UK: Update to Water fittings regulations

 

The UK has published new technical specifications for Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 set out the requirements for water fittings. For the public water supply, the regulations aim to:

• prevent contamination
• ensure efficient water use (undue consumption)
• protect against misuse and waste

Water undertakers are responsible for enforcing the regulations.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 are a set of national standards in England and Wales designed to protect public drinking water supplies. They regulate the design, materials, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems and water fittings to prevent waste, misuse, undue consumption, and contamination of the water supply.

Water fitting specifications set out the legal requirements as a way to comply with the regulations. Some specifications are referred to as Test Code Sheets (TCS).

From 6 May 2027, these updated specifications will apply:

• Specification on the Prevention of Backflow
• WC Suite Performance Specifications
• TCS 1511-2 Flush Rate
• TCS 1512-12 Wash of Bowl 
• TCS 1611-16 Liquid contaminant, dye retention 
• TCS 2212-3 Vacuum, Dimensional 
• TCS 2213-15 Dimensional
• TCS 2213-21 Joint below critical water level 
• TCS 5011-7 Warning pipe and overflow provision 
• TCS 2213-20 Dimensional and internal overflow compatibility – this is a new specification that will apply from 6 May 2027

From 6 May 2027, specification TCS 5011-5 Measurement of dimension, will no longer apply.

To find you more about compliance for water products and water fittings, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.