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Water Supply: Housing

Asked by Gregory StaffordConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 25250

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing a requirement for households undertaking significant plumbing alterations to be provided with information on potential changes to water quality and associated public health considerations.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The Water Fittings Regulations protect human health by preventing fittings from being installed, connected, arranged or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause contamination of drinking water supplies.  Defra would recommend that anyone making alterations to their plumbing should use a Watersafe plumber. The Watersafe website provides a free directory of competent, qualified plumbers.

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