Half of UK homeowners are completely unaware of the regulations they are legally responsible for, creating a “compliance paradox” that puts public health at risk, according to NSF research.
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.”
Samantha Duffy, Senior Manager, Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF.
- 49% of UK homeowners have installed water fittings in the last five years
- 52% had never heard of the UK Water Supply Regulations 1999
- 80% of UK adults have never checked if their water fittings comply with UK regulations
- Only 46% of property owners are aware they bear legal responsibility for compliance
- 37% incorrectly believe water fitting manufacturers are solely responsible
- 30% of UK adults assume all water fittings sold in the UK are automatically compliant with UK regulations
This isn’t just about following rules; it's about protecting your family’s health. Where non-compliant fittings are installed, they can introduce contaminants directly into your drinking water. The regulations exist specifically to prevent this, but they only work if people know about them.”
David Platt, Director of Water, EMEA at NSF.
- Check existing fittings: If you’ve installed water fittings recently, check that they have the proper UK compliance certification.
- Look for REG4 certification marks: When purchasing new fittings, always look for products that are certified with REG4, such as NSF REG4, which ensures compliance with UK regulations. Be cautious of very cheap products that do not mention UK compliance or certification.
- Consult a qualified plumber: When needed, work with professionals who understand water regulations.
The good news is that compliance is straightforward once you know what to look for. Regulation 4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4, provide instant assurance that a product meets all UK water regulations, making it easy for homeowners to make safe choices."
Samantha Duffy, Senior Manager, Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF.
Notes to editors
NSF is an independent, global services organisation dedicated to improving human and planet health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, nutrition, water, life sciences and consumer goods industries. NSF serves 40,000 clients in 110 countries and is a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety.
The independent research was conducted by Opinium Research between 30th May and 3rd June 2025 with 2,000 UK adults, weighted to be nationally representative.