UPDATE – PART G
Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency

These new regulations generally apply from 6th April 2010. However, they do not apply if:

G1 – Cold Water Supply
Wholesome water must be provided to washbasins, bidets, showers, baths, sinks where food is prepared and any other place where drinking water may be drawn.

Water from wells, springs or suitably treated harvested rainwater/ grey-water may, subject to a risk assessment, be used for WC’s, urinals and washing machines. Pipework used to convey non-wholesome water must be marked accordingly.

G2 – Water Efficiency
New dwellings or those formed by a change of use must be provided with fittings (e.g. taps) and fixed appliances (e.g. dishwashers/ washing machines) that use water efficiently. To prove this, a calculation must be carried out for each new dwelling before a completion certificate will be issued. In addition, details of all such fittings and appliances must be given to the building owner.

A document setting out the Water Calculation Methodology for assessing the whole house water efficiency of new dwellings can be found at: www.planningportal.gov.uk and an online water efficiency calculator for new dwellings is available at www.thewatercalculator.org.uk

You may also find the following website useful: www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/view_products.asp

G3 – Hot Water Supply and Systems
A heated wholesome water supply is required to washbasins, bidets, showers, baths, and any sink where food is prepared.

Vented hot water storage systems require a vent pipe and a thermostat to control the temperature of the stored water. In addition, they should be provided with an additional non-self-resetting cut-out to prevent overheating and a temperature relief valve. The cold water storage cistern must be suitably supported over its whole area.

Unvented hot water storage systems are usually provided with a thermostat to control the temperature of the stored water. In addition they require a non-self-resetting energy cut-out to prevent overheating and a temperature relief valve

To prevent scalding, a temperature control device is required to limit the maximum temperature of the hot water supply to a bath to 48 degrees C.

G4 – Sanitary Conveniences and washing facilities
Guidance regarding the number of sanitary conveniences required in a building is given, together with the requirement for washbasins. Hot water taps should be on the left.

G5 – Bathrooms
Dwellings and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes must be provided with a bath or shower room.

G6 – Food Preparation Areas
A sink must be provided in a kitchen or any place used for the preparation of food.

Please note: Hopefully you will find the information above useful. However, you should be aware that this is a broad summary of the Approved Document and therefore reference should always be made to the source document.