Drinking Water Taps

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

If water is supplied for drinking, cooking, bathing or washing (domestic use) a drinking water tap must be installed. 

It is recommended where possible drinking water taps should be supplied direct from mains i.e. not via any water fitting which stores, treats or filters the water. Where this is not feasible, they can be fed from a storage cistern or pumped, but wholesomeness must be maintained, meaning the water fittings used must not adversely affect water quality.

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>

Does a drinking water tap have to be installed?

<h1 id="newoes-a-drinking-water-tap-have">Does a drinking water tap have to be installed?</h1><hr><p>If water is supplied for drinking, cooking, bathing or washing (domestic use) a drinking water tap must be installed. Where possible this should be supplied direct from mains i.e. not via any water fitting which stores, treats or filters the water.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Do drinking water taps have to be supplied direct from mains?

<h1 id="new-pagedo-drinking-water-taps-have"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/drinking_water_taps.png" class="img-responsive ProseMirror-selectednode" style="float: right; width: 216px;">Do drinking water taps have to be supplied direct from mains?</h1><hr><p>It is recommended where possible drinking water taps be connected directly to the incoming mains water supply. Where this is not feasible, they can be fed from a storage cistern or pumped, but wholesomeness must be maintained, meaning the water fittings used must not adversely affect water quality.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Do taps needs to be labelled?

<h1 id="newdo-taps-needs-to-be-labelled">Do taps needs to be labelled?</h1><hr><p>Any tap supplying water which is not wholesome must be labelled in accordance with <a href="/downloads/publications/info_leaflets/pipe_identification_bs_1710.pdf" target="_blank">BS 1710</a>. In non-household premises it is recommended all taps are labelled to help users to distinguish between sources of drinking and non-drinking water.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Can a water softener or conditioner be installed?

<h1 id="newcan-a-water-softener-or-conditioner">Can a water softener or conditioner be installed?</h1><hr><p>Yes, as long as it’s of an appropriate quality and standard. Please note if the softened or conditioned water is to be used for drinking, cooking, bathing or washing (domestic purposes) then it must remain wholesome i.e. satisfy water quality requirements.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What is a self-closing tap?

<h1 id="new-pagewhat-is-a-self-closing">What is a self-closing tap?</h1><hr><p>A self-closing tap is one which turns itself off automatically after a set time or volume of water has been discharged, for example non-concussive and infrared taps often used to save water or in areas where taps are prone to being left open.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What is wholesome water?

<h1 id="new-pagewhat-is-wholesome-water">What is wholesome water?</h1><hr><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 120.973px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/glass_of_water.jpg" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Wholesomeness is defined in water quality regulations (<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2018/647/contents/made" target="_blank">England &amp; Wales</a>, <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2001/207/made" target="_blank">Scotland</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2017/212/made" target="_blank">Northern Ireland</a>). To be considered as wholesome water must:</p><ul><li><p>Meet all the prescribed standards set out in the relevant version of the water quality regulations.</p></li><li><p>Be aesthetically acceptable to customers in terms of appearance, taste and odour.</p></li><li><p>Not contain anything, either alone or in combination, which may be harmful to health.</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Can multifunctional taps be installed?

