Standards Development

Scope

This Standard has been developed to ensure that test methods, conditions and apparatus for pipes and their associated fittings simulate as near as possible service conditions found in contaminated ground (brownfield sites) in the UK to be used for residential and commercial buildings and which require a safe drinking water supply.

The standard determines requirements for the materials, mechanical performance, dimensions, and effect on water quality of polyethylene pipes with an aluminium barrier layer, and associated fittings/joints for potable water supply installed in contaminated ground. It defines the test method and criteria for resistance of PE barrier pipe to permeation of chemicals into drinking water supply from contaminated land, as well as the mechanical performance of pipes and fittings.

It applies to Type A and Type B pipes with nominal sizes up to and including 630 mm. It also specifies the requirements for fittings and joints for use with one or more barrier pipe systems.

Purpose

BS 8588 was published in 2013 to replace a sector standard (Water Industry Specification WIS 4-32-19), first issued in 2009. The underlying test methods were developed following extensive research by the water industry and manufacturers in collaboration with test facilities. Since 2013, research on the materials forming the barrier means that products are being developed with a polymer barrier layer. These are not currently covered by a National or European Standard and without the necessary performance characteristics being defined, there is a risk to the quality of drinking water in the pipeline. The proposal is to extend the scope to cover polyethylene pipes with an aluminium barrier layer or polymer barrier layer.