Like all water undertakers, we have a statutory duty to ensure that drinking water supplied through both public or private networks within our NAV sites is of a wholesome quality, is free from contamination or cross connections to non-potable water and is used efficiently. Only competent plumbers are allowed to work on the drinking water network and a system of works notification and approval is required to satisfy our regulatory risk assessment.
As well as full back-flow protection for industrial NAVs, it is Albion Eco’s policy to require the installation of non return valves on all branches of domestic cold water systems intended to feed appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. All materials must be BS6920 compliant and we recommend using an approved contractor eg WIAPS or WaterSafe registered.
The following documents and weblinks provide background information on the importance of, and the approach to, achieving a compliant, efficient and safe drinking water supply.
Water Regulations Information and legislation
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 apply to premises which are supplied with wholesome water by Albion Eco. Their main purpose is to protect public health by preventing waste, misuse, undue consumption, erroneous measurement and contamination of the water that we supply.
Water Regs UK Limited is a central hub for information about the regulations and how to comply with them. They administer the WaterSafe and Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS), registers for approved plumbers and contractors. They have sections on the regulations, guidance and publications, as well as a useful FAQs section.
These sites will help you find an approved contractor in your area:
Watersafe approved plumbers WaterSafe | Local Approved Plumbers
WIAPS approved installers Water Regs UK Limited – Search for WIAPS Installer
Water Fittings
The requirements for water fittings are set out in regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, these include being of an appropriate quality and standard, suitable for the circumstances in which a water fitting will be used and compliant with any applicable requirements given in Schedule 2 of the regulations.
Information and guidance on selecting water fittings can be found on the Water Regs UK Limited website:
Information on Regulation 4(1)(a) compliance guidance: Regulation 4(1)(a)
Information on Regulation 4(1)(a) guidance on BS 6920: Regulation 4(1)(a) BS 6920
Information on the requirements of Regulation 4(1) as they apply to WC suites: regulation_4_1__requirements_for_wcs__version_3.1_april_2021.pdf
Further guidance: Water Regs UK Limited – Compliant Water Fittings
Notification
Regulation 5 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 sets out the requirements for the notification of plumbing work:
Regulation 5 guidance: Water Regs UK Limited – Notification England & Wales
Further guidance: Water Regs UK Limited – Notification
Enforcement
We will work with customers to resolve any aspects of the network that do not meet the requirements of the regulations, but where the severity or frequency of contraventions require further action, we will move to enforcement action. We are duty bound to enforce the regulations under the Water Industry Act 1991. This is set out in Regulation 10 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Our enforcement actions can range from formal cautions to prosecutions with a maximum penalty of £1000 per offence.
Water Softeners
For advice on installing water softeners please visit our Water Hardness page.
Developer Guidance
Contaminated land assessment guidance
Pipe laying in contaminated land guidance: Guidance for the Selection of Water Supply Pipes to be used in Brownfield Sites (ukwir.org)
For further information see the Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance in the Useful Downloads section below.
Albion Eco are not responsible for the above third party links, we believe they are correct as at the time of publication (May 2026)
