Scottish Water Byelaws

What are Water Byelaws?

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 are legal requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water using appliances connected to the public water supply in Scotland.

Why do we have them?

The purpose of the Byelaws is to prevent waste, misuse, undue consumption and contamination of water. While all of these are important, the main driver is the prevention of contamination of the public water supply.

Where do they apply?

The current Byelaws came into force on 12th July 2014 and they apply to ALL plumbing systems, water fittings and appliances which are, or can be, supplied from the public water supply.

In addition, Architects, Developers, Plumbers etc. need to ensure the requirements are met for any future owners or occupiers.

Failure to do so could lead to a criminal prosecution.

A list of approved fittings can be found in the "Water Fittings and Materials Directory" compiled by WRAS, and this can be viewed free of charge on their web site www.wras.co.uk. Not all plumbing fittings and materials on sale in the UK meet these standards or specifications and, while it's not illegal to sell them, it is illegal to use fittings which do not have the relevant approvals

You may benefit from the use of licensed/approved plumbers, and Scottish Water advises the use of professional plumbers and plumbing contractors who are members of recognised national licensing schemes. You can search for your nearest licensed contractor at www.watersafe.org.uk

A licensed/approved plumber will certify that his or her work meets the requirements of the Byelaws. If any breaches are subsequently found in the certified work, the legal responsibility would fall upon the plumber and not the owner or occupier.

Think

Air Gaps * Cross Contamination * Prevention of Contamination