This superseded the previous guidance presented by the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) – Information Note 9-04-03.

The aim is to ensure that the correct pipe materials are selected to protect the quality of drinking water. The guidance covers the assessment of chemical contamination.

Water UK and the House Builders Federation (HBF) presented a very similar document in January 2014 that cover the same requirements, but this is not limited to the application in Brownfield scenarios. The Water UK/HBF document “Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance” largely mirrors that presented in the UKWIR document but is therefore also applicable to sites considered as “Greenfield”.

In summary, these document the risk assessment process and, if deemed necessary, the testing parameters and thresholds for the use of the various water supply pipe types for the development.

Ideally an initial risk assessment of the site is the starting point, i.e., a Desk Study. Should this highlight the likelihood of relevant contamination being present on site then some testing of the soils may be pertinent prior to placement of water supply pipes.

If no risk assessment or testing is carried out, then the water supply company may refuse to connect your pipes to the mains supply.

The testing and assessment regime is centred largely around organic hydrocarbon contamination including phenols, cresols, volatile (VOC) and semi-volatile (SVOC) compounds which have the potential to diffuse/permeate into plastic supply pipes. Additional chemical-physical testing (pH, conductivity, redox potential) also covers the use of metallic pipes. Other potential contaminants can be tested for if there is a requirement to do so (e.g. ethers, nitrobenzenes, ketones, aldehydes, amines, etc.)

Frequencies of testing depend largely on the length of the run of the required piping and the materials which are in contact with the buried pipe.

Sampling, Testing and Assessment

Kiwa CMT offer independent sampling, testing and assessment of the materials.

If you require any assistance, then our talented and experienced team of Contaminated Land and Geo-Environmental engineers can help you. Drop us a line or give us a call.

Our services include:

  • Sampling of in situ materials in accordance with relevant guidance
  • Comprehensive and accurate testing to the requirements presented in UKWIR and Water UK/HBF documents
  • Assessment of the results and classification of the suitability of various supply pipe materials

We at Kiwa CMT can assist by providing sampling of your in situ material to the relevant sampling standards, a robust testing regime for characterisation and assessment to UKWIR/Water UK/HBF requirements.

Our reports include photographs of the samples, sampling plans, logs (where applicable), location maps, test data and assessment data.

How are the reports presented?

Our reports are provided in PDF format via email.