Zip Water's guide to drinking water and understanding Building Regulations G3

Are you looking to better understand how to ensure your drinking water appliance meets relevant building standards? 

We know that building regulations and any accompanying legislation can be a challenge to navigate. Here, Zip's Technical Manager, Simon Hastings, breaks down this topic easily and simply, so you can quickly digest the key points.

How do you know that your boiling water or multi-function tap meets building regulations in the UK?

I know this can be challenging; with the wealth of different products on the market, it can be hard to know at first glance which options have the relevant product approvals.

Ultimately, the product needs to have Regulation 4 compliance. Thankfully, there are some really simple certifications to look out for:

1. WRAS approval (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) 

2. NSF certification

3. Kiwa approval

These are all independent certification testing bodies. Products approved under these schemes demonstrate, if installed correctly and subjected to normal use, that they meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, or the Scottish Water Byelaws.

What other regulations apply? 

There are a few additional regulations that you will need to consider when seeking planning permission for a project, or organising building work that involves a hot or cold water supply. 

Hot water systems and G Building Regulations

Building Regulation G, or G3 specifically, is a government-approved document that relates to hot water systems. It applies to new homes, extensions, renovations, and conversions involving hot water systems. It exists to protect users during the normal operation of a system, or in the event that any part of the product fails.

What do G3 regulations require?

For example, the guidance states that discharge pipework from hot water systems must be designed to safely convey water to a visible location without posing a danger to users. It also covers safety devices such as thermostatic mixing valves, which enable temperature regulation equipment to maintain heated water at no more than 48℃ in baths.

The G3 regulations also require that all hot water systems be regularly serviced to ensure compliance and safety. It's important to note that only competent persons with a G3 certification can install or service unvented hot water systems.

Hot water safety requirements

The Approved Document G also states that stored water should not exceed 100℃, in order to limit the risk of burns that could occur in washing facilities or with other hot water use.

Why are temperature limits important?

It's for this reason that Zip instant boiling water systems, such as our flagship HydroTap, are factory-set to store and supply water at 98℃. This temperature not only complies with WRAS and Building Regulation G3, but ensures water is delivered safely, with no spluttering or scalding steam. It is also the optimum temperature for making hot drinks.

All hot water systems must be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. All hot water systems that supply bathrooms (including washbasins, baths, and showers), kitchen sinks, and other food preparation areas must be capable of providing wholesome water that is uncontaminated with bacteria or waste.

How do systems prevent bacteria and contamination?

Systems should be designed to prevent growth of pathogens; for example, Zip Aquapoint 4 and 5 are efficient, durable wall-mounted hot water systems that feature an automatic anti-legionella function.

The UKCA & CE marks are important in this regard, as they show that the manufacturer has checked that its products meet UK and EU safety, health, and environmental requirements (all Zip Water products have been fully tested and comply with UKCA & CE requirements).

What is the difference between UKCA and CE marking?

Following the UK's exit from the EU, the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) mark is the new product marking that will be required for certain products being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It covers most products that previously required the CE mark. 

UKCA will not be recognised in the EU market, and products will still need a CE marking to be sold in the EU. Since early 2025, only products with a UKCA marking have been accepted in Great Britain.

Water consumption

As well as ensuring that wholesome water can be safely delivered to food preparation areas, washing facilities and sanitary conveniences, the updated Part G regulations state that installers must meet requirements relating to water efficiency.

What are the water efficiency requirements?

Various water efficiency calculators can be found online to ascertain whether building work carried out on new dwellings will achieve a water efficiency standard of 125 litres of wholesome water per person per day.

Explore WRC's water efficiency calculator

What is the purpose of the regulations and when do they apply? 

Any property, domestic or commercial, that is connected to a public water supply (i.e. provided by a water supply company, not solely a private supply on-site) is subject to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, or the Scottish Water Byelaws.

Why do these regulations exist?

The regulations set legal requirements for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of water fittings, systems, and appliances, specifically in order to prevent the contamination of drinking water as well as preventing misuse, waste, undue consumption, and erroneous measurement. 

The regulations apply in all premises where water is supplied by a water company – from the point that the water enters the property (the boundary) to where the water is used through a plumbing system or water appliance. 

Who is responsible for compliance?

Legal responsibility to ensure regulations have been met falls to all users, owners, or occupiers, and anyone who is installing plumbing equipment, water fittings, and appliances. With work completed and certified by an approved plumber, legal responsibility falls on the plumber.

What are the key takeaways from Regulation 4? 

Regulation 4, which is a section of the water fittings requirements detailed in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, specifically sets out rules for water fittings as follows: 

What does Regulation 4 require?

Part 1

Every water fitting shall:

a. Be of an appropriate quality and standard.

b. Be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used.  

 Part 2

For the purposes of Regulation 4, a water fitting is of an appropriate standard or quality only if:

a. It bears an appropriate UKCA / CE Mark.

b. It conforms to an appropriate harmonised standard, shown by having WRAS or Reg4 certification. 

c. It conforms to an appropriate British Standard.

d. It conforms to a specification approved by the regulator, shown by having WRAS or a Reg4. 

What are the consequences of not complying with regulations?

Inspections are carried out by a variety of people, from the water supplier to building control officers and even trading standards. This is on both new and existing installations to check they are compliant with the regulations.

What happens if you fail an inspection?

If the installation fails to meet the requirements, the installer will be issued with a notice, and any infringement that the inspector is concerned might pose a risk to public health will lead to an immediate disconnect of the property's water supply.

It's crucial that any notice is acted upon quickly. Breaching the regulations is a criminal offence. If the infringement is unaddressed, failure to comply with regulations can lead to prosecution and fines. 

Keep in mind it's illegal to install an appliance that isn't compliant, but it isn't illegal to sell one. You should be careful to ensure you are using products that are designed with the regulations in mind, produced using the right materials, and installed in line with current safety and efficiency standards.

Safer, cleaner water, from the first drop to the last

If you choose to install a Zip Water system, you can rest easy in the knowledge that all of our products are compliant with building regulations. We also offer the added benefit of certified Zip installation, so you have complete peace of mind.

Our award-winning HydroCare service packages offer servicing that is tailored to your needs, with regular appointments scheduled in line with your usage at dates that are convenient for you. We'll look after all of your Zip and non-Zip drinking and water supply products, keeping the stress of regular system checks to a minimum.

For more information on building water regulations in the UK, visit the Water Regulations website. Explore our range of WRAS-approved instant filtered drinking water taps for the home.  

Other useful resources include: 

WRAS website (https://www.wrasapprovals.co.uk/)

NSF website (https://www.nsf.org/gb/en)

Kiwa website (https://www.kiwa.com/gb/en-gb/)

 Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar on building regulations and accreditations when specifying water solutions also gives in-depth insights into the topic.