Public Health WATER RULES
© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1950-07 Subsidiary 1975/100
Rules made under s.140.

WATER RULES
(LN. 1975/100)
18.7.1975
Amending enactments Relevant current provisions
Commencement date
LNs. 1991/044 r.61 4.4.1991
1991/191 rr.2(1) and 62 10.10.1991
_______________________
ARRANGEMENT OF RULES.
Rule 1. Title.
2. Interpretation.
3. Application of rules generally.
4. Materials for pipes.
5. Specification.
6. Joints.
7. Connections.
8. Fitting.
9. Cast iron, etc., pipes.
10. Steel, etc., pipes.
11. Copper pipes.
12. Connections to comply with British Standard.
13. Pipes of other materials.
14. Bends.
15. Support.
16. Protection of pipes laid under ground.
17. Protection of pipes from corrosion and contact with contaminating
substances.
18. Water fittings generally.
19. Protection of water fittings.
20. Accessibility.
21. Stop taps.
22. Service pipes.
23. Stop taps on outlet pipes.
Public Health WATER RULES
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24. Taps, etc., generally and sluice valves.
25. Ballvalves.
26. Ballvalves to be secure.
27. Restriction on use of pipes.
28. Water closets.
29. Provision against waste.
30. Placing of storage cisterns.
31. Storage cisterns not to be in danger of flooding.
32. Materials for storage cisterns.
33. British Standard for storage cisterns.
34. Capacity of storage cisterns.
35. Storage cisterns to be fitted with ballvalves.
36. Warning pipes.
37. Overflow pipes on storage cisterns holding more than 4,500 litres.
38. Distance between hot water apparatus and draw-off taps.
39. Position of outlets in relation to level of water in cylinders and tanks.
40. Hot water cisterns not to have ballvalves.
41. Outlets from feed cisterns to hot water apparatus.
42. Connection of hot water apparatus.
43. Restriction on hot water apparatus.
44. Mixing valves.
45. Materials for hot water pipes.
46. Materials for hot water cylinders, etc.
47. British Standards for hot water cylinders.
48. Inlets and outlets of baths, etc.
49. Position of taps on baths.
50. Water closets and urinals to be fitted with flushing cisterns.
51. Ballvalves and warning pipes on flushing cisterns.
52. Pipes discharging to water closet pans.
53. Flushing.
54. Design and arrangement of flushing cistern for urinals.
55. Storage tanks to be provided with draw-off tap.
56. Conditions for use of standpipes.
57. Notice to Government.
58. Location of water meters.
59. Disconnection of supply.
60. Disconnection of pipes.
61. Penalties.
62. Copy of British Standards.
Public Health WATER RULES
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1950-07 Subsidiary 1975/100
Title.
1. These Rules may be cited as the Water Rules.
Interpretation.
2.(1) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires,–
“British Standard” means a standard or specification, issued by the British Standards Institution or where there is a harmonised standard produced in accordance with the rules of the European Economic Community, that standard or specification;
“capacity”, in relation to a storage cistern, means the capacity of the
cistern measured up to the waterline ; “corrosion-resisting alloy” means any alloy which is highly resistant to
corrosion by the water supplied by the Government ; “cylinder” means a cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water
under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; “Director” means the the person appointed by the Government for the
purposes of administering these Rules and any person authorized by him;
“distributing pipe” means any pipe conveying water, supplied by the
Government, from a storage cistern or from a hot water apparatus supplied from a feed cistern and under pressure from such cistern ;
“feed cistern” means any storage cistern used for supplying cold water to
a hot water apparatus ; “house” means a dwelling house, whether a private dwelling house or
not, and includes any part of a building if that part is occupied as a separate dwelling house ;
“service pipe” means so much of any pipe for supplying water from a
Government main to any premises as is subject to water pressure from that main, or would be so subject but for the closing of some tap; “stop tap” includes stopcock, stop valve and any other device for stopping the flow of water in a line of pipes at will ;
“storage cistern” means any cistern other than a flushing cistern, having a
free water surface under atmospheric pressure from which water supplied by the Government is delivered for use otherwise than through a draw-off tap fixed to the cistern ;
Public Health WATER RULES
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1950-07 Subsidiary 1975/100
“tank” means a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water
under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; “temporary purpose”, in relation to the use of any pipe, means building,
demolition or constructional work during such period as the work is in progress or any other temporary purpose during a period not exceeding one month or such longer period not exceeding three months, as the Director may approve in any particular case ;
“warning pipe” means an overflow pipe so fixed that its outlet end is in
an exposed and conspicuous position where the discharge of any water therefrom may be readily seen ;
“water fittings” include pipes (other than mains) taps, cocks, valves,
ferrules, meters, cisterns, baths, waterclosets, soil pans and other similar apparatus used in connection with the supply and use of water ;
“water line”, in relation to a cistern, means the top water level at which
the cistern is designed to work. (2) Any requirement in these Rules that a water fitting shall comply with a British Standard shall extend only to so much of that standard as relates to the size, nature, materials, strength and workmanship of such fitting and shall be deemed to be satisfied, notwithstanding any departure from such standard, if that departure does not adversely affect the efficiency or suitability of the fitting in relation to the purposes for which these Rules are made. (3) If any British Standard specified in these Rules is hereafter amended the reference in these Rules to such Standard shall be a reference to such Standard as amended. Application of rules generally.
