NEN WRC GGD 109 - 01 - Test&Comm

ENGINEERING GUIDELINES
TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
NEN-WRC-GGD-109 Rev 01.00, January 2021

Document history
Revision code Description of changes Purpose of issue Date
01.00 First Issue For Implementation 05.01.2021
Document approval
Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Name Richard Foster Ciaran Whittall Ciaran Whittall
Job Title Senior Water Network Project Manager Project Manager

Engineer
DOCUMENT CODE: NEN-WRC-GGD-109 REVISION CODE: 01.00 PAGE 2 OF 122

Contents
1. GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...................................................................................................... 6
2. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 8
3. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS .................................................................................... 8
3.1 Document change request.................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Waivers ................................................................................................................................. 8
4. HEALTH AND SAFETY ....................................................................................................... 8
5. CONFIDENTIALITY ............................................................................................................. 8
6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 9
6.1 Organisation ......................................................................................................................... 9
6.2 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................. 9
6.3 Good Hygiene Principles ...................................................................................................... 9
6.4 Strategy and Planning ........................................................................................................ 10
6.4.1 Commissioning Strategy ..................................................................................................... 10
6.4.2 Design for Commissioning .................................................................................................. 10
6.4.3 Commissioning Plan ........................................................................................................... 10
6.5 Overall Control System Integration ..................................................................................... 10
6.6 Performance requirements ................................................................................................. 12
6.7 Testing and Demonstration................................................................................................. 12
6.8 Training and Handover ....................................................................................................... 12
7. PIPELINES ......................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Pressure Testing of Pipelines ............................................................................................. 13
7.1.1 Prior to Pressure Testing Pipelines .................................................................................... 13
7.1.2 Test Pressures.................................................................................................................... 14
7.1.3 Selection of Test Sections .................................................................................................. 14
7.1.4 Test Apparatus ................................................................................................................... 14
7.1.5 Testing of Iron and Steel Pressure Pipelines ..................................................................... 14
7.1.6 Testing of PE Pipelines....................................................................................................... 15
7.1.7 Testing of Mixed Material Pipelines .................................................................................... 16
7.2 Cleansing and Swabbing of Pipelines ................................................................................ 16
7.3 Disinfection of Water Mains ................................................................................................ 17
7.3.1 Personnel Carrying out Disinfection ................................................................................... 17
7.3.2 Disinfection Process ........................................................................................................... 17
7.3.3 Water Quality Sampling ...................................................................................................... 18
7.3.4 Before Bringing Pipeline into Service ................................................................................. 18
7.4 Water for Pressure Testing, Cleansing and Disinfection .................................................... 19
7.5 Pre-Connection Inspection ................................................................................................. 19
7.6 Service Connections ........................................................................................................... 19

7.6.1 Pressure Testing of Service Connections........................................................................... 19
7.6.2 Cleaning and Disinfection of Service Connections ............................................................. 20
7.7 Commissioning Report ....................................................................................................... 20
8. SERVICE RESERVOIRS ................................................................................................... 20
8.1 Cleansing of Service Reservoirs......................................................................................... 20
8.1.1 Health and Safety ............................................................................................................... 20
8.1.2 Cleansing Procedure .......................................................................................................... 21
8.2 Hydrostatic Testing of Service Reservoirs .......................................................................... 21
8.2.1 Testing of Reservoir Roofs ................................................................................................. 21
8.2.2 Testing of Reservoir Compartments ................................................................................... 21
8.3 Disinfection of Service Reservoirs ...................................................................................... 21
8.3.1 Personnel Carrying out Disinfection ................................................................................... 22
8.3.2 Disinfection Process ........................................................................................................... 22
8.3.3 Water Quality Sampling ...................................................................................................... 22
8.3.4 Before Bringing the Service Reservoir into Service ............................................................ 22
8.4 Water for Testing, Swabbing and Disinfection .................................................................... 22
9. PUMPING STATIONS ........................................................................................................ 23
9.1 Pump Units Factory Testing ............................................................................................... 23
9.1.1 Variable Speed Drives ........................................................................................................ 24
9.1.2 Noise................................................................................................................................... 24
9.1.3 Guaranteed Performance ................................................................................................... 24
9.2 Pump and System Testing and Validation .......................................................................... 25
9.3 Installation and Commissioning .......................................................................................... 25
9.4 Completion Tests ................................................................................................................ 27
9.4.1 Variable Speed Driven Pumpsets ....................................................................................... 27
9.4.2 Fixed Speed Driven Pumpsets ........................................................................................... 27
10. BULK METERS .................................................................................................................. 28
10.1 General ............................................................................................................................... 28
10.2 Mechanical Checks............................................................................................................. 28
10.3 Electrical connections ......................................................................................................... 28
10.4 Transmitter programming ................................................................................................... 29
10.5 Verification .......................................................................................................................... 29
11. INSTRUMENTATION, CONTROL AND AUTOMATION ................................................... 30
11.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 30
11.1.1 Scope.................................................................................................................................. 30
11.1.2 Process ............................................................................................................................... 30

11.2 Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) ..................................................................................... 31
11.3 Power System Energisation................................................................................................ 31
11.4 Dry Commissioning............................................................................................................. 32
11.4.1 Pumps................................................................................................................................. 32
11.4.2 Actuated Valves .................................................................................................................. 32
11.4.3 Electrical ............................................................................................................................. 32
11.4.4 ICA ...................................................................................................................................... 32
11.4.5 Building services ................................................................................................................. 33
11.5 Wet Commissioning ............................................................................................................ 33
11.5.1 Performance Tests ............................................................................................................. 33
11.7 Training ............................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 1: TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE COMMISSIONING TEAM ........................ 35
APPENDIX 2: COMMISSIONING PLAN TEMPLATE ........................................................................ 36
APPENDIX 3: IGN 4-01-03 GUIDE TO PRESSURE TESTING OF PRESSURE PIPES AND
FITTINGS FOR USE BY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS .................................................. 38
APPENDIX 4: PRINCIPLES OF WATER SUPPLY HYGIENE, WATER UK, 2017 ............................ 74
List of Tables
Table 1: Definitions ................................................................................................................................. 6
Table 2: Thresholds for water quality samples ..................................................................................... 18
Table 3: Thresholds for water quality samples ..................................................................................... 22

1. Glossary of Terms
Table 1: Definitions
Term Definition
Bulk meter Flowmeter measuring the flow of water through a water
transmission pipe, data from which is used to monitor and
control bulk water distribution, monitor transmission lines for
water loss and leakage, calculate local water balances
within discrete areas of the transmission network and
calculate system input volume (SIV) for IWA water balance
calculations.
CBM Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) is a type of predictive
maintenance that involves using sensors to measure the
status of an asset over time while it is in operation. The
data collected can be used to establish trends, predict
failure, and calculate remaining life of an asset.
Client The person or persons, firm, company or other body for
whom the Works are to be constructed and includes the
Client’s personal representatives, successors and permitted
assignees.
Contractor The contracting company undertaking the Works as named
in the contract.
Electromagnetic Flowmeter which creates a magnetic field perpendicular to
flowmeter the flow, so enabling the flowrate to be deduced from
induced electromotive force (emfV) produced by the motion
of a conducting fluid in the magnetic field. The
electromagnetic flow-meter consists of a sensor and a
transmitter
ECPs Electrical Controller Products
FAT The Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is a process that
evaluates the equipment during and after the assembly
process by verifying that it is built and operating in
accordance with design specifications.
ICA Instrumentation, Control and Automation
MDP Maximum Design Pressure. Maximum continuous operating
pressure of a pipeline
Nominal diameter (DN) Nominal diameter of the pipework which the meter is
designed to connect to. The actual bore of the meter at the
point of measurement may be less than the nominal
diameter.
O&M Operation and Maintenance
Pipework A system of pipes and fittings used to convey potable water
to a customer.
Potable water Water treated to a standard fit for human consumption, as
defined by World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines or
European Union (EU) Directives
PLC A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an industrial
digital computer which has been ruggedized and adapted

Term Definition
for the control of manufacturing processes, such as
assembly lines, or robotic devices, or any activity that
requires high reliability, ease of programming and process
fault diagnosis.
Project Manager The client’s representative with responsibility for the day-to-
day management of the project and has authority to issue
instructions under the contract.
Pump Manufacturer The original manufacturer of pumps and associated
equipment
Pumpset The pump, motor and coupling shaft
Purchaser’s The person representing the Client who approves the M&E
Representative equipment to be used in the Works.
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SI International system of units (Système International
d'Unités)
Site The area of land where the construction is to be carried out
Site Engineer The senior representative on site of the contracting
company on the undertaking the Works
STP System Test Pressure
Supplier The company supplying equipment for the contract,
whether the original manufacturer or a distributor.
Test length The length of section of pipeline to be tested
TGN Technical Guidance Notes
Transient (pressures) Surge pressure created in a pipeline which are outside the
range of pressures experienced under steady state
hydraulic conditions
Transmission mains Large diameter pipelines used to transfer bulk flows from
water treatment plants to service reservoirs, or between
reservoirs.
Trunk mains Large diameter mains transferring flow from service
reservoirs to DMAs, up to DMA meters
UPS An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides emergency
backup power instantaneously when the main power source
fails or if the voltage drops to an insufficient level or surges
and causes an outage.
VSD Variable Speed Drive
WIMES Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Standards.
Published by the Pump Centre in the UK.
WIS UK water industry standards
Works What a Contractor has undertaken to provide or do for a
Client - consisting of the work to be carried out, goods,
materials and services to be supplied that are necessary for

Term Definition
the operation of the Works, and the liabilities, obligations
and risks to be taken by that contractor.
WTMA Water transmission metered area is a section of main used
for monitoring purposes and bounded by flowmeters
2. Introduction
This Engineering Guideline sets out the principles and practices for testing and commissioning clean
water assets..
3. Compliance with Standards
3.1 Document change request
It is a requirement to comply with the Design Guidelines, however if the designer has good reason not
to comply with this standard and identifies alternative standards or guidelines, a change request shall
be submitted to the NEOM Water Transmission and Distribution Engineer, with evidence for change.
The Engineer will approve or reject the request and their decision is final.
3.2 Waivers
If the designer identifies alternative technical solutions to those stated in this guideline, a design
waiver request shall be submitted to the NEOM Water Transmission and Distribution Engineer, with
evidence for change.
The Engineer will approve or reject the request and their decision is final.
4. Health and Safety

The designer shall comply with all NEOM Health and Safety Regulations and shall endeavour to design
out any identified hazards, or if impractical, to identify control measures to minimise risk, following
guidance in the UK CDM Regulations 2015. Where sodium hypochlorite is to be used, the designer
shall comply with the rules relating to safe handling and use contained in Annex B of BS EN 901.
5. Confidentiality
Only employees and contractors of NEOM have a right to see this document and reproduction of the
whole or part shall not be made without permission of NEOM.

6. General Requirements
6.1 Organisation
The Contractor shall form a Commissioning Team led by a Commissioning Team Leader who will be
responsible for creating the Commissioning Plan (see section 6.4 below) and ensure each section of
the plan is completed, all in accordance with this Engineering Guideline.
The Commissioning Team Leader shall be an experienced engineer who understands the contractual
framework, understands the Works operation and operational constraints, and has the authority to
assign actions and have them completed in line with the contract programme. It is likely to be the Site
Engineer, but other personnel can be appointed if more appropriate, e.g. if the Site Engineer is
constrained by time and other commitments.
The Commissioning Team shall include as a minimum:
• the Commissioning Team Leader;

• the Site Engineer;
• the Lead Commissioning Engineer;
• the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager;
• a Water Quality Scientist or Chemical Engineer and;
• a Client Representative.
Other personnel can be brought into the team for specific tasks as and when they are required,
especially the Operations personnel, who should be brought into the team at an early stage to ensure
all possible operational scenarios are understood and included in the plan.
The objectives of the Commissioning Team should be written and communicated in the
Commissioning Method Statement (CMS) with individual tasks and acceptance criteria. Individual
roles and responsibilities shall be clearly defined and communicated to the Team. See Appendix 1 for
typical responsibilities.
6.2 Health and Safety
The designer shall comply with all NEOM Health and Safety Regulations and shall endeavour to
design out any identified hazards, or if impractical, to identify control measures to minimise risk,
following guidance in the UK CDM Regulations 2015.
Where sodium hypochlorite is to be used, the designer shall comply with the rules relating to safe
handling and use contained in Annex B of BS EN 901.
For pump commissioning the Contractor shall comply with BS EN 809 Pumps and pump units for
liquids. Common Safety Standards.
For electrical measurement and control equipment the BS EN 61010-1: 2001, IEC 61010-1:20001
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. Part 1:
General requirements
Mitigation measures during the commissioning and testing of pipelines and service reservoirs are
detailed in Sections 7 and 8 respectively.
6.3 Good Hygiene Principles
Water is essential to sustain life, and a satisfactory (adequate, safe and accessible) supply must be
available to all. Water has the potential to transmit disease and it is therefore vitally important that the

supply of water through the systems and assets included within the water transmission system
covered by the design standard do not pose a public health risk. All possible precautions should be
taken to protect drinking water quality at every stage from its collection, treatment and distribution,
through to the point of delivery.
Reference shall be made to the ‘Principles of Water Supply Hygiene’ published by Water UK (see
Appendix 4).
6.4 Strategy and Planning
6.4.1 Commissioning Strategy
The Contractor shall prepare an outline commissioning strategy as the first part of the Commissioning
Plan for approval by the NEOM Project Manager as part of the design of the Works . The strategy
shall include as a minimum:
• How the works and all plant will be started up;

• Acceptance testing and acceptance criteria (performance metrics);
• Where water and chemicals will be sourced and discharged after use for testing or
commissioning;
• Quantities of water and chemicals required;
• What timescales are required (actual durations from previous projects should be used as
a guide).
The Contractor shall show testing and commissioning activities within the programme for delivery of
the completed Works.
6.4.2 Design for Commissioning
Features shall be included in the design to facilitate commissioning, including but not restricted to:
• Sampling points;
• By-passes;
• Flow, pressure, water quality parameters, temperature and power monitors;
• Air ventilation points;
• Drainage points.
6.4.3 Commissioning Plan
The Contractor’s Commissioning Team Leader shall develop the Commissioning Plan, to be
approved by the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager and NEOM representative, taking advice from
the Lead Design Engineer, where necessary. The Plan is a dynamic document that develops as the
contract progresses and shall be kept up to date. The Commissioning Team Leader shall be
responsible for ensuring all sections of the Plan are completed until there are no further
commissioning actions.
The Commissioning Plan shall include the sections as listed in Appendix 2.
6.5 Overall Control System Integration
The Contractor shall be responsible for providing telemetry and control systems, in accordance with
the Engineering Guidelines for Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA). If there is any
discrepancy between the Engineering Guidelines and this document, the Engineering Guidelines shall
prevail. The Contractor shall supply and install PLC’s to provide automatic control of the entire
Works. The control system shall be capable of automatically controlling all critical plant elements.

