Latest news with #WaterSupply
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
UK homeowners could be breaking the law over common DIY mistake
Four in five homeowners have never checked whether their fittings comply with UK standards | Shutterstock Millions of UK households could be unknowingly breaking the law - and putting their health at serious risk - due to a little-known loophole in Britain's plumbing regulations, study shows. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New research by global water safety authority NSF , revealed a widespread 'compliance paradox' in UK homes that affect nearly a half of homeowners. It comes as those who have installed new water fittings such as taps, showerheads, or pipes in the last five years have no idea they're legally responsible if those products don't meet safety regulations - even if bought from trusted retailers. Under UK law, all water fittings connected to the drinking supply must comply with Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. But there's a catch. Manufacturers can legally produce non-compliant products, and shops can legally sell them - yet it's the homeowner or installer who's on the hook if things go wrong. Samantha Duffy, senior manager, Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF, said:'Imagine buying a tap from a reputable DIY store, installing it yourself and then learning you've unknowingly broken the law and potentially put your family's health at risk. 'This is the reality for millions of homeowners across Britain today.' The findings, based on a comprehensive survey of 2,000 UK adults , continues to pain a worrying picture, as one in five homeowners suspect their property may already contain illegal or non-compliant fittings. Among younger generations, that number spikes dramatically - nearly half of those under 35 believe they may have installed non-compliant fittings in their homes. Despite this, awareness of the regulations remains shockingly low. Over half of UK adults have never even heard of the Water Supply Regulations 1999. While four in five have never checked whether their fittings comply with UK standards. Only 46 per cent of property owners know that they're legally responsible for ensuring compliance, while more than a third wrongly believe it's up to manufacturers. And 30 per cent of UK adults mistakenly assume that any product sold in UK stores is automatically regulation-compliant. The dangers of using non-compliant products are real - and potentially serious. These fittings can leach harmful substances like lead or organic contaminants into your drinking water or become breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. Health risks can range from gastrointestinal issues to long-term illnesses. On top of that, faulty fittings can cause leaks and invalidate home insurance policies, leading to significant financial fallout. 'This isn't just about following rules, it's about protecting your family's health,' explained David Platt, Director of Water, EMEA at NSF. 'Where non-compliant fittings are installed, they can introduce contaminants directly into your drinking water. 'The regulations exist specifically to prevent this, but they only work if people know about them.' To help homeowners stay safe - and stay legal - NSF is urging the public to take three simple steps. First, check any recently installed fittings to ensure they have proper UK compliance certification. Second, when buying new fittings, always look for REG4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4. These marks guarantee compliance with UK regulations and are your best line of defence against unsafe products. Finally, when in doubt, consult a qualified plumber who understands the regulations. 'The good news is that compliance is straightforward once you know what to look for,' added Duffy. 'Regulation 4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4, provide instant assurance that a product meets all UK water regulations, making it easy for homeowners to make safe choices.' The bottom line is, don't assume your tap is safe just because it came from a trusted store. Check it, or risk your health, your home - and potentially the law. NSF has created a free, easy-to-understand guide to UK Water regulations available at this link .
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
UK homeowners could be breaking the law over common DIY mistake
Four in five homeowners have never checked whether their fittings comply with UK standards | Shutterstock Millions of UK households could be unknowingly breaking the law - and putting their health at serious risk - due to a little-known loophole in Britain's plumbing regulations, study shows. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New research by global water safety authority NSF , revealed a widespread 'compliance paradox' in UK homes that affect nearly a half of homeowners. It comes as those who have installed new water fittings such as taps, showerheads, or pipes in the last five years have no idea they're legally responsible if those products don't meet safety regulations - even if bought from trusted retailers. Under UK law, all water fittings connected to the drinking supply must comply with Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. But there's a catch. Manufacturers can legally produce non-compliant products, and shops can legally sell them - yet it's the homeowner or installer who's on the hook if things go wrong. Samantha Duffy, senior manager, Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF, said:'Imagine buying a tap from a reputable DIY store, installing it yourself and then learning you've unknowingly broken the law and potentially put your family's health at risk. 'This is the reality for millions of homeowners across Britain today.' The findings, based on a comprehensive survey of 2,000 UK adults , continues to pain a worrying picture, as one in five homeowners suspect their property may already contain illegal or non-compliant fittings. Among younger generations, that number spikes dramatically - nearly half of those under 35 believe they may have installed non-compliant fittings in their homes. Despite this, awareness of the regulations remains shockingly low. Over half of UK adults have never even heard of the Water Supply Regulations 1999. While four in five have never checked whether their fittings comply with UK standards. Only 46 per cent of property owners know that they're legally responsible for ensuring compliance, while more than a third wrongly believe it's up to manufacturers. And 30 per cent of UK adults mistakenly assume that any product sold in UK stores is automatically regulation-compliant. The dangers of using non-compliant products are real - and potentially serious. These fittings can leach harmful substances like lead or organic contaminants into your drinking water or become breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. Health risks can range from gastrointestinal issues to long-term illnesses. On top of that, faulty fittings can cause leaks and invalidate home insurance policies, leading to significant financial fallout. 'This isn't just about following rules, it's about protecting your family's health,' explained David Platt, Director of Water, EMEA at NSF. 'Where non-compliant fittings are installed, they can introduce contaminants directly into your drinking water. 