Significant changes have been made to the regulations surrounding the installation and testing of Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves, which are crucial devices for preventing water contamination. These Major Updates to RPZ Valve Regulations, known as the RPZ Approved Installation Method (AIM), came into effect on January 1, 2025. This new guidance from Water Regs UK is to improve water safety and ensure compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws.
Approved Installation Method (AIM)
RPZ valves are a type of backflow prevention device used to protect drinking water from contamination. They’re required in various settings where there’s a risk of non-potable water flowing back into the mains supply. The new AIM was introduced to strengthen these protections. It establishes clearer requirements for how the valves are installed and tested, ultimately aiming to further safeguard our drinking water.
New Requirements for the installation and testing of RPZ valves
Testing Equipment
• New Minimum Specification: There’s a new minimum standard for all RPZ test equipment. Testers have until June 30, 2026, to replace any equipment that doesn’t meet this new requirement.
• Say Goodbye to Single-Tube Manometers: As of January 1, 2025, using a single-tube manometer for testing is no longer acceptable.
• U-Tube Manometer Grace Period: Testers can continue to use a U-tube manometer until January 1, 2026, provided they follow specific procedures outlined in the Regulator Test Code Sheet TCS 1111.13 or clause 9.5.2 of BS EN 12726:2023.
Demonstrating Competence
• Revalidation is Required: To maintain their qualification, RPZ valve testers must now revalidate their competence every five years. This will typically involve a reassessment rather than a full retraining course.
Deadlines:
• If you qualified after November 2021, your revalidation is due five years from your original certification date.
• If you completed your conversion training before December 2020, you must revalidate your qualification by December 31, 2026.
These Major Updates to RPZ Valve Regulations are an important step in maintaining the integrity of our water supply system. Staying up-to-date on these regulations is crucial for anyone involved in the installation and testing of RPZ valves.
