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Reg 31: Approval of Materials in Contact with Potable Water

WRc deliver comprehensive support for companies obtaining Reg 31 approval, from technical guidance through to competency training.

Ceris Van de Vyver is our expert in Reg 31 approval

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What is Reg 31?

Water undertakers and their supply chain have a responsibility to comply with UK Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. All materials, products and processes that come into contact with drinking water must be approved by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) to ensure they do not reduce the protection of human health.

Reg 31 focusses on water company-owned assets up to the water boundary; materials, products, and chemicals used in construction and operation of water treatment and distribution must cause no detriment to water quality. In addition, the storage and use of all chemicals and materials that may come into contact with drinking water must comply with Reg 31, associated British Standards, and conditions for use. Non-compliance with any aspect of Reg 31 is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution or warning letters from DWI.

    How can WRc help?

    Technical guidance

    We can prepare, assimilate, and complete the documentation required to be submitted for DWI Reg 31 approval for your technology.

    We can perform the toxicological risk assessment on chemicals and compounds ahead of submission to DWI to reduce the risk of rejecting your technology.

    We can provide guidance and support to develop your Instruction for Use (IFUs) to enable application of your technology in a wider market.

    Laboratory analysis

    Until our designated test laboratory is in place, we can support you through both commissioning a laboratory to conduct the required tests and analysis, and understanding the analysis report.

    We will have the capability to carry out laboratory testing for DWI Reg 31 approval.

    We will have the capability to analyse for Reg 4 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulation and Small surface area components.

    Capacity building and training

    We can support your team to understand the complexities of DWI Reg 31 approval.

    We can train your team to correctly apply the Instruction for Use (IFUs) as per Manufacturer requirements.

    We can limit and prevent regulatory non-compliance – saving you and your company from prosecution.

    Approval process

    The responsibility is placed on the Technology Company to ensure that the material, product, or process has obtained the appropriate DWI approval. The approval process has two tiers:

      • Small surface area products
      • Reg 31 approval

      Products or materials which are deemed ‘small’ and meet a criterion that water is 'transient' across its surface (meaning minimal total contact time between the surface and water) require results that show they do not cause unintended odour/flavour to the water or support the growth of microbial organisms.

      This approval can also be known as Reg 4 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulation, BS6920, WRAS, KIWA and others. It is also applicable for domestic use fittings. More information can be found under Advice sheet 8 on DWI website.

      Reg 31 requires assessment, testing and approval. A significant volume of documentation, extensive preparation of paperwork must be submitted alongside the formal application for approval to the DWI, and submissions are most often delayed by inadequate or incomplete information. WRc's experienced independent consultants and have in-depth insight into the DWI process, and can provide comprehensive support for companies obtaining Reg 31 approval.

      Learn more about the Reg 31 approval process

      Find out more

      WRc's experienced independent consultants can deliver a comprehensive support process from initial review of the product and through the application process. This includes supporting final dissemination, and training to ensure compliance with Instructions for Use (IFU).

      For more details on the help we can provide in the Reg 31 approval process, download our flyer.

      Download PDF

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      Ceris Van de Vyver

      Director of Scientific Sciences

      Ceris is a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Environmentalist with extensive experience leading diverse teams of professionals to deliver scientific services and improvements in quality, water and the environment, within complex utility service. In her own words, she has 'a passion for all things water related!'. As Director of Scientific Services, Ceris is responsible for the leadership and management of scientific services strategy in WRc with responsibility for the National Centre for Environmental Toxicology (NCET).

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