3. (1) A person shall not, for the purpose of conveying, delivering, receiving, or using water supplied by the Government–
(a) use any water fitting which is of such a nature or is so arranged or connected as to cause or permit, or be likely to cause or permit, waste, undue consumption, misuse, erroneous measurement or contamination of water, or reverberation in pipes ;
(b) use any water fitting which is not in accordance with such of
the particular requirements of these Rules as may be applicable to it ;
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(c) arrange, connect, disconnect, alter or renew any water fitting in
contravention of any requirement of these Rules: Provided that these Rules shall not apply so as to require any person to alter or renew any water fitting lawfully fixed at the date when these Rules come into force or to provide any addition thereto unless such fitting is so defective or in such condition or position as to cause or be likely to cause waste, undue consumption, misuse, erroneous measurement or contamination of water supplied by the Government, or reverberation in pipes.
(2) Where water is– (i) taken by meter; (ii) discharged openly into a cistern from a point not less
than 150 millimetres above the overflowing level thereof; and
(iii) conveyed therefrom for use in some industrial or
research process, the following rules, other than rule 29, shall not apply in relation to any water fitting supplied with water from such cistern and used solely in connection with such process in so far as the nature of that process renders compliance with the rules impractical. Materials for pipes.
4. Every service pipe and every distributing pipe shall be of suitable material not being lead or lead alloy: Provided that lead or lead alloy pipes may be used for conveying salt water. Specification.
5. Every service pipe, distributing pipe, flushing pipe and warning pipe of lead or lead alloy shall comply with British Standard 6o2, 1085 : 1970 for lead and lead alloy pipes for other than chemical purposes and shall in any case be not less than the minimum weight per unit length specified in the relevant standard as appropriate for the maximum pressure to which the pipe will be liable to be subjected under working conditions.
Joints.

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1950-07 Subsidiary 1975/100
6. Every joint in a lead or lead alloy pipe shall be made by means of a water-tight wiped soldered joint of the type known as a plumber's joint or some other equally efficient and suitable watertight joint.
Connections.
7. Every connection between a lead or lead alloy pipe and a pipe of any other metal shall be made by means of a screw-ferrule of corrosion-resisting alloy wiped to the lead or lead alloy pipe or by means of some other equally efficient and suitable watertight joint.
Fitting.
8. Where any water fitting is connected to a lead or lead alloy pipe by means of a wiped joint not less than 45 millimetres of such fitting shall be included within the wiped joint.
Cast iron, etc. , pipes.
9. Every service pipe or distributing pipe of cast iron (vertically cast), spun cast iron, or asbestos cement shall be of sufficient strength to withstand a test pressure not less than double the pressure to which the pipe will be liable to be subjected under working conditions, and, subject thereto, shall comply with the appropriate British Standard as shown hereunder.

Material of Pipe British Standard Cast iron (vertically cast) 78: 1961 for cast iron spigot and socket pipes
(vertically cast) and spigot and socket fittings.
Spun Cast Iron 1211: 1958 for centrifugally cast (spun) iron
pressure pipes for water, gas and sewage.
Asbestos Cement 486: 1973 for asbestos cement pressure pipes.
Steel, etc., pipes.
