Millions of UK Homes at Risk from Unsafe Water Fittings, Warns New Report

OXFORD – 23 July 2025 — A major new study has uncovered a hidden compliance crisis in UK households that could pose serious health and legal risks for homeowners. According to global water safety authority NSF, millions of residents are unknowingly breaching UK water safety laws due to widespread confusion around plumbing regulations.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, revealed that half of all homeowners have installed new water fittings—such as taps, pipes or showerheads—in the last five years. Yet, 52% of respondents had never heard of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, and a significant number falsely believe that legal responsibility lies with retailers or manufacturers.

In reality, it is the homeowner who bears full legal responsibility for ensuring that any water fittings connected to the drinking water supply meet the standards set out in Regulation 4 of the 1999 legislation—even if those products were purchased from legitimate shops or trusted brands.

“Imagine buying a tap from a reputable DIY store, installing it yourself and then learning you’ve unknowingly broken the law and potentially put your family’s health at risk,”
said Samantha Duffy, Senior Manager, Global Water Programs EU and UK at NSF.
“This is the reality for millions of homeowners across Britain today.”

A Dangerous Assumption

The NSF report highlights how the so-called ‘compliance paradox’ allows non-compliant products to be legally manufactured and sold—while the buyer bears the consequences. This legal grey area means that unsuspecting homeowners could be exposing their households to:

• Lead or chemical contamination through substandard components

• Microbial risks, including bacteria growth in poorly designed fittings

• Leaks or property damage due to inferior manufacturing standards

• Voided home insurance in the event of a fault or water-related damage

Worryingly, younger homeowners are even more at risk. Nearly 50% of those under 35 believe they may already have non-compliant fittings in their homes.

Other key findings include:

• 80% of UK adults have never checked if their water fittings comply with UK regulations

• Only 46% are aware that they bear legal responsibility

• 37% mistakenly think manufacturers are responsible

• 30% believe all water fittings sold in the UK are automatically compliant

“This isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting your family’s health,”
added David Platt, Director of Water, EMEA at NSF.
“Where non-compliant fittings are installed, they can introduce contaminants directly into your drinking water. The regulations exist specifically to prevent this, but they only work if people know about them.”

How to Stay Compliant

To help bridge the knowledge gap, NSF is urging UK homeowners to take three simple actions:

1. Check your fittings – Review any recently installed items to confirm compliance.

2. Look for REG4 certification – Products with NSF REG4 or other REG4 markings ensure compliance with UK standards.

3. Use qualified professionals – Work with certified plumbers who understand UK water safety regulations.

“The good news is that compliance is straightforward once you know what to look for,”
said Duffy.
“Regulation 4 certification marks, such as NSF REG4, provide instant assurance that a product meets all UK water regulations, making it easy for homeowners to make safe choices.”

NSF has produced a free, user-friendly guide to help property owners understand their responsibilities and identify compliant products. You can access the guide here: NSF Guide to UK Water Regulations