What is the difference between WRAS and KIWA?

Water regulations and certifications in the UK are set of standards and requirements that aim to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of water supply, plumbing systems, and related products. These regulations and certifications are used to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and maintain the integrity of the water supply. These regulations include the Water Bylaws 2000, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Bylaws 2014, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 for England and Wales, and the Water Supply (Water Fittings Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. These regulations cover various aspects, including backflow prevention, water efficiency, materials used, and installation standards.

All Water Boards in the UK will allow you to install a product that is certified under any one of the approval schemes if they are reg 4 accredited. The quality marks of each organisation tell the user that the component or material has been thoroughly tested and is passed as suitable for installation onto water systems.

As its actually the Reg 4 compliance of the water supply (water fittings) Regulations 1999 that water products must comply with, if the product states WRAS or KIWA, these will both comply with this.

WRAS

WRAS is a UK-based certification scheme that ensures water fittings and plumbing systems meet the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations or Byelaws in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Covering a wide range of water-related products, such as Valves, taps, showers, pumps, pipes, and fittings, the WRAS certification indicates that the product or system is designed, installed, and maintained in a way that prevents contamination of drinking water and complies with the regulations.

WRAS is a voluntary certification, however many water companies and authorities require products and systems to have WRAS approval before installation. WRAS certification indicates that the product or system has been tested and meets the necessary standards to prevent contamination of the water supply.

To gain certification, the items or products go through rigorous testing, to ensure it meets the necessary standards and requirements.

KIWA

KIWA is an international certification organisation based in the Netherlands that provides testing, inspection, and certification services for various industries, including water and plumbing. Offering certifications for all manufacturers and distributors of plumbing products used in the supply of water within the UK. 

The KIWA Regulation 4 Product Approval Scheme (KUKreg4) covers products across water related products and systems, such as pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, and appliances, to ensure they meet the relevant standards and regulation. Meeting the compliance with the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations or Byelaws in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Recognised internationally and indicates that the product or system has undergone testing and meets the required quality and safety standards.

The certification process involves testing the product or system according to specific standards. Once the product has gained accreditation through testing and verification by Kiwa experts, it can be regularly reviewed to maintain compliance should regulations change.

All testing is carried out in Kiwa laboratories which are themselves ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS, RVA, Accredia.

When and why are they used?

Both WRAS and KIWA (KUKreg4) are universally accepted in the UK to ensure that water fittings and systems comply with the local regulations. With some specifiers, contractors and installers preferring one or the other. Historically, WRAS was the most widely known approval scheme. Hence, to this day, many customers would still ask for WRAS approval for water products and components.

The KIWA KUKreg4 approval mark demonstrates the same testing systems and standards, with full compliance with the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, exactly like WRAS does, and so can be universally accepted as equal to WRAS approval.

Many manufacturers are now looking into changing the text within project specifications from “WRAS approval required” to “Evidence of Regulation 4 Compliance required.” This change acknowledges and recognises that all the approval schemes carry equal merit in proving and demonstrating component product compliance.

These regulations and certifications are used in various situations, including:

• New Installations: When installing water fittings, plumbing systems, or appliances in new buildings or properties, compliance with water regulations and obtaining the necessary certifications is essential.
• Renovations and Alterations: If modifications or alterations are made to existing plumbing systems, adherence to water regulations may be required to ensure compliance and prevent any potential issues.
• Product Selection: When purchasing water-related products such as valves, taps, showers, pipes, pumps, and fittings, it is advisable to choose a UK Water Regulation 4 product to ensure they meet the require standards and regulations.
• Compliance Checks: Water companies and local authorities may conduct inspections or audits to ensure compliance with water regulations, particularly in commercial and industrial settings.

Both WRAS and KIWA certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of water fittings and systems. The specific certification required may depend on the contractor, installer, water authority etc, however if it is Regulations 4 compliant and tested it should be fine to be used for water which is designed to be consumed by humans.

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