What are WRAS fluid categories? The WRAS Fluid Category identifies the level of contamination risk, with Category 1 being wholesome water supplied by the undertaker which meets the requirements under section 67 of the water industry act, Fluid Category 2 & 3 identifying a slight health risk, Category 4 a significant risk and Category 5 a serious risk due to the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or very toxic substances.
The risk of contamination by backflow from the use of cisterns can occur in both domestic and non-domestic premises and those who undertake the design and installation of water services and their fittings are responsible for the enforcement of the Regulations. Examples of environments that come under these requirements include urinals, laboratories, drain cleaning plants, industrial cisterns, and bin stores as well as many applications in agriculture and construction.
Backflow prevention requirements such as a ‘letterbox’ weir are required for water tanks and cisterns. These are rectangular slots that are sized according to the inlet size for the water tanks or storage cistern. The rectangular slot reduces the risk of a ball float in the tank blocking the overflow should it become lost. The mesh designed to reduce the ingress of dust and insets with the cowl to stop direct contact of sunlight with the water in the tank.
Fluid Category for Water Tanks
Fluid category 1 Wholesome water supplied by a water undertaker and complying with the requirements of regulations made under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Fluid category 2 Water in fluid category 1 whose aesthetic quality is impaired owing to– (a) a change in its temperature, or / (b) the presence of substances or organisms causing a change in its taste, odour or appearance, including water in a hot water distribution system.
Fluid category 3 Fluid represents a slight health hazard because of the concentration of substances of low toxicity, including any fluid which contains– (a) ethylene glycol, copper sulphate solution or similar chemical additives, or (b) sodium hypochlorite (chloros and common disinfectants).
Fluid category 4 Fluid represents a significant health hazard because of the concentration of toxic substances, including any fluid which contains– (a) chemical, carcinogenic substances or pesticides (including insecticides and herbicides), or / (b) environmental organisms of potential health significance.
Fluid category 5 Fluid representing a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or very toxic substances, including any fluid which contains– (a) faecal material or other human waste; / (b) butchery or other animal waste; or / (c) pathogens from any other source.
In most cases, before work starts on any proposed installation, the Water Supplier’s consent must be obtained by prior notification of the details of the proposed work. Installing or using fittings without the required consent could result in criminal prosecution (Regulation 5). The details to be notified are given in Regulation 5. Contact details for Water Suppliers are available on the WRAS website www.wras.co.uk.
View our post on How to become fluid category 5 compliant here
Generally, if there is any doubt about the compliance of the proposed design, the Water Supplier’s guidance should be obtained. Details of Regulations Contacts in each Water Supplier are maintained on the WRAS website www.wras.co.uk.
Enduramaxx manufactures a range of WRAS Cold Water Cisterns, vertical, horizontal and rectangular as insulated and water tanks with AB air gap provision, for more details on What are WRAS fluid categories or details on the storage tanks we manufacture, please get in touch.