The telemetry configuration is to be approved by NEOM before installation commences. NEOM shall,
at its discretion, inspect the telemetry configuration when completed. This includes the physical
installation and the data representation on the telemetry system.
The Contractor shall ensure that all testing and commissioning necessary to demonstrate that the
Works complies with the Employer’s Requirements and the Contract are detailed in their
commissioning plan and method statements. The Contractor shall demonstrate that all equipment
operates in accordance with the Employer’s Requirements, the Contractor’s proposal and the
Construction Documents. The Project Manager may request that additional tests are carried out if
they are not satisfied that the Contractor has demonstrated that the Works complies with the
Employer’s Requirements.
The Contractor shall provide a commissioning method statement for each mentioned testing group
below describing in detail elements to be tested, HSE aspects and acceptance criteria:
• Clarify if the SCADA system hardware and software is to be tested at the system
integrator premises or the control panel manufacturer or both (hardware testing alone
shall be carried out as part of the Factory Acceptance Testing);
• Specify the details of minimum tests for master stations and PLC Systems;
• Upon completion of FAT identify any corrections and modifications to software
programmes to be carried out before testing is completed;
• The Contractor shall also Ensure that any subsequent modifications are recorded and the
relevant documentation is updated by the Contractor
The Contractor shall also (for all PLC Control Panels):
• Clarify that tests at control panel manufacturers’ premises (FAT) are only to be carried out
when SCADA hardware & software is completed to NEOM representative’s satisfaction;
• Clarify any requirement for SCADA master station to be tested in conjunction with each
control panel or its corresponding PLC System;
• Clarify any requirement for SCADA master station, PLC & control panel tested at
manufacturers premises (FAT) in presence of NEOM representative;
• Provide details of test so that equipment operates properly as per design and suits the
purpose, digital I/O operation including any restriction on PLC input module simulation,
testing of analogue I/O operation and parameterisation and control sequence operation
and display troubleshooting.
The Contractor shall also (for all Motor Control Centres):
• Verify type test certificates and evidence of successful test certification before inspection
by NEOM representative;
• Clarify requirements for routine tests to be witnessed by the NEOM representative;
• Clarify functionality testing to demonstrate all operational / failure modes particular to the
Works;
• Clarify all operational / failure modes and recovery from failure particular to Works to be
demonstrated;
• Clarify feeder, generator and current tests.
The Contractor shall also propose, subject to approval of NEOM or appointed Consultant (for all ICA
Equipment):
• Electronic equipment tests;

• Electronic digital tests;
• Computer interface tests;
• Telemetry system tests;

• Fail Safe Tests;
• Loop testing.
6.6 Performance requirements
The purpose of these tests is to demonstrate that the Works are able to meet their design
expectations in terms of quantity, quality, efficiency and safety. This will require the Works being
tested over a range of conditions throughout the year. Once the Works is in operation, there is not
always the operational flexibility to do this. These tests therefore need to be carefully planned and co-
ordinated with NEOM.
These tests shall include the measurement of power and volumes of chemicals consumed and the
volumes of any wasted water or chemical.
Commissioning tests are to be carried out by the Contractor and witnessed by NEOM representative
before any acceptance certificate or handover of the system. In addition, the performance tests to be
caried out over a period of a year are to be carried out by Operations Staff under the supervision of
the Contractor. However, there may be occasions when, by agreement, the Contractor carries out
these tests.
The Contractor is to follow the requirements of the following sections in this document, and in the
Engineering Guidelines, for acceptance criteria of performance tests and include them in the
Commissioning Plan and Method Statements, to be approved by NEOM.
Satisfactory completion of these tests will prove that the Works are operating to the design
requirements.
6.7 Testing and Demonstration
Tests carried out Prior to Contract Completion will indicate to NEOM how the equipment is likely to
perform under different operational scenarios. The test results will show whether or not any remedial
work is needed to allow the Works to function as intended according to the Contract and NEOM’s
requirements.
6.8 Training and Handover
The Contractor shall provide selected theory and hands-on training to appointed or awarded
Operation and Maintenance company staff, such that they are capable of running the Works
successfully and safely at the time of hand-over. The Contractor shall assume that all the operators
are skilled in their relevant disciplines but are unfamiliar with the specific plant and materials at the
site. Formal theory and hands-on training, closed with attendance sheet stating the training date and
signed attendance, shall be provided to the operations and maintenance personnel on, static and
rotating equipment, instrumentation equipment, electrical systems, PLC/ SCADA systems and
chemical handling.
A joint inspection of the Works shall be carried out by the NEOM representative, the Project Manager
and the Contractor. The Project Manager will then prepare a report detailing any defects which shall
then be rectified by the Contractor at their own cost. All defects must be rectified as soon as
reasonably practicable before the handover can be complete. Before hand-over is accepted,
acceptance test reports, witnessed where required, and up-to-date Operations and Maintenance
(O&M) manuals, Safety File, Asset Register and As-Built drawings shall have been submitted and
approved by the Project Manager.

7. Pipelines
During the construction of the pipeline, each valve, fire hydrant and air valve shall be carefully
examined, its interior thoroughly cleaned and the spindle checked for gland tightness and ease of
movement.
Every pipeline which has been constructed shall undergo a water pressure (hydrostatic) test to ensure
the integrity of pipes, joints, fittings and other components. The entire pipeline shall be pressure
tested in accordance with IGN 4-01-03 Guide to the Pressure Testing of Pressure Pipes and Fittings
for Use by Public Water Supplies (see Appendix 3) and BS EN 805 Water Supply – Requirements for
Systems and Components Outside Buildings.
Any pipeline intended for the conveyance of potable drinking water shall be cleaned and disinfected to
ensure it does not pose a public health risk. Cleaning and disinfection shall be carried out in
accordance with the requirements of the Principles for Water Supply Hygiene published by Water UK
(see Appendix 4) or other dedicated method statement approved by NEOM.
7.1 Pressure Testing of Pipelines
New pipeline installations shall be pressure tested to ensure they are fit for purpose and can be
demonstrated to be as secure and as leak-free as possible. This section presents the procedure for
pressure testing of ductile, steel pipelines and PE. The procedure is similar for all materials and
essentially consists of raising pressure in a controlled manner to the Standard Test Pressure (STP),
allowing the pressure to decay after isolating the pipeline and checking against a specified acceptable
limit of pressure loss over time (test time) for a given length of pipe (test length).
7.1.1 Prior to Pressure Testing Pipelines
Pipelines shall be tested in sections (test length), subject to a detailed method statement to be
approved by NEOM and the Engineer. Each section shall be isolated from the rest of the pipeline.
Each end of the section to be tested shall be fitted with load bearing end fittings with blind/blank
plates. End fittings shall have pressure ratings of at least 1.5 times the STP.
Testing against closed valves shall not be permitted.
Before testing any pipeline, it shall be anchored adequately and thrusts from bends, branch outlets or
from the pipeline ends shall be transmitted to solid ground or to a suitable temporary anchorage.
Thrust blocks shall be allowed to develop adequate strength before any internal pressure is applied to
the pipeline.
Care shall be taken to ensure that caps or other temporary blanking fittings are adequately anchored,
with the load distributed according to the strength of the supporting ground.
Any temporary supports or anchorage at the ends of the test section shall not be removed until the
pipeline is depressurised.
Where the pipeline section is installed in trenches the section shall be backfilled to prevent axial
movement and joints left exposed if possible to enable visual inspection.
Service connections to the main pipeline shall not be made until after the pipeline has passed the
pressure test. The testing of service connections is presented in Section 7.6.
A full health and safety risk assessment shall be carried out prior to pressure testing, in accordance
with Section 6.2 of this document. The following specific hazards should be taken into consideration
(but are not limited to):

• High pressure can pose a danger if there is an unexpected pipeline failure.
• Forces on end fittings or thrust blocks during testing are high and insecurely anchored
ends could lead to the end caps blowing off.
• Air in the pipeline is compressed during testing and can lead to a massive and sudden
release of stored energy.
7.1.2 Test Pressures
The minimum Standard Test Pressure (STP) for all water transmission pipelines shall be 1.5 times the
Maximum continuous operating pressure of the pipeline (MDP).
7.1.3 Selection of Test Sections
The pipeline shall be tested in sections (test length). There is no maximum or minimum length criteria
for pressure testing. Any attached instrumentation or pressure relief valves or analysers shall be
isolated Test lengths shall be selected by the Site Engineer using the following criteria:
• The STP can be achieved at the lowest point of the section being tested.
• A pressure of at least the MDP can be achieved at the highest point of each section being
tested, unless otherwise specified by the pipe Designer.
• There is sufficient water available to conform to the requirements of the test set out
below, and it can be discharge and collected on completion of the test.
• There is sufficient time available to obtain a valid test result.
If the pipeline section does not pass the test it shall be inspected to identify leaks.
7.1.4 Test Apparatus
Reference shall be made to Section 3.5 of IGN 4-01-03 (see Appendix 3) for requirements regarding
test apparatus, as follows:
• test fixtures;
• pumps for pressurising, where relevant;
• measurement and recording equipment;
• layout of test apparatus, and;
• allowing for differences in pipeline elevation along its route.
Before any equipment is used, it shall be checked independently and a dated calibration certificate or
report shall be provided.
7.1.5 Testing of Iron and Steel Pressure Pipelines
The filling of pipelines with water prior to pressure testing shall be done in accordance with Section
6.1 of IGN 4-01-03 (Appendix 3), with the exception that recycled water previously used for pipeline or
service reservoir hydrostatic testing, cleaning and disinfection purposes may be used, provided it
does not cause a contamination hazard. Refer to Section 7.4 of this document for further guidance on
suitable test waters.
Care shall be taken to fill pipelines with water slowly whilst all facilities for venting are open and the
pipeline is adequately vented.
Attempts shall be made to purge air from the pipeline during/ after filling with water and before the
start of the pressure test. Further guidance on the removal of air prior to pressure testing is given in
Section 6.2 of IGN 4-01-03.
Pressure tests shall be carried out with all facilities for venting closed and intermediate line valves
open.

After having been filled, pipelines shall undergo preliminary conditioning by being left under normal
operating pressure for 24 hours, so as to achieve conditions as stable as possible for testing.
The Volume of Water Lost test method shall be carried out, as follows:
• Following preliminary conditioning the pressure in the pipeline shall be raised steadily
until the STP is reached in the lowest part of the section.
• The STP pressure shall be maintained at this level, by pumping, if necessary, for a period
of one hour.
• The pump shall then be disconnected, and no further water shall be permitted to enter the
pipeline for a further period of one hour.
• At the end of this period, the original pressure shall be restored by pumping and the loss
measured by drawing off water from the pipeline until the pressure as at the end of the
test is again reached.
The measured drawn off volume of water shall be compared to the allowable volumes stipulated in
Table 2 of IGN 4-01-03. If the drawn off water volume is less than the allowable volume given for the
diameter of pipe tested, then the pipeline is deemed to have passed the pressure test.
If the pipeline fails to meet the acceptance criteria, the test should be stopped and the excess water
bled carefully from the system until only static head remains. A search for the site of the water
leakage shall then be initiated and remediation works undertaken where necessary. Following
rectification of leaks the test shall be repeated.
Once the pipeline has been positively accepted as being free of leaks, it shall be depressurised slowly
and all facilities for venting shall be open when emptying the test section.
7.1.6 Testing of PE Pipelines
The filling of pipelines with water prior to pressure testing shall be done in accordance with Section
5.1 of IGN 4-01-03, with the exception that recycled water previously used for pipeline or service
reservoir hydrostatic testing, cleaning and disinfection purposes may be used, provided it does not
cause a contamination hazard. Refer to Section 7.4 of this document for further guidance on suitable
test waters.
Care shall be taken to fill pipelines with water slowly whilst all facilities for venting are open and the
pipeline is adequately vented.
Attempts shall be made to purge air from the pipeline during/ after filling with water and before the
start of the pressure test. Further guidance on the removal of air prior to pressure testing is given in
Section 5.2 of IGN 4-01-03.
There shall be no preliminary conditioning of PE pipelines prior to testing.
The Type II test method shall be carried out in accordance with Section 5.3 of IGN 4-01-03.
The analysis of the collected test data to determine whether a pipeline has passed the test shall be
undertaken in accordance with Section 5.4 of IGN 4-01-03.
If the pipeline fails to meet the acceptance criteria, the test should be stopped and the excess water
bled carefully from the system until only static head remains. A search for the site of the water
leakage shall then be initiated and remediation works undertaken where necessary. Following
rectification of leaks the test shall be repeated.
Once the pipeline has been positively accepted as being free of leaks, it shall be depressurised slowly
and all facilities for venting shall be open when emptying the test section.

7.1.7 Testing of Mixed Material Pipelines
Where the test section of pipeline incorporates more than one material type the allowable pressure
loss shall be determined using a law of mixtures as detailed in Section D.3.2 of IGN 4-01-03, based
on the overall length of each material within the test section.
The allowable water loss (DVmax) shall then be determined using the following formula:
1 𝐷
∆𝑉!"# = 1.2 × 𝑉 × ∆𝑝 × ) + .
𝐸$ 𝑒 × 𝐸%
Where:
Dp is the allowable pressure loss determined from Section D.3.2 of IGN 4-01-03, kPa
V is the volume of the tested pipeline, litres
Ew is the bulk modulus of water, kPa (2.1 x106)
e is the wall thickness of the pipe, metres
D is the internal diameter of the pipe, metres
ER is the modulus of elasticity of the pipe wall in the circumferential direction, kPa
7.2 Cleansing and Swabbing of Pipelines
During construction suitable measures shall be taken to prevent extraneous material from entering the
pipe.
All new pipelines of greater than 50mm diameter, intended for the conveyance of potable water, shall
be swabbed prior to disinfection to ensure the pipeline is free from foreign objects and debris.
Cleaning shall be undertaken using a foam swab (polyurethane foam cylinder) treated with a
1,000mg/l chlorine solution. The swab shall have a diameter greater than the nominal pipe diameter
by 25% in pipes up to 300mm, and by 75mm in larger pipes. Use a new clean swab, dipped and
soaked in 1,000mg/l chlorine solution. Swab insertion points shall be thoroughly disinfected using a
250 mg/l hypochlorite solution with the pipe ends resealed immediately.
During cleaning all in-line valves must be checked and confirmed as being open to prevent the swab
becoming stuck.
Water pressure behind the swab propels it through the main, the loose deposits should be drawn off
downstream, along with the swab. Swabbing shall be carried out in one sequence up to a maximum
length of 1km for pipe diameters up to 200mm. Swabbing of pipelines of greater than 200mm
diameter shall be limited to 200m lengths to minimise the volume of water discharged from the test
section as a result of the water pressures required to propel the swab. The swab shall be passed
through the pipeline a sufficient number of times to achieve clear wash water.
All swabs shall be recovered and accounted for after cleaning of the pipeline. Make sure they are
counted in and out of the main. Once swabbing has been completed, flush the mains with 2x volume
of water.
The method of cleaning of the pipeline and the number of passes of the swab required shall be
recorded in the test report.

