DWI designates Welsh lab to undertake full Reg 31 testing

(by Karma Loveday)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has designated the NSF laboratory in Oakdale, Wales, to undertake full Regulation 31 product testing.

The DWI said the laboratory will undertake testing of all products in contact with drinking water to meet the requirements of Regulation 31 in full, including leaching protocols such as BSEN1287-1 and the associated tests, GC-MS, TOC and specific determinants as required by the assessing inspector. This will cover testing required for all products, including membranes and ion exchange resins.

NSF is a global company which since 1994 has developed and implemented public health and environmental health standards, including for water, food and consumer products. It tests, audits and certificates a wide range of products and services.

The absence for some time of a UK-based facility capable of Regulation 31 testing has been a source of frustration for product manufacturers, the water industry and regulators alike. The NSF laboratory will ease this pressure. However, alone it will not meet the capacity for all products awaiting testing at this time. The DWI continues work to foster a more competitive market.