Fluid Category 5 Water Regulations For Construction have many implications for construction as it is considered high risk for mains water supply with temporary accommodation, concrete admixture chemicals present and the risk to the mains water supply.
These make it a necessity for fluid category 5 AB air tanks and insulated tanks for freshwater supplies to be used in these areas.
What is Category 5 (CAT 5) Water Supply? Fluid category 5 (CAT 5) is described as a fluid representing a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or very toxic substances This includes any fluid which contains faecal material or other human waste, butchery or other animal waste, or pathogens from any other source. If a water tank is receiving a water supply from a source other than a public supply (rainwater, borehole, spring, etc) a break tank is required.
Some examples of water supply systems and for the prevention and waste come under category 5.
| Equipment | Fluid Category |
| Water Storage Facilities
Any water not supplied by a public water supplier |
5 |
| Power/Jet Washers
Drain jetting units Permanently plumbed units Portable/mobile units |
5 5 5 |
| Chemicals
Concrete batching |
5 |
| Dust Suppression Equipment
Fixed/permanently plumbed Mobile |
3-5 3-5 |
| Fire protection
Water storage for firefighting purposes |
5 |
| Miscellaneous
Recycled water Portable toilet / canteens Showers |
5 5 2-5 |
Regulation 5 under the current water regulation legislation requires any person proposing to install new water systems (Non-domestic premises and/or to alter or extend a plumbing system) in connection with any of the operations listed in the Regulations, must give prior notice of the planned work to the local water undertaker. Failure to comply with the Regulations may result in prosecution as it is a criminal offence if you fail to do so. More details on these requirements can be found here for the water boards;
When designing a new water system or altering an existing system the implications of incorrect mains water connections can be expensive with fines starting at £1,000.00, disconnection of water supply or even a court order. Our fluid category 5 break tank for potable and non-potable water is available from 300 litres to 30,000 litres and are all WRAS approved and meet the specific requirements of Regulation 31. WRAS Information and Guidance Note for cold water storage cisterns and design recommendations for mains supply inlets are available for download here.