A full health and safety risk assessment shall be carried out prior to cleaning and swabbing of a
pipeline, in accordance with Section 6.2 of this document. The following specific hazards should be
taken into consideration (but are not limited to):
• The potential for the swabbing operation to cause or experience low or negative pressure
during the course of the operation.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Flooding.
• Traffic and pedestrian access and egress.
• Security of swab access and discharge points.
• A large diameter swab is heavy.
7.3 Disinfection of Water Mains
After satisfactory completion of pressure testing and swabbing, pipelines intended for conveying
potable water shall be disinfected in accordance with ‘Principles of Water Supply Hygiene’ published
by Water UK (see Appendix 4).
7.3.1 Personnel Carrying out Disinfection
All individuals carrying out the disinfection process shall be trained and authorised under an approved
water hygiene scheme, and carry a valid water hygiene training card.
7.3.2 Disinfection Process
In order to prevent any highly chlorinated water entering supply, the section of pipeline being
disinfected shall remain isolated from the live network until disinfection has been completed and a
satisfactory result has been achieved.
The chlorine solutions shall be based on the use, and dilutions from, a commercial hypochlorite
solution or chlorine dioxide (using a special mobile unit with generator, for example) with available
chlorine content of 10-5% (weight/volume). All solutions and dilutions of the hypochlorite solution shall
be in date. Refer to Technical Guidance Note (TGN) 13 of Principles of Water Supply Hygiene
(Appendix 4) for guidance on the preparation of chlorine solutions.
Pipelines shall be disinfected by charging with water containing sufficient free chlorine to ensure that
at concentration of 50 mg/l has been maintained throughout the entire pipe length over a period of
standing for at least 7 hours (standing period). The duration of the standing time is important to
ensure adequate dispersion and contact of the chlorine with the water and the entire internal surface
of the pipeline and fittings.
For large pipelines, a lower concentration of disinfection solution, with a correspondingly longer
standing period, shall be permitted in order to accommodate the safe disposal of the large volumes of
super-chlorinated water. The minimum concentration of disinfection shall be 20 mg/l maintained
throughout the entire pipe length over a period of 16 hours.
The standing period shall be recorded from the time at which the minimum concentration of
hypochlorite solution is observed at the opposite end of the test section where the solution was
introduced.
Chlorine residuals shall be tested following the standing period. If the residual is less than 50% of the
original strength of the dosed solution, the disinfection process shall be halted, the pipeline flushed
(dechlorinating where necessary) and the disinfection process re-started.
At the end of standing period, and providing adequate chlorine residual has been observed, the
pipeline shall be flushed and left charged for a minimum of 16 hours.

Reference shall also be made to TGN 2 of Principles of Water Supply Hygiene (Appendix 4).
7.3.3 Water Quality Sampling
Water samples shall be taken at appropriate points along the test section following the completion of
the disinfection process. The number and location of samples required shall be sufficient to ensure
the suitability for supply of the entire length of test length, and as a minimum shall include the
downstream end and all terminal washouts on the pipeline. The maximum length between samples
shall not exceed the test length of the pipeline.
Free chlorine testing should be done immediately in the field with a colorimetric portable device. All
other water quality samples must be stored in a dedicated fridge (3oC to 7oC) and delivered to an
accredited laboratory for other tests within 24 hours.
After flushing the disinfectant and re-filling, new pipelines shall, as a minimum, be checked for
residual chlorine, taste and odour, coliform bacteria, and appearance/ turbidity.
A sample result shall be deemed to have failed the disinfection process if it has exceeded the
thresholds presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Thresholds for water quality samples
Sample Parameter Units Failure Threshold

Coliform bacteria number/ 100ml 0 (zero)
E. coli number/ 100ml 0 (zero)
Colour mg/l Pt/Co 20
Turbidity NTU 4
Documentary evidence of samples passing the water quality sample tests shall be provided before
the pipeline is connected to the live network. These results shall be included in the commissioning
report (see Section 7.7).
A pipeline which fails the water quality sampling criteria shall be investigated, re-flushed, re-
chlorinated depending on the level of failure, and sampled until acceptable results are obtained.
Note that if the new pipeline sample fails three times, then the Client shall be notified immediately.
The pipeline should then be swabbed with both ‘rough’ and ‘smooth’ swabs, re-disinfected, re-flushed,
and re-sampled.
7.3.4 Before Bringing Pipeline into Service
After disinfection and bacteriological and chemical sampling of completed sections of water mains, no
valves shall be turned or any other action taken which might interfere with the main or existing
network without the prior agreement with the Client.
On completion of the disinfection, the pipeline shall be left full of water under operating pressure and
with sufficient flow or changes of water so as to maintain water quality.
Groundwater shall not be allowed to come into contact with the inside of water mains after
disinfection.
If the main is not brought into service within 14 days of a satisfactory sample having been taken, the
main shall be flushed with mains water and re-sampled. If contamination is suspected, the main
should be re-chlorinated and sampling carried as stipulated above.

7.4 Water for Pressure Testing, Cleansing and Disinfection
Water used for pressure testing, flushing or disinfection of new drinking water pipelines must always
be drawn from a clean source of treated water. Raw, untreated water (burns, rivers, surface water
reservoirs) must never be used to charge and pressure test a new drinking water pipeline even prior
to flushing and disinfection.
Wherever possible water used for hydrostatic testing, cleaning and disinfection processes shall be
discharged safely to a suitable storage facility so that it may be re-used for further hydrostatic testing
purposes. This recycled water may be re-used for the hydrostatic testing of subsequent pipelines,
provided it is stored in accordance with Technical Guidance Notes 9 (Treated Water Storage) and 12
(Tankers, Static Tanks and Bowsers) of the Principles of Water Supply Hygiene (Appendix 4) and
does not cause a contamination hazard during subsequent use.
All water to be used for swabbing, flushing and disinfection must be drinking water (clean, treated
water). It is not recommended that recycled water be used for disinfection of drinking water pipelines
as it could pose a possible contamination risk and reduce the likelihood of a pipeline passing the
disinfection sample test criteria.
Where this is not possible to store test waters for use in sub-sequent hydrostatic testing, the test
waters shall be disposed of with due care to the environment.
Chlorine used in the disinfection process is toxic and will have a detrimental impact on aquatic flora
and fauna. Chlorinated water shall at all times be fully neutralized prior to any discharge, in
accordance with the guidance provided in Technical Guidance Note 14 of Principles of Water Supply
Hygiene, ‘Disposal of Chlorine Solutions & Chlorinated Water’ (Appendix 4).
7.5 Pre-Connection Inspection
Following the successful completion of pressure testing, cleaning and disinfection, all valves on the
test section shall be checked to ensure they can be operated and are then set to the correct status
(open or closed). This information shall be recorded in the commissioning report (Section 7.7).
Where a new pipeline is to connect to an operational pipeline, the final connection shall be inspected
visually.
7.6 Service Connections
All new service connections should be pressure tested and flushed with mains water before use.
7.6.1 Pressure Testing of Service Connections
The service pipework represents that part of the water supply system which conveys the water from
the distribution main to the customer's property and is normally subject to the available water pressure
from that main. The "service pipe" is defined as so much of a pipe connected with a water main as is
subject to pressure from that main. Service connections are a potential source of leakage and all
joints and connections shall be tested to ensure a leak free system.
As there are a large number of service connections on a pipeline, a visual inspection shall be carried
out in accordance with Section 8 of IGN 4-01-03 (see Appendix 3).
The STP for service connections shall be 18 bar.

7.6.2 Cleaning and Disinfection of Service Connections
Service connections above 50mm diameter require disinfection, although water quality samples will
not normally be required. If the disinfected service pipe is not commissioned and brought into supply
within 30 days of completing disinfection, the disinfection process shall be repeated prior to
commissioning if it is considered that deterioration of water quality may have occurred within this
period.
7.7 Commissioning Report
A formal commissioning report shall be prepared and made available to the Client.
The content of this report shall be as follows:
• For pressure testing the report shall include the items listed in Section 4 of IGN 4-01-03.
• For cleaning and swabbing the report shall record the method of cleaning used and the
number of passes of the swab required.
• For disinfection the report shall include (as a minimum) the concentration of disinfection
solution used and contact time, the number and location of water quality samples,
laboratory test results, actions taken where sample results have failed.
• Confirmation of operability and status of valves.
8. Service Reservoirs
Every service reservoir shall undergo a water pressure (hydrostatic) test of both the roof and
compartments, to ensure the integrity of the structure to prevent both the egress of water or ingress of
contaminants. Hydrostatic testing shall be undertaken in accordance with Section 8.2 of this
document.
Any structure intended for the storage of drinking water shall be cleaned and disinfected to ensure it
does not pose a public health risk. Cleaning and disinfection shall be carried out in accordance with
the requirements of the Principles for Water Supply Hygiene published by Water UK (Appendix 4).
8.1 Cleansing of Service Reservoirs
On completion of construction, and before hydrostatic testing and disinfection, internal surfaces of
service reservoirs shall be cleaned thoroughly in such a way as to remove all oil, grit and other
deleterious matter.
8.1.1 Health and Safety
A full health and safety risk assessment shall be carried out prior to reservoir cleaning, in accordance
with Section 6.2 of this document. The following mitigation measures should be taken into
consideration (but are not limited to):
• Test atmosphere for oxygen deficiency for a period of at least 6 minutes before entering
the reservoir and keep the meter operational within the reservoir at all times employees
are inside. If monitoring device and personnel leave the reservoir the atmosphere must
be re-tested before re-entry. A portable 4-gas detector must be used.
• Safety harnesses and safety lines must be available on site in case assistance is needed
to get someone out.
• Safety helmets must be available and used when equipment and materials are being
lowered or lifted.

• At least two employees should always be present (not necessarily on top).
• All electrical equipment used on site must be 110V.
• Petrol or diesel driven machinery must be run only outside the reservoir, downwind and at
least 5 metres from any opening.
• Designated protective clothing should be worn by all personnel working in the Reservoir.
• The hypochlorite footbath is to be used by all personnel entering the reservoir.
• All personnel entering the reservoir shall be trained and authorised under an approved
• Smoking, spitting, urinating and defecating in reservoirs is strictly prohibited.
8.1.2 Cleansing Procedure
Wash down walls, columns, roof and floor either from adjacent high pressure main or by pumping
from adjacent reservoir.
Partly fill reservoir (maximum 2.5 m depth) with a 20 p.p.m. solution of sodium hypochlorite and allow
to stand for 24 hours.
Spray walls, roof, columns and floor with hypochlorite solution and drain taking care to dechlorinate
with thiosulphate where washout discharges to watercourse.
8.2 Hydrostatic Testing of Service Reservoirs
8.2.1 Testing of Reservoir Roofs
The reservoir roof shall be watertight and shall be tested prior to the installation of any waterproof
membrane by lagooning with water to a minimum depth of 25 mm for a period of 24 hours. Where it
is impracticable because of roof falls, or otherwise, to contain 25 mm depth of water, the roof shall be
thoroughly wetted by continuous hosing for a period of not less than 6 hours.
The roof shall be regarded as satisfactory if no leaks or damp patches show in the soffit.
The roof covering shall be completed as soon as possible after satisfactory testing.
8.2.2 Testing of Reservoir Compartments
After cleaning, and before any earth or other filling is placed against the outside wall faces, each
reservoir compartment in turn shall be filled with water at a uniform rate of not greater than 2 m in 24
hours. A period of up to 21 days shall be allowed for stabilisation, after which the water level shall be
recorded at 24-hour intervals, for a test period of 7 days. During the test period, the total permissible
drop, after allowing for evaporation and rainfall, shall not exceed 1/500 of the average water depth of
the full tank or 10 mm, whichever is the lesser.
If the requirements for the 7-day test are not met then, after completion of any remedial work, the
structure shall be refilled and, if necessary, left for a further stabilisation period after which the water
level shall be recorded at 24-hour intervals, for a test period of 7 days.
Notwithstanding the satisfactory completion of the above test, any leakage visible on the outside
faces of the structure shall be stopped. Any caulking or making good of cracks in the wall section
shall, where practicable, be carried out from the inside face.
8.3 Disinfection of Service Reservoirs
After satisfactory completion of hydrostatic testing and cleaning, service reservoirs intended for the
storage or drinking water shall be disinfected in accordance with the ‘Principles of Water Supply
Hygiene’ published by Water UK (Appendix 4).

8.3.1 Personnel Carrying out Disinfection
All individuals carrying out the disinfection process shall be trained and authorised under an approved
8.3.2 Disinfection Process
Immediately before acceptance of any structure for potable water, the interior shall be disinfected
using water chlorinated to give a residual of not less than 20 mg of free chlorine per litre. Roofs and
other surfaces above top water level shall be sprayed with a solution containing 20 mg chlorine per
litre. The structure shall be emptied, flushed with mains water and then filled with water having a
chlorine residual of not more than 0.5 mg free chlorine per litre to normal top water level.
8.3.3 Water Quality Sampling
After 24 hours, samples shall be taken for bacteriological and chemical analysis. Where a service
reservoir has more than one compartment with its own water inlet and outlet and the compartments
are not connected hydraulically to any other compartments, then each compartment must be
regarded as a single service reservoir and individually sampled.
All water quality samples must be stored in a dedicated fridge (3oC to 7oC) and delivered to an
appropriately certified laboratory for testing within 24 hours.
New service reservoirs shall, as a minimum, be checked for residual chlorine, taste and odour,
coliform bacteria, E. coli and appearance/ turbidity.
A sample result shall be deemed to have failed the disinfection process if it has exceeded the
thresholds presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Thresholds for water quality samples
Sample Parameter Units Failure Threshold

Coliform bacteria number/ 100ml 0 (zero)
E. coli number/ 100ml 0 (zero)
Colour mg/l Pt/Co 20
Turbidity NTU 4
Documentary evidence of samples passing the water quality sample tests shall be provided before
the reservoir is put into service. These results shall be included in the commissioning report (see
Section 8.5).
A reservoir which fails the water quality sampling criteria shall be investigated, re-flushed, re-
chlorinated depending on the level of failure, and sampled until acceptable results are obtained.
8.3.4 Before Bringing the Service Reservoir into Service
On completion of the disinfection, the structure shall be left full of potable water, under operating
pressure and with sufficient flow or changes of water so as to maintain water quality.
8.4 Water for Testing, Swabbing and Disinfection

Water used for hydrostatic testing, cleaning or disinfection of new drinking water service reservoirs
must always be drawn from a clean source of treated water. Raw, untreated water (burns, rivers,
surface water reservoirs) must never be used to charge and pressure test a new drinking water
pipeline even prior to flushing and disinfection.
Water used for disinfection purposes may be discharged safely to a suitable storage facility so that it
may be re-used for further hydrostatic testing purposes. This recycled water may be re-used for the
hydrostatic testing of subsequent reservoir compartments, provided it is stored in accordance with
Technical Guidance Notes 9 (Treated Water Storage) and 12 (Tankers, Static Tanks and Bowsers) of
the Principles of Water Supply Hygiene (Appendix 4) and does not cause a contamination hazard
during subsequent use.
All water to be used for disinfection must be drinking water (clean, treated water). It is not
recommended that recycled water be used for disinfection of drinking water service reservoirs as it
could pose a possible contamination risk and reduce the likelihood of a pipeline passing the
disinfection sample test criteria.
A formal commissioning report shall be prepared and made available to the Client.
• For pressure testing the report shall include the details of the hydrostatic test.
• For disinfection the report shall include (as a minimum) the concentration of disinfection
solution used and contact time, the number and location of water quality samples,
laboratory test results, actions taken where sample results have failed.
9. Pumping Stations
9.1 Pump Units Factory Testing
Pump Units with a motor rated above 45 kW or used in process critical applications shall be tested at
the pump manufacturer’s factory using clean water, otherwise type testing is acceptable.
Pumps shall be tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 9906 Grade 1. For raw, potable water or
process critical applications pumps shall be supplied and tested to the above standard with zero
negative tolerance on efficiency, flow and head at the duty point (Grade 1U).
Each Pump Unit shall be tested at the guaranteed performance duty point for a period of 2 hours.
Following the 2 hour run, the Pump Unit shall be run over a range of heads and flows to verify the
performance curves submitted by the manufacturer for total head, overall efficiency (i.e. pump and
motor) and overall power absorbed vs. output.
In addition to confirming the hydraulic performance of the Pump Units, the tests shall demonstrate
that vibration is within limits set by the manufacturer. Vibration tests shall be performed in accordance
with the latest edition of BS ISO 10816: Part 1 and BS ISO 7919 Part 5.
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) tests will normally only be required in circumstances where suction
performance is considered to be critical.
All factory tests shall be carried out using the motor to be supplied under the contract to drive the
pump.

