When do you need to notify us?
Some plumbing work requires you to notify us in advance. The types of work that need prior notification are listed below.
If the installation falls under items 2, 4(b), or 4(f), you do not need to notify us if the work is carried out by an approved plumber. In this case, the plumber must provide a Water Regulation Compliance Certificate to the person who commissioned the work.
For installations involving a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve, also known as a BA Type Backflow Prevention Device, you must complete the Notification Form provided below to gain consent.
Notifying us at the right time ensures your work meets regulations and avoids unnecessary disruptions.
- Constructing New Buildings – Please Notify us using this form below if you are re-using an existing water supply.
- Changes to existing Water or Plumbing Systems.
- Extending or altering water or plumbing systems on any property other than a domestic house (e.g., commercial or industrial premises).
- A material change of use at a Premises
- This means changing the purpose for which a premises is used
- or the circumstances in which water within that premises will be used which may introduce contamination risks (installing, fire fighting, bore holes, rainwater, alternatives water systems etc).
- Other Notifiable water fittings and Installations
- A bidet with an ascending spray or a flexible hose.
- A pump or booster that draws over 12 litres per minute, connected to the water supply.
- A unit with reverse osmosis functionality.
- A water treatment unit that either:
- Produces wastewater discharge, or
- Requires water for cleaning or regeneration.
- An RPZ valve assembly or similar device used to protect against contamination from high-risk fluids (categories 4 or 5).
- A garden watering system unless it's designed to be used manually (e.g., with a hand-operated mechanism).
- Any water pipework installed outside or entering a building that is:
- Less than 750mm deep, or above ground,
- More than 1350mm deep, including where it connects to the property.
- Plumbing Details Required for Notification When notifying us, you’ll need to provide:
- Notifiers Contact details
- Description of the proposed works or material change of use
- Location of the relevant premises
- The use or intended use of those premises
- A Site plan of the relevant premises or part of
- A detailed Plumbing Schematic of the premises or part of
- Where the work is to be carried out by an approved contractor, the name of the contractor
Note: If you require a new Supply please apply and submit your Notification using this webpage Building & Developing - Southern Water; alternatively please proceed and Notify us of the installation on the form below.
What Happens Next
On receipt of a Notification and within 10 working days; a Regional Water Regulations Officer will check whether the Notification includes all of the above information which is necessary to Assess the Installation for Water Regulations Compliance.
Within 10 days Water Regulations Officer will respond the Notifier with one of the following:
- Further Information is required
- Withhold Consent
- Grant Consent
- Grant Consent subject to conditions
Please Note: The Notifier must not begin work without our Consent and where Consent is given the Notifier may need to comply with certain conditions of Consent.
Finding a Competent Installer
Please ensure the person installing or working on your water system has sufficient skills and knowledge to do the job safely and without risk to health and safety. Your installer will need to have a good understanding of the Water Fittings Regulations and dependant on complexity of your water system you may also need the support of a design engineer to help determine to ensure the water systems operational demands are met.
For simple Domestic Installations you could refer to some online such as (Watersafe, Legionella Control Assoc, etc).
For Commercial Installations you may require a higher level of technical competence, the following schemes may be more appropriate (Chartered Institute of plumbing & Heating or Building Engineers CIPHE or CIBSE, Legionella Control Assoc, etc).
Certificate of Water Regulations Compliance
Please ensure you installer provides you with a certificate of compliance for your new plumbing and send us a copy.
Plumbing Details
For all installations except those listed under 4(a), 4(c), 4(h), or 5, please provide a simple plumbing schematic. This helps us quickly assess your installation.
The schematic should ideally show the pipework, fittings, and appliances you plan to install. Additionally, please include a plan or drawing that indicates the intended location of the proposed plumbing and fittings.
Granting Consent
Once we receive your information, we will respond in writing within 10 working days. Consent will not be unreasonably withheld but may include conditions that you must comply with.
If you do not hear from us within 10 working days, consent is considered to have been granted. However, please note that we may still need to inspect the water system to ensure it meets the required standards.