10.(1) Every service pipe or distributing pipe of steel shall comply–
(a) in the case of a distributing pipe forming part of a closed circuit from which water is not drawn, being a pipe which is not in contact with the soil, with the requirements for the relevant class (not less than class B) of pipe contained in British Standard 1387 : 1967 for steel tubes and tubulars ;
(b) in any other case, with the requirements for the relevant class
(not less than Class C) of pipe contained in the said British Standard 1387: 1967,

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and every such pipe shall be efficiently protected against external corrosion and, unless forming part of a closed circuit from which water is not drawn, against internal corrosion. (2) Every malleable cast iron fitting used in connection with any such pipe shall comply with the relevant requirements of British Standard 143, 1256: 1968 for malleable cast iron and cast copper alloy screwed pipe fittings shall be efficiently protected against external corrosion and, unless forming part of a closed circuit from which water is not drawn, against internal corrosion.
Copper pipes. 11. (1) Every service pipe or distributing pipe of copper connected by means of screw joints shall comply with British Standard 61: Part 1: 1947 for copper tubes (heavy gauge ) for general purposes and every screw thread used in connection with such joints shall comply with British Standard 6i: 1969 for threads for light gauge copper tubes and fittings.
(2) Copper alloy pipe fittings and copper alloy three piece unions, for copper pipes screwed in accordance with Table I of British Standard 61: 1969, shall comply with British Standard 66, 99: 1970 for cast copper alloy pipe fittings for use with screwed copper tubes. (3) Cast copper alloy pipe fittings, for copper pipes screwed in accordance with Table 4 of British Standard 61: 1969, shall comply with the relevant requirements of British Standard 143,1256: 1968 malleable cast iron and cast copper alloy pipe fittings. Connections to comply with British Standard.
12. (1) Every service pipe or distributing pipe of copper which is to be connected by means of compression fittings or capillary fittings or by bronze autogenous welding and if laid under the ground, shall comply with British Standard 1386: 1957 for copper tubes to be buried underground, and if not laid under the ground, shall comply with British Standard 659: 1967 for light gauge copper tubes (light drawn).
(2) Every such capillary fitting or compression fitting shall comply with British Standard 864: 1953 for capillary and compression fittings of copper or copper alloy for use with copper tubes complying with British Standard 659: 1967, British Standard 1386: 1957 and British Standard 3931: 1965. Pipes of other materials. 13. (1) Every service pipe or distributing pipe of any material not specifically provided for in these Rules shall be of suitable material and of sufficient strength to withstand a test pressure not less than double the
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pressure to which the pipe will be liable to be subjected under working conditions.
(2) Every service or distributing pipe of polythene shall comply with British Standard: 1972: 1967 for polythene pipes (type 32) for cold water services, or with British Standard 3284: 1967 for polythene pipes (type 50) for cold water services. (3) Every service or distributing pipe of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride shall comply with British Standard 3505: 1968 for unplasticised PVC pipe for cold water services.
Bends.
14. No bend or curve in any pipe shall be made so as materially to diminish the waterway or alter the internal diameter of the pipe in any part.
Support.
15. Every pipe shall be adequately supported and shall be so aligned as to avoid air locks.
Protection of pipes laid under ground.
16. Every pipe laid down under the ground shall be reasonably protected from corrosion and risk of injury, and, when not beneath a building, shall, where practicable, be not less than 450 millimetres below the surface of the ground: Provided that this rule shall not apply to any pipe which is used only for a temporary purpose.
Protection of pipes from corrosion and contact with contaminating substances.
17. No water service pipe or distributing pipe shall be laid so as to pass into or through any sewer, drain or cesspool, or any manhole connected therewith, or into or through any ashpit or manure pit and no such pipe except where unavoidable, shall be laid through or allowed to remain in contact with any foul soil or any material of such a nature that it would be likely to cause undue deterioration of such pipe; where the laying of any such pipe through foul soil or injurious material cannot be avoided the pipe shall be efficiently protected from contact with such soil or material either by being carried through an exterior corrosion resisting tube or by some other suitable means.
Water fittings generally.

Public Health WATER RULES
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18. Unless otherwise specified in these Rules, all water fittings whether they form part of a closed circuit or not, shall be of suitable material and capable of withstanding a hydraulic test pressure of not less than double the pressure to which the fitting will be liable to be subjected under working conditions.
Protection of water fittings.
19. Every water fitting, other than a warning pipe or other overflow pipe, laid or fixed in such a position, whether inside or outside a building, as to render it liable to damage or injury, shall be reasonably protected from such damage or injury: Provided that this rule shall not apply to any pipe which is used only for a temporary purpose. Accessibility.
