The following conditions must be adhered to for all new connections to public water mains. Please read in conjunction with the standard connection detail overleaf.

All plumbing installations should be in accordance with theWater and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. The Regulations set out the requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water using appliances. You must not, without NI Water’s consent, attach any pipe or apparatus to a water main or to a service pipe which supplies water to any premises. If planning permission has been granted for a site with contaminated land, then potable water supply pipes must meet the standards specified within the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) document titled “Guidance for the Selection of Water Supply Pipes to be used in Brown Field Sites”.

Water supply pipes should be constructed of a suitable and approved material (typically blue, medium density polyethylene) for the environment in which they are to be installed. They should be laid in a trench with a minimum of 750mm and no more than 1,350mm cover to the top of the pipe over its full length.The entire supply pipe must be laid appropriately and be visible for the connection to take place. If these requirements cannot be met, then NI Water must be notified before any work is carried out. The finished ground level must be evident as indicated by reference to a fixed kerb level or other agreeable permanent ground feature.

Your private supply pipe should be at least 25mm outside diameter. Larger pipes may be needed for very long pipe runs. A disinfection certificate must be provided for pipes of 50mm outside diameter, and above, before the connection can be carried out. UKAS accredited test certificates must be provided to NI Water before the connection will be scheduled.Your supply pipe should be laid using the shortest route between the property boundary and the point of entry to the property. The supply pipe for each individual property must be kept within the curtilage of the property it is to serve. Supply pipes serving mid terrace properties must be ducted within and through the property.

Connections will not be made to supply pipes laid above the ground. An approved boundary box of a minimum depth of 750mm must be used, with its final position clearly identified. Shortened boundary boxes will be rejected.

On entering the building, at the approved depth, the supply pipe should be passed through a duct with each end of the duct sealed as per the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. The supply pipe should be adequately insulated, where necessary. The pipe must be terminated at a suitable stop valve, which should be located inside the dwelling above floor level and near to the entry point of the building.

It should be noted that if the above conditions are not met NIWater reserves the right to refuse to complete the connection. This may result in an abortive new connection site visit and an associated repeat visit charge. NIWater reserves the right to carry out an installation inspection which covers all parts of the plumbing system within the property to ensure compliance with the Water Regulations.

The above connection requirements are not exhaustive but set out minimum standards contained within legislation, regulations, standards and water industry best practice. These requirements do not alter the obligations upon designers, developers, installers and owners/occupiers to ensure they are fully compliant with all legislative and regulatory compliance when carrying out plumbing installations within premises.

All queries regarding new connections should be made to NI Water:
Telephone: 03458 770 003
Email: waterline[AT]niwater[DOT]com

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