Planned inspections

Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

Yorkshire Water is committed to ensuring everyone has safe drinking water and we have a legal duty to the Government for the enforcement of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. We do this by carrying out water regulation inspections on new and existing plumbing installations. 

At Yorkshire Water we have a team of Water Regulation Inspectors who are all experienced plumbers specifically trained to carry out inspections and offer free expert guidance. 

What to expect from a visit from one of our inspectors

• We will do a free visual inspection of your plumbing.
• We will check where water is used in any plumbing systems, water fittings, and water-using appliances.
• We will let you know of any issues; a report will explain any improvements you need to make. 

How to prepare for an inspection

• Ensure a site representative is available on the day of the appointment who can escort the inspector around your water system(s). 
• Have available any site plans and arrange any site inductions. 
• Following the inspection if your site was found to be compliant to the regulations we will write to you with a certificate of compliance. 

Defects were found during my inspection, what should I do next?

• Following the visit a defect report will be issued to the responsible person for site. 
• Please review the report and contact us if you need any further guidance. 
• Arrange for the remedial works to be completed within the timescale detail in the report. We recommend using a WaterSafe plumber to complete the work. 
• The inspector will revisit your business or premises to check the remedial works, usually within a month. 

What if I need more time to carry out the remedial works? 

If you require a time extension, you need to inform us in writing of your plan to complete the works and the estimated time. We will assess your plan against the risk to public health and confirm if it is acceptable. Refer to your water regulations inspection report for an example of the programme of works.

What if I ignore the report/notice?

Unfortunately, some businesses choose to ignore their duty to comply with the regulations. It is a criminal offence to breach the regulations and offenders may face prosecution. We always try to work with the business and see legal action as a last resort but where breaches of the regulations are found, we have a legal duty to ensure they are remedied. We may issue a legal notice to complete the work ourselves and recover the costs.