The Purchaser’s Representative may elect to witness factory test and will advise the Supplier on
receipt of notification that the Pump Unit is ready for test. Such notification shall first be given in the
form of three weeks advance warning of the tentative test date and confirmation of the actual date no
later than 5 working days beforehand.
Three copies of the factory Test Report and Test Certificates shall be sent to the Purchaser’s
Representative at the conclusion of each test. No item shall be despatched to Site before the
Purchaser’s Representative has approved such reports and certificates in writing. The reports and
certificates shall be supplied for approval no later than two weeks in advance of delivery.
The factory test report shall include the information specified in BS EN ISO 9906 as a minimum. The
works test sheet shall be similar in content to that shown in BS EN ISO 9906. The Supplier shall
supply a specimen format of the factory test report and test sheet with his tender.
9.1.1 Variable Speed Drives
Pump manufacturer factory tests for Variable Speed Drives (VSD) shall be carried out in accordance
with the requirements set out below.
Process critical Pump Units shall be string tested. A string test is conducting the factory pump test
using the same VSD as is being supplied under the contract with the same motor as being used in the
contract to ensure that the VSD, the motor and the pump are correctly matched and can achieve the
specified range of duties. The string test should be completed at the factory i.e. pump, motor and
associated Variable Speed Drive. The pump, motor and associated Variable Speed Drive shall be the
matched contract supply items of equipment. Substitute items or those from other similar Pump Units
(from the contract supply or elsewhere) will not be accepted. All other test requirements and
measurements specified above shall apply.
For the purposes of measuring efficiency and maximum head and flow, that will apply a variable
speed drive Pump Unit shall be tested at full speed (i.e. synchronous speed) only. For “string” tests it
will be necessary for the Supplier to obtain the drive from a nominated supplier specified by the
purchaser.
The VSD supplier will deliver the Drive to the pump manufacturer, carrying out all that is required to
install and connect it in the pump manufacturer’s test bay for the purposes of the tests specified,
disconnecting the drive, repacking it and delivering it back to the Drive supplier premises.
The Pump Manufacturer shall be responsible for the cost of rectifying any damage caused to the drive
whilst on his premises.
9.1.2 Noise
Noise levels for the Pump Unit shall not exceed 80 dB(A) at a distance of 1 m from the Pump Unit
centre line. If this level is exceeded, acoustic cladding or hoods shall be supplied with the Pump Unit.
9.1.3 Guaranteed Performance
The results of the works tests on Pump Units shall be used to determine whether each Pump Unit has
achieved the required performance guaranteed by the Manufacturer.
The pump output and effective power consumption shall be determined using the following formulae:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑 (𝑚) × 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 (𝑀𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦)
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑘𝑊) =
8.810
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 (𝑘𝑊)
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑘𝑊)

9.2 Pump and System Testing and Validation
Each pump system shall be validated against the design performance after installation in the pumping
station. This shall establish the actual system curve(s) and the ‘wire-to-water’ efficiency of the
system. It shall also help to ‘fine tune’ the system prior to handover, such as adjustment of pumps
speed where VSDs are installed.
Pumps should be factory wet calibrated and the FAT report shall be provided. Also, the pump
systems shall be validated using the instrumentation installed, together with the following options:
• A calibrated portable ultrasonic flow meter (if sufficient straight pipe lengths are available)
• Thermodynamic pump test equipment
• Test pressure gauges
• Power meter
From the tests, the recommendations for the control philosophy shall be reviewed and implemented
by the Contractor.
The tests shall be used to establish the following on fixed speed systems:
• Pump start levels

• Pump stop levels
• Pump performance at maximum and minimum inlet levels
• Pump duty and Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) throughout operating levels of the
system
• Pump duty SEC at single and multiple pump flows
• In-situ pump performance curves
The tests shall be used to establish the following on variable speed systems:
• Pump start levels

• Pump stop levels
• Optimum pump operating regime and speeds
• Actual SEC characteristic curve throughout operating level and capacity of the system
• In-situ pump performance curves
From the tests, the Contractor shall review the data and modify control settings for level and speed,
as necessary, to establish the most efficient and reliable operating philosophy throughout its capacity
range, within the established design parameters.
9.3 Installation and Commissioning
The Supplier shall attend site to supervise installation, commissioning and testing of the pumping
plant by the main Contractor for all pump units greater than 50 kW. Smaller pumps are to be
commissioned by the main Contractor following O&M manual manufacturer and assistance for
supervision shall be as required. For pump units greater than 50 kW the following activities shall be
included along with any others the Supplier deems necessary or has been asked to provide:
a) Liaison with the Operations team and main Contractor as required

b) Pump internal inspection where appropriate
c) Equipment functional checks (e.g. check isolation valves fully open and fully shut)

d) Initial alignment, lubrication and bearing checks. This is to include release of pipe flanges
to ensure no external loads are imposed on pump casings.
e) Final alignment. After installation every pump must undergo final alignment. Laser
alignment shall be used to check alignment of pump and motor shafts after pipework
connections have been completed.
f) Pre-rotational and H & S checks
g) Provision and installation of calibrated testing instruments/monitors, recorders
h) Bump test / rotation check prior to start-up
i) Pump priming and starting up
j) Operation of Pump Units in all normal design combinations (i.e. parallel operation)
k) Monitoring at various duty conditions to check and record;
i. Noise & Vibration. Monitor and listen for any abnormal behaviour.
ii. Leakage & Bearing Temperature
iii. Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) performance
iv. Actual pump speed
v. Efficiency at the rated duty
Prior to handover of the pump station/system, the pumps and system shall have a full performance
and validation test. The tests shall be carried out with a representative from the pump manufacturer
in attendance.
As a minimum requirement the following shall be recorded under the following conditions:
• Minimum flow
• Maximum flow
• Design Flow
On-site performance testing of the pumps recording real system performance shall be completed, to
enable the actual system curve to be derived and thereby establish at what variance, if any, the
pumps are operating away from the design system curves.
This shall be repeated for duty with assist pump in operation and thereby providing a third point on the
system curve. Pump operational permutations i.e. pumps 1 & 2, 2 & 3 and 1 & 3 shall be checked
also and any discrepancies recorded.
Suitably scaled plots of the actual system curve shall then be superimposed together with the as-
designed system curve and pump performance (from the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)) test
result curve. The plot shall be accompanied by a brief description summarising any variances relative
to the design duty point(s) agreed in the Specification and shall be submitted to Project Manager for
review.
The report and any recommended corrective actions required returning the pumping station back to
the required duty, as defined in the Particular Specification or Project Brief, shall be agreed in writing
by the Project Manager.
Any subsequent corrective actions shall necessitate a repeat of the above procedure until a
satisfactory Site Acceptance Test (‘as installed’ pump and system performance) is achieved. A
signed-off plot of ‘as installed’ system curve shall be superimposed on the as installed pump

performance curve and included within the O&M Manuals. All plots of pump and system curves shall
use ‘Microsoft Excel’.
The Supplier shall supply a record of all Site performance data taken during commissioning. Baseline
operating data shall reflect both summer and winter conditions. Pumps shall have a 12 month
minimum performance guarantee.
9.4 Completion Tests
The following proving period shall be completed for base load stations, before any ‘point of no return’
works are commenced, e.g. decommissioning or diversion of flows, after which the treatment works is
reliant on proper operation of the pumping station.
Noise mapping shall be completed as part of the final acceptance criteria prior to plant handover. This
may form a part of a larger site wide survey.
To protect the pipeline/network assets, a minimum of a three month monitoring programme post
commissioning shall be undertaken to confirm that the pressure transients generated from any
changes to pumping capability, the network or operation are within the existing/new system design
limits. If not known, these limits shall be confirmed by hydraulic modelling.
The logging of pressures shall be sub-second to record pressure transients electronically. The
pressure logging shall have the same three month logging period as the pumps.
9.4.1 Variable Speed Driven Pumpsets
The pump station must be run under fully automatic control and be available without manual
intervention for a minimum of 10 working days for duty/standby and 14 working days for
duty/assist/standby. In order to demonstrate sufficient reliability of the individual pumpset and inverter
combinations, the duty pump operation shall be rotated with each pumpset operating as duty pump,
leading for a minimum of 3 consecutive days (72 hours) run time within that period.
During the proving periods, after each 24-hour period, the Contractor shall provide plant operation
records for analysis by the Project Manager covering the previous 24-hour operation. The data shall
include simultaneous pump sump water levels and transfer pump flows. The results shall be compiled
and presented in ‘Microsoft Excel’ format, specifying which pump was running over that same period.
Records of any upstream or downstream process plant that may directly affect the sump, such as
filter washing, bypassing or incorrect screen operation shall be available in order to analyse problems.
An alarm log including alarm source data identification shall also be provided together with the real
time that the alarm was initiated during the same period. These, along with any other information
available, shall form the basis for passing the reliability tests.
Any intervals of ‘no operation’ (other than for normal control reasons) shall require a restart of the
proving period.
9.4.2 Fixed Speed Driven Pumpsets
As above but for a minimum of 3 working days for duty/standby and duty/assist/standby pumping
station respectively. Each pumpset required to operate for a minimum of 1 day (24 hours) run time.
Vibration tests on site may be requested for all installations. Installations with motors 50kW or greater
shall have vibration tests completed as part of the final acceptance criteria before plant handover.

10. Bulk Meters
10.1 General
Record all meter asset details onto the asset register. The following details shall be included for each
meter:
• Meter type (make / model);

• Serial numbers of components;
• Meter size;
• Meter settings;
• Meter location;
• Meter asset tag numbers;
• Installation date;
• Factory calibration certificate;
• In-situ electronic and flow verification test data;
• As built schematic showing up and downstream pipe dimensions and layout, including all
fittings within 20D of the meter sensor.
Detailed commissioning procedures will be slightly different for different makes of meter. The following
section describes the minimum processes and checks that shall be carried out. The manufacturer’s
specific instructions shall be followed with respect to each step. If the manufacturer recommends
additional steps then these shall also be included.
10.2 Mechanical Checks
During the dry commissioning phase for the pipeline, the following checks shall be carried out on
each of the meters:
• Check all flange bolts for tightness. All bolt holes shall be used.
• Check gaskets are present in all flanged joints.
• Check earthing rings are installed up and downstream in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Check that there is no visible damage to any component of the meter that may
compromise the safety or operation of the meter. For example, look for any cracks or
other damage in casings, terminal boxes etc. that could allow water ingress. Damaged
parts shall be replaced and re-inspected.
• Check the sensor and pipeline are adequately supported.
The mechanical installation shall be signed off before the pipeline is pressurised.
When the pipeline is pressurised, the installation shall be checked for leaks and any leaks
rectified.
10.3 Electrical connections
Before the flowmeter is switched on, the following checks shall be carried out:
• Check all cables for damage. Damaged cables shall be replaced and re-inspected.
• Check cables are securely labelled and correctly identified.
• Check power connections are correctly wired and secure. Check safety covers are in
place.

• Check signal output connections are correctly installed and secure.
• Check signal cable shielding is in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• With remote transmitters, check interconnecting cables between the transmitter and
sensor are correctly wired in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and secure.
• Check that there is no damage to interconnecting cables that could allow water ingress.
Damaged cables shall be replaced and re-inspected.
• Check all cable glands have been tightened.
• Check potential equalisation (grounding) connections are present and secure.
• Check grounding arrangements are in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and
secure.
• If cathodic protection is used on the pipe, check that a cable of correct size has been
used to bridge the meter and is connected and secure.
In the case of remote transmitters, if the terminal box on the sensor has not been potted to allow
inspection of connections, then once inspection is complete, the box shall be potted.
Once all electrical connections have been checked and signed off, the flowmeter can be powered
up.
10.4 Transmitter programming
Power up the flowmeter.
Allow the meter to run through its start-up procedures and checks.
Observe and record any error codes or alarm conditions. Identify fault conditions relating to error
codes and rectify. (Note: certain codes may not clear unless the flowmeter is full and pressurised.)
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for programming and commissioning the instrument. The
following are common to the majority of electromagnetic flowmeters and shall be checked and/or set
as appropriate to the site and application:
• The sensor size in the transmitter settings is correct;

• The sensor calibration factors in the transmitter settings are correct;
• The correct output protocol is selected;
• The output range;
• Response time and/or signal damping settings;
• Alarm configuration;
• Bi-directional flow settings and output options;
• The low-flow cut-off point.
Record all instrument settings.
Power down the instrument; wait at least 5 minutes then repower.
Check all settings have been retained at their correct values.
10.5 Verification
Verification shall be carried out when the pipeline is pressurised.
If possible, carry out a zero check. Stop the flow and check that the displayed flow and output go to
zero.
Following manufacturer’s instructions, carry out an electronic verification and store the results.

If the instrument fails verification, carry out any diagnostic routines and rectify any faults.
When flow through the meter can be established, carry out a flow verification using an independent
technique most appropriate to the site (e.g. clamp-on ultrasonic, drop test, flow balance against
another meter of known performance). Record the results. It should be noted that the flow verification
will have a higher uncertainty than the installed meter, hence some discrepancy is to be expected.
Provided the verification is carried out in accordance with best practice, the difference should be <5%.
If the difference between the verification result and the installed meter reading is >5%, further
investigation shall be carried out to establish the cause of the difference.
When ICA is commissioned (see Section 11), carry out an end to end check validating the flowmeter
signal at each stage in the telemetry system. If the flowmeter incorporates a facility to drive the output
at a known value, then this shall be used to validate the telemetry.
11. Instrumentation, Control and Automation
11.1 Introduction
This section details the testing and commission approach for Instrumentation Control and Automation
(ICA) equipment and devices used on the transmission network. The scope and process are defined
below.
11.1.1 Scope
The following equipment and devices are considered within the scope of this section:
• Switchboards, tripping and closed battery systems.

