Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Fundamentals of Regulation 31 Approval

Duration: 0.5 day

Delivery: In-person / Online (live or self-paced*)

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Course details

This short course provides learners with an introduction to Regulation 31(4), which substances and products must meet before being introduced into the water supply. The training overviews the regulation's background, requirements, DWI application, and consequences of non-compliance.

Duration: 0.5 day

Delivery: In-person / Online (live or self-paced*)

Gareth Harris

Gareth's role is within the WRc Approved team working with technical experts to identify relevant product standards, including undertaking assessments of small surface area products for compliance with the Water Quality Regulations. He has had over 14 years' experience in the water industry including roles with approvals and advisory teams at the then-named Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, and at Welsh Water where he oversaw the departments' enforcement of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Please note the development and delivery of this course also utilises WRc's wider team, including toxicology and engineering specialists, in order to offer a well-rounded and maximised learning experience.

Course overview

Regulation 31 (or 'Reg 31') of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations for England (2016) and Wales (2018) governs the substances and products that can be used in public water supplies, to ensure our safety. Regulation 31(4), specifically, outlines the requirements for approval and testing of those substances and products, which is overseen by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Water undertakers and their supply chain have the obligation to comply to Regulation 31(4)(a) or meet the requirements of Regulation 31(4)(b) or (c) before introducing substances and products into the public water supply.

This short course provides learners with an introduction to Regulation 31(4) to support newcomers to the topic begin to understand the complexities of DWI Reg 31 approval. Upon completion, attendees will be able to:

  • Briefly describe the background to why only certain substances and products are allowed to be in contact with water intended for human consumption.
  • Identify how Regulation 31 applies throughout the Water Treatment Works and supply network.
  • Recognise the relevance of other policies such as Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, and Regulation 5 of the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016.
  • Outline the requirements of Reg 31 approval and where approved substances and products are listed.
  • Be familiar with the application process and the guidance provided by the DWI - 'advice sheets' - to support applications.
  • Understand the enforcement structure behind the regulations, and the consequences of not complying with the regulations.

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include those working on frameworks for water companies, as well as anyone working within the supply chain and delivery of services within the water industry who are looking to quickly and effectively increase their fundamental knowledge of Reg 31 approval, to support their current role of future career.

For those requiring a more detailed understanding of how Reg 31 must be applied to the design, purchasing and installation of materials within water supplies, please see the course: Technical Application of Regulation 31(4)

Training outline

The live delivery option* for this course is interactive, with a mix of lecture, group discussion, and practical exercises to facilitate an engaging learner experience. Topics include:

  • Background to Reg 31 and other relevant Regulations
  • Reg 31 within water treatment and delivery
  • Overview of Reg 31 approval and the application process
  • Risks of regulatory non-compliance

*Want to incorporate this course into your business' mandatory Learning and Development programme? We can also provide this training as digital self-paced learning via our online LMS platform. If you are interested in this mode of delivery then please register your interest via the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Download the course flyer

Click the button below to receive the downloadable 1-page PDF flyer for this course via email.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Our Reg 31 consultancy services

As well as competency training, WRc deliver comprehensive technical support for companies obtaining Regulation 31 (Reg 31) approval.

We can help you complete the DWI approval documentation; perform toxicological risk assessments to determine likelihood of approval; and develop Instruction for Use (IFUs) for your product's application within the wider market. We can also guide you through regulation for small surface area products.

Find out more

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

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