Notification

If a premises has any form of mains water supply, then in many cases the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland, make it a legal requirement (regulation/byelaw 5) for the local water undertaker to be given advanced notice of any proposed plumbing work. This is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies.

The water undertaker has 10 working days to respond to a valid notification. The proposed work should not start until after the 10 days is up.

The water undertaker can either decline or grant consent. If consent is granted conditionally then these conditions must be met.

If no response is received consent is deemed to have been granted. The proposed plumbing work can proceed but the owner/occupier has the legal obligation to ensure it is fully compliant with the water fittings regulations/byelaws

Related FAQs

What is meant by notification?

<h1 id="what-is-meant-by-notification">What is meant by notification?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-is-notification"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 25px; width: 250px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/sign1.jpg" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>If a premises has any form of mains water supply, then in many cases the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a>, make it a legal requirement (regulation 5) for the local water undertaker to be given advanced notice of any proposed plumbing work. This is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies.</p><p>The water undertaker has 10 working days to respond to a valid notification. The proposed work should not start until after the 10 days is up.</p><p>The water undertaker can either decline or grant consent. If consent is granted conditionally then these conditions must be met.</p><p>If no response is received consent is deemed to have been granted. The proposed plumbing work can proceed but the owner/occupier has the legal obligation to ensure it is fully compliant with the water fittings regulations/byelaws.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is meant by conditions of consent?

<h1 id="what-is-meant-by-conditions-of">What is meant by conditions of consent?</h1><hr><p>If a premises has any form of mains water supply, then in many cases the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a>, make it a legal requirement (regulation 5) for the local water undertaker to be given advanced notice of any proposed plumbing work. This is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies.</p><p>The water undertaker has 10 working days to respond to a valid notification. The proposed work should not start until after the 10 days is up.</p><p>The water undertaker can either decline or grant consent. If consent is granted conditionally then these conditions must be met.</p><p>If no response is received consent is deemed to have been granted. The proposed plumbing work can proceed but the owner/occupier has the legal obligation to ensure it is fully compliant with the water fittings regulations/byelaws.</p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Where can conditions of consent be found?

<h1 id="where-can-conditions-of-consent-be">Where can conditions of consent be found?</h1><hr><h4 id="where-can-conditions-of-consent-be"></h4><p>The conditions of consent will be found in the consent letter issued by the local water undertaker. This will have been sent to the address listed in the advanced notification.</p><p>If there are any questions relating to the approval granted, please contact the <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterregsuk.co.uk%2Fcontacts%2Fwater-company-contacts%2F&data=05%7C01%7CJon.Crawford%40southernwater.co.uk%7C5f94907f82c64ed1cab808db1e406431%7C64869c6e38fc4710aec4b3328daec580%7C1%7C0%7C638137035310284602%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EWFtFxTJ3sppB%2FlYbMYj8XbVjoL8vI6nU5CIovtB758%3D&reserved=0">local water undertaker</a> for further information</p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What work needs to be notified in advance?

<h1 id="what-work-needs-to-be-notified">What work needs to be notified in advance?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-work-needs-to-be-notified"></h4><p>Although broadly similar there are differences in the notification requirements in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Any questions please contact the local water undertaker for advice.</p><p>Notification requirements which are the same in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-all-uk-_1_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notification_diff_high.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

How do you notify in England & Wales

<h1 id="how-do-you-notify-in-england">How do you notify in England & Wales</h1><hr><h4 id="how-do-you-notify-in-england"></h4><p>Many water undertakers have their own notification forms and dedicated contact information which can be found on the water undertaker’s website and <a href="https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/contacts/water-company-contacts/">here</a>. It is important to use the local water undertakers form especially when submitting electronically.</p><p>If the local water undertaker does not provide a form, for a notification to be valid it must include as a minimum:</p><ul><li><p>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.</p></li><li><p>A description of the proposed work or material change of use.</p></li><li><p>The location of the premises and their use or intended use.</p></li><li><p>If using an approved contractor their name</p></li><li><p>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.</p></li></ul><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-not-ac-ew-_3_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

How do you notify in Scotland

<h1 id="how-do-you-notify-in-scotland">How do you notify in Scotland</h1><hr><h4 id="how-do-you-notify-in-scotland"></h4><p>Scottish Water has its own <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/Water-Byelaws/Byelaws-Notification-Form">notification form</a> and dedicated contact as well as other information which can be found <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/Water-Byelaws">here </a>.</p><p>Any questions please contact Scottish Water for advice.</p><p>Please note 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 will be required.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-not-ac-s-_4_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

How do you notify in Northern Ireland?

