Regulations

Regulations for RPZ Valves

Water contamination
​Backflow from fittings or appliances resulting in unwholesome water passing into drinking water supplies can constitute a serious public health hazard. There are numerous, well documented cases where backflow has resulted in contamination incidents which were harmful to health. The risk is a continuous one because plumbing systems are frequently being installed, altered, or extended.

​Prevention of backflow
Prevention of backflow requires a thorough knowledge and continual vigilance. Education is essential and even those who are experienced in plumbing systems may fail to recognise potential backflow and cross-connection situations. Those responsible for the water supply in their premises must be familiar with the potential risks from backflow and cross-connections and must carefully monitor their systems.

Approved Installer
The Regulations state that RPZ valves must comply with the requirements for water fittings (Regulation 4) and must be installed 'in a workmanlike manner'. One way of complying with the ‘workmanlike manner’ requirement is to conform to a method of installation approved by the Water Supplier.

UK Wide Installations
​Bluewater Valves Ltd are one of the only qualified and accredited testers of RPZ valves in the South Lincolnshire area, our service of testing and installing RPZ valves covers the whole of the UK.

Did you know?

It is a criminal offence to contaminate the water supply or to use fittings which cause or are likely to cause contamination. This applies equally to backflow causing contamination of water in the Water Supplier’s mains or in the customer’s premises before use.

Commissioning and testing of an RPZ Valve

Commissioning and testing of an RPZ Valve must only be carried out by an accredited tester approved by the Water Supplier as being competent to test.
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The installation and use of an RPZ Valve requires a long-term commitment to testing and maintenance on a regular basis. Test methods and maintenance regimes shall be in accordance with the Water Supplier’s requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements increases the risk of contamination by backflow and may result in the Water Supplier suspending the supply.

Safe Drinking Water

When consumers turn their water taps on, they believe "Safe Drinking Water" is immediately available, pure and plentiful. They assume the water is safe simply because no one has warned them otherwise. "Safe Drinking Water" is regulated by the DETR, and as a professional body the water utility is responsible for ensuring overall protection of safe drinking water under all foreseeable circumstances. However, despite strict regulations, extremely dangerous situations continue to occur when backflow contaminants are inadvertently allowed to enter our safe drinking water supplies. It is also a criminal offence to contaminate the water supply.

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