• Power Management System and UPSs.
• All cabling and cable containment systems.
• Low voltage electrical control panels.
• Variable speed drives and transformers.
• Instrumentation.
• Building Services including lighting, heating, ventilation, fire alarms, intruder alarms and
CCTV.
Instrumentation encompasses a wide range of measurement devices, such as:
• Pressure sensors.
• Proximity switches on valves.
• Level and flow sensors.
• Water quality monitors.
• Leak and egress detection sensors.
• Energy monitoring devices.
• Condition monitoring devices.
• Security sensors.
• Electronic asset tags.
11.1.2 Process
The process for ICA is as follows:
1. Factory acceptance testing.

2. Power system energisation.
3. Dry commission.

4. Wet commissioning.
5. Reporting.
6. Training.
ICA commissioning and testing shall be undertaken with NEOM working closely with vendors and
suppliers. Vendors will have product specific commissioning plans and procedures as well as
requirements within their contract to start-up, test and commission.
Many ICA commissioning activities will require simultaneous activities on the same system and will
need to be coordinated in terms of attendance and interfaces.
11.2 Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
The purpose of FAT is to demonstrate that the equipment and control systems have been
manufactured to the required standards before they leave the manufacturer’s factory. FAT is
undertaken by the manufacturer with the option for NEOM to witness any testing. Satisfactory
completion of these tests will allow the equipment to be delivered to site.
The following process shall be followed:
• The equipment shall be in proper working condition prior to any FAT.

• The testing shall include both the manufacturer’s recommendations and NEOMs stated
requirements.
• Following testing a formal FAT defect list, which will include all the issues raised and their
status, will be produced. This shall reference back to the specifications used for as
procurement. Any failed tests shall be repeated after rectification work.
The equipment shall only be dispatched to NEOM once all issues raised in the testing have been
addressed and permission to dispatch has been granted. NEOM may request witness or presence
during FAT.
The FAT shall cover the following items:
• Transformers.
• Switchboard and tripping & closed battery systems.
• Low Voltage Assemblies.
• Variable speed drives.
• USP and associated batteries.
• Cabling and cable containment system.
• System integration and SCADA.
• Pump motors.
• Local control panels.
Details of the testing and the requirement will be developed as part of the procurement specification.
11.3 Power System Energisation
Safety checks shall be undertaken and installations signed off as safe to proceed by the Contractor’s
nominated competent personnel, witnessed by a NEOM representative if requested, before any
systems or sub-systems are energised.
Power system energisation shall be undertaken as part of the commissioning process. This must be
completed for each system or subsystem with a formal handover before further testing.

Part systems may be energised and isolated. This process shall be managed by the electrical installer
and approved by the site electrical engineer.
11.4 Dry Commissioning
Dry commissioning activities include the following:
• Electrical and ICA equipment panels and cables to be installed, inspected, tested and
powered up ready for testing.
• Testing of all radio telemetry to establish signal strength and reception. Any improvement
works, such as installation of high gain antenna shall be undertaken as part of the dry
commissioning stage.
• The PLC and associated panels, UPS and other terminals with PLC addressing installed
to be on site powered up and manned, if required, with competent personnel.
• Installation of asset tags.
Sign off, following dry commission, will be based on a system or area package allowing wet testing to
commence and the whole commissioning activity to progress.
11.4.1 Pumps
All pumps and auxiliary systems shall be dry tested individually and then as a group / system together
in automatic operation, including changeover tests. Checks shall include rotation, lubrication,
alignment and all aspects of the Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) System.
11.4.2 Actuated Valves
All actuated valves shall be dry tested individually and then as a group / system together in automatic
operation. Checks shall include lubrication, alignment and all aspects of the installed control system
11.4.3 Electrical
Complete electrical assemblies (e.g. telemetry stations, motor control centres) will be tested to
confirm that all components, systems, circuits and software function as intended. Functional testing
with all external circuits connected shall be undertaken.
Testing shall cover both Low Voltage Assemblies (ECPs) and High Voltage Systems.
11.4.4 ICA
ICA takeover tests shall demonstrate that the system will work as per the functional design
specification before the wet commissioning commences.
ICA dry commissioning shall consist of the following steps:
• Electrical and ICA equipment panels and cables, inspected, tested and powered up ready
for testing.
• The PLC and associated panels, UPS and other terminals with PLC addressing powered
up, manned with competent personnel where necessary.
• Instrument installation check.
• Check equipment installation (all sensors, fixings, tappings and associated cable
conduits) – safe and maintainable.
o Check sensor details are correct in local transmitter/user interface.
o Loop check from the field to the PLC or base station and set instrument ranges at the
PLC.

• Programme instrument with appropriate parameters e.g. measurement range, response
time, output(s), alarm levels, following manufacturers’ guidance.
• Perform any verification / testing as specified by manufacturer.
• Enable password protection to prevent unauthorised access to control functions. The
password must be archived to enable NEOM authorised personnel to have access to
controls.
11.4.5 Building services
All building services including lighting, heating, ventilation, fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, etc
shall be installed and commissioned following the manufacturers’ instructions.
All systems shall be inspected and tested prior to handover.
11.5 Wet Commissioning
Wet commissioning testing shall consist of operational checks designed to demonstrate that the plant
has been commissioned and that the design performance requirements are being achieved. These
shall be defined as part of the asset specific commissioning plan.
These tests shall demonstrate to the NEOM appointed Operations and Maintenance company that
the Plant operates correctly, safely and reliably and give them confidence in accepting responsibility
for the Plant’s operation and maintenance.
Pass/Fail criteria will be specified by a combination of vendors commissioning and operations.
Satisfactory completion of these tests will allow the plant to be taken over from the contractor and
simultaneously handed over to NEOM operations.
11.5.1 Performance Tests
Performance tests on the entire functional group of systems shall be used to demonstrate that the ICA
is able to meet its design expectation in terms of quantity, quality and efficiency. Satisfactory
completion of these tests will prove that the asset is providing the expected operation benefits.
These will typically require the asset to be tested over an extended period of time and a range of
conditions.
These tests therefore need to be carefully planned and coordinated.
A formal commissioning report shall be prepared and made available to NEOM.
• Evidence of sign-off of all the dry commission activities.

• Result of the wet commission demonstrating the system meets acceptance criteria.
• Record of on-going wet commission performance tests and dates for completion.
• Record of training carried out.
• Record of handover (asset records, manuals, service records, tests results etc).
11.7 Training
Training plans shall be developed to allow NEOM appointed O&M company to successfully manage
the assets post commissioning. Training shall consist of theory and practical hands-on parts and each

training group shall be closed with a signed attendance list. These plans shall align with NEOM’s
overall operator training approach.

Appendix 1: Typical Responsibilities for the Commissioning Team
Commissioning Team Leader
• Chairs the Commissioning Team Meetings.

• Initiates the Commissioning Team.
• Assigns actions and ensures that they get completed.
• Ensures that the Commissioning Plan is developed and executed.
• Co-ordinates day-to-day activities and liaises with all parties.
• Monitors progress and re-schedules activities when necessary
• Deals with issues affecting commissioning and handover.
Site Engineer
• Translates the Commissioning Team output and directs the Contractor on site
accordingly.
• Informs the Project Manager of implications affecting time and cost and provides
justification.
• Relates commissioning activities to the Construction and Installation phases.
Commissioning Engineer
• Liaises with the Design Engineers.

• Initiates the Commissioning Plan during the Design phase.
• Advises on the HAZOP study and inputs same to Commissioning risk assessment.
• Advises the Commissioning Team on all Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and C&I design
matters and advises on rationale behind decisions.
• Advises on design changes during commissioning.
Contractor’s Commissioning Manager
• Contributes to the development of the Commissioning Plan.

• Participates in Commissioning meetings
• Oversees production of the Commissioning Manual.
• Responsible for the commissioning schedule and ensuring that there are sufficient
commissioning resources.
• Manages the day to day pre-commissioning, commissioning and process commissioning
activities.
• Manages commissioning engineers from sub-contractors and vendors and the associated
interfaces.
• Responsible for handover to the Project Manager and NEOM’s Operations personnel.
Process/Chemical Commissioning Engineer or Water Quality Scientist
• Assists and advises on the production of the process commissioning procedures.

• Assists with process commissioning.
• Advises on sampling, analysis and testing and all works quality issues.
• Assists and advises on optimisation post-handover.

Appendix 2: Commissioning Plan Template
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This document and relationship with others
1.2 Document Objectives
1.3 Definition of Terms
1.5 Project Scope
2 ORGANISATION AND CO-ORDINATION
2.1 The Commissioning Team and Team Member Responsibilities
2.2 Reporting
2.3 Service Levels
3 COMMISSIONING SCOPE
3.1 Assets to be Commissioned
3.2 Supporting Services
3.3 Interfaces
3.4 Commissioning Programme
4 DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE
4.1 Design Considerations
4.2 Performance Criteria
5 COMMISSIONING RISK AND MANAGEMENT
5.1 Design Risk Assessments
5.2 Commissioning Risk Assessments
5.3 Risk Categorisation (H&S, financial, technical, programme, etc)
5.4 Assign Risk Actions
5.5 Commissioning Activities
6 PRE COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Off Site (including Factory Acceptance Testing)
6.2 On Site.
6.3 Health and Safety
7 PROCESS COMMISSIONING PROCEDURES.
7.1 Commissioning Strategy.
7.2 Commissioning Procedures

7.3 Restrictions and Constraints
8 TAKEOVER TESTING AND DEMONSTRATION.
8.1 Methods of Testing.
8.2 Test Criteria.
9 TRAINING.
9.1 Training Plan Description
9.2 Generic Training Plan
10 HANDOVER
10.1 Responsibility
10.2 Post-Handover Support.
10.3 Post Commissioning Review
11 APPENDICES.
11.1 Functional Design Specification
11.2 Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
11.3 As-Built Pipe and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
11.4 Learning Points from Previous Projects
11.5 Minutes of Commissioning Team Meetings

Appendix 3: IGN 4-01-03 Guide to Pressure Testing of Pressure Pipes and Fittings
for Use by Public Water Suppliers
UK Water Industry
GUIDE TO PRESSURE TESTING OF PRESSURE PIPES AND

FITTINGS FOR USE BY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS
second edition of the document is in the manner in
which the amount of air present in a main under test is
1. Introduction calculated and the evaluation of its effect on test
One of the primary justifications for the refurbishment results. In addition, the document has been
of water distribution, transmission and sewer pressure restructured so that the test methods to be used by
pipelines is to replace and renovate pipes that have contractors undertaking the testing are detailed in the
been shown to have unsatisfactory leakage levels. It is main body of the IGN and additional background to
paramount that new pipeline installations are fit for the application and development of the method is
purpose and therefore follows that the new systems included for reference in Appendices B, C and D.
should be demonstrated to be as secure and leak-free This document has been prepared on behalf of the
as possible. Water UK Standards Board. Information contained in
In 2000, BS EN 805 was published and, for the first this specification is given in good faith. Water UK
time, there are now specified European criteria for cannot accept any responsibility for actions taken by
assessing acceptability for different pipeline systems. others as a result.
BS EN 805 gives advice on different test methods that

may be used to assess pipelines for leakage. These 2. Scope
methods are not mandatory; it is left to the Engineer /
Client to choose the most appropriate procedure. This IGN details the procedure for the testing of PE
and PVC water and sewerage pressure pipelines laid in
It has been decided to adopt one procedure to test all the U.K. The procedure involves raising pressure in a
new PE and PVC water and sewerage pressure controlled manner to the System Test Pressure (STP)
pipelines laid in the U.K. and another method for and allowing the pressure to decay after isolating the
ductile iron, steel and GRP main. The assessment follows the principle of
pressure pipelines. Note: This IGN is referenced by specifying an acceptable limit of the pressure loss over
BS EN 1610 for testing of sewerage and drainage test time and test length. The values of allowable
pressure pipelines. pressure loss rate for different materials are given.
This Information and Guidance Note (IGN) was For PE and PVC pipelines, viscoelastic stress
originally published in March 2011 and has been relaxation effects affect the simple linear decay in
extensively adopted by the UK Water Industry and its pressure since they will lose pressure without any
contractors. This revision has been prepared in the leakage being present as the molecular structure
light of the experience gained from the use of the relaxes, a phenomenon usually referred to as ‘creep’.
document. The principal technical change in this These effects dominate the pressure decay until some
24 hr. - 36 hr. after reaching STP. Therefore, to
provide an earlier warning that pipelines are leaking at rehabilitation projects – a 10 minute mains renewal
an unacceptable level, the analysis of results is test for use on short test lengths is provided in
modified for PE and PVC and is aligned with that Section 7.
successfully used for many years in the 1980s and 90s
by the U.K. Water Industry. It is good practice to also test joints and connections to
the pipeline to ensure a leak free system. A short,
This IGN also details the procedure for the testing of visual test is provided in Section 8 for this purpose.
ductile iron, steel and GRP water and sewerage
pressure pipelines laid in the U.K. The procedure is This IGN applies only to pipes and fittings which form
essentially the same as that detailed in BS EN 805 and part of the system that is owned by the utility. Pipes
the methods traditionally used on these materials. and fittings which are part of privately owned
pipelines or plumbing systems in premises, and which
Note: Some specifications advise that PVC pipelines are supplied with water from the public supply system,
are tested in the same manner as ductile iron but this is come under the scope of The Water Supply (Water
not recommended. Fittings) Regulations 1999, as amended, in England
and Wales, The Water Supply (Water Fittings)
The test methods described above are only appropriate (Scotland) Byelaws (2014) in Scotland or The Water
where a test section of the pipeline and associated Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern
fittings can be completely isolated. Where new Ireland) 2009 in Northern Ireland.
pipelines are already installed as part of a working
water system – as, for example, is the case for most
3. General considerations (all tests) 3.2 Choice of test section / length
3.1 Safety There is no theoretical limit to the maximum length of

main that can be tested, but there are a number of
In all hydraulic testing, there are dangers involved practical issues which limit the length. These are:
when high pressures are being employed. All
applicable national health and safety regulations • The number of joints and fittings on the main.
should be taken into account.
• The availability of potable water to pre-charge
Specific hazards: the main.
• High pressures could be dangerous if there is an • The point of discharge of water after the test.
unexpected pipeline failure.
• The differences in elevation on the main to meet
• Forces on end fittings or thrust blocks during the System Test Pressure.
testing are high and insecurely anchored ends
could lead to the end caps blowing off. • The ability to identify the source of any leak
detected.
• Air in the pipeline is compressed during testing
and can lead to a massive and sudden release of • The time available in which to obtain a valid test
stored energy. result.
Care needs to be taken: The exception to this is the 10 minute test for renewed
mains described in Section 7. This test is only suitable
• Only competent and trained staff who are aware for short test lengths with a small number of joints.
of the risks should be allowed near to any The maximum recommended length is 200 m
exposed part of the pipeline when it is under comprising two jointed 100 m coils.
pressure.
3.3 Choice of System Test Pressure (STP)
• The test area should be cordoned off and a
warning notice erected when the test is in The method for choosing the System Test Pressure in
progress. BS EN 805 is that STP should be the lowest of:
• When a long length of main is under test, staff • Surge calculated