20. Every water fitting within a building shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be so placed as to be readily accessible for examination, repair or replacement : Provided that this rule shall not prohibit the enclosing of any pipe in a properly designed chase or duct so constructed that the pipe is reasonably accessible for examination, repair or replacement. Stop taps.
21. Every person who lays or uses any service pipe shall permit the Director to fit thereon a stop tap enclosed in a covered box or pit of such size as may be reasonably necessary, and placed in such a position as the Director deems most convenient : Provided that a stop tap in private premises shall be placed as near as is reasonably practicable to the street from which the service pipe enters those premises. Service pipes.
22. (1) In addition to any stop tap fitted in pursuance of rule 21, every service pipe supplying water to any building, or to any part of a building the supply of which is separately chargeable shall be fitted with a stop tap inside, and as near as possible to the point of entry of such pipe into the building or part thereof. (2) Where a stop tap mentioned in subrule (1)–
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(i) has an internal diameter of less than 50 millimetres it shall comply with the requirements for stop taps contained in rule 24;
(ii) has an internal diameter of more than 50 millimetres it
shall comply with British Standard 1218: 1946 for sluice valves for waterworks purposes ;
(iii) has an internal diameter of 50 millimetres it shall comply
with the requirements of one or other of (1) or (11). Stop taps On outlet pipes.
23. A stop tap shall be fitted on every outlet pipe, other than a warning pipe, from a storage cistern and as near to the cistern as practicable, Taps, etc., generally and sluice valves. 24. (1) Every bib, pillar, globe and stop tap of the ordinary screw-down pattern and of a nominal size not exceeding 50 millimetres– (i) shall comply with British Standard 1010: 1959 for such
taps; and (ii) shall be capable of resisting a pressure of at least two
thousand one hundred kilonewtons per square metre (2100kN/m2 ) (300 lb/in 2 ) and every valve spindle and other internal part and, where the nominal size of the tap does not exceed 50 millimetres, the body thereof, shall be made of a corrosion-resisting alloy:
Provided that the requirements with regard to pressure shall not apply to a control valve on a closed circuit from which water is not drawn. (2) Every sluice valve of a nominal she of 50 millimetres or more shall comply with British Standard 1218: 1946 for sluice valves for waterworks purposes, of Class I or Class 2 according to the pressure to which the valve will be liable to be subjected under working conditions.
Ballvalves.
25. (1) Every ballvalve of the piston type shall comply with British Standard 1212 : Part 1: 1953 for ballvalves piston type. (2) Every ballvalve not being of the piston type shall be sound and suitable and comply with the following requirements-
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(i) every high pressure valve shall close against a test pressure of one thousand four hundred kilonewtons per square metre (1400 kN/m2) (200 lbs/in2) and every medium pressure valve against a test pressure of seven hundred kilonewtons per square metre (700 kN/m2) (100 lbs/in2) and every low pressure valve against a test pressure of two hundred and seventy five kilonewtons per square metre (275 kN/m2) (40 lbs/in2) and every such valve, not being a valve having an interchangeable orifice seating, shall have the letters “HP”, “MP” and “LP”, respectively cast or stamped on the body of the fitting, or shall be otherwise clearly identified as a high, medium or low pressure valve, and when mechanically in the closed position shall be capable of withstanding a pressure of two thousand one hundred kilonewtons per square metre (2100 kN/m2) (300 lbs/in2) ;
(ii) every valve of the piston type shall have a washer of suitable
vulcanized rubber or some other not less suitable material and, if it is a valve of a nominal size not exceeding 50 millimetres, the washer shall be enclosed in an internally flanged cap screwed to the piston;
(iii) every valve of the diaphragm type shall have the diaphragm
clamped or fitted in such a manner as to keep the other moving parts of the valve free from contact with the water;
(iv) the component parts of every valve of a nominal size not
exceeding 50 millimetres shall be of a suitable and corrosion- resisting material as will ensure that it does not bend under working conditions;
(v) every valve wholly or partly of ferrous material of a nominal
size exceeding 50 millimetres shall– (a) be provided with a flange on its inlet complying with
Table E of British Standard 10: 1962, flanges and bolting for pipes, valves and fittings ;
(b) have all parts of ferrous metal protected against
corrosion by coating in accordance with British Standard 1218: 1946 for sluice valves for waterworks purposes or by galvanizing in accordance with British Standard 1387: 1967 steel tubes and tubulars suitable for screwing to British Standard 21: 1957 for pipe threads; and
(c) have all ferrous working surfaces lined or faced with,
and the orifice seating made of, a suitable and corrosion- resisting material.
