Water Regulations for Allotment Users 1999 onwards.
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Water Regulations for Allotment Users
1999 onwards
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• My name is Michael Dean
• I work in the Water Regulations Department.
• We will be presenting an overview of the above regulations and
specifically how they apply at Allotments.
• Regulations are a very large topic and we will only cover how they
apply at Allotments unless you have any other questions.
• Questions are welcomed at any time.
Welcome
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Water Suppliers are known as Water Undertakers.
• We undertake to supply you with drinking quality water.
• This is what the ‘Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are
intended to ensure.
• Our objective (unlike our namesake) is to keep you fit and healthy
by providing you with good quality drinking water.
What is a Water Undertaker
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• The Regulator is The Secretary of State.
• Domestic Use means water used for Cooking (not food
production), Drinking and Washing.
• Domestic Premises is a single-family dwelling, everywhere else
is a Non-Domestic Premises.
• Therefore an Allotment site with more than one user is a
Non-Domestic Premises.
• Backflow is the returning of substances upstream i.e. toxic
substances getting into the drinking water supply.
Useful Definitions
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Came into force 1st July 1999 and replaced the Water Byelaws.
• Byelaws still apply to fittings legally installed before this date.
• A Water Undertaker shall enforce the Requirements of the
Regulations in relation to the area for which it holds an
appointment under Part II of the Act. (Regulation 10 (1)).
• This means that I must enforce Water Regulations at an
Allotment site.
What Water Undertakers are Required to Enforce
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• The Regulations apply to any Water Fitting Installed or Used, or
to be Installed or Used, in Premises to which Water is or is to be
Supplied by a Water Undertaker. (Regulation 2 (1)).
• Example: - rain water harvesting systems.
• Although not normally full with water supplied by a Water
Undertaker, it is intended to be if necessary, and therefore all
fittings downstream must still comply.
• We encourage the re-use of water.
What do Regulations Apply to
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
What do Regulations Apply to
i.e. Rainwater
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
(Regulations 3 (1) to (3) inclusive).
• They are intended to prevent Waste, Misuse, Undue Consumption,
Erroneous Measurement or Contamination of Water Supplied by a Water
Undertaker.
• No Water Fitting shall be Installed, Connected, Arranged or Used in such a
manner that it Causes or is Likely to Cause Waste, Misuse, Undue
Consumption or Contamination of Water Supplied by a Water Undertaker.
• No Water Fitting shall be Installed, Connected, Arranged or Used in such a
manner that it Causes or is Likely to Cause Erroneous Measurement.
What Regulations are Intended to Prevent
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• The regulations give the requirements for water fittings.
• Cold Water Services.
• Hot Water Services (Primary and Secondary).
• WC’s, Flushing Devices and Urinals.
• Washing Machines, Dishwashers and Appliances.
• Water for Outside Use i.e. use at Allotments.
(Water Regulations Schedule 2)
Other Areas to which Regulations Apply
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• The Regulator has given us guidance to the Regulations.
• The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has given us
guidance to the Regulations.
• Essex and Suffolk Water write Risk Assessments.
Where do we get Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• These are the Governments Regulations and not
Essex and Suffolk Water’s Regulations
• A Water Undertaker shall enforce the requirements of the
Regulations in relation to the area for which it holds an
appointment under Part II of the Act. (Regulation 10 (1)).
• These Regulations are a legal requirement.
• Non-compliance with Regulations can lead to prosecution.
• The Regulator monitors and audits our performance; we are
compelled to enforce these Regulations at Allotments.
Enforcement
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Water Undertakers have right of entry to all premises where
water is supplied including Allotments.
Right of Entry to any Premises where Water is Supplied.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Waste.
• Misuse.
• Undue consumption.
• Erroneous measurement.
• Contamination.
What is the meaning of
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Typical examples –
• Outlets left running---hence the preferred use of non-concussive
taps (often called percussion taps).
• Excessive or uncontrolled watering or irrigation
Waste
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
The use of water for purposes other than that for which it is provided.
Typical examples :-
We do not prohibit Allotment watering but must control it.
Remember, we supply Drinking Water for Domestic Use and
Allotment sites with more than one user is Non-Domestic use.
Misuse
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
This is the unnecessary use of Water.
Typical examples -
• Uncontrolled or excessive watering at an Allotment.
Undue Consumption
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• This is the taking of water supplied by a water undertaker for which
the appropriate amount has not been paid.
• For example, watering an Allotment used by more than one user
when taking the supply from an unmetered dwelling i.e. running a
hose pipe from someones house.
• Remember, taking water and not paying the correct amount is theft
and could lead to a prosecution.
Erroneous Measurement
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Contamination is defined, for the purposes of these Regulations, as
‘Any Reduction in Aesthetic, Chemical or Biological
Quality of Water’
Contamination
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Backpressure
Pumps, Pressurised Systems, Cross Connections, etc.
