OXFORD, July 23, 2025 – A recent study conducted by global water safety authority NSF has revealed a concerning “compliance paradox” in Britain’s plumbing regulations, potentially putting millions of UK homes at risk of water contamination or leaks. According to the research, while half of homeowners have installed water fittings in the last five years, more than half (52%) are unaware of their legal responsibility to ensure these products meet regulatory standards.
Under Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, it is a legal requirement for all water fittings connected to drinking water to comply with certain standards. However, the study found that many homeowners and installers are not aware of this regulation, creating a situation where non-compliant products can be legally produced and sold.
Samantha Duffy, Senior Manager of Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF, expressed concern over this knowledge gap, stating, “Imagine buying a tap from a reputable DIY store, installing it yourself and then learning you’ve unknowingly broken the law and potentially put your family’s health at risk. This is the reality for millions of homeowners across Britain today.”
The survey of 2,000 UK adults also revealed that one in five homeowners believe their property likely contains non-compliant water fittings, with younger generations being more concerned. Nearly half of those under 35 suspect they have non-compliant fittings in their homes.
To address this issue, NSF recommends three simple steps for all UK homeowners: checking existing fittings for proper certification, looking for certification marks when purchasing new fittings, and consulting a qualified plumber when needed.
David Platt, Director of Water, EMEA at NSF, emphasized the importance of complying with water regulations, stating, “This isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting your family’s health.” Non-compliant water fittings can potentially introduce harmful substances or microorganisms into the drinking water, posing serious health risks.
To make it easier for homeowners to make safe choices, NSF has created a free guide to UK Water regulations, which can be accessed on their website.
For more information on this study and NSF’s recommendations, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.