Water, Water, everywhere

Not wishing to follow the sporting theme so often found in the Arch (basically because it would be too difficult to refer to the Lions and Building Regulations in the same breath) and wanting to bring a little culture to the Arch, Debra Mansfield refers to the inscription above the Pump Room in Bath taken from the Olympian Odes - "Water is best".

Are you ready for the new Part G? You need not worry if work commences before 6 April of next year but otherwise, with what changes must you deal?

But, otherwise, with what changes must you deal?

There is a new requirement in G2 (not the Guardian but the Building Regulations) which applies only to new dwellings, which covers both new builds and conversions, and looks to ensure that there is no undue consumption of water. How is this defined? 125 litres per person per day of wholesome water usage is the answer and follows up on the commitment made by the Government in July 2007. The snappily entitled "The Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings" has been published and can be used for the calculations required under the Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The existing requirements for the provision of cold water supply are amended in G1 to specify the delivery of wholesome water to key appliances for washing and food preparation and to clarify where grey-water and harvested rainwater can be safely used.

Hot water systems do not escape either - they will need to be able to resist the effects of temperature and pressure during normal operation and in the event of malfunction - see G3 for full details. Baths come in for attention too under that Regulation - they must be fitted with protective measures to limit the temperature of the hot water in the expectation this will reduce the number of scald injuries each year. The limit which must not be exceeded is 48 degrees Celsius and this can be achieved by a thermostatic mixer.

What would our Georgian ancestors have made of that?

For more information, please contact Debra Mansfield in Construction & Engineering.