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(3) Every ballvalve float shall comply with British Standard 1968 : 1953 for floats for ballvalves (copper), or with British Standard 2456: 1954 for floats for ballvalves (plastic) for cold water, or with the requirements of the said British Standard 1212; Part I: 1953 so far as they relate to floats of materials other than copper and plastics.
Ballvalves to be secure.
26. Every ballvalve or float-operated valve fitted to a storage cistern shall be securely and rigidly fixed thereto above the waterline, and shall be supported independently of the inlet pipe (unless such inlet pipe is itself rigid and rigidly fixed to the cistern), in such a position that no part of the body of the valve shall be submerged when the cistern is charged to its overflowing level.
Restriction on use of pipes. 27. (1) No service pipe or distributing pipe or cistern used for the reception or conveyance of potable water supplied by the Government shall be used or so connected that it can be used for the reception or conveyance of any water other than that supplied by the Government. (2) For the purpose of this rule, water supplied by the Government shall, after being used for any purpose, be deemed to be water not so supplied.
Water closets.
28. Under no circumstances whatsoever shall any pipe, used for the conveyance of potable water, deliver water to the pan of any water closet or to any urinal.
Provision against waste.
29. No service pipe shall be connected to a distributing pipe, nor to a pump delivery pipe unless in the latter case such connection will not be liable to cause waste, undue consumption, misuse, erroneous measurement or contamination of water or reverberation in pipes.
Placing of storage cisterns.
30. Every storage cistern from which water is drawn shall be so placed and equipped that the interior thereof can be readily inspected and cleansed, and any such cistern, being a cistern used for the storage of potable water, shall be suitably covered, but not so as to be air-tight, and shall not be so placed and equipped that the water therein be liable to contamination.
Storage cisterns not to be in danger of flooding.
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31. (1) No storage cistern shall be so placed that it is in danger of being flooded.
(2) No such cistern shall be buried or sunk in the ground unless–
(i) there is sufficient space around and beneath it for the purposes of maintenance and the detection of leakage; and
(ii) it is a closed vessel with a tightly fitting access cover bolted or
screwed in position, and an air inlet and overflow pipe or pipes all suitably screened ; and
(iii) its inlet pipe discharges into the air not less than 150
millimetres above its top edge: Provided that paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to a concrete cistern designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant recommendations in the British Standard Code of Practice CP 2007 for design and construction of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures for the storage of water. Materials for Storage cisterns.
32. (1) Every storage cistern shall be watertight and of adequate strength and shall be constructed of galvanized iron or steel, copper, asbestos cement, concrete or some other not less suitable material. (2) Where the cistern is not made of corrosion-resisting material it shall be effectively protected from corrosion. British Standard for storage cisterns. 33. (1) Every storage cistern of mild steel shall comply with the requirements for Grade A or Grade B cisterns in British Standard 417: 1964 for galvanized mild steel cistern and covers, tanks and cylinders.
(2) Every storage cistern of asbestos cement shall comply with British Standard 2777 : 1963, for asbestos cement cisterns. (3) Every storage cistern built up of cast iron plates shall comply with British Standard 1564: 1949 for pressed steel sectional tanks (rectangular). . Capacity Of Storage cisterns.
34. Where in any house there is a cold water storage cistern (provided under the requirement of section 122 of the Public Health Act) which is not connected to any other such cistern its capacity shall not be less than–
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(i) in the case of potable water– (a) 115 litres (25 gallons) if it is not used as a feed cistern ;
and (b) 230 litres (50 gallons) if it is to be used both as a feed
cistern and for other purposes ;
(ii) in the case of salt water 230 litres (50 gallons) : Provided that the capacity of individual tanks may be less if more than one are connected together so that their total capacity complies with sub- paragraph (i) or (ii) of this rule as the case may be.
