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.
Why WRAS Approval is necessary
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 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
- 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 provide 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.
BS6920 Application Form
Download nowON-DEMAND WEBINAR
WRAS & DWI Regulation 31 Approval
Understand what’s required to achieve approval
Intertek Water Services
Offering a wide range of services to the water industry and related to water.Brooklands Close
Sunbury-on-Thames
Middlesex, TW16 7EE
United Kingdom