'The regulations exist specifically to prevent this, but they only work if people know about them.' To help homeowners stay safe - and stay legal - NSF is urging the public to take three simple steps. First, check any recently installed fittings to ensure they have proper UK compliance certification. Second, when buying new fittings, always look for REG4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4. These marks guarantee compliance with UK regulations and are your best line of defence against unsafe products. Finally, when in doubt, consult a qualified plumber who understands the regulations. 'The good news is that compliance is straightforward once you know what to look for,' added Duffy. 'Regulation 4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4, provide instant assurance that a product meets all UK water regulations, making it easy for homeowners to make safe choices.' The bottom line is, don't assume your tap is safe just because it came from a trusted store. Check it, or risk your health, your home - and potentially the law.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Water returns but A40 traffic measures remain after burst pipe
Water supplies have been restored to homes and businesses in Oxford following a burst pipe that caused widespread incident happened on Tuesday night on Mill Lane, affecting properties in the OX2, OX3, and OX33 Water confirmed that while repairs were now largely complete, traffic restrictions would remain in place on the A40. Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys, with the measures expected to be lifted later. Apologising for the inconvenience, Thames Water said those affected by low pressure or no water could see cloudy water as the supply gets back to normal. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P vows furniture for all students
In a significant move to bolster public education, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has announced that all students enrolled in government schools across the province will receive proper furniture during the next fiscal year. The initiative is part of the province's ongoing "education emergency" campaign aimed at uplifting basic educational infrastructure. Chairing a high-level meeting on Sunday to finalize the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the upcoming financial year, the chief minister directed relevant authorities to ensure that no student in the public sector is left sitting on the floor due to a lack of furniture. He assured that all necessary funds for this initiative would be made available on a priority basis. Emphasizing the provincial government's commitment to improving basic school facilities, Gandapur reiterated that functional washrooms, access to clean drinking water, and adequate classroom furniture are non-negotiable priorities. In a broader push for quality education, the chief minister also announced the launch of a special program to enhance teaching standards in public schools. He directed that modern, skills-based training be made mandatory for all newly recruited teachers, adding that capacity-building for educators is essential for long-term educational reform. The ADP planning meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan, and administrative secretaries of various departments. Participants held detailed deliberations on development proposals submitted by departments including Education, Health, Irrigation, Water Supply, Planning, Communications, and Local Government. Each project was individually reviewed for inclusion in the new ADP. Speaking to the attendees, Chief Minister Gandapur described the upcoming ADP as a "visionary document" that would guide the province's development agenda for the next four years. He said the plan would incorporate input from elected representatives and prioritize projects based on the genuine needs of local communities. He further stated that the bulk of next year's development budget would be dedicated to completing ongoing projects, particularly those with over 80 per cent of work already completed. Approximately 50 per cent of other existing projects are also expected to be finalized within the year. "The new ADP will be realistic and rooted in public needs," Gandapur said. "We will not chase superficial progress at the expense of essential services. Taxpayers' money will be used wisely and transparently." Declaring that "every constituency in the province is my constituency," the CM assured that development initiatives would be allocated without political bias, with a special focus on uplifting underdeveloped areas.
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Anglian receives record £1.42m fine for drinking water failures
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) said the company used unapproved plastic-based products to externally coat pipework submerged within their drinking water tanks at four different sites between June and December 2021. The watchdog said these coatings broke down into flakes and powder, which entered the water supply. Anglian Water, which provides services to seven million people in the east of England, reported the failures to the DWI before pleading guilty at Northampton Crown Court. Marcus Rink, DWI's chief inspector, said: 'Public health and drinking water quality must be the highest priority, and there can be no compromise. 'We've taken firm action in the public interest to ensure the company has removed all non-compliant material so that customers can remain confident in their water supplies.' The watchdog's investigation also uncovered wider issues around Anglian's management of its materials and contractors. This included a lack of staff training, poor oversight of the supply chain, and in some cases, water tanks continued to be used even after the company knew they contained unapproved products. DWI said Anglian Water has rectified all of the issues across its network. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Contamination of drinking water on any scale is scandalous and a complete disgrace. 'The record £1.4 million fine handed down sends a clear signal that this criminal behaviour is unacceptable.' The Government is planning to roll out widespread reforms to the water sector in response to public anger over the state of the nation's rivers, lakes and seas. 'As part of our Plan for Change, our landmark Water Act means polluting water bosses face two-year prison sentences and bans unfair multi-million-pound bonuses,' Mr Reed said. Anglian Water pleaded guilty to five offences under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, which makes mandates that only tested, approved and safe materials come into contact with drinking water. An Anglian Water spokesperson said: 'We apologise for and regret breaching Regulation 31 and accept the judgement for the five sites in 2021. 'The procedures we had in place fell short and as a result, we have since invested significantly to improve these and have shared our learnings across the water industry. 'Protecting the water supply of our customers could not be more fundamental to our business, this is reflected in the fact we have not had a drinking water prosecution in over 20 years. 'Despite the breach, there was no evidence of any contamination of the water supply and the judge agreed based on independent expert reports that the risk to customers was very low.'