• Back Syphonage
Fire, Bursts, Head and Excessive Demand
• Diffusion
How contamination occurs
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Every water system shall contain an adequate device or devices
for preventing backflow of fluid from any appliance, fitting or
process.
• The device used to prevent backflow shall be appropriate to the
highest applicable fluid category to which the fitting is subject
downstream before the next device. (Regulation 15)
• Remember; in every case a valve is NOT a backflow prevention
device.
Requirements to Prevent Contamination
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• The Regulator has given us guidance.
• There are 5 fluid categories increasing in risk from 1 to 5
requiring backflow protection.
• There are families of devices or arrangements that are adequate
for the 5 fluid categories of risk.
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Category 1 Fluid
• Drinking Water supplied by an Undertaker
• No Risk
• No Devices Required
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Category 2 Fluid
• The Aesthetic Quality is Impaired.
• Effectively still Drinking Quality except you would not like to drink it
for instance; warmed water
• Typical devices - single check valves. (Table 15.3)
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Example:- a single check valve
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Category 3 Fluid
• Represent a Slight Health Hazard.
• Includes concentrations of substances of low Toxicity.
• For instance; garden watering at a single family dwelling using a
hand held hose with flow control (automatic shut off). (Table 6.1c)
• Typical devices – approved double check valves and cisterns with a
minimum size warning pipe. (Table 15.2&3)
• No picture as a double check valve is just two single check valves
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Category 4 Fluid
• Represents a Significant Health Hazard.
• Includes concentrations of toxic substances.
• This is typically chemicals that are not very toxic but does not
include most chemicals used as fertilisers. (Table 6.1d)
• Typical devices - reduced pressure zone valves (RPZ) and cisterns
with a large circular overflow. (Table 15.2&3)
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Examples:- RPZ device
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Examples:- large circular overflow
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Category 5 Fluid
• Represent a Serious Health Hazard.
• Include concentrations of very toxic substances as used in fertilizers,
pesticides, weed killers and manure .
• Allotment users are justifiably proud of their ‘special secret blends’.
• Only one family of devices is adequate, they are all non-mechanical.
• They are undefeatable and known as Type ‘A’ Air Gaps. (Table 15.2).
What are the Risks ? – The Regulations Provide Guidance
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Example:- type AA or AB air gap
Note:- if sufficient pressure cannot be achieved by gravity (that is the cistern is not high enough) a pump may be fitted to the outlet.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Example:-An animal watering trough may be used
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Each outlet must be fitted with point of use backflow protection.
• The whole Allotment may be required to have an additional backflow
prevention device at the site boundary to prevent contamination of the
distribution network.
Point of Use & Whole site Protection
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Risk Assessment
• Remember: -
• A risk assessment cannot contradict a
regulation.
• It can apply logic and reason.
• Can clarify installation requirements.
• A risk assessment by a Water
Undertaker can only be superseded by
a better risk assessment.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Q :
What is the worst recorded case of fatalities caused by backflow of a
very toxic substance.
A :
In America from the backflow of weed killer when being diluted
Examples of Backflow Requirements
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
Q :
Can you just promise not to use fertilizers, pesticides and manure
A :
These products are fundamental to Allotment users and although current
users may comply, unknown future users may not; remember the device
used must be un-defeatable and promises can be broken.
Examples of Backflow Requirements
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• This table effectively means that all works at
Allotments used by more than one user, other
than a like for like replacement or repair, must
be notified to the Water Undertaker.
• Notification must take place 10 working days
before any works start.
• Notification should include drawings, location
and installer details.
(Regulation 5)
Notification
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• If the Water Undertaker has not replied within 10 working days,
permission is deemed to have been granted and the work can
commence.
• Permission can be refused or reasonable conditions imposed.
• The granting of permission does not imply regulations compliance.
• Compliance is still the responsibility of the designer, installer and the
user, there is no duty or responsibility on the water undertaker.
• Inspections will take place and improvement notices issued if
necessary.
After Notification
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Talk to us, this will normally resolve things.
• Involve WRAS, they cannot over ride a Water Undertakers decision
but may take up your point of view.
• Request arbitration.
• Seek a legal ruling from a court of law.
Arbitration
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• We must inspect retrospectively.
• Installations from July 1999 must comply with Regulations.
• Before July 1999 must comply with the relevant byelaw.
• Contamination issues can be enforced retrospectively.
• Items not installed legally at the time of installation must be brought
up to regulations standards.
• We have a policy statement for identifying high risks, then contacting
and inspecting retrospectively.
Retrospective Inspections
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Because of the substances that can be expected to be present at
an Allotment it is a Serious Risk Premises
• This also includes agricultural or horticultural premises including
farms and hydroponic systems.
Retrospective Inspections (Serious Risk Premises)
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Section 74 and 75 of the Act (we install equipment and recover all
costs from the user).
• Disconnection.
Other Courses of Action
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Thank you very much for attending.
• I welcome any questions.
And Finally
.
Presented by Essex & Suffolk Water
Michael Dean
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