An alternative route to Water Regulation 4 compliance

Flow spoke with David Jay, Business Unit Manager for Watertec at Kiwa, to understand why Water Regulation 4 compliance and not the name of the certification body, is what matters, and how Kiwa’s KUKreg4 certification service provides a robust, recognised, and efficient certification option for industry stakeholders.

For years, WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval has become the default requirement for products connected to the UK water supply. While WRAS is a highly respected certification scheme with a long-established reputation, it is important to recognise that WRAS is not Water Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 itself.

Flow. Why is there still so much confusion around Water Regulation 4 compliance?

David Jay. One of the biggest misconceptions in the UK water sector is that WRAS approval is the only way to demonstrate compliance with Water Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. 

WRAS has played a leading role in the industry for many years and remains a highly respected certification body. However, WRAS approval is not the Regulation itself, nor is it the only recognised route to demonstrating compliance.

That distinction is significant because many specifications continue to state “WRAS approved” when what they require is evidence that products comply with Water Regulation 4. In practice, this can result in certain products being excluded from projects despite them being independently assessed and fully satisfying the legislative requirements.

As the market evolves and more certification options become available, it is increasingly important that procurement decisions focus on regulatory compliance rather than familiarity with a particular certification scheme.

F. What does Water Regulation 4 require?

DJ. Water Regulation 4 exists to protect the quality and safety of the UK’s drinking water supply. It requires that water fittings are of an appropriate quality and standard, do not waste water, and do not cause contamination or present other risks to public health.

Importantly, the Regulation defines the outcome that must be achieved. It does not prescribe a single certification provider or approval scheme.

Specifiers, water companies, installers, and building owners need confidence that products have been independently assessed against the requirements of the Regulations. The emphasis should therefore be on credible, independently verified compliance rather than on certification by a single organisation.

This outcome-based approach provides flexibility while ensuring that safety, performance, and water quality remain the overriding priorities.

F. Why has WRAS become perceived as the default?

DJ. For many years, WRAS was the only certification route available to manufacturers and, understandably, became embedded within specifications, procurement documents, and wider industry practice.

Over time, many organisations began using “WRAS approved” as shorthand for Water Regulation 4 compliance. In some cases, the two terms became almost interchangeable, even though they are not the same thing.

This historical position has shaped purchasing habits across the sector and created a widespread perception that products must carry WRAS approval to be specified. However, the Regulations themselves make no such requirement.

As awareness grows, more organisations are reviewing their specifications to ensure they refer to compliance with the Regulations rather than unnecessarily limiting acceptable certification routes.

F. What challenges does this create?

DJ. The most obvious consequence is reduced choice.

If specifications only accept one certification route, innovative products that fully satisfy Water Regulation 4 may be overlooked simply because they have been assessed by another recognised certification body. This can reduce competition and limit access to innovative technologies or product improvements that could benefit projects.

It can also create unnecessary delays. For manufacturers launching new products, every additional week spent waiting for certification can delay market entry, disrupt project schedules, and increase development costs. Contractors and project teams may also face longer procurement times if suitable alternative products are excluded despite already demonstrating compliance.

Broadening acceptance of equivalent certification routes can therefore improve resilience across the supply chain while maintaining the same high standards of regulatory assurance.

F. So what alternatives are available?

DJ. Kiwa developed KUKreg4 specifically to provide manufacturers with an independent and robust route to demonstrating Water Regulation 4 compliance.

The certification process applies the same rigorous principles of product testing, technical assessment and independent certification expected of any credible conformity assessment programme. Products are evaluated against the requirements of the appropriate specifications to provide confidence that they are suitable for use within the UK water supply.

The key difference is that manufacturers gain access to a streamlined certification process delivered through a single organisation, helping reduce complexity and significantly improving turnaround times.

The objective remains the same: independently verified compliance with Water Regulation 4 through a recognised certification process.

F. How does KUKreg4 help manufacturers?

DJ. KUKreg4 brings testing, inspection, and certification together within one integrated process.

Because assessment activities are managed within Kiwa, manufacturers benefit from faster decision-making, simplified administration, and a more coordinated certification experience. Depending on the product and the supporting evidence already available, certification can often be completed in weeks rather than months. Some applications progress even more quickly. In fact, it has even been possible in just one day in some cases.

The service also provides significant advantages for manufacturers already selling products internationally.

Where suitable overseas certification data or test evidence already exists, duplication of testing can often be avoided. Existing evidence may be used to support UK certification where appropriate, helping manufacturers reduce both time and cost while accelerating access to the UK market.

Manufacturers can also combine KUKreg4 with other European certification programmes, including EN1111, EN817, EN200 and EN13959. Working with a single certification partner across multiple markets simplifies compliance management, reduces administrative effort, and creates greater consistency across product portfolios.

F. Does KUKreg4 offer different certification models?

DJ. Yes.

Manufacturers can choose a certification route that best reflects their quality management systems, manufacturing processes, and business requirements.

A five-year certification model, referred to as level 3, closely mirrors traditional market approaches and provides an efficient route for many manufacturers. Alternatively, an enhanced surveillance option incorporates more frequent factory inspections and ongoing manufacturing oversight throughout the certification period, referred to as level 1+.

The 1+ approach provides additional levels of surveillance and increased confidence in production, consistency and quality control while supporting continuous improvement within manufacturing operations. It also offers specifiers and customers further assurance that certified products continue to meet the required standards throughout their lifecycle.

Providing different certification models allows manufacturers to select the approach that best aligns with their operational needs without compromising regulatory compliance.

F. What should specifiers take away from this?

DJ. The key point is straightforward.

Water Regulation 4 compliance is the legal requirement, not certification by any one organisation.

WRAS remains an important and highly respected certification route, but it is not the only recognised means of demonstrating compliance. KUKreg4 provides manufacturers and specifiers with an equally rigorous, independent, and compliant alternative that can reduce delays, broaden product choice, and help projects move forward more efficiently.

As the industry seeks greater innovation, resilience, and supply chain flexibility, it is increasingly important that specifications focus on the compliance outcome required by the Regulations rather than unnecessarily restricting manufacturers to a single certification pathway.

Taking this approach encourages fair competition, supports innovation, and enables manufacturers with compliant products to compete on equal terms. In turn, specifiers gain access to a wider range of certified solutions, projects benefit from greater procurement flexibility, and supply chains become more resilient.

When the distinction between Water Regulation 4 compliance and individual certification schemes is properly understood, manufacturers gain broader market access, specifiers gain greater choice, and projects can be delivered more quickly without compromising safety, quality, or regulatory compliance.

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