<h1 id="how-do-you-notify-in-northern">How do you notify in Northern Ireland?</h1><hr><h4 id="how-do-you-notify-in-northern"></h4><p>Northern Ireland Water has its own <a href="https://www.niwater.com/water-fittings-regulations/">notification form</a> and dedicated contact as well as other information which can be found <a href="https://www.niwater.com/water-fittings-regulations/">here </a>.</p><p>Any questions please contact Northern Ireland Water for advice.</p><p>Please note 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 will be required.</p><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-not-ac-ni-_5_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is a material change of use?

<h1 id="what-is-a-material-change-of"><a href="https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/guidance/notification/what-is-a-material-c/">What is a material change of use?</a></h1><hr><p>A material change of use is defined in the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a> </p><p>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.</p><p>For example:</p><ol><li><p>The conversation of a house into a business premises or private business to a public building.</p></li><li><p>A change of business use</p></li><li><p>The installation of a new rainwater harvesting system, new high risk catering equipment or any new installation in healthcare.</p></li></ol><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What are the notification requirements for approved contractors working in England & Wales?

<h1 id="what-are-the-notification-requirements-for">What are the notification requirements for approved contractors working in England & Wales?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-are-the-notification-requirements-for"></h4><p>For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a>  an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes.</p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS/">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a></p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by the local water undertaker</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken</p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p>An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to the local water undertaker as well as issuing one to their client.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Please note:</strong> notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-ew-_6_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What are the notification requirements for approved contractors working in Scotland?

<h1 id="what-are-the-notification-requirements-for">What are the notification requirements for approved contractors working in Scotland?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-are-the-notification-requirements-for"></h4><p>For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a> an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes.</p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS/">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a></p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by Scottish Water</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken</p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p>An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide Scottish Water with advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to Scottish Water as well as issuing one to their client.</p><p>Any questions please contact the Scottish Water for advice.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Please note:</strong> notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-s-_7_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What are the notification for approved contractors working in Northern Ireland?

<h1 id="what-are-the-notification-for-approved">What are the notification for approved contractors working in Northern Ireland?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-are-the-notification-for-approved"></h4><p>For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent">byelaws in Scotland</a>  an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes.</p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS/">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a></p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by Northern Ireland Water</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken</p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p>An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide Northern Ireland Water with advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to Northern Ireland Water as well as issuing one to their client.</p><p>Any questions please contact the Northern Ireland Water for advice.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required.</p><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-ni-_8_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

When does the installation of a pump or booster have to be notified?

<h1 id="when-does-the-installation-of-a">When does the installation of a pump or booster have to be notified?</h1><hr><h4 id="when-does-the-installation-of-a"></h4><p>The requirement to notify the proposed installation of 'a pump or booster drawing more than 12 litres per minute, connected directly or indirectly to a supply pipe' applies to all pumps capable of delivering any flow rate greater than 12 litres per minute.</p><p>For example, a shower which is supplied with water through a pump (located either upstream or downstream of the mixing valve) capable of delivering more than 12 litres/minute.</p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Do you need to notify when laying pipework at depths less than 750 mm or greater than 1350 mm?

<h1 id="do-you-need-to-notify-when">Do you need to notify when laying pipework at depths less than 750 mm or greater than 1350 mm?</h1><hr><h4 id="do-you-need-to-notify-when"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 10px; width: 328px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/soil_v3.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Pipework should be laid at a depth of not less than 750 mm (to limit the effect of freezing and mechanical damage) and no greater than 1350 mm deep. They should be embedded in non-abrasive materials. Where this cannot be achieved in all circumstances the consent of the local water undertakers must be obtained via notification.</p><p>Where the local water undertaker consents to pipework being laid at less than 750 mm it should be installed as deep as possible below ground level and protected against warming, freezing and mechanical damage (for example due to ground movement).</p><p>Pipework should not be installed above ground level is not permitted without the agreement of the local water undertaker.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Regulations & Byelaws which apply include but are not limited to

Regulation 5 England & Wales
Regulation 5 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 5 Scotland
Regulation 1 England & Wales
Regulation 1 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 1 Scotland
Regulation 3 England & Wales
Regulation 3 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 3 Scotland
Regulation 4 England & Wales
Regulation 4 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 4 Scotland
Schedule 1
Schedule 2 paragraph 1

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