The proposed Regulations will set out standards for water pipes, fittings and apparatus using water in order to prevent waste, misuse or contamination of water supplied by NI Water. The proposed Regulations only apply to fittings connected to the public drinking water supply.
The proposed Regulations will replace The Water Regulations (NI) 1991.
Commenting on the proposed Regulations, Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy said: “The proposed Regulations make provision for preventing contamination, waste, misuse, undue consumption and erroneous measurement of water supplied by NI Water. The Regulations protect against the use of defective water fittings, including those which pose a risk of contaminating drinking water.
“These new Regulations aim to promote the use of water efficient products, and enhance consumer protection through the use of Approved Contractor Schemes. The integrity of the public water supply network will be enhanced by prescribing appropriate devices to prevent contaminated water from entering public supplies.
“The Regulations will give NI Water the authority to carry out inspections, measurements and tests on premises or water fittings and take away such samples as they consider necessary for the purposes of the Regulations.”
The draft Regulations have been published for a sixteen-week consultation period, ending on 7 November 2008.
Copies of the draft Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009 are available on the Department for Regional Development website 
. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting the Water Policy Division on 028 9054 7866. E-mail responses may be sent to: waterpolicy@drdni.gov.uk and comments may also be faxed to: 028 9054 7875. Comments on the draft Regulations may be submitted to:
Notes to Editors:
- The proposed Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations make provision for preventing contamination and waste of water supplied by NI Water. They do not apply to certain water fittings in connection with water supplied for non-domestic purposes, or to water fittings lawfully installed before the date Regulations are brought into operation.
- The Regulations impose general requirements in relation to water fittings in terms of installation requirements and quality.
- The proposed Regulations will revoke The Water Regulations (NI) 1991.
- Media queries to: Press Office, Tel 028 90 540887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
