Duncan Lewis 
14 February 2024 
In 1999, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme was introduced to provide a range of services which ensures safe drinking water and backflow prevention around the UK. Understanding and ensuring you meet these regulations is essential to providing residents and users of properties safe, clean drinking water. This article discusses the threat of backflow, the regulations in depth, their importance, the different categories and how you can meet Category 5 regulations with our AirBREAK range. Read the article today, and get in touch with our team to see how we can help you align with the Water Regulations today.
Quick Links:
- The Threat of Backflow
- The Category 5 Regulations
- Overview of the Water Regulation Categories
- Meet Category 5 Regulations with AirBREAK
As a contractor, you’re likely familiar with the intricacies of managing building projects. One such intricacy is ensuring the safety and efficiency of water systems, particularly in new build projects like hotels or residential flats. A key aspect of this is understanding and complying with the Category 5 water regulations, specifically those concerning backflow prevention.
The Threat of Backflow
Backflow is where stagnant or contaminated water is drawn back into the mains water supply. This can happen due to two primary causes: backpressure and back siphonage. Both of these situations force water to flow in the opposite direction to its regular flow path, potentially leading to contamination of the clean water supply.
The risk of backflow is not just theoretical, it is a significant health hazard. It poses a real and immediate risk to health, especially in buildings with high occupancy such as hotels, schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. In these spaces, the water system is in constant use, and potentially vulnerable or at-risk users may be using the system. There is also the potential for this backflow to enter the mains water supply, posing a wider public health risk to nearby households and communities.
The Category 5 Water Regulations
The Category 5 water regulations, as outlined in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, lay out the requirements for water fittings and plumbing systems concerning backflow prevention. The regulations state that every water system ‘shall contain an adequate device or devices for preventing backflow of fluid from any appliance, fitting or process from occurring’.
These regulations help define the expected level of potential risk to the water supply, which in turn dictates the level of protection needed. The regulations identify five categories of risk, known as the Fluid Categories. Fluid Category 1 requires no specific countermeasures or action and is considered ‘wholesome’ under the Water Industry Act 1991. On the other hand, Fluid Category 5, the highest risk level, presents a very serious health threat. This category calls for a specialist Class 5 backflow prevention device or devices.
Overview of the Water Regulation Categories
Fluid Category 1: This category refers to water which has been supplied by a water undertaker and complies with the requirements of regulations made under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Fluid Category 2: This refers to fluids whose aesthetic quality has been impaired due to changes in temperature or the substances of organisms that cause a change in taste, odour, or appearance.
Fluid Category 3: This refers to a fluid which contains substances of a low toxicity that could be a slight health hazard.
Fluid Category 4: This refers to fluids that represent a significant health hazard due to the concentration of toxic substances such a chemical, carcinogenic substances or pesticides, or environmental organisms of potential health significance.
Fluid Category 5: This refers to fluids that represent a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or highly toxic substances. This includes fluids which contain faecal material, or human waste, butchery or animal waste, or pathogens from any other source.
The Solution: Dutypoint’s AirBREAK Range
While backflow presents a substantial risk, there are efficient ways to prevent it and ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe, clean water with no risk of harm to other users and to the mains water supply. One solution is available from our AirBREAK range. This WRAS-approved system provides the perfect answer to your Category 5 Fluid needs.
The industry-leading ultra-compact integrated systems boast numerous additional features as standard. These include a 24-month warranty and the support of an experienced technical team, giving you peace of mind.View the full AirBREAK product range today.
Understanding and adhering to Category 5 water regulations is not just about compliance. It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of the occupants of the buildings you construct. As a responsible contractor, it’s your duty to ensure that the water systems you install are safe, efficient, and compliant with all relevant regulations. Remember, when it comes to backflow prevention, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