Storage cistern to be fitted with ballvalves. 35. (1) Every pipe, other than a pipe connecting two storage cisterns at the same level, supplying water to a cold water storage cistern shall be fitted with a ballvalve or shall have some other not less effective device for controlling the inflow of water so designed as to prevent overflow. In addition, as far as a storage cistern used for cold potable water is concerned, the ballvalve or controlling device must be of such nature and so fitted so as not to cause or permit waste, undue consumption, misuse, contamination of water or reverberation in pipes, or erroneous measurement. (2) Every such pipe, whether fitted with a ballvalve or not, other than a pipe used only to connect one cistern to another, shall be fitted in such a position that it discharges at a level higher than the overflowing level of the overflow pipe, by not less than the diameter of the overflow pipe, unless there is an effective means of preventing the siphonage of water back through the inlet. (3) Where a ballvalve is fitted to a cistern, the size of the orifice, the size of the float and the length of the lever shall be such that, when the float is immersed to an extent not exceeding half its volume, the valve is watertight against the highest pressure at which it may be required to work. (4) Every ballvalve shall be securely and rigidly fixed to the cistern which it serves. Warning pipes.
36. Every cold water storage cistern which holds not more than 4500 litres (1,000 gallons) if filled to the top edge shall comply with the following requirements:–
(i) it shall be fitted with an efficient warning pipe of a corrosion- resisting material and with no other overflow pipe;
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(ii) no warning pipe shall rise in level outside the cistern ; (iii) the internal diameter of the warning pipe shall be greater than
the internal diameter of the inlet pipe and in no case less than 20 millimetres (3/4 inch) ; and
(iv) when the cistern is first installed or when the existing ballvalve
or other device for controlling the inflow of water to the cistern is repaired or readjusted; or when a new ballvalve or other device is fitted, the ballvalve or other device shall be so fitted and adjusted that the highest level the water can reach is lower than the overflowing level of the warning pipe by not less than 25 millimetres, or the internal diameter of the warning pipe, whichever is the greater.
Overflow pipes on storage cisterns holding more than 4,500 litres.
37. Every cold water storage cistern which could hold more than 4500 litres (1,000 gallons) if filled to the top edge shall comply with the following requirements:–
(i) it shall be fitted with an efficient overflow pipe or pipes of a corrosion-resisting material and, if none of those overflow pipes is an efficient warning pipe, with an efficient warning pipe or some other device which effectively indicates when the water reaches a level of not less than 50 millimetres below the overflowing level of the overflow pipe or, if there is more than one overflow pipe, the lowest overflow pipe ;
(ii) no overflow pipe shall rise in level outside the cistern; (iii) where a warning pipe but no other overflow pipe is fitted, the
cistern shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs (iii) and (iv) of rule 36;
(iv) where both a warning pipe and some other overflow pipe or
pipes are fitted– (a) the internal diameter of the warning pipe shall be not less
than 25 millimetres; and (b) the cistern shall comply with the requirements of
paragraph (iv)of rule 36; and
(v) where the cistern is fitted with some device (other than a warning pipe) of the kind mentioned in paragraph (I) then, on each occasion in paragraph (iv) of rule 36 the ballvalve or
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other device for controlling the inflow of water shall be so fitted and adjusted that the highest level the water can reach is lower than the overflowing level of the overflow pipe or, when there is more than one overflow pipe, the lowest overflow pipe, by not less than 50 millimetres.
Distance between hot water apparatus and draw-off taps.
38. No tap used for the purpose of drawing hot water shall be fixed at a greater distance (measured along the axis of the pipe by which the tap is supplied) from a hot water apparatus or hot water cistern, cylinder or tank or from a flow and return system, than the distance appropriate to the largest internal diameter of any part of the said pipe as shown in the following table :–
Largest internal diameter of pipe
Distance
Not exceeding 20mm (3/4”) 12 metres (40 ft.) exceeding 20 millimetres but not exceeding
25mm ( 1”) 7.5 metres (25 ft.)
exceeding 25mm ( 1”) 3 metres (10 ft.) Position of outlets in relation to level of water in cylinders and tanks.
39. No tap or other means of drawing water (other than a tap with a removable key for emptying the system) shall be connected to any part of a hot water system in such a position that by its use the level of the water in the hot water storage cistern, cylinder or tank can be lowered–
(i) below the level of the top of any pipe connecting the cistern or tank to the apparatus in which the water in the system is heated ; or
(ii) more than one-half of the depth of the cistern or one-fourth of
the depth of the cylinder or tank:
Provided that– (a) if the hot water system includes two or more hot water
cylinders or tanks at different levels this rule shall apply only in relation to the lowest cylinder or tank ; and
(b) this rule shall not apply in relation either to an open
vessel in which water is directly heated or to a hot water storage cistern, cylinder or tank forming part of a hot water system in which water is heated only under thermostatic control by electricity, gas or oil.
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Hot water cisterns not to have ballvalves.
40. No hot water storage cistern shall be fitted with a ballvalve. Outlets from feed cisterns to hot water apparatus.
41. Every pipe which delivers water from a feed cistern to a hot water apparatus not of the instantaneous type, or to a hot water cylinder or tank shall deliver water to that apparatus, cylinder or tank only.
Connection of hot Water apparatus.
42. No hot water apparatus connected to a service pipe shall have any connection on its outlet side with any water fitting containing water supplied otherwise than through the hot water apparatus, Restriction on hot water apparatus.
43. Where any apparatus in which water is heated is supplied with cold water from a service pipe or a pump delivery pipe drawing water from a service pipe, the pipe shall not be connected directly to the apparatus but shall discharge into the air not less than 13 millimetres above the top edge of the apparatus: Provided that this rule shall not apply in relation to an electric water heater which–
(i) is of the instantaneous type ; (ii) is not capable of holding more than 13 litres (3 gallons) ; or (iii) is a storage water-heater capable of holding more than 13 litres
(3 gallons) but not more than 68 litres (15 gallons) and fitted with an efficient device which will prevent the siphonage of water back through the inlet, if–
(a) the working pressure to which the apparatus is subjected
is no higher than that for which it is designed; .
(b) the water space is completely enclosed and its contents
have no contact with the atmosphere except through the outlet pipe or vent pipe ; and
(c) the water is discharged from the apparatus into the air at
a level not less than 13 millimetres above the lowest part of the top edge of the bath, wash basin, sink or other appliance supplied therefrom.
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Mixing valves.
44. No mixing valve, pipe or other water fitting in which hot water and cold water are mixed shall be or remain so connected as to mix either–
(i) water supplied from a hot water apparatus connected directly to a service pipe, or to a pump delivery pipe drawing water from a service pipe, with cold water not supplied directly from a service pipe or a pump delivery pipe drawing water from a service pipe; or
(ii) water supplied from a hot water apparatus not connected to a
service pipe, or to a pump delivery pipe drawing water from a service pipe, with cold water supplied directly from a service pipe or a pump delivery pipe drawing water from a service pipe.
Materials for hot water pipes.
45. Every pipe used for conveying hot water shall be of galvanized steel, copper or some other corrosion-resisting material which is not less suitable. Materials for hot water cylinders, etc.
46. (1) Every hot water cylinder or tank shall be constructed of galvanized mild steel, copper or some other not less suitable material and shall be adequately supported, (2) Where the hot water cylinder or tank is not made of a corrosion- resisting material, it shall be effectively protected from corrosion. British Standards for hot water cylinders.
47. Every hot water cylinder or tank to which any of the following British Standards apply, namely– 417: 1964 for galvanized mild steel cisterns and covers, tanks and cylinders; 1565:1949 for galvanized mild steel cylinders annular or saddle- back type; 699: 1972 for copper cylinders for domestic purposes; 1566: Part 1: 1972 for copper indirect cylinders for domestic purposes, Part I, double feed indirect cylinders; 843:1964 for stationary non-instantaneous electric water heaters (constructional and water requirements);
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853:1960 for calorifiers for central heating and water supply : Part I : mild steel and cast iron Part II : copper, shall comply with the relevant requirements of that standard. Inlets and outlets of baths, etc.
48. (1) Every inlet to a bath, wash basin, sink or similar appliance shall be separate from and unconnected with any outlets therefrom. (2) Every outlet for emptying a bath, wash basin, sink or similar appliance shall be provided with a well-fitting and readily accessible watertight plug or with some other not less effective device for closing the outlet : Provided that this subrule shall not apply in relation to any appliance required by law to be fitted with an unplugged waste pipe.
Position of taps on baths.
49. Every draw-off tap or other fitting which discharges potable water into a bath, wash basin, sink or similar appliance shall be fitted in such a position that it cannot discharge at a level lower than 13 millimetres above the lowest part of the top edge of the appliance: Provided that this rule shall not require–
(i) a fitting which incorporates a hand-operated hosepipe or to which such a hosepipe is attached to be so fitted that it cannot discharge through the hosepipe at a level lower than that level, if there is an effective means of preventing the siphonage of water back through every pipe conveying water to the fitting; and
(ii) any fitting to be so fitted that it cannot discharge at a level
lower than that level, if every pipe conveying water to that fitting–
(a) draws water only from a storage cistern or from a
cylinder or tank having a vent open to the atmosphere; (b) is connected to a cistern, cylinder or tank at a level not
less than 25 millimetres higher than the level of the lowest part of the top edge of the appliance ; and

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(c) does not convey water to any draw-off tap or other fitting (other than a draining tap) which discharges water at a level lower than the last mentioned level.
Water closets and urinals to be fitted with flushing cisterns.
50. Every watercloset pan and every urinal shall be provided with a flushing cistern or with some other not less efficient and suitable flushing apparatus. Ballvalves and warning pipes on flushing cisterns.
51. Rules 35(1), (3) and (4) and 36 shall, with any necessary modification apply to flushing cisterns (other than automatic flushing cisterns) as they apply to cold water storage cisterns.
Pipes discharging to water closet pans.
52. No pipe, other than a flushing pipe leading only from a flushing apparatus, shall be or remain so arranged or connected that it can deliver water to any watercloset pan or urinal. Flushing.
53. (1) Every flushing cistern shall comply with British Standard 1125 : 1969 for WC flushing cisterns (including flushing pipes) and shall be adequately protected against corrosion. (2) Every water closet pan shall be of such a design and be and remain so arranged and connected that after normal use its contents will be effectively cleared by one flush (being the larger of the two flushes in the case of an apparatus designed to give flushes of two different volumes) from the apparatus serving it. Design and arrangement of flushing cistern for urinals.
54. (1) No flushing cistern or other flushing apparatus serving a urinal shall be of such a design or be or remain so arranged as to give a flush of more than 4.5 litres (1 gallon) with the upward variation permitted by one or other of the British Standards specified in subrule (2) whichever is appropriate per stall or per 70 millimetres width of slab.
(2) Every such flushing cistern shall comply with British Standard 1876 : 1972 for automatic flushing cisterns for urinals. Storage tanks to be provided with draw-off tap.

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55. Whenever a storage tank has been installed for the purpose of storing potable water an efficient draw-off tap, in a position convenient for drawing drinking water, shall be provided on the service pipe.
Conditions for use of standpipes. tap.
56.Unless it be for a temporary purpose, or due to special circumstances acceptable to the Director and agreed to by him in writing, no standpipe shall be permitted to deliver potable water, and such standpipes which are permitted shall be provided with a non-concussive self closing tap or other suitable waste preventing Notice to Government.
57. (1) At least seven days before fitting or altering (otherwise than by way of repair or renewal) any water fitting used or to be used in connection with an existing supply of water from the Government the person so doing shall give to the Director notice in writing of his intention in that behalf. (2) At least seven days before back-filling any excavation in which a pipe used or to be used for conveying water supplied by the Government is laid the person so doing shall give to the Director notice in writing of the date on which he expects to begin that work, and shall not, without the Director's consent, begin that work before that date. (3) Before using for the first time potable water supplied by the Government–
(i) for operating a water-cooled refrigerating apparatus ; (ii) for operating any apparatus depending while in use upon a
supply of continuously running water, not being an apparatus used solely for heating the water;
(iii) for cleaning, regenerating or supplying motive power to any
apparatus used for softening water; (iv) for any trade or business ; (v) for fountains or any ornamental purposes ; or (vi) by means of a hose pipe or other similar apparatus–
(a) for watering a garden ; or (b) for animals, washing vehicles, or other purposes,
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the person so doing shall obtain the Director's consent in writing and shall produce evidence of such consent to any authorized officer.
Location of water meters.
58. All water meters shall be placed in a convenient easily accessible position, to be determined by the Director and where in a position to which the public have access, in a locked box, a key of which shall be kept by the Director. In general all meters must be fixed as near the main as practicable.
Disconnection of supply.
59. Every consumer shall notify the Director in writing whenever he ceases to require a supply of potable water and shall be held liable for any water consumed in the premises until such notification is made.
Disconnection of pipes.
60. Where any water fitting is to be permanently disconnected so much of any pipe which supplies water to that fitting only, and is not required to supply water to any other fitting, shall also be disconnected. Penalties.
61. A person who contravenes, or permits the contravention of, any of the provisions of these Rules is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 4 on the standard scale in respect of each offence and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine of one tenth of the amount at level 4 on the standard scale for each day during which the offence continues after conviction therefor.
Copy of British Standards.
62. The Director shall make available in the office of the Government a copy of British Standards and such copy may be inspected, free of charge, by any person during normal working hours.