Guidance to Regulation 5 (England & Wales)

Many water undertakers have their own notification forms and dedicated contact information which can be found on the water undertaker’s website and here. It is important to use the local water undertakers form especially when submitting electronically.

If the local water undertaker does not provide a form, for a notification to be valid it must include as a minimum:

• The name and address of the person giving notice and, if different, the name and address of the person to whom the consent should be sent.

• A description of the proposed work or material change of use.

• The location of the premises and their use or intended use.

• If using an approved contractor their name

• Except for the items highlighted below a plan of those parts of the premises which relate to the proposed work and a diagram showing the pipework and fittings to be installed.

A material change of use is defined in the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland.

It is a change in the purpose for which a premises is used or the circumstances in which water within that premises will be used, specifically the introduction of new systems or appliances which are categorised as posing a fluid category 4 or 5 risk.

For example:

1. The conversation of a house into a business premises or private business to a public building.

2. A change of business use

3. The installation of a new rainwater harvesting system, new high risk catering equipment or any new installation in healthcare.