involved in the test should be in radio / mobile • MDP + 1 bar
phone contact at all times.
• Surge not calculated
• Air in the pipeline should be minimised through
swabbing and the correct operation of valves. • MDP * 1.5
• MDP + 5 bar • Any service connections should not be tapped
prior to pressure testing, even if tapping tees have
MDP is defined by BS EN 805: 2000 (clause 3.1.5) as been bolted / welded to the main.
the maximum continuous operating pressure of the
pipeline plus an allowance for surge pressures. The • Wherever possible, all joints made to the pipeline
allowance for surge pressure (where this is not are in open trenches, visible for direct visual
calculated) shall not be less than 2 bar. inspection.
The value of STP shall apply at the lowest elevation of • The section of pipeline to be tested has been
the pipeline and should therefore include the static backfilled and compacted prior to the test. This
head due to elevation changes in the pipeline (P0) i.e. prevents any axial movement or thermal effects
Raised Pressure + P0 together equate to STP. due to weather changes.
The test pressure at the highest elevation should be at • Air valves are located at all high points to
least the allowable maximum operating pressure, facilitate the removal of air during filling of the
PMA, (defined in 3.1.1 of BS EN 805: 2000). If this is main. Air valves should not be closed during the
not possible due to the elevations involved then the test but non-self-sealing air vents should be
line should be split prior to testing. closed.
Note 1: Some water suppliers prefer to use an STP It is recommended that an automatic air valve is
value of included in all test sections of PE pipes with wall
thicknesses thinner than SDR21, and for GRP pipes
1.5 * the pressure that designer expects the pipeline to with a ring stiffness of lower than 5000 N/m2, in order
see in service. to avoid the risk of collapse under vacuum.
It is recommended that the minimum STP for PE 3.5 Test apparatus
pipelines should not be less than 0.7 * PN where PN is
a numerical designation related to the mechanical 3.5.1 Test fixtures
characteristics of the component of a piping system.
• A typical setup requires tapped blank end plates,
Note 2: When testing PE pipelines, some water and hydrants or ferrules at the lowest point of the
suppliers may prefer to use an STP value of 1.5 * PN pipeline to facilitate the filling and pumping of
of the lowest rated component in the system. Raising the water and its subsequent removal.
the pressure significantly above this STP will not
affect the test analysis but may damage a plastic pipe • Duckfoot hydrant bends may be used as a
or fitting if the pressure is maintained for more than 2 temporary measure to allow easier removal of
swabs used to purge air from the system.
hours (however, the creep should reduce the pressure
in the pipeline significantly within 2 hours). It is • Note: This setup may be varied for the 10 minute
strongly recommended that STP is not raised above test for renewed mains – see Section 7.
1.5 * allowable maximum operating pressure (defined
in 3.1.1 of BS EN 805: 2000) of the pipeline or 1.5 * 3.5.2 Pressurisation
PN of the lowest rated component in the system.
The capacity of the pump varies according to the type
3.4 Pipeline testing set-up of test carried out:
To carry out a quantifiable assessment of leakage by a • Type II test: Where available and practical, a
pressure decay test, it is essential that: pump with the capacity to raise pressure
smoothly to System Test Pressure (STP) in a time
• The section of pipeline to be tested is isolated period between 1 min. to 30 min. should be used.
from the rest of the pipeline with end load
bearing end fittings with sealed plates. End • Water Loss / Water Added test: A pump with
fittings should have pressure ratings of at least the capacity to raise and control the System Test
1.5 * STP. For higher test pressures such fittings Pressure (STP). If the Water Added method is
will, of necessity, be specialist re-useable items. being used, a separate, specialised pump is
required. This pump should be capable of
• Any thrust blocks or other anchorages are maintaining the test pressure, measuring the
sufficient to withstand the forces generated by volume of water pumped into the pipeline to
the pressure test and any concrete used has been achieve this, and should have data logging
adequately cured. capabilities. This pump could also be used with
the Water Loss method to accurately measure the
• Closed valves or ‘squeeze-off’ seals (for PE) are
water required to bring the pipeline back to STP.
NOT used to isolate the test length.
Alternatively, a hand pump could be used for the deviation from this should be noted in the test report
Water Loss method. (see also 3.5.5).
• 10 minute test for renewed mains: A pump Any air vents should be located as close to the top of
with the capacity to raise and control the test the pipeline as possible.
pressure for a period of at least 10 min.
3.5.5 Differences in pipeline elevation
Note: An estimate of the volume of water to pressurise
pipelines of different materials can be calculated using If the test gauge and data logger are higher than the
the guidance in Appendix A. lowest point on the pipeline, the STP should be
adjusted by subtracting the additional pressure caused
3.5.3 Measurement and recording equipment by static head between the lowest point and the point
at which the pressure reading is being taken. Without
• Pressure gauge: A digital pressure gauge with a this adjustment, there will be a significant effect on
0.01 bar resolution or better. For rigid or semi- STP and air content calculation.
rigid pipes, a calibrated conventional circular
pressure gauge, minimum 200 mm diameter. The gauge pressure after filling the main should only
reflect that part of the natural static head lying above
• Flow Meter: A calibrated flow meter, ideally the gauge level. The height of the gauge above the
with a resolution of 1 litre or better, to measure lowest point of the main, when added to the gauge
the volume of water added during the pressure pressure, should equate to the total static head.
rise phase.
Figure 2 shows the correction for static head where the
• Data Logger System: a pressure transducer with test point is above lowest point of main.
an accuracy of 0.25% of full scale connected to a
logger that can record data at fixed time intervals Example calculation – correction for static head
or at fixed pressure decay intervals. Time where test point is above the lowest point of main
intervals of 20 sec. are normally suitable unless
the test is unusually long or short. Pressure decay Pressure gauge reading = 1.2 bar. Vertical distance
intervals of a minimum of 0.1 bar are between pressure gauge and lowest point = 7 m. STP
recommended. It is recommended that the data = 10 bar.
logger has GPS capabilities to allow the test Additional static head pressure = 7/10 = 0.7 bar
location and pipeline to be easily identified. (where 10 m static head = 1 bar of pressure)
• Volume container (Water Loss test): A Corrected STP = 10 bar – 0.7 bar = 9.3bar
calibrated container, suitable for the expected
volume loss (e.g. a 200 ml measuring cylinder Corrected gauge pressure (for the purpose of air
would be suitable for small volumes). This will percentage calculation) = 1.2 bar + 0.7 bar = 1.9 bar
allow the draw off to be accurately measured.
It is not necessary to make any adjustment to the
3.5.2 Test apparatus layout pressure gauge readings to establish the raised
pressure for the purpose of calculating the pressurised
Figure 1 shows a general layout for testing equipment air content. It is assumed that the test gauge and data
The data logger and pressure gauge should be mounted logger will be at the same height and therefore
at the point of lowest elevation of the pipeline; any detecting the same pressure.
Tap for air Calibrated Tap for air
bleeding & Pressure Gauge bleeding &
pressure release pressure release
Pump Datalogger
15 Pressure & Flow
10 20
0
235
18
Flowmeter
Thrust
Blocks
Low High
elevation elevation
end end
Figure 1 shows a general layout for testing equipment.
Figure 2: Diagram showing correction for static head where test point is above the lowest point of main
4 Test Report (all tests) The following points should be noted:
For every test, a formal report containing complete • It will be obvious from input volumes and elevations
details should be prepared. that pre-pressurisation has occurred.
The report should contain: • The time for which the pipeline has been pre-
pressurisation will distort the effective loading time.
• The name, company and contact details of the person The time correction factor will be in error. The error in
carrying out the test. correcting time will result in a larger slope change of
• All details of the materials, dimensions, length and PN the pressure decay characteristics.
ratings of the pipeline. • There is a greater likelihood of the test failing the
• The System Test Pressure (STP). specified criteria.
• Details of the date and start / end time of the test and 5.2 Removal of air
its location, including GPS co-ordinates. As much air as possible should be removed from the
• The differences in elevation. test section during / after filling with water and before
the start of the test procedure to keep the test time to a
• A description of the type of pressure and flow meter, minimum. To assist:
together with details of their maximum range,
precision and calibration history. • Ensure that all air valves are functioning
properly.
• The pump volume flow rate at rated speed, or the
logged data from the flow meter. • It is recommended that a foam swab ahead of
the water column is used to assist the removal
• All the recorded measurements of the pressure and of air.
water flow during the pressure rise phase.
• It is recommended that swabbing is carried
• The pressure decay data. out as one continuous operation and at
sufficient velocity to prevent the swab stalling
• Details of any analysis carried out in accordance with
and consequently getting trapped within the
the methods described in this IGN.
pipeline.
5 Test for new PE and PVC pipelines (Type II test)
• All non-self-sealing air vents should be
5.1 Filling of the main closed prior to testing.
Water for the testing of potable water mains should be There is an upper limit of 4% air in any main for a
taken from the existing supply. valid test. The presence of air in a main will have a
number of effects:
An adjacent main may be used to fill the main, but for
PE and PVC pipelines every effort should be made to • Air will markedly increase the pressure rise
ensure the pressure in the pipeline at the lowest point time and period over which pressure decay
does not exceed the static head generated by elevation readings are taken.
changes. If the pressure is raised above this value then
• Air will distort the interpretation of pressure
water should be bled from the main to reduce the
decay results.
pressure prior to the test commencing.
Air content greater than 4% complicates the
The main should be filled from the lower end, with all
interpretation of the test data. Whilst every effort
air valves open and an open valve at the point of should be made to remove air, it is acknowledged that
highest elevation.
this will not always be possible. In such cases,
After filling the main and bleeding air from the guidance is given in Appendix B of this IGN.
system, the valve at the point of highest elevation
An estimate of the required water volume should be
should remain open to ensure there is no residual head calculated prior to pressurisation, with an assumed air
at that point.
content of no more than 4%: see A.2 in Appendix A of
Any attempt to shorten the pumping phase by this IGN.
increasing the initial pressure to local mains pressure
Once the air has been removed from the test section,
(pre-pressurisation) using an adjacent main is not
the data logger should be connected and all
allowed and will result in the test being classed as information logged.
invalid.
5.3 Test procedure
5.3.1 Preliminary conditioning of main required to bring the pipeline up to STP (obtained
from the flow meter) with the estimated water volume
For PVC pipelines with socket and spigot joints, the calculated prior to pressurisation (see 5.2).
pressure should be raised to the STP and allowed to
settle for 15 min. If the actual input volume is significantly more than
predicted, this suggests that the air volume is also
There should be no preliminary conditioning of PE greater than predicted, and the test should either be
pipelines; any such conditioning will result in the test extended or abandoned and restarted once the air
being classed as invalid and a retest will be required. content has been reduced. The guidance in Appendix
5.3.2 Raising pressure B should be followed.
The pressure should be raised to the test level (STP) 5.3.3 Pressure decay phase
by pumping in a controlled manner. The pressure After the test pressure (STP) has been reached, the
changes and the added volume of water should be system should be isolated, the pump shut off and the
continuously logged. pressure decay logged for the minimum test decay
A more accurate estimate of air volume can be time, t3, given in Table 1.
calculated by comparing the actual water input volume
Table 1 - Minimum test decay times by air content For PE pipes only, a correction to the decay time is
and pipe material needed to account for the amount of creep occurring
during the time spent in raising the pressure. This is
Pipe Material Air Content Suggested t3 achieved by adding
(%) time
PE ≤ 4% 20*tP 0.4 * pressurisation time (tP) to the recorded decay
PVC ≤ 4% 5 hr. time. The calculated time is the ‘corrected decay time’
(1) tP is time taken to reach STP (tc).
(2) When tP is less than 3 minutes, the minimum test
decay time t3 is 1 hr. Corrected Decay Time (tc) = (0.4 * tP) + (Time since
pump shut off t1, t2, t3 etc.) (1)
The minimum test decay time, t3, is dependent on the where:

percentage air content and for PE, the time (tP) taken
tP is the time to reach System Test Pressure
to reach the System Test Pressure at the start of the
test. Where air content exceeds 4%, the pressure decay
time would need to be extended to counteract the
effect of air in slowing the pressure decay and to 5.4.3 Calculating rates of decay
accurately determine whether the pipe is leaking. The
Two rates of decay should be calculated using the
guidance in Appendix B should be followed.
pressure change or Raised Pressure (PA) data between
As the pressure decays, an analysis may be carried out the times t1 and t2 (slope n1) and between t2 and t3
to check whether there is reason to believe that the (slope n2) as follows:
main is leaking. This may be done whilst the test is in
[log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡1)−log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡2)]
progress.
𝑛2 = [log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡2)−log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡3)] [log(𝑡𝑐3)−log(𝑡𝑐2)]
It is recommended that the test apparatus attached to
(3)
the main is not de-commissioned or the main put into
service until there is strong reason to believe that the Where:
pipeline meets the acceptance criteria (see 5.4.4) and is
deemed to be free from leakage. Times: tc1 = tP+0.4tP, tc2 = 8tP+0.4tP, tc3 =
20tP+0.4tP Pressure readings: PA at t1 = PA at tP, PA
5.4 Data analysis at t2 = PA at 8tP, PA at t3 = PA at 20tP
5.4.1 General For PE
PE and PVC materials creep under stress and therefore PA is Raised Pressure = (Actual Pressure at time t1, t2
the analysis of the test data is a little more complicated etc.) – P0
than for the other materials. The calculation steps
below can be used to obtain two ‘n’ values which are P0 is static head at lowest point due to elevation
used to indicate a pass or fail. changes in the pipeline.
5.4.2 Correcting for creep during pressurisation For PVC

