Cold Water Storage 


If a premises has any form of mains water supply, then the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Irelandbyelaws in Scotland, apply.

 These legal requirements play an important role in protecting public health and safeguarding water supplies. Their purpose includes preventing the contamination and waste of water supplied by a water undertaker once it has entered a customer’s plumbing system.

A cold water storage cistern may be installed for various reasons including:

  1. To provide backflow protection

  2. To provide a reserve supply in the event of any disruption to the incoming cold water supply

  3. To reduce the maximum demand on the cold water supply

  4. To reduce the supply pressure

In many cases the local water undertaker will need to be given advanced notice of the proposed installation of any cold water cistern. This is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies.

Please be aware as well as providing storage a cold water storage cistern may be providing backflow protection for installations downstream. For this reason, they should not be removed without firstly consulting with the local water undertaker.  

Even if a cold water storage cistern is to be used solely for storing water for drinking, washing, bathing or other purposes requiring it to be wholesome, as a condition of consent it is likely the local water supplier will require backflow protection to be installed. This is typically achieved by suitable air gap arrangement; in some circumstances a double check valve may also be required.


Related FAQs

What is meant by evidence of regulation 4(1)(a) compliance?

<h1 id="what-is-meant-by-evidence-of">What is meant by evidence of regulation 4(1)(a) compliance?</h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="what-is-meant-by-evidence-of">&nbsp;</h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 10px; width: 212px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/coverb-reg_4_1_a__compliance_guidance_april_2021_v1.1.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p class="p1">This is evidence to show a water fitting is of an appropriate quality and standard for installation.&nbsp;</p><p class="p1">Water undertakers will consider evidence of compliance provided on a case and site specific basis.&nbsp;</p><p class="p1">Whilst this evidence must satisfy another regulation [4(2)], water undertakers have no preference for, or require it to be in a specific form. Typically, they will consider declarations of performance issued against designated standards, product certification and test reports. &nbsp;</p><p class="p1"><strong>Please note:&nbsp;</strong></p><ol><li><p>Because a water fitting must comply with all parts of the regulations being of an appropriate quality and standard does not, of itself, guarantee compliance with the regulations.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>The latest available edition or version of guidance or specifications should always be used.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>In respect of equivalence water undertaker retain absolute discretion in assessing whether a national specification provides an equivalent level of protection and performance to that specified in an appropriate British Standard. For information regarding the equivalence of a performance specification please contact your water undertaker.<br></p></li></ol><p class="p5">For further information please refer to&nbsp;<a href="/downloads/publications/booklets/reg_4__1__a__compliance_guidance_april_2025_v2.0.pdf">Regulation 4(1)(a) compliance guidance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/downloads/publications/booklets/regulation_4_1__a__guidance_bs_6920_compliance_overview_april_2025_v2.0.pdf">BS 6920 Compliance Overview.</a></p><p class="p1">Any questions please contact the local water undertaker for advice.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

How will I know if a water fitting is suitable for installation?

<h1 id="how-will-i-know-if-a">How will I know if a water fitting is suitable for installation?</h1><hr><h4 id="how-will-i-know-if-a"></h4><p>Establishing whether a water fitting is suitable for installation is dependent upon a number of factors including but not limited to:</p><ul><li><p>Water fittings must be of an&nbsp;appropriate quality and standard</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>System design, things considered include but are not limited to compatibility:</p><ul><li><p>with other water fittings within a plumbing system (e.g the potential for galvanic action)</p></li><li><p>system operational parameters&nbsp;(e.g. the maximum* and minimum pressure, temperature and flow the systems will be operating at)</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p>Location specific factors, things considered include but are not limited to:</p><ul><li><p>the environment (e.g. ground or airborne contamination, the risk of frost damage, corrosion or dezincification)</p></li><li><p>product installation requirements and/or constraints&nbsp;(e.g. installed where light is excluded or only above ground)</p></li><li><p>installation backflow risks (e.g. the need for backflow protection to be installed)</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p>Requirements of&nbsp;schedule 2&nbsp;as applicable.</p></li></ul><p>If the proposed plumbing work is notifiable, the suitability of water fittings will be assessed as part of the&nbsp;notification&nbsp;process.&nbsp;</p><p>If the installation is not notifiable there remains a legal obligation for the installer and premises owner or occupier to ensure the plumbing work is fully compliant with the water fittings regulations in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a>. Therefore, if in doubt, contact the local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/contacts/water-company-contacts/">water undertaker</a>&nbsp;for advice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>*Please note all water fittings must be capable of withstanding an internal water pressure of not less than 1½ times the maximum pressure it will be subject to in operation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What should be considered when designing a plumbing system?

