Inspection of water installation

Inspection requirement and commissioning

The inspection obligation has been laid down in the General Water Sales Regulations since 1 July 2011.

Every new or refurbished water installation (WI) must be inspected. You must also have any significant changes or extensions to the installation inspected.

There are three types of water systems: 

• the internal installation

• the non-connected internal plumbing

• the second circuit water system

All three water systems comprise the entire network of pipes, taps and other fittings that are connected directly to the system.

This means that, in addition to the internal installation, you must also have any new or thoroughly refurbished private water supply inspected before it is put into use: 

• If you are putting a groundwater well or a rainwater tank into use for the first time, you must have the connected installation inspected before you can start using it.

• Even if you are modifying an existing system that uses groundwater or rainwater, you must have the system inspected.

This inspection ensures that water from your water system cannot flow back into the public water supply network. They will also check whether your installation is safe and whether you are using the water safely. 

Person responsible for inspection

Aquaflanders is responsible for the inspection. Are you dissatisfied with an inspection by an Aquaflanders-accredited inspector? In that case, we would encourage you, as a first step, to discuss this with us. If we cannot resolve the matter, you can lodge a complaint via the Aquaflanders website.

Types of water installations

INTERNAL INSTALLATION

• Use: Applications requiring drinking water quality (drinking, preparing food, washing up, showering, washing hands, etc.)
• Source of water: Public water supply network

UNCONNECTED INTERNAL INSTALLATION

• Use: Applications requiring drinking water quality (drinking, preparing food, washing up, showering, washing hands, etc.)
• Source of water: Own supply (often groundwater)

INSTALLATION FOR SECOND CIRCUIT WATER

• Use: Applications where drinking water quality is not required (flushing the toilet, cleaning, watering the garden, washing machine, etc.)
• Source of water: Own supply (often rainwater or groundwater, treated waste water, etc.)

There may be various water installations in your home: an inspection is mandatory for every water installation present.

Take a look at an example scenario involving the three water systems here

Putting a water system back into use often also means putting the private water drainage back into use. If your private water drainage also needs to be inspected, you can apply for a joint inspection. The condition is that the inspection takes place at the same time.

When is an inspection compulsory?

Inspection is compulsory:

• before it is first put into service

• in the event of significant alterations to the water installation

• following the implementation of remedial measures in response to a previous inspection in which the installation was found to be non-compliant and a reinspection is mandatory

• at the request of the water company:

  • upon resumption of supply following a cut-off due to an immediate threat to the health of the consumer or to public health and the safety of the drinking water supply

  • following the establishment of an infringement of the statutory requirements

Please note: as there are significant risks to the public water supply network and/or your own health, we will initiate a formal notice procedure if a water installation is put into use without a valid inspection certificate, or if the deadline for rectification following a non-compliant inspection is not met.

What happens during an inspection?