Published on: June 4, 2025 at 10:08 AM
In April we launched a new scheme developed in collaboration with water companies. The scheme aims to ensure the workforce’s compliance with water regulations and ultimately help safeguard public health and maintain high-quality drinking water.
The Importance of Regulation 31
The driving force behind the new scheme is Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations*, which mandates that all materials and equipment coming into contact with water intended for supply, must be approved and tested to ensure they do not compromise water quality.
As Marcus Rink, Chief Inspector at the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), explains:
“The purpose and objective of regulations is to ensure that drinking water quality remains perfect. There is a duty on all of us to work together to ensure that we get the right purpose and outcome, which is maintaining good quality wholesome drinking water all the time.”
Previous DWI investigations following customer complaints about the taste and odour of their drinking water have traced the causes back to poor compliance with these requirements. In one case, a sealant applied to a reservoir was not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance, and a basic taste and odour test was skipped before the reservoir was brought back into use.
This example highlights the importance of Regulation 31 compliance—not only for protecting public health, but also for avoiding reputational and regulatory consequences. The DWI has indicated growing concern over non-compliance and is urging the industry to take proactive steps to address these risks.
EUSR Products for Drinking Water Scheme
The EUSR Products for Drinking Water Scheme supports this effort by raising awareness and understanding of these critical regulatory requirements. It is designed for all water company employees in operations, developer services, and procurement, as well as supply chain contractors.
Dr Guy Franklin, Head of Water Quality and Compliance at Southern Water, said:
“Regulation 31 is one of the most widely misunderstood and misinterpreted regulations we have, the new scheme should help demystify materials in contact with water and help companies stay compliant and customers stay safe.”
The course content, as agreed with the Water UK Regulation 31 Group, includes:
- Where and what does the regulation apply to
- Potential consequences of not complying for consumers and your company
- Importance of compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use
- Record keeping for regulatory audit purposes
Ensuring that employees and contractors understand and implement Regulation 31 is not optional—it is essential for maintaining safe, wholesome drinking water and public confidence in the supply system.
Sector Collaboration
To ensure Products for Drinking Water’s success and seamless integration into the water industry, a steering group was established during the scheme’s development. The group comprised representatives from water companies and key stakeholders. The steering group’s primary responsibilities included approving the training and assessment and determining transition arrangements for existing in-house training programmes.
Initial Feedback
Since the launch of the scheme in early April, several training sessions have taken place to approve trainers to support delivering the scheme and to register individuals, with initial feedback proving highly positive.
Dr Neil Hudson, Head of Water Quality at South East Water commented:
“The training was really well delivered with the right blend of content and expert knowledge. The course itself is a real step forward for the industry as Regulation 31 compliance is a fundamental part of ensuring a wholesome water supply and this training course can help ensure that all contractors, suppliers and industry workers are aware of the requirements and what to do if they identify a risk.”
Samantha Vince, Head of Supply Compliance at Wessex Water said:
“Really pleased to see the launch of this scheme for an important regulation. Ensuring that Drinking Water quality is not impaired by products or processes and a really positive step in aligning both supply chain and water companies.”
The Products for Drinking Water scheme will enhance the knowledge of, and compliance with vital regulations to ensure the quality and safety of water treatment and supply processes.
If you have any questions, please contact denise.mcglynn@euskills.co.uk
*Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended) in England and Wales, Regulation 33 Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014 and The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017
A special thank you to:
- Ceris van de Vyver CSci, Director, CV Water Consultancy Ltd
- Guy Franklin, Head of Water Quality and Compliance, Southern Water
- Gemma Ward, Water Quality Risk & Optimisation Manager, Anglian Water Services
- Alan Brown, Head of Water Quality and Strategic Planning, Northumbrian Water
for their continued guidance and support in the development of this scheme.