<h1 id="what-should-be-considered-when-designing">What should be considered when designing a plumbing system?</h1><hr><p>When designing a compliant plumbing system a number of factors need to be considered, including but not limited to:</p><ul><li><p>Avoiding the risk of contamination or damage resulting from the environment in which the system is to be installed or due to the design itself.</p></li><li><p>The required and attainable supply pressure and other operational parameters</p></li><li><p>User expectations and whether these are achievable</p></li><li><p>Suitability of water fittings for use</p></li><li><p>Providing appropriate, adequate backflow protection.</p></li><li><p>Water efficiency</p></li><li><p>Limiting waste.</p></li></ul><p>Useful sources of information include <a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/specifications-for-installations-inside-buildings-conveying-water-for-human-consumption-general/standard">BS EN 806 </a>and <a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/guide-to-the-design-installation-testing-and-maintenance-of-services-supplying-water-for-domestic-use-within-buildings-and-their-curtilages-complementary-guidance-to-bs-en-807/tracked-changes">BS 8558</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What should be considered when selecting and installing pipework

<h1 id="what-should-be-considered-when-selecting">What should be considered when selecting and installing pipework</h1><hr><h4 id="what-should-be-considered-when-selecting"></h4><p>To help prevent waste and contamination all pipe and fittings systems must be of an appropriate quality and standard and suitable for the circumstances in which they will be used.</p><p>Before installing a pipe and fittings system key considerations will include but are not limited to:</p><ul><li><p>The compatibility of the pipe and fittings. For example, to ensure connections are watertight and configured to prevent galvanic action.</p></li><li><p>Whether the pipework is to be installed above or below ground</p></li><li><p>Where the pipework is to be installed. For example, in contaminated ground, in a duct and potentially exposed to construction materials and/or water vapour, somewhere exposed to sunlight or sources of heat.</p></li><li><p>What water temperatures and pressures the pipework will be exposed to. For example, hot or cold water only, heating systems, maximum operating pressure and thermal shock.</p></li><li><p>In the case of metallic water fittings, the possibility of corrosion due to galvanic action and dezincification.</p></li></ul><p>Useful sources of information include&nbsp;<a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/specifications-for-installations-inside-buildings-conveying-water-for-human-consumption-general/standard">BS EN 806&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/guide-to-the-design-installation-testing-and-maintenance-of-services-supplying-water-for-domestic-use-within-buildings-and-their-curtilages-complementary-guidance-to-bs-en-807/tracked-changes">BS 8558</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Please note:</strong></p><p>All water fittings should be resistant to corrosion. In the case of mechanical backflow prevention devices and metallic fittings which are not going to be readily accessible, in addition to being corrosion resistant these should be manufactured from materials which are not susceptible to dezincification. For example, gunmetal or CR brass.</p><p>As non-metallic pipe and fittings can be affected by sunlight and/or allow ingress of light, which is known to promote the growth of algae, consideration should be given to whether protective measures to exclude light are necessary.</p><p>Adhesive joints are not acceptable below ground.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Do water fittings have to be labelled?

<h1 id="do-water-fittings-have-to-be">Do water fittings have to be labelled?</h1><hr><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 25px; width: 188px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/coverb-pipe_identification_bs_1710_1.4.21.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><h4 id="do-water-fittings-have-to-be"></h4><p>Irrespective of what fluid is being conveyed all pipework, whether installed above or below ground, should be marked in accordance with the latest version of <a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/specification-for-identification-of-pipelines-and-services/standard">BS 1710</a>.</p><p>To identify what parts of a plumbing system they control, servicing valves should be labelled.</p><p>For further information please refer to the <a href="/publications/information-leaflets/">pipe identification information leaflet</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What are the temperatures requirements for cold water distribution?

<h1 id="what-are-the-temperatures-requirements-for">What are the temperatures requirements for cold water distribution?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-are-the-temperatures-requirements-for"></h4><p>To minimise the risk of contamination resulting from microbial growth and wastage due to taps left to run, cold water storage and distribution systems should be designed and installed to maintain a temperature not exceeding 20<sup>o</sup>C.</p><p>Plumbing systems should be designed and installed to ensure there is regular flow through.</p><p>To prevent undue warming, it is good practice to insulate both hot and cold water pipework. Unless it is adequately protected water fittings should not be installed where it could be exposed to heat sources, such as other services or sunlight.</p><p>For further information please refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/specifications-for-installations-inside-buildings-conveying-water-for-human-consumption-general/standard">BS EN 806</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/guide-to-the-design-installation-testing-and-maintenance-of-services-supplying-water-for-domestic-use-within-buildings-and-their-curtilages-complementary-guidance-to-bs-en-807/tracked-changes">BS 8558</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm">HSE Legionella ACOP.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topicsfaqs">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Does the local water undertaker need to know if there is an alternative water source at a premises?

<h1 id="does-the-local-water-undertaker-need">Does the local water undertaker need to know if there is an alternative water source at a premises?</h1><hr><h4 id="does-the-local-water-undertaker-need"></h4><p>Owners/occupiers should always ensure the local water undertaker is aware if a premises has both a mains drinking water and alternative water supply, such as a borehole or rainwater.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">Topics</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Can mains water supplies be connected to installations also supplied by another alternative source of water?

<h1 id="can-mains-water-supplies-be-connected">Can mains water supplies be connected to installations also supplied by another alternative source of water?</h1><hr><p>No. Alternative water supplies should never be directly connected to the mains drinking water.<br><br>Where mains water and other water sources, such as rainwater, recycled water, river water and borehole supplies, combine it is essential to notify the relevant water undertaker to ensure adequate backflow protection arrangements are installed.</p><p>The only legal and safe way to combine mains and another source of water is to use an arrangement called a break tank which enables separation of supplies. Typically, this is done using a Type AA or Type AB air gap the key features being:</p><ul><li><p>An unrestricted or weir spill over</p></li><li><p>The pipework supplying the mains water must be external to the tank</p></li><li><p>The mains water feed must discharge at a higher level than and maintain a minimum clearance (twice the internal diameter (2D) of the supply pipework or 20 mm whichever is the greater) from those another sources</p></li><li><p>The water in the tank should not come into contact with the mains water inlet for example as a result of splashing.</p><p><br></p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><viewer-3d src="/downloads/3d/airbreaktank.gltf" x="-0.68" y="-0.1" z="-0.05"></viewer-3d><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Correctly sizing cisterns storing wholesome cold water

<h1 id="newcorrectly-sizing-cisterns-storing-wholesome-cold">Correctly sizing cisterns storing wholesome cold water</h1><hr><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: left; width: 266.528px; margin-right: 10px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/cws/storage_cistern_without_text_v1.1.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Where the water stored in a cistern has to remain wholesome it is important to minimise the risk of contamination. Key to this is making sure the water is stored for as short a period as possible. This is achieved through a combination of design and maintenance features and correctly sizing the cistern to ensure the regular turnover of the stored water and avoid stagnation as well as any deterioration of water quality.</p><p>Factors which should be considered when sizing a cistern include occupancy (intended and actual) and usage. Suggestions for storage capacity are given in <a href="https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/specifications-for-installations-inside-buildings-conveying-water-for-human-consumption-design" target="_blank">BS EN 806-2</a>.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What are the design requirements for cold water storage cisterns?

<h1 id="new-pagewhat-are-the-design-requirements">What are the design requirements for cold water storage cisterns?</h1><hr><p>All components making up and used within a cold water storage cistern must be of an appropriate quality and standard</p><p>All non-metallic materials in contact with water, including any surface where condensate forms, must conform with the current version of BS 6920 (or an equivalent).</p><p>Cisterns should be watertight and where appropriate lined or coated with suitable impermeable materials.</p><p>In addition to an inlet, outlet, overflow pipe and warning arrangement a cistern should have a rigid close fitting and securely fixed lid or cover. Cisterns, and their lids, should be made of materials which do not shatter or fragment when broken.</p><p><br></p><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/design_requirements_for_cold_water_storage_cisterns.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 90%; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Specific requirements for cold water storage inlet valves?

<h1 id="newspecific-requirements-for-cold-water-storage">Specific requirements for cold water storage inlet valves?</h1><hr><p>An inlet valve must be fitted. This should be securely and rigidly fixed and must shut off the flow at a set level within the cistern. Typically, this level is a minimum of 25 mm below the overflow but should be increased to a minimum of 50 mm if there is no warning pipe. Where a float operated valve is to be used, this must be capable of being adjusted to ensure that the inlet valve closes at a defined level.</p><p>Where the inlet forms part of an air gap arrangement intended to prevent backflow, the inlet valve should not come into contact with the contents of the cistern as a result of splashing or foaming. If this occurs the inlet valve should be adjusted to increase the air gap.</p><p>Float operated valves are generally, but not always used for controlling the flow of water into a cistern. Electrically or pneumatically operated valves are also an acceptable form of valve for controlling the inlet flow. In all cases the method of installation must be suitable for the specific installation and comply with all aspects of the appropriate water fittings regulations/byelaws.</p><p>Transient pressure increases or surges (water hammer) may be caused by the rapid closure of valves, resulting in a sudden stop or change of water flow. To keep pressure surges within reasonable limits and prevent damage to water fittings hydro-pneumatic accumulators, surge arrestors or pressure reducing valve can be installed.</p><p>In addition to any backflow protection required by the local water undertaker a servicing valve must be installed on the inlet adjacent to the cistern and outlet to facilitate maintenance and minimise waste.</p><p>To encourage mixing and prevent areas of stagnation or ‘short circuiting’ within the cistern where practical the cistern inlet and outlet should be on opposite sides of an appropriately sized cistern. Where multiple cisterns are linked; inlets and outlets need to be carefully balanced to promote a good turnover of water in each cistern.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Specific requirements for cold water storage outlet valves?

<h1 id="newspecific-requirements-for-cold-water-storage">Specific requirements for cold water storage outlet valves?</h1><hr><p>Where practicable all outlets from a storage cistern should be located at the bottom of the cistern and to encourage mixing and prevent areas of stagnation or ‘short circuiting’ within the cistern on the opposite side to the inlet.</p><p><br></p><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/requirements_for_cold_water_storage_outlet_valves.png" class="img-responsive" style=""></p><p>All outlets from cold water storage cisterns, except vent pipes, overflow pipes and warning pipes, should be fitted with a servicing valve as close to the cistern as is reasonably practicable.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Specific requirements for cold water storage overflow and warning arrangements

<h1 id="newspecific-requirements-for-cold-water-storage">Specific requirements for cold water storage overflow and warning arrangements</h1><hr><p>Every cold water storage cistern must be fitted with an overflow pipe.</p><p>To help minimise waste a suitable means of warning of an impending overflow must also be installed. A warning pipe is commonly used for this purpose, but with the local water undertaker’s agreement alternatives may be fitted. Although usually separate a combined overflow/warning pipe may be accepted on cisterns with a capacity of 1,000 litres or less.</p><p>Overflow and warning pipes must be positioned so as to exclude light and insects. A screen with a mesh size no greater than 0.65 mm (opening) is typically used to prevent the ingress of insects and other foreign bodies. If an insect screen is installed it should be vertically and removable.</p><p>Overflow and warning pipes should be installed on a downward inclined plane and not discharge into any other cistern.</p><p>The discharge from the overflow and/or warning pipe should be safe and conspicuous. If discharging to drain a visible air brake, giving fluid category 5 backflow protection in the form of an air break to drain conforming to the design specification given in EN 1717 must be installed.</p><p>If a common warning pipe is used the location of the cistern overflowing must be readily identifiable. A warning/overflow pipe should be at least 19 mm (internal diameter) and capable of accommodating all possible flow rates i.e. the maximum inflow under fault conditions. The effect of any screen on the nominal flow capacity must be taken into account when determining the size of an overflow.</p><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/cold_water_storage_overflow_and_warning.png" class="img-responsive" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Specific requirements for cold water storage cisterns incorporating a Type AB air gap

<h1 id="newspecific-requirements-for-cold-water-storage">Specific requirements for cold water storage cisterns incorporating a Type AB air gap</h1><hr><p>A cold water storage cistern can sometime incorporate a Type AB air gap. Where this is the case it is important to minimise any light penetration through the weir overflow. This is because light is known to promote the growth of algae which could lead to not only taste and odour concerns but also provide nutrients which could support the growth of bacteria. The most common way of addressing this issue is to fit a cowl or shroud that covers the weir slot.</p><p>To demonstrate the cowl or shroud arrangement does not impede any discharge it should mirror the overflow weir in size and shape to at least below the lowest point of the weir and any surfaces below or to the side of the cistern as shown below. Information can also be found here</p><p><strong>Please note:</strong> cold water storage cisterns incorporating a Type AB air gap are sometimes being used as backflow protection arrangements for high risk installation downstream and should not be removed or altered without the agreement of the local water undertaker.</p><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/_requirements_for_cold_water_storage_cisterns.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 90%; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Things to take into account when installing a cold water storage cistern

<h1 id="newthings-to-take-into-account-when">Things to take into account when installing a cold water storage cistern</h1><hr><p>Factors to consider when deciding where and how cold water storage cisterns are installed include but are not limited to:</p><ul><li><p>whether the distributing pipework (system) is pumped or supplied by gravity</p></li><li><p>the need to allow for ease of access for maintenance • inspection (both internally and externally)</p></li><li><p>cleaning requirements</p></li><li><p>environmental factors which might affect water quality such as excessive heat gain or the likelihood of flooding.</p></li></ul><p>Float operated valves and other controls should be readily accessible. There should be sufficient clearance to allow for inspection, cleaning of internal surfaces and maintenance.</p><p>Cisterns with a capacity greater than 1,000 litres should be capable of being inspected and cleansed without having to be wholly uncovered.</p><p>To avoid distortion cold water storage cisterns should be adequately supported. Advice on how to do this can be found in Part G of the Building Regulations.</p><p><strong>Please note:</strong> In many cases the local water undertaker will need to be given advanced notice of the proposed installation of any cold water cistern. This is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies.<img src="/images/topics/cws/installing_cold_water_cistern-1.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 90%; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

How do you link cold water storage cisterns?

<h1 id="newhow-do-you-link-cold-water">How do you link cold water storage cisterns?</h1><hr><p>Due to concerns about water stagnation which might cause the quality of the water to deteriorate the installation of inter-linked storage cisterns should be avoided wherever possible. Where it is unavoidable, the number of inter-linked cisterns should be minimised.</p><p>To minimise the risk of stagnation:</p><ul><li><p>The storage volume should be kept to a minimum</p></li><li><p>Cisterns should be connected in parallel</p></li><li><p>Any demand should create water flow throughout each cistern</p></li><li><p>Inlet and outlets should be installed at opposite ends of the cistern</p></li><li><p>Delayed action float valves should be used</p></li><li><p>Metering of inlets may assist with balancing of turnover</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><img src="/images/topics/cws/linking_cold_water_storage_cisterns.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 95%; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Protecting a cold water storage cistern from frost damage

<h1 id="newprotecting-a-cold-water-storage-cistern">How do you protect a cold water storage cistern from frost damage</h1><hr><p>To minimise the risk of damage due to freezing all cold water storage cisterns, including any associated pipework which may be at risk, should be protected. The type and level of protection will be dependent on the environment in which the installation is located.</p><p>In premises where there will be water demand or a positive change to the ambient temperature within 12 hours, the <a href="/publications/calculators/">insulator calculator</a> can be used to give an indication of insulation requirements. Where this is not likely to be the case the local water undertaker should be consulted as insulation alone may not be suitable.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="width: 500px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/cws/insulated_storage_cister_v1.0.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p><br></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

How do you protect a cold water storage cistern from undue warming?

<h1 id="newprotecting-the-contents-of-a-cold">How do you protect a cold water storage cistern from undue warming?</h1><hr><p>Undue warming is of concern for two reasons. It can potentially cause a deterioration of water quality and often result in customers leaving taps to run to waste.</p><p>Cold water storage cisterns and associated pipework should be sited away from heat sources and insulated.</p><p>Systems supplying cold water should be ideally designed to ensure that they distribute water at temperatures no greater than 20°C. This requirement may also apply under other legislation and code of practices, such as those relating to legionella control.</p><p><br></p><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/protecting_cold_water_storage_cistern_from_undue_warming.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 90%; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Regulations & Byelaws


  • Regulation 4 England & Wales

  • Regulation 4 Northern Ireland 

  • Byelaw 4 Scotland 

  • Regulation 5 England & Wales

  • Regulation 5 Northern Ireland 

  • Byelaw 5 Scotland 

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 2

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 3

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 4

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 5

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 6 

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 7

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 8

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 9

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 10

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 11

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 14

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 15

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 16

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 20

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 27


 Legal Requirements & Guidance


  • Regulation 5 England & Wales

  • Regulation 5 Northern Ireland

  • Byelaw 5 Scotland

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 2

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 3

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 4

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 7

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 8

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 9

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 11

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 14

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 15

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 16

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 20

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 27

 

 Publications


  • Cisterns storing drinking water

  • Installing cold water storage

  • Keeping a cold water storage cistern safe

  • Linking cold water storage cisterns

  • Pipe identification information note 

  • Plumbing maintenance: at home

  • Plumbing maintenance: commercial premises

  • Underground storage

  • Regulators' Specification for backflow

  • Full list of Publications


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