<h1 id="can-multifunctional-taps-be-installed">Can multifunctional taps be installed?</h1><hr><p>If the installation of a multifunction tap is&nbsp;notifiable, under regulation 5 of the water fittings regulations in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made">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>, installation advice should be provided as part of the notification process.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: start;" class="p1">If the installation is not notifiable there remains a legal obligation for the premises owner or occupier to ensure the plumbing work is fully compliant with the water fittings regulations, byelaws in Scotland. To assist installers water undertakers and Water Regs UK publish installation&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;on a range of topics including&nbsp;<a href="/downloads/publications/info_leaflets/multifunction_taps.pdf">multifunction taps.</a></p><p style="text-align: start;" class="p1">If there are any further questions, please contact the local&nbsp;<a href="/contacts/water-company-contacts/">water undertaker</a>&nbsp;for advice.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="faqs">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why do I have a brown/black line in my plastic kettle?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-appearance-of-water">Why do I have a brown/black line in my plastic kettle?</h1><hr><p>Overtime minute traces of copper (which is an essential element that naturally occurs in water) become trapped within plastic materials used to manufacture a kettle. When these traces then comes into contact with oxygen inside the kettle they undergoes a process called oxidation, turning them black.</p><p>It can be washed out using a weak acid solution, such as a kettle descaler, readily available in most supermarkets and online retailers. These are not harmful when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water look cloudy?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-appearance-of-water">Why does my water look cloudy?</h1><hr><h3 id="why-does-my-water-look-cloudy"></h3><p>There are normally two reasons why water may appear cloudy, both are usually harmless.</p><p>The most common reason is minute bubbles of air trapped in the water. These air bubbles are so small that they are not readily visible to the naked eye and customers often describe this as their water having a ‘white cloudy’, 'milky' or ‘chalky’ appearance.</p><p>Air bubbles in the water may be caused by for a number of reasons:</p><ul><li><p>A loose or worn tap washer, this is usually accompanied by a distinctive ‘singing’ sound from the tap at certain flow rates.</p></li><li><p>A sudden reduction in pressure (because of opening the tap) which can release air dissolved in the water, in the same way as dissolved carbon dioxide is released when a bottle or can of fizzy drink is opened. This can be confirmed by filling a clear glass with water and checking to see if the cloudiness clears from the bottom to the top of the glass.</p></li><li><p>Maintenance work on your plumbing installation may cause air to become trapped within the system, especially if your water supply was turned off temporarily during the work.</p></li><li><p>If your hot water pipes run too close to your cold water pipes.</p></li></ul><p>Another cause of white/cloudy water can be small particles in the water. These particles may have become dislodged from pipework or other water fittings within the property, becoming suspended in the water giving it a white cloudy/opaque appearance.When a glass is filled any such particles would slowly sink, leaving chalk like deposits at the bottom of the glass.</p><p>In both cases, leaving your taps running at a gentle steady flow for a short period should resolve these issues.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why is my water yellow?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-appearance-of-water">Why is my water yellow?</h1><hr><h4 id="why-is-my-water-yellow"></h4><p>When iron deposits become re-suspended, they can react with the oxygen in the water which can result in it becoming yellow in appearance, this is generally harmless. This discoloration can be caused by a disturbance in the main, such as a burst, or a cast iron pipe (typically used in the 1950’s and 1960’s) coming to the end of its life. In the case of the latter the yellow discoloration may also be accompanied by brown or black flecked particles. This may be as a result of a change in flow pressure (such as following a burst pipe or excessive supply demand) disturbing harmless deposits within the pipework.</p><p>If the water has a bright or fluorescent yellow colour, contact your water undertaker.</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why is my water a shade of blue?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-appearance-of-water">Why is my water a shade of blue?</h1><hr><h4 id="why-is-my-water-a-shade"></h4><p>Clean water will naturally have a blue hue to it. Water which has a definite blue or turquoise colour as opposed to hint, is often due to new copper pipe work or the use of poor quality brass fittings. To help prevent this from happening new pipe work needs to be thoroughly flushed, which may need to be repeated over a period of weeks until the pipework stabilises, and make sure brass fittings are manufactured from appropriate materials.</p><p>Another source of intense blue water may be water siphoned back via inlet valves supplying toilet cisterns. Where the inlet to toilet cisterns is installed incorrectly water coloured by a toilet block (the colour of the water will depend on the colour of the toilet block used, if this is the issue) can be back siphoned into the plumbing system.</p><p>If you suspect you have elevated level of copper or water back siphoned from a toilet block, please contact your water undertaker for advice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water taste rancid or of rotten meat?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-taste-and-odour">Why does my water taste rancid or of rotten meat?</h1><hr><h4 id="why-does-my-water-taste-rancid"></h4><p>If your water has a rancid or rotten odour or taste, then it is important to determine the source of the supply. If it is fed from a storage cistern this should be inspected for any signs of any animals or birds having gained access.</p><p>Where evidence of animal or bird activity (access into the cistern) is found the storage cistern plus any associated pipework arrangements should be drained, cleaned and thoroughly disinfected.</p><p>If the supply is direct from the main, then contact the water undertaker immediately. They will be able to provide further help and advice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water smell stagnant or like sewerage?

<h1 id="water-quality-faqs-taste-and-odour">Why does my water smell stagnant or like sewerage?</h1><hr><p>Sometimes a sewage or stagnant type smell can emanate from a sink or plug hole, especially if the water draining away is warm. This indicates a possible blockage or build-up of waste materials, making the drinking water appear as if it has an unpleasant smell. Filling a glass with water, taking it into a different room (away from the kitchen sink) and then smelling it, may help to determine whether the odour is genuinely from the water or not.</p><p>If the water still smells, please contact the water undertaker immediately.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water smell and/or taste of chlorine antiseptic or TCP?

<h1 id="why-does-my-water-smell-andor">Why does my water smell and/or taste of chlorine antiseptic or TCP?</h1><hr><p>Chlorine in drinking water is not harmful. It is added to drinking water as the final stage of treatment to protect public health. Water undertakers monitor chlorine concentrations closely to keep the levels as low as possible whilst keeping water supplies safe. Concentrations can vary throughout the day and year. They may be higher if you live close to a water treatment works.</p><p>Some people are sensitive to the taste and smell of chlorine. The taste of chlorine can be reduced by allowing it to stand in a closed container in a fridge until needed. If this does not work, try boiling the water for about five minutes before storing it. This should remove most of the chlorine. If not drunk within 24 hours, it should be used for purposes.</p><p>Home treatment devices like a water filter, are generally not necessary but some customers like to use them. These typically make use of activated carbon to absorb chlorine and other substances which can influence the taste of the water. Please note water treatment devices must be of an appropriate quality and standard. If not properly maintained, they may cause water quality problems.</p><p>A chlorine or metallic taste, especially in hot drinks, may not be due to the presence of chlorine. Instead, it is more likely to be associated with non-metallic plumbing materials, such as rubber washers, or hoses if you have appliances (such as vending machines, dishwashers, washing machines and garden hoses) plumbed in close to taps used for drinking water. The plasticiser in these products combines with the residual chlorine in drinking water, and when heated forms antiseptic/TCP tasting compounds when are most noticable in tea and coffee.</p><p>In the case of appliances this can be remedied by either changing the hoses for ones which are compliant with BS 6920 or installing a double check valve on the supply to the appliance. Garden hoses should always be disconnected from the hose union tap when not in use and should ideally be fitted with a trigger release gun for when in use.</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water smell/taste earthy or musty?

