-based accreditation body composed of the 26 UK water companies, which gives a stamp of approval for compliant products that connect to the public mains water supply.

If you see the WRAS logo on a tap, boiler, or valve, it means that the product meets the highest standards for safety, efficiency, and compliance with UK water fitting regulations.

WRAS approval confirms that a product:

• Won't cause contamination of drinking water

• Won't leak or waste water

• It is built to last and perform safely

Think of it as a shortcut to getting it right the first time. No second-guessing is needed: just a simple mark that tells you a certain product demonstrates compliance and can be installed with peace of mind.

What is the WRAS standard in the UK?

Water fittings are regulated by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or equivalent water byelaws in Scotland. These regulations exist to protect public health, prevent water waste, and ensure all plumbing systems meet strict safety criteria.

WRAS (formerly known as the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme until 2021) works hand-in-hand with those regulations, through a widely recognised approval system.

When a product is WRAS-approved, it has already passed:

• Strict water quality testing to make sure materials won't leach anything harmful into the water

• Mechanical tests to confirm the product is leakproof, pressure-tested, and built to perform efficiently

• Installation checks to support regulation-compliant fitting

As a result, you can install WRAS-approved products confidently, knowing you're aligned with the law and meeting client expectations.

Is WRAS approval a legal requirement?

Not quite – but it's the easiest path to compliance. Technically, the law doesn't say you must use WRAS-approved products. What the law does say is that all water fittings must comply with the Water Supply Regulations.

WRAS approval is simply the most recognised way to prove it. So while WRAS isn't mandatory by name, it often becomes the default standard in:

• Construction tenders

• Public sector projects

• Water authority inspections

• Facility maintenance plans

Using non-approved products? You'll need to provide alternative proof of compliance – which can be time-consuming and risky if the product doesn't meet the mark. But with WRAS-approved fittings, you can be confident of compliance from day one.

How do I know if a product is WRAS-approved?

The easiest way to find out is to look for the WRAS logo on a product's packaging or find the product's WRAS approval certificate. However, the most reliable method to confirm its validity is by checking the WRAS Approvals directory, as approvals are subject to change.

Why WRAS approval is worth your time

You've got enough on your plate without chasing down technical certificates or worrying about whether fittings are regulation-ready. That's where WRAS makes a difference.

Here are four reasons why housebuilders, specifiers, and qualified plumbers choose WRAS-approved products and solutions:

1. Easier installations

WRAS-approved products are guaranteed to meet UK standards – so you can focus on getting the job done, without having to waste time and energy on proving compliance.

2. Confidence in compliance

You won't be second-guessing your fittings or wondering if they'll pass inspection – a serious concern since failing to meet Water Fittings Regulations can lead to prosecution. Instead, WRAS approval means you're already covered.

3. Future-proof projects

Water authorities across the UK recognise WRAS as the gold standard. So even as regulations evolve, your installation will remain compliant. However, it's important to remember that WRAS approval lasts for a maximum of five years, and a new assessment will be needed to renew the certification.

4. Happier clients

Whether it's a hotel, office, or school, WRAS-approved fittings show that you're using trusted, high-quality products that protect their water supply and reputation.

Taking water safety to the next level

Choosing WRAS-approved products for water appliances is a reliable and convenient way to ensure high standards of safety and performance. With innovative solutions from Zip Water, you can specify WRAS-approved chilled and boiling water taps that elevate drinking water and improve user safety.

The HydroTap range delivers pure-tasting filtered water with a simple touch. This market-leading system includes MicroPurity filters that remove contaminants larger than 0.2 microns – such as cysts, lead, and microplastics – and safety locks that prevent accidental dispensing of boiling water.

Then there's HydroTap UltraCare, designed specifically for healthcare and aged care settings where hygiene is a high priority. UltraCare offers all the benefits of a standard HydroTap but has four barriers of protection to safeguard against waterborne bacteria and viruses:

HydroTap but has four barriers of protection to safeguard against waterborne bacteria and viruses:

• MicroPurity UV-C LED – a module which disinfects water as it's poured, reducing legionella by 99.9% as well as chlorine-resistant micro-organisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

• The latest MicroPurity filtration technology – which removes dirt, lead particles, microplastics, and 99.99% of microbiological cysts.

• Antimicrobial additive – an inbuilt surface protection that is embedded in key components of the water paths and reduces bacteria by 99.99%, effective against MRSA and E. coli.

• HydroCare service plans – essential to maintain optimum hygiene levels, with a tailored sanitation and filter replacement plan.

Want to learn more? Discover our range of WRAS-approved solutions today or find the perfect HydroTap configuration for your design needs.