time
Times: t1 = 1 hr, t2 = 3 hr, t3 = 5 hr. If pipelines fail to meet the acceptance criteria, the test
should be stopped and the excess water bled carefully
Figure 3 shows a typical pressure v time graph for PE from the system. A search for potential leaks should be
with times at which pressure values are analysed to initiated. After leaks are found and repaired, the test
determine the ‘n’ values. should be repeated, but only after a time greater than
5.4.4 Pass / Fail Criteria four times the total original test time has elapsed to
allow for complete creep deformation recovery.
If 𝑛2 ≤ 1.25, then the test is a pass.
5.5 Post-test procedure
𝑛1
When a main has been positively accepted as being
Note: If the ratio is slightly greater than 1.25, the data free from leaks, the water should be released slowly
may be analysed graphically and the “n” values from the pipeline with all valves opened.
obtained by a trend line analysis to reduce single point
errors. The graphical “n” values should then be used to The water should be discharged safely to a pre-
establish if the test passes. Further guidance on the use planned site.
of graphical values can be found in Appendix D of this
IGN or a specialist may be contacted to offer advice.
Figure 3: Response of pressure v time for a PE pipe showing the times at which pressure values are analysed to
determine the “n” values
6 Test for new ductile iron, steel and GRP The main should be charged from the lower end, with
pipelines all air valves open and an open valve at the point of
highest elevation. After filling the main and bleeding
6.1 Filling of the main air from the system the valve at the point of highest
Water for the testing of potable water mains should be elevation should remain open to ensure there is no
taken from the existing supply. residual head at that point.
Once the main has been charged (prior to (obtained from the flow meter) and other known data,
pressurisation), the data logger should be connected see A.4 in Appendix A.
and all information logged.
If the inputted volume indicated an air volume greater
6.2 Removal of air than 4%, the test should be abandoned and actions
taken (as detailed in 6.2) to remove the air from the
Where possible, efforts should be made to remove as system prior to retest.
much air from the pipeline as possible to keep the test
time to a minimum. There is an upper limit of 4% air 6.3.2 Preliminary conditioning of main
in any main for a valid test.
For ductile iron or steel pipes with epoxy linings or
Note: For the Volume of Water Lost/Added methods GRP pipes with socket and spigot joints, the pressure
(see 6.6.3a and 6.3.3b), it is not necessary to remove should be raised to the STP and allowed to settle for
the air from the system as this will not affect the 15 min. For ductile iron or steel pipes with cement
results. It is advisable, however, to remove the linings, the main should be allowed to settle overnight.
majority of the air to minimise health and safety risks.
6.3.3 Test phase
For the Pressure Decay method, air content greater
than 4% complicates the interpretation of the test data. After the preliminary conditioning, the pressure should
Whilst every effort should be made to remove air, it is be raised to the STP. Once the STP has been achieved,
acknowledged that this will not always be possible. In use either of the following procedures for measuring
such cases, guidance is given in Appendix B of this the amount of water required to maintain pressure.
IGN. a) Volume of Water Added
An estimate of the required water volume should be Maintain STP for a period of one hour by additional
calculated prior to pressurisation, with an assumed air pumping as necessary, accurately measure the volume
content of no more than 4%: see A.2 in Appendix A. of water added and record with a resolution of 5 ml or
The air volume can then be estimated by comparing better.
the actual water input volume required to bring the b) Volume of Water Lost
pipeline up to STP (obtained from the flow meter)
with this estimated water volume. If the actual input Maintain STP for a period of one hour by additional
volume is significantly more than predicted, this pumping as necessary. Isolate the main by
suggests that the air volume is also greater than disconnecting the pump and closing all valves. Allow
predicted, and the test should be abandoned and pressure to decay for a period of one hour. The
restarted once the air content has been reduced. pressure should then be raised and
Attempts should be made to purge air from the main returned in a controlled manner to STP. Water is then
during/after filling with water and before the start of drained back to the decay level pressure and captured
the pressure test: in to a calibrated volume container.
• Ensure that all air valves are functioning properly.
• It is recommended that a foam swab ahead of the

water column is used to assist the removal of air.
6.4 Data analysis
• It is recommended that swabbing is carried out as one
continuous operation and at sufficient velocity to If the drawn off or added volume is less than the
allowable volume given in Table 2, then the test is a
prevent the swab stalling and consequently getting
pass, if it is above the test is a fail. If the pressure
trapped within the pipeline.
decay rate is close to the allowed rate, the test may be
• All non-self-sealing air vents should be closed prior to repeated immediately.
testing.
Table 2 – Standard allowable leak rates
6.3 Test procedure (litres/km/hour) as a function of diameter
6.3.1 Raising pressure
The pressure should be raised to the System Test Nominal Leakage

Pressure (STP) by pumping in a controlled manner. Pipe Rate
Diameter
A more accurate estimate of the air content percentage (mm) (litres/km/h)
can be calculated from the actual water input volume 100 0.18
150 0.41 The test for renewed mains does not provide the same
200 0.72 level of robustness (especially with regards to data
250 1.13 interpretation and therefore identification of a small
300 1.62 leak) as the longer Type II or Water Loss test but can
350 2.21 provide an element of confidence in the system being
400 2.88 installed, especially if there are few joints (e.g. the
450 3.65 testing of two 100 m coils with an electrofusion
500 4.50 coupler joining them). It can identify leaks at joints or,
if a straight coil is being tested, it can identify damage
600 6.48
such as that caused during slip lining.
700 8.82
800 11.52 This test is a constant pressure test rather than a
900 14.58 constant volume test. Modifications can be made to
1000 18.00 the testing setup as follows:
• The test may be conducted against valves and ‘squeeze

Note 1: Further information on the derivation of the off’ seals.
values in Table 2 is provided in Appendix C of this
• There is no necessity to remove the air from the
IGN.
system as this will not affect the result. It is advisable,
If pipelines fail to meet the acceptance criteria, the test however, to remove the majority of the air to minimise
should be stopped and the excess water bled carefully health and safety risks.
from the system until only static head remains. A
Note: ‘Squeeze off’ units are not specifically designed
search for potential leaks should be initiated. After
for use in pressure testing. Care should be taken when
leaks are found and repaired, the test should be
undertaking the test.
repeated.
7.2 Filling of the test section
Note 2: These are small volumes and as such the
pressure gauge used to monitor the STP and the Water for testing of potable water mains should be
decayed pressure needs to have a resolution of 0.01 taken from the existing supply.
bar or less. Small errors in the pressure may lead to
relatively large differences in the drawn off volume An adjacent main may be used to charge and initially
and therefore lead to secure pipelines apparently pressure the test length.
failing the test.
Once the main has been charged (prior to
Where the calculated volume loss is very small, i.e. pressurisation), the data logger should be connected
less than and all information logged.
0.025 litres (25 ml), a pressure loss test of 0.2 bar/hr. 7.3 Test procedure
may be acceptable over the one hour test period.
The pressure should be raised to the STP by pumping
in a controlled manner. For this test, the STP should be
1.5 * PN of the lowest rated component in the length
under test, up to a maximum of 15 bar. Once the STP
has been reached, the pump should be left running to
6.5 Post-test procedure
maintain the STP for a minimum of 10 min. A visual
When a main has been positively accepted as being inspection of all possible sources of leakage (e.g. a
free from leaks, the water should be released slowly ‘squeeze off’, valve or joint) should be made by
from the pipeline with all valves opened. walking along the length of the pipeline under test. If
these possible sources are present, a note should be
The water should be discharged safely to a pre- made on the results sheet.
planned site.
7.4 Data analysis
7 Test for renewed mains (10 minute test)
The data is analysed by inspecting the graphs of
7.1 Introduction pressure against time and flow against time. A typical
The rehabilitation of mains is often conducted under graph is shown in Figure 4.
severe time constraints to ensure disruption to A successful test will have a high flow as the main is
customers’ supplies is kept to a minimum. being pressurised; this will reduce significantly when
the STP is reached. To keep the pressure constant,
more water will need to be added as PE creeps. The An unsuccessful test is one where the pressure
amount of water needed should reduce with time and, fluctuates significantly and a significant amount of
depending on the diameter and length of main being water, which does not reduce, is required to maintain
tested, should be small in magnitude. A slightly pressure. An example graph is shown in Figure 5.
increased level of flow can be attributed to a slight
leak on a squeeze off or valve but this should have Once a contractor has become familiar with the test it
should be possible to identify if the test will be a pass
been identified by the contractor when they conducted or fail by monitoring the flow meter – both the
a visual inspection of the test length. Although not magnitude (depending on the diameter and length) and
ideal, the use of ‘squeeze offs’ and testing against how the flow rate varies with time.
valves is needed to ensure this test is quick to conduct.
If the test indicates there is a leak, this should be
A successful test is one where the pressure does not identified and the test repeated until a satisfactory
fluctuate significantly and there are low, reducing flow result is obtained.
rates. If the volume inputted over three equal periods
in the duration of the test is analysed, there should be
steady volume or reduction in the volume inputted to
maintain the pressure. Allowable volumes cannot be
given as there is no control of air volume and pre-
pressurisation is allowed.
Figure 4: Typical graph for acceptable renewed mains test showing pressure increasing with high flows,
reducing as the test pressure is reached and decreasing as the rate of creep slows.
Figure 5: Example graph for unacceptable renewed mains test indicating a leak - pressure fluctuates from the
test pressure, flow rate is high and does not reduce over the duration of the test.
Figure 6: Joints which could be assessed using the test for service connections
8 Test for service connections
8.1 Introduction BS EN 1610: Construction and testing of drains and

sewers.
Service connections are often overlooked and are a
potential source of leakage. To ensure a leak free
system, all joints and connections should be tested.
Figure 6 shows three joints which could be assessed BS EN 545: Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories
using this service connection test. and their joints for water pipelines. Requirements and
test methods.
As there can be a large number of services on a main,
this test has been designed to be quick and easy to
conduct. It is essentially a visual test and there is no IGN 4-32-18: The choice of pressure ratings for
data logging to support the reported result. Neither the polyethylene pipe systems for water supply and
equipment detailed in 3.5 nor the reporting in Section sewerage duties.
4 is required for this test.
8.2 Equipment
A hand pump capable of raising and maintaining a

pressure in the test length at 18 bar.
8.3 Test procedure and reporting
8.3.1 Choice of System Test Pressure (STP)
The test pressure is 18 bar.
Note: This value is specific to SDR 11 PE80 service

pipes with a maximum operating pressure of 12.5 bar.
This may seem high but the service will not suffer any
damage from this pressure if it is only applied for a
short period of time.
8.3.2 Preparation and procedure
The service should not be tapped prior to this test

being conducted.
Fill the section to be tested. Raise the pressure to 18

bar and maintain the pressure for 2 min.
Inspect the service visually during the test. Release the

pressure.
If a leak has been identified then the service should be

replaced. If no leak has been identified then the test is
a pass.
8.3.3 Reporting
The observations should be recorded together with:
• The start time and date of the test.
• All details of the location of the service pipe.
• Details of the contractor who conducted the

test.
9 References
APPENDIX A: ESTIMATED WATER INPUT
VOLUMES FOR DIFFERENT PIPE
BS EN 805: Water supply. Requirements for systems MATERIALS AND DIAMETERS
and components outside buildings.
would cause the pipe to expand. This leads to a slight
increase in the pipeline dimensions, so to compensate
A.1 Introduction for this change there would need to be an adjustment
To assist contractors in the choice of pumps to raise in the pressurisation water volumes. Similarly a
pressure in mains, the estimated water input volumes decrease in temperature of the pipe material by 1°C
have been calculated for different pipe materials. would cause the material modulus to increase slightly.
Tables A1 to A5 (column 3) show the volume of water Volumes should be decreased by approximately 1.35%
required to raise the pressure to STP with no air per degree for temperatures below 10°C and increased
present in the main. by approximately 1.35% per degree for higher
temperatures.
The calculations assume 100 m length of main and
give the estimated volume inputs for a 10 bar gauge • Values for all materials will be affected by
pressure rise. Values for other lengths/pressures the volume of air in the pipeline.
should be scaled pro rata in accordance with equation A.2 Estimated water volumes for different pipe
(A1) below. materials and diameters
The volume of water required to raise pressure to STP NOTES TO TABLE A1 TO TABLE A5:
with no air:
• 10 bar has been selected as the reference pressure for
Ex = estimated volume to add for pipe pressurisation tables A1 to A3 as the error margin is small, around
(from column 3 of Tables A1 – A5) * PA/10 * L/100
(litres) (A1) ±5%, for a range of test pressures from 6 bar to 24 bar.
The use of 10 bar as the reference pressure also
Where: renders the pro-rata calculations for other air content
PA is raised pressure (bar) = (Actual pressure at and/or pipe SDR values simpler.
time t0 • 10°C has been selected as the reference
– Static Head P0) temperature as this is a typical value for
buried water supply pipelines. Variation from
L is tested pipeline section length (m) this figure is not significant except in the
cases of above ground pipelines or
If air is present, a larger volume of water will be
wastewater pipelines carrying high
required to compress the entrained air and scaled pro
temperature effluent. In these instances, the
rata in accordance with equation (A2).
pressure rating (PN) of the pipeline should be
Water required to raise pressure to STP (litres) with de-rated in accordance with the guidance set
v% air: Vw = Ex + Av (A2) out in IGN 4-32-18 which may reduce the
allowable system test pressure.
Where:
• Provided the pipe wall temperature remains
Ex is given by equation (A1) reasonably constant, temperature would have
no effect on the test results. For above ground
Av is estimated volume to compress initial air
pipelines where the pipe wall temperature
content of v% (from columns 4, 5, 6, 7 of Tables A1 –
may vary during the course of the test period,
A5 as appropriate) * L/100
there would be an effect on the test results
L is tested pipeline section length (m) and this may result in an apparent test failure.
It is recommended that a visual inspection of
Values of unpressurised pipe volumes are also given in the full length of pipeline under test is carried
the tables (column 2). The tables given here are for out in such cases.
guidance only:
• Precise values will alter for different types / grades of

PE and PVC. NOTE TO TABLE A4:
• Values for all plastics will be affected by • The data assumes Class 40 cement lined pipe
temperature as plastics become stiffer as to BS EN 545: 2010 is used. The actual pipe volumes
temperature is reduced. vary with manufacturing tolerances as these can
increase or decrease the actual internal diameter. Other
An increase in the temperature of the pipe material by pressure classes are available and would also have
1°C would cause the material modulus to reduce different water volumes.
slightly and, if the pipeline is free to change in length,
Table A1: PE100 pipes (SDR 11), 10 bar pressure increment for 100m of pipe at 10°C
Diameter DN / Unpressurised Volume to add Volume to add for air compression, no pipe pressurisation (litres)
OD (mm) pipe volume for pipe
(litres) pressurisation 1% air 2% air 3% air 4% air
no air (litres)
63 207 2 2 4 6 8
75 296 3 3 5 8 11
90 425 5 4 8 12 15
110 636 7 6 12 17 23
125 820 9 7 15 22 30
140 1031 11 9 19 28 37
160 1344 15 12 24 37 49
180 1702 19 15 31 46 62
200 2102 23 19 38 57 76
225 2659 29 24 48 72 97
250 3288 36 30 60 90 119
280 4126 45 37 75 112 150
315 5220 57 47 95 142 190
355 6633 73 60 120 181 241
400 8419 92 76 153 229 306
450 10648 116 97 193 290 387
500 13151 144 119 239 358 478
560 16504 181 150 300 450 599
630 20879 229 290 379 569 758
710 26512 290 241 481 722 963
800 33675 369 306 612 917 1223
900 42614 467 387 774 1161 1548
1000 52604 576 478 955 1433 1911
Table A2: PE 100 pipes (SDR 17), 10 bar pressure increment for 100m of pipe at 10°C
no air (litres)
63 241 4 2 4 7 9
75 342 6 3 6 9 12
90 493 9 4 9 13 18
110 736 13 7 13 20 27
125 954 17 9 17 26 35
140 1196 22 11 22 33 43
160 1561 28 14 28 43 57
180 1976 36 18 36 54 72
200 2438 44 22 44 66 89
225 3085 55 28 56 84 112
250 3815 69 35 69 104 139
280 4784 86 43 87 130 174
315 6052 109 55 110 165 220
355 7685 138 70 140 209 279
400 9765 176 89 177 266 355
450 12354 223 112 224 337 449
500 15247 275 138 277 415 554
560 19136 345 174 347 521 695
630 24210 436 220 440 659 879
710 30758 555 279 559 838 1117
800 39058 706 355 709 1064 1419
900 49440 894 449 898 1347 1796
1000 61015 1101 554 1108 1662 2216
1200 87881 1588 798 1596 2394 3192

