WRAS FAQs
WRAS FAQs
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme - an independent UK certification body whose approval demonstrates product compliance with the Water Supply Regulations* regarding potable water, such as pumps and valves.
* The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales)
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
WRAS testing determines whether products and materials will have any effect on the water that they handle, including impacting the taste and smell, encouraging the growth of microorganisms or causing any undue waste that goes against Water Fitting Regulations.
WRAS approval is suitable for any water fittings connected to public and potable water supplies, such as:
- Taps
- Showers
- Dishwashers
- Pipes
- Valves
- Pumps
- Boilers
WRAS approval is not a legal requirement, but pumps and valves must pass certain material and mechanical performance tests in order to satisfy UK Water Supply Regulations for use with potable water.
Not all products sold as suitable for potable water have undergone the required testing – WRAS Approval is the easiest way to demonstrate this legal compliance.
Choosing a WRAS approved product guarantees that your fittings, pipes, valves and other ancillary equipment have been tested and satisfy the UK’s necessary legal requirements for safe potable water use.
Potable water is water that has been treated to make it suitable for drinking.
Clean water may look free from impurities (e.g. a groundwater spring) but it has not been treated and could still contain bacteria and other contaminants that can cause illness.
All potable water is clean, but not all clean water is potable!
There are two types of WRAS approval that products can comply with. These are full product WRAS approvals or WRAS-approved materials. Having WRAS-approved materials demonstrates that elements within the product are compliant with WRAS regulations and does not affect the quality of water, for example, O-rings. Whereas, product WRAS approval shows that the entire product has undergone testing and is fully WRAS-approved.
WRAS-approved pumps and valves show that our products are compliant with water regulations and meet the standards required when transferring clean water. Having WRAS approval is the best way to demonstrate compliance as it is granted directly by representatives of the water suppliers and is therefore recognised by every water supplier in the UK.
- WRAS materials may include rubber 'O' rings, epoxy coatings and other components.
- WRAS products can include pumps, valves, pipe fittings and more hardware.
All of T-T's WRAS approved products will feature a WRAS logo overlay as seen below.
BS (British Standard) 6920 sets out five test requirements for any non-metallic materials that are intended for handling or contact with drinking water. These include:
- Odor and flavour
- Colour and turbidity
- Extraction of metals
- Extraction of substances of concern to public health
- Growth of aquatic microorganisms
WRAS approval demonstrates a water fitting's compliance with BS 6920, with WRAS material approval demonstrating a non-metallic materials/component's compliance with the British Standard 6920.
The full name of the standard is Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water.