<h1 id="why-does-my-water-smelltaste-earthy">Why does my water smell/taste earthy or musty?</h1><hr><p>There are a number of organisms which can cause a musty/earthy taste or smell in water that can grow inside taps. These are generally harmless.</p><p>If you notice this smell or taste, try using a mild household disinfectant to wash outside and inside your tap then running it a little before you use it again to rinse out the disinfectant.</p><p>If you have done this but are still concerned contact your water undertaker.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Why does my water smell/taste of petrol, diesel or oil?

<h1 id="why-does-my-water-smelltasteof-petrol">Why does my water smell/taste of petrol, diesel or oil?</h1><hr><p>If there is a taste or odour of petrol or diesel to the water from your kitchen tap, please contact your water undertaker straight away and do not drink the water or use it for cooking purposes until you have sought their advice.</p><p>The most common cause of this issue are leaks or the spillage of hydrocarbons (the chemical compounds found within fuel and similar products).The water undertaker will want to know whether you have had any work done at the property (for example on the heating system), if you have any oil storage tanks or have recently had any oil spills at the premises (for example a car or motorbike leaking oil).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Type AUK3 tap gaps

<h1 id="type-auk-3-tap-gap">Type AUK 3 tap gap</h1><hr><p>A Type AUK 3 tap gap is suitable for high risk installations (fluid category 5 or lower). It is a specific minimum distance between the lowest point of a tap spout, shower head or other fitting and the spillover level of the high risk appliance or receptable it supplies.</p><p style="text-align: start;">A Type AUK 3 tap gap is rated by the Regulators as suitable backflow protection against&nbsp;the highest level of contamination,&nbsp;fluid category&nbsp;5 but for back siphonage only.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 400px;"><img src="/images/topics/backflow/15-type-auk3_with_ss_.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>The requirements for a Type AUK3 tap gap are :</p><ol><li><p>The tap gap is measured vertically from the lowest point of the outlet, which includes any aerator or flow straightener fitted, and the spillover level of whatever receptacle it supplies.</p></li><li><p>The gap required must be not less than 20 mm or twice the diameter of the inlet pipe supplying the installation whichever is the greater.</p></li></ol><p style="text-align: start;">Where an AUK3 tap gap cannot be maintained, for example where the tap gap is compromised as a result of:-</p><ul><li><p>the tap being lowered in any way;</p></li><li><p>adjustment to the spout which reduces the distance between the tap outlet and spillover level of the sink; or</p></li><li><p>the operation of a pull out hose attachment</p></li></ul><p style="text-align: start;">An alternative form of fluid category 5 backflow protection is required.</p><p><br></p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="faqs">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

What level of risk are pre-rinse pot wash taps?

<h1 id="what-level-of-risk-are-pre">What level of risk are pre-rinse pot wash taps?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-level-of-risk-are-pre"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; width: 207px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/image5-25.jpg" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Providing a Type AUK3 tap gap is maintained a trigger-operated hose attachment used to pre-rinse crockery and cutlery in non-domestic premises only requires the installation of backflow protection rated at least fluid category 2 to ensure separation of the hot and cold supplies.</p><p><strong>Fluid category 5 : Type AUK3 tap gap<br>20 mm or twice the internal diameter of the tap connection whichever is the greater</strong></p><div class="tablewrapper"><table class="table table-condensed"><thead><tr><td><p>For example: tap size</p></td><td><p>minimum tap gap</p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>8 mm</p></td><td><p>20 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>10 mm</p></td><td><p>20 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>12 mm</p></td><td><p>24 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>15 mm</p></td><td><p>30 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>20 mm</p></td><td><p>40 mm</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><strong>Please note</strong></p><p>If the tap gap cannot be maintained for any reason, for example the spring retraction system is damaged, alternative means of providing fluid category 5 backflow protection will be required.</p><p>If there are any further questions, please contact the local <a href="https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/contacts/water-company-contacts/">water undertaker</a> for advice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><!--PARTBREAK--><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><!--PARTBREAK--><p><br></p>

Regulations & Byelaws which apply include but are not limited to:


  • Regulation 3 England & Wales

  • Regulation 3 Northern Ireland 

  • Byelaw 3 Scotland 

  • 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 7

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 11

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 14

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 15

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 24


  • 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 11

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 14

  • Schedule 2 paragraph 15


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