Materials For Use With Drinking Water – Quality Testing

BS 6920 testing for WRAS approval. Accredited BS 6920 and DWI Regulation 31 testing by a WRAS and DWI approved laboratory.

Intertek carry out BS 6920 testing for WRAS approval . Any water fitting, which when installed, will carry or receive water from the public mains water supply in the UK, must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999 or 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'.

The easiest way for companies to demonstrate compliance with these regulations is through WRAS approval. This is granted directly by representatives of the water suppliers and is therefore accepted by every water supplier in the UK.

The DWI (Drinking Water Inspectorate) ensures that all products used in the public water distribution system meet the requirements of Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000. Only materials which comply with BS 6920 can be submitted for DWI approval. These may then be required to undergo additional testing as determined by the DWI.

WRAS contribute to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and encouraging the efficient use of water by promoting and facilitating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Byelaws in Scotland. Regardless of the quality of water treatment, contact with poor quality materials after the source of supply may contaminate drinking water.

Materials may affect water quality in various ways

Producing bad tastes and malodours.
Changing the appearance of the water.
Leaching toxic compounds and heavy metals which may be harmful.
Promoting microbial growth within piping which can generate unsightly slime formation.

What We Do

Intertek is approved by the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) to conduct water quality testing to the requirements of BS 6920, and WRAS Materials Guidance. Intertek’s WRAS testing capabilities cover both non-metallic materials and components that come into contact with drinking water.

Products must satisfy all five areas of BS6920 testing in order to gain approval, covering

Odour & Flavour
Appearance of Water
Growth of Aquatic Micro-organisms
Cytotoxicity
Extraction of Metals

WRAS materials approval covers testing of non-metallic materials and simple components that come into contact with drinking water to demonstrate the material does not contaminate the water supply.

Materials that must undergo this contamination testing include:
Rubber materials/components
Plastic materials/components
Lubricants/ Greases
Coatings/ Paints
Cementitious materials
Gaskets/ O-rings/ Washers
GRP and composite materials
Tubing & pipes

Intertek is also designated by the DWI to carry out analysis in support of applications for approval under Regulation 31 of the water supply regulations of 2000, including BS EN 12873 leaching tests for non-metallic materials and GCMS analysis.

Intertek provides a consultancy-based approach to the BS 6920 testing regimen and our experts will guide you through the WRAS approval process aiding with both product and material approvals. Intertek’s dedicated service provides our clients with a guarantee that our independent and impartial specialists can truly satisfy your quality assurance needs with the precision, pace and passion you desire.