Table A3: PE 100 (SDR 21), 10 bar pressure increment for 100m of pipe at 10°C
(litres) pressurisation 1% air
no air (litres)
100 850 0 8
125 1327 1 12
150 1911 1 17
200 3391 2 31
250 5236 3 48
300 7489 5 68
350 10032 7 91
400 13010 10 118
450 16360 13 149
500 20189 16 184
600 28957 24 263
700 39058 34 355
800 51048 45 464
900 64525 59 587
1000 79548 73 723
Table A4: Ductile iron, 10 bar pressure increment for 100m of cement mortar lined Class 40 D.I. pipe to BS EN
545: 2010
no air (litres)
63 255 6 2 5 7 9
75 361 8 3 7 10 13
90 520 12 5 9 14 19
110 776 18 7 14 21 28
125 1003 23 9 18 27 36
140 1259 29 11 23 34 46
160 1642 37 15 30 45 60
180 2082 48 19 38 57 76
200 2567 59 23 47 70 93
225 3249 74 30 59 89 118
250 4019 93 36 73 109 146
280 5035 116 46 91 137 183
315 6379 147 58 116 174 232
355 8103 187 74 147 221 294
400 10281 236 93 187 280 373
450 13010 299 118 236 354 473
500 16060 369 146 292 437 583
560 20157 464 183 366 549 732
630 25518 589 232 463 695 927
710 32391 745 294 588 882 1176
800 41146 949 374 747 1121 1494
900 52066 1200 473 946 1418 1891
1000 64269 1480 584 1167 1751 2334
1200 92561 2133 840 1681 2521 3362
Table A5: PVC (SDR 26, PVC-A PN12.5 / PVC-U PN8), 10 bar pressure increment for 100m of pipe at 10°C
no air (litres)
90 542 7 5 10 15 20
110 810 11 7 14 22 29
160 1713 22 16 32 47 63
200 2677 35 24 49 73 97
250 4183 55 38 76 114 152
315 6640 87 60 121 181 242
400 10707 140 98 195 292 390
450 13552 178 123 246 369 493
500 16730 219 153 305 457 609
630 26561 348 242 483 725 966
A.3 Example - calculation showing volume of It is possible to calculate the volume percentage of air
water to raise pressure to STP with air content present from the actual volume of water pumped into a
above zero pipeline when the pressure is raised to its test pressure
(STP) using equation (A3).
Pipe specification: Diameter 180mm; Material PE100
SDR17; length 250m; STP 15bar; static head 1bar. Initial air content (%) = (Vw – Ex) / Av1 (A3)
Estimate based on maximum 4% air content. Where:
PA = STP – Static Head = 15 bar – 1 bar = 14 bar Vw is actual input volume (litres)
Using equation (A2), water required Vw = Ex + Av
Ex is estimated volume to add for pipe
Ex = Estimated volume to add for pipe pressurisation pressurisation (from column 3 of Tables A1 – A5) *
(from column 3 of Table A2) * PA/10 * L/100 (litres) PA/10 * L/100 (litres)
= 36 *(14/10) * (250/100) = 126 litres PA is raised pressure (bar)
Av = Estimated volume to compress initial air content L is tested pipeline section length (m)
of 4% (from column 7 of Table A2) * L/100 (litres) =
72 * (250/100) = 180 litres Av1 is required volume to compress 1% initial air
volume (from column 4 of Tables A1 – A5)
Vw = 126 litres + 180 litres = 306 litres
If initial air content is greater than 4%, the guidance in
Note: The values derived presume that pressure is 5.2 should be followed. If the air content cannot be
being raised from zero to STP, above any static head reduced to 4% or less, the test would need to be either
due to elevation changes. extended or abandoned. The guidance in Appendix B
should be followed.
A.4 Pressurised air percentage calculator
APPENDIX B: ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE
It is always advantageous to have less air in the system INITIAL VOLUMES OF AIR IN A PIPELINE
as leak detection sensitivity is increased at shorter
times. Air has an effect on the pressure decay, so it is
essential to have a quantitative measure of the air
contained in a pipeline under test. B.1 Introduction
The purpose of this appendix is to provide additional Air has an effect on the pressure decay, so it is
background information on the effect of entrained air essential to have a quantitative measure of the air
on the pressure test to support the guidance given in contained in a pipeline under test. Methods of
Sections 5 and 6. calculating volume of air are given in B.4 below.
B.2 Modelling the effects of different air

volumes
B.4 Estimating the volume of air in a pipeline
Large volumes of air contained in a pipeline can be
dangerous if a pipe failure occurs. There will be a B.4.1 Calculating air volume percentage from
massive sudden release of stored energy. data
All testing standards acknowledge that contained air The air volume percentage can be calculated from the
will totally confuse ‘added volume’ measurements in actual water input volume (obtained from the flow
constant pressure tests and will have some effect on meter) and other known data: see A4 of Appendix A.
pressure decay characteristics. If the air content so calculated is up to the acceptable
Having large initial air volumes will always increase limit of 4% of the total pipe volume, the test time
pressure-rise times: should be 20 times the pressurisation time tP plus 0.4
* tP.
• High air content will slow down the rate of
pressure rise. This is shown graphically in Figure B1. Where the calculated air content is greater than 4% but
less than 8%, the test may proceed with caution. The
• Air may mask signs of leaks since air pressure decay time needs to be extended to counteract
expansion will delay the time before leakage affects the effect of air in slowing the pressure decay and
the degree to which the pressure decays. accurately determine whether the pipe is leaking. The
test time should be extended as indicated in Table B1
Thus, having high air content always leads to plus 0.4 * tP.
increased test times and the possibility of reduced test
sensitivity. Table B1 Extended test period for air content
greater than 4%
B.3 Effects of different air volumes on pressure
decay for PE pipes Pipe Material Air Content (%) Suggested t4 time
(min.)
An analysis has been made of the effects of air on
pressure decay data in PE pipe systems. The results PE 4% < 6% 30* tP
(Figure B2) show how air produces a delay before
leakage becomes apparent via a slope change in the 6% < 8% 45* tP
logarithmic decay data.
The results of modelling different pressure drops

PVC 4% < 6% 8 hr.
below the expected creep power law stress relaxation
profile are shown in Figure B3. The presence of air 6% < 8% 10 hr.
will tend to mask the pressure decay due to a leak. In
pipelines with higher air contents, it will take longer to (3) tP is time taken to reach STP
detect any given percentage drop in pressure caused by
(4) Where the suggested t4 time is less than 60 min., the
a leak. This is shown in Figure B3 where the time to
detect two different pressure drops below expected t4 time is taken as 60 min. The minimum t3 time of
rates is shown vs air content. The time is shown as a 1 hour no longer applies when a fourth reading is
multiple of the loading time. being taken at t4.
For a pipeline with no air, the pressure will have By taking this additional pressure reading (PA at t4), a
dropped by 2% more than expected at 6 * the further n value (n3) can be calculated using the
pressurisation time. With 4% air, the pressure will following formula:
have dropped by 2% more than expected at 9 * the
pressurisation time. When the pressure has decayed by If 𝑛3 ≤ 1.25, then the test is a pass.
5% more than expected, the power law slope ‘n’ will
have doubled. It is always advantageous to have less 𝑛1
air in the system as leak detection sensitivity is If the air volume estimate is greater than 8% or if the
increased at shorter times. test period cannot be lengthened as set out in Table
B1, the test should be abandoned as such large air
volumes would confuse data analysis. The pressure
should be reduced to zero and efforts made to bleed air 𝑛3= [log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡3)−log(𝑃𝐴𝑎𝑡 𝑡4)] [log(𝑡𝑐4)−log(𝑡𝑐3)]
from the system. The test should be restarted after a
minimum period of four times the period that the pipe (B1)
was under pressure, including the initial rise time. Fc is air compression factor derived from raised
B.4.2 Calculating air volume from pressurisation test pressure (PA) and initial pressure (i.e. pre-
characteristics pressurisation)
The shape of the Raised Pressure (PA) vs Volume of V is the unpressurised pipe volume = pipe
water added (Vw) characteristic is a good measure of volume (from column 2 of Tables A1 to A5) * L/100
whether significant air is present. When there is (litres)
negligible air, the pressure will rise quickly as water is
pumped into the main. Eventually, the pressure rise
rate will slow down slightly, as the plastic pipe B.4.3 The impact of pre-pressurisation on air
becomes less stiff due to time dependent creep effects. content
This is shown as curve (1) in Figure B4.
Any pressure in a pipeline over and above the static
If the pressure rises slowly in the initial phase and then head due to elevation changes just prior to testing has
more rapidly at higher pressures (curve (2) in Figure a dramatic effect on the initial air content.
B4), this is a sign that there is significant air present.
Table B2 shows the air compression factors which
However, where the pipeline has already been pre-
would be required for calculating initial air content
pressurised, the air content will already have been
compressed which allows a normal pressure rise time, (see A.4, equation A3) if the pipeline had not been
pre-pressurised and (see B4.2 equation B2) when pre-
hence masking the effect of the excess air.
pressurised to 1 bar and 2 bar.
It is possible to calculate the volume percentage of air
Using the example in A3, where there is an initial air
present from the actual volume of water pumped into
the pipeline to raise the pressure to STP using equation content of 4% and no pre-pressurisation, the initial air
(A3), see A.4. content calculated using equation B2 and table B2
would be 9% and 15.5% at 1 bar and 2 bar pre-
However, if the pipeline is pre-pressurised, equation pressurisation respectively. These higher values are
(A3) needs to be modified to take into account an air the result of the same actual input volume (Vw) in
compression factor (Fc) derived from the raised test each case.
pressure and the initial pressure.
Table B2 Air compression factor where pre-
Initial air content (%) = ((Vw-Ex)*Fc) / (V/100) pressurisation has been applied
(B2)
Raised Air compression factor Fc (for given
Where: Test initial pressure at lowest point above
Pressure static head)
Vw is actual input volume (litres)
PA (bar)
Ex is estimated volume to add for pipe 0 bar 1 bar 2 bar
pressurisation (from column 3 of Tables A1 – A5) * 10 1.10 2.40 3.90
PA/10 * L/100 (litres) Note: These values have been calculated using Boyle’s
Law.
PA is raised pressure (bar)
L is tested pipeline section length (m)

Figure B1: Pressure rise characteristics for 1 km of 800mm SDR 11 PE 100 Pipe
Figure B2: Effect of air on pressure decay in a PE Main with (a) No Leak and with (b) Leakage at 4%
Allowable Rate
Figure B3: Effect of air on time (multiple of loading time) to detect a leak at BS EN 805 level
Figure B4: Pressure v Vol for (a) No Air and (b) 5% Air - 1km: 800mm SDR 11 Pipe
APPENDIX C: BS EN 805 It is noted that this formula has nothing whatsoever to
do with leakage rates per se. The formula is a simple
C.1 Introduction stress – strain relationship, where ∆V /V is the strain
The purpose of this appendix is to describe the range and the ∆p * SDR component is the stress in the pipe
of tests available in BS EN 805 and the background to wall. It should also be noted that the pass/fail criteria
the selection is independent of test pressure, unlike criteria
historically used.
1.2 is an allowance factor (e.g. for air content)
during the main pressure test. The formula allows for calculation of the pipe
contraction (or expansion) if water is lost (or added)
For allowable pressure loss ∆p in bar (0.2 bar) and because of a pressure change, ∆p. ‘Allowable water
with terms ‘D’ and ‘e’ in mm, equation (C1) is loss’ is that water loss which causes a drop in pressure
modified to: of ∆p. The formula works in terms of pipe volumes, so
any allowable water loss rate is automatically
of certain tests by the UK water industry. proportional to ∆D2. This may/may not be the real
∆𝑉 case.
= 1.2 ∙ 𝑉 ∙ ∆𝑝 ∙ 100 ∙ ( 1 + 𝐷 ) (C2) In practice, many leaks around flanges or socket and
spigot joints are likely to vary as a linear function of
max diameter. They are controlled by changes in the pipe
circumference rather than the pipe volume. In other
𝐸w 𝑒∙𝐸R
cases (such as with leaks at tapping tee connections),
C.2 Rate of leakage – general issues there may be no pipe diameter sensitivity since the
hole for the tapping does not vary significantly.
Historically, the pressure testing of pipe systems in the
U.K. has been governed by codes of practice and For materials which do not have stiffness properties
specifications that have followed procedures that vary with time and temperature (e.g. ductile iron,
developed by clients and suppliers over a long time steel), it is simple to calculate the allowable water loss
period. using known material properties. For plastics
materials, which are inherently more flexible and have
For ductile iron (DI) and PVC pipes, there was modulus (stiffness) properties that change very
specified a maximum rate of volume loss of 0.02 litres significantly with temperature and time under load,
per day per mm diameter per km per bar pressure there are major problems.
applied.
The lack of commonly agreed values of material
This criterion was a sensible model of a leakage rate in modulus values for plastics makes it impossible to
that it is implicit that the rate of leakage will be define universally agreeable water loss rates. There is
directly proportional to the pipe diameter and the also a strong
Raised Pressure (PA).
∆𝑉 = 1.2 ∙ 𝑉 ∙ ∆𝑝 ∙ ( 1 max 𝐸w
For PE systems where creep relaxation effects can
make the discernment of leakage problematical, the + 𝐷 ) (C1)
procedure was to compare and contrast the actual
𝑒∙𝐸R
decay in pressure with that which was to be expected
because of stress relaxation due to creep. implication, whether intended or not, that the lower
modulus materials (e.g. plastics) have a higher
“allowable water loss”. Obviously, this cannot be
BS EN 805 (issued in 2000) specifies that a pipe under tolerated.
pressure should not suffer a pressure loss of greater
∆𝑉max is the allowable water loss in litres;
than 0.2 bar/hr. due to water loss. BS EN 805 requires
that this pressure decay be translated into an 𝑉 is the volume of the tested pipeline section in
acceptable water volume loss by calculating the litres;
change in volume caused by the pressure drop, using
the pipe stiffness to calculate the diameter change. ∆𝑝 is the allowable pressure loss as stated in
kilopascals (20kPa);
The standard gives a criterion for acceptance which is
described in terms of an allowable pressure loss per 𝐸w is the bulk modulus of water in kilopascals;
hour.
𝐷 is the internal pipe diameter in metres;
The formula in BS EN 805 is:
𝑒 is the wall thickness of the pipe in metres;
𝐸R is the modulus of elasticity of the pipe wall in For an exact calculation, the following equation may
the circumferential direction in kilopascals; be used where D is the nominal diameter in mm
The U.K. water industry wