A Helpful Guide to WRAS Approval
What is WRAS approval?
WRAS approval allows the installation of products that carry or receive water from the public mains water supply in the UK to fully comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws. These regulations require that a water fitting should not cause waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of the water supply and must be ‘of an appropriate quality and standard’.
As WRAS approval is granted directly by representatives of the water suppliers, it is the easiest way to demonstrate compliance with these regulations.
Why is it important?
A product made from unsuitable materials can contaminate water by dissolving metals or encouraging growth of bacteria which can cause an unpleasant taste or odour or ill health. A product which contaminates the water would not comply with water supply regulations, and therefore would not be legal to install.
How does a product become WRAS approved?
Products which require WRAS approval have to go through an application process in which each of the materials present in the product are tested in a laboratory to check they are suitable to come in contact with potable water.
Applications which are awarded WRAS approval receive a certificate to verify that the product has been approved and a listing on the WRAS website.
If a retailer, wholesaler or other third party wishes to sell or market the product under another trade name, a secondary approval is required.
How do I check WRAS approval?
The WRAS product directory is the best place to check approval.
https://www.wras.co.uk/search/products/
On the Dutypoint website, you can click on the WRAS logo under each product to view the WRAS approval details.
Which products require WRAS approval?
Products that carry or receive water from the public mains water supply need WRAS approval to certify that they can be used with drinking water.
Whose responsibility is WRAS approval?
Users, owners or occupiers and anyone who installs plumbing systems or water fittings and water-using appliances are responsible for ensuring that all products installed to transport water from the mains are WRAS approved. In new build developments, it is the developer’s responsibility to ensure that all equipment is WRAS approved.
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