Providing clean and safe drinking water is paramount to public health and safety. In the U.K., Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (commonly called Reg 31) plays a vital role in accomplishing this. UL Solutions can provide testing services to help water and plumbing manufacturers meet their goals and requirements under Reg 31.
What is Reg 31?
Reg 31 governs the approval of substances, products and processes used in public water supplies in England and Wales. Administered by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Reg 31 sets requirements for water companies and suppliers to meet applicable standards to help protect the safety and quality of drinking water.
This regulation requires any material or chemical that comes into contact with drinking water to be tested and approved to help prevent adverse effects. It is a critical part of the regulatory framework that helps protect millions of people who rely on the public water supply every day. Reg 31 serves as an important safeguard against contamination and helps to maintain public confidence in the drinking water supply.
What does Reg 31 cover?
- Materials and substances – Reg 31 covers a wide range of materials, including pipes, coatings, sealants and any other materials that come into contact with drinking water. It requires manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate that components of the water supply systems meet applicable safety standards for use and do not leach harmful substances into the water.
- Treatment chemicals – The regulation also covers chemicals used in water treatment processes, such as coagulants, disinfectants and other additives. These chemicals must undergo testing to evaluate effectiveness and health risks to consumers.
- Processes and technologies – Advanced methods used to purify and distribute drinking water are also subject to Reg 31. This includes innovative technologies designed to enhance treatment processes and improve overall water quality.
Why Reg 31 matters
By maintaining compliance with Reg 31, water suppliers and associated organizations demonstrate their commitment to public drinking water safety and quality. The regulation not only protects public health but also encourages the use of safer and more sustainable materials and practices.
UL Solutions can act as a single source for your crucial regulatory approvals for water safety and performance.
- We support public trust by testing materials used in drinking water supplies, helping to reinforce consumer confidence.
- We assist water companies with testing services that demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements and maintenance of compliance.
- We support advanced innovations and enhanced new materials and technologies for water products that will fall under Reg 31.
UL Solutions collaborates with stakeholders, regulators and customers to enhance water safety, public health and environmental sustainability. Contact us to learn more about our testing and service offerings and to stay up to date on the latest requirements for Reg 31, the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) and more.
View UL Solutions on the DWI’s List of Designated Test Laboratories and Consultants here.
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