Standards Development
The BS 6920 series of standards (BS 6920-1:2014, BS 6920-2.1, BS 6920-2.2.1, BS 6920-2.2.2, BS 6920-2.2.3, BS 6920-2.3, BS 6920-2.4, BS 6920-2.5, BS 6920-2.6, BS 6920-3) have the aim of ensuring that non-metallic materials and products in contact with drinking water do not negatively impact water quality, thereby protecting public health and ensuring consumer satisfaction with water quality.
The standards do this by providing a framework of testing designed to assess the suitability of these materials, ensuring they do not cause contamination that could come from substances leaching into water or from the enhancement of microbial growth. The standards help demonstrate conformity with UK Water Regulations, such as The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations and The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, helping manufacturers, installers and water undertakers ensure compliance.
The main reasons for updating the standards are:
• Removal of outdated references to superseded standards and documents, ensuring technical alignment with current best practices.
• Removal of substances previously used for odour and flavour analysis that are now associated with potential health risks, along with the inclusion of safer alternatives.
• Revision of test method for multilayer pipes and hoses to facilitate more practical testing of large-diameter products, addressing limitations in the current methodology.
• Clarification of test methods to remove ambiguity and support consistent, repeatable practices across all laboratories.
• Comprehensive rewrite of the “boiling water tests” section, which is currently unworkable. With the increasing prevalence of boiling water taps in domestic and commercial settings, there is an urgent need for a reliable method to assess material performance at elevated temperatures.
• Reduction of maximum admissible concentrations (MACs) for metals and boron to enhance consumer protection.
The updated standard will be adopted by UK regulators and certification bodies and used to specify testing criteria. These revisions will enhance confidence in the standard's application, promote harmonisation across laboratories, and help ensure that testing reflects robust, best-practice methodology.
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