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Approved Document G (2010 edition) deals with the safety and use of water in buildings.
The following text provides guidance to the requirements.
G1 Cold water supply
Regulation G1 states that :
- Wholesome water must be provided where drinking water is drawn off.
- Wholesome water or softened wholesome water must be supplied to any washbasin in or adjacent to a room containing a sanitary convenience.
- Wholesome water or softened wholesome water must be supplied to any washbasin, bidet, fixed bath and shower in a bathroom
- Wholesome water must be provided to any sink provided in any area where food is prepared.
G1 then requires that there must be a suitable installation for the provision of water of a suitable quality to any sanitary convenience fitted with a flushing device. It is not stipulated that a supply of wholesome water or softened wholesome water is required therefore these devices can be served by water from other sources, for example reclaimed 'greywater', harvested rainwater, water from wells etc, water reclaimed from industrial processes etc.
G1 applies to domestic greenhouses, small detached buildings and extensions to buildings, including conservatories if they are to be served by a water supply from a dwelling.
Definition - Wholesome Water
Wholesome water means water complying with the requirements of regulations made under Section 67 (Standards of wholesomeness) of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Definition - Softened Wholesome Water
Softened wholesome water means water which would be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of regulations made under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (standards of wholesomeness) as they apply for the purposes of Part G of Schedule 1 in accordance with paragraph (2c) but for the presence of sodium in excess of the level specified in those regulations if it is caused by a water softener or water softening process which reduces the concentrations of calcium and magnesium.
G2 Water efficiency
Requirement G2 and the associated regulations 17K and 20E and 12E of the Building (Approved Inspectors) Regulations 2000 set out requirements on the water efficiency of dwellings.
Requirement G2 states that reasonable provision must be made by the installation of fittings and fixed appliances that use water efficiently for the prevention of undue consumption of water.
Building Regulation 17K requires that the potential consumption of wholesome water by persons occupying a dwelling is newly created through new-build or conversion must not exceed 125 litres per person per day when calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in the CLG's document 'The Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings'.
Information about the efficiency of products whose manufactures are members of the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme can be found on the scheme's web site.
The WRc has developed an online version of the Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings. This methodology is in accordance with the Government's National Calculation Methodology for assessing water efficiency in new dwellings in support of The Code for Sustainable Homes and the Building Regulations Approved Document Part G, 2010.
Building Regulation 20E (and Regulation 12E of Approved Inspectors Regulations) then requires that the person carrying out the work must, within 5 days after the completion of the work, give the Building Control body a notice specifying the potential consumption of wholesome water per person per day as calculated by the above methodology in relation to the completed dwelling. A Building Control body cannot certify work to be complete until this notice has been received.
This requirement applies when a dwelling is created through new-build or conversion.
G3 Hot Water supply and systems
Requirement G3 sets out enhanced and amended provisions on hot water supply and safety. G3 applies safety provisions to all types of hot water systems which also includes provision on the prevention of scalding.
The 1992 edition of G3 only related to unvented hot water storage whereas the 2010 edition relates to all hot water systems.
The first part of G3 stipulates that heated wholesome water or heated softened wholesome water to be supplied to any wash basin, or bidet in or adjacent to a room containing a sanitary convenience, any wash basins, bidet, fixed bath or shower in a bathroom and any sink is provided in an area where food is prepared.
The second part of G3 is an expanded requirement that provides that any hot water system, including associated storage or expansion vessel shall resist the effects of any temperature or pressure that may occur in normal use or as a consequence of a reasonably anticipated malfunction.
The third part of G3 is an expanded requirement that provides that any part of a hot water system that incorporates a hot water storage vessel shall incorporate precautions to ensure that the temperature of the stored water does not exceed 100oC and that any discharge from safety devices is safely conveyed to a point where it is both visible and will not cause a danger to persons in or about the building.
The final part of G3 is intended to prevent scalding and requires that the hot water supply to any fixed bath in a newly formed dwelling must be designed and installed with measures to ensure that the temperature of the water that can be delivered to the bath cannot exceed 48oC. This final part of G3 applies when a dwelling is created through new-build or conversion.
G3 applies to domestic greenhouses, small detached buildings and extensions to buildings, including conservatories if they are to be served by a water supply from a dwelling.
G4 Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities
Requirement G4 replaces the former G1. The requirements of G4 are, for practical purposes, broadly consistent with the former G1 and the revised technical guidance of the approved documents mainly serves to clarify the precise requirements. In particular, additional guidance is provided on the separation of sanitary accommodation from places used for the preparation of food.
G5 Bathrooms
Regulation G5 replaces the former G2. The requirements of G5 are for, practical purposes, broadly consistent with the former G2 and the revised technical guidance of the approved documents mainly serves to clarify the precise requirements.
G6 Food Preparation areas
Requirement G6 requires that sinks must be provided in areas where food is prepared.
For further information please contact the Building Control Team on 01789 260626, or by emailing buildingcontrol@stratford-dc.gov.uk
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