Water regulations
Water regulations are vital in ensuring we are able to provide our customers with the best possible drinking water and safeguard our supply.
This is why we have a water regulations team that enforce the water supply (water fittings) regulations 1999 (or ‘the regulations’). This allows us to help keep your water supply safe, and deal with problems that can occur if the wrong plumbing systems and fittings are installed and connected to our drinking water supply.
The regulations help deal with things like contamination of drinking water, drinking water being wasted, and not being used in the right way (such as very unusual levels of water use, and incorrect measurements of the water being used by the customer). So as well as health benefits, the regulations can help in saving water.
The regulations are a really serious matter, and it’s important that any breach of the regulations are rectified. Sometimes this means that if customers don’t want to fix the problems, it’s in our powers to use the law to get it resolved. This can lead to fines and warrants, or even prosecution.
Like other water companies in the UK, Welsh Water is a member of Water Regs UK. This helps in the sharing of best practise, and keeping up to date with all things ‘plumbing’. Our enforcement policy also explains more about the way we work.
The following sections give you more information about the regulations, and will be useful for customers as well as people working in skilled trades, like plumbing. If you require any further information or would like to talk to a member of the Water Regulations team you can e-mail us at waterregulations@dwrcymru.com.
Watersafe - Local Approved Plumbers
Find your nearest, Watersafe-approved plumber, just enter your postcode or use your location.
More Information
Help & advice
Notification and testing of works
If you are installing a new water connection or RPZ, we need to inspect the work to ensure it meets regulations. Download the notification form here.
Help & advice
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valves
If you have an RPZ valve installed at your premises or think you have a need to install one, there are some things you should know first.
Help & advice
Regulations for private water supply
If your supply is from a private source and is connected to our supply, it needs to meet regulations. Find out how the DWI should inspect your supply.
Help & advice
Self-certifying your water supply pipe
WaterSafe Approved Contractors can self-certify your water supply pipe installation. We have some useful information for customers and installers.
Help & advice
Plumbing at Temporary Events
If you are managing or are installing the plumbing system at a temporary event, there are some important things you need to know regarding the Water Regulations.
Help & advice
Water regulation advice and guidance
Information on how Welsh Water inspects installations and connections to ensure compliance with regulations.
Help & advice
WaterSafe supply pipe installers
When laying water supplies for your development, we recommend using an installer that is listed by WaterSafe, the national register for approved contractors.
Help & advice
WaterSafe plumbers
At Welsh Water, we encourage the use of qualified and experienced professionals when carrying out any plumbing work. That’s why we promote the use of WaterSafe members to all our customers.
Help & advice
WC Compliance
If installing new toilets in England or Wales, you need to ensure any new installations contain compliant backflow protection to reduce risks to public health.