As far as practicable, vehicles used directly for, or in support of, water supply purposes should not be used for other duties

Storage of treated water enables water undertakers to meet peak demands for water and provides strategic reserves of treated water in the event of a temporary disruption to the supply system.

Water undertakers should ensure that the design and operation of treated water storage facilities minimises the risk of deterioration of water quality during its storage.

Distribution systems should be designed and operated to prevent the deterioration of treated water as it travels through the network.

All pipes and fittings for new mains (including those used for slip-lining or pre-disinfected coils) should be transported and stored so as to prevent ingress or contamination.

Where water mains are being rehabilitated, water undertakers should develop operational procedures including arrangements to provide a continued supply of wholesome water through enabling works or alternative supplies (including overland mains) whilst rehabilitation is carried out.

A burst or damaged main and the process of its repair are opportunities for contamination to enter the system. Water undertakers should have procedures for the hygienic repair of mains and for ensuring the adequacy of these in practice.

Where mains have been taken out of service for an extended period of time prior to recommissioning, further risk assessment should be carried out to determine whether water quality may have significantly deteriorated.

Backflow of water from customers' installations or via air valves and other distribution fittings into the mains can be a source of serious contamination.

Procedures should be in place to ensure tankers, bowsers and other bulk water contains are appropriately labelled and kept locked and drained when not in use. Tankers and bowsers must be disinfected and flushed with mains water prior to deployment.

Where alternative water supplies are provided through bottled water (in emergencies or associated with planned interruptions) then a water undertaker must be able to demonstrate that the bottled water meets the relevant requirements of the Regulations (specifically, Regulation 4 – wholesomeness).

Water quality problems can arise from the use of inappropriate materials in contact with water. To reduce this risk, materials in contact with water intended for human consumption must meet the requirements of Regulation 31 of The Regulations.

Water undertakers must have procedures in place to respond to events affecting (or that have the potential to affect) drinking water quality. These procedures should be regularly rehearsed and updated as necessary.

Pipes and fittings for use in water supply should be stored raised above ground level and protected from contamination by the use of end-caps or similar

Pipes and fittings for use in water supply should be stored raised above ground level and protected from contamination by the use of end-caps or similar

Equipment and materials held in stores or workshops, for use on restricted operations must be protected from direct contamination by sewage or sewage sludge.

Protective clothing used by staff on restricted operations should be kept separate and be colour-coded or marked to identify its use

Water undertakers and contractors should ensure that there is adequate provision of toilet and washing facilities to enable all personnel working on restricted operations to maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene.

Restricted operations are those water supply and distribution activities which, by their nature, carry a greater risk of contamination than others Water undertakers should identify these tasks and the personnel who may be required to work on them.

The production and distribution of drinking water is analogous to food processing and distribution therefore it is of the utmost importance that a high standard of personal hygiene is maintained at all times by all water supply personnel, both water undertakers and contractors

The operation of water treatment process by competent personnel is an essential element of water quality assurance.

The operation of a water treatment plant requires experienced and well-trained staff who understand the principles and processes of water treatment. Water undertakers should ensure that staff are adequately trained (see section 6.7) and that specialist technical expertise is available to advise and check on alterations to treatment.

Hygiene should be an integral part of plant maintenance and its importance should be incorporated into maintenance contracts.

Chemicals used in contact with water during its treatment must meet the requirements of Regulation 31 of The Regulations. Products must be certified as approved under regulation 31 or meet the BS/EN standard classification suitable for use with potable water. The process for approval of new chemical products is controlled and managed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. For further guidance see Section 9.

The Regulations require all drinking water to be disinfected effectively prior to supply. Water undertakers should have disinfection policies in place to achieve this objective at all water treatment works.

The Regulations require all drinking water to be adequately prepared for disinfection. Water undertakers are expected to have treatment processes in place to achieve this objective at all treatment works and policies to operate them appropriately.

The purpose of monitoring is to confirm that the treatment process as a whole continues to be capable of achieving the required water quality, that the individual treatment processes are being adequately optimised and as a validation of the implemented control measures.

Water undertakers have a statutory duty to take account of recreation and nature conservation in the management of land under their control.

Water undertakers should have a clear understanding of the potential hazards and risks associated with springs, wells and boreholes as their contamination can lead to prolonged or permanent abandonment.

All individuals working on restricted operations and authorised under the National Water Hygiene Scheme will have received initial medical assessment.

All individuals working on restricted operations must have been trained and authorised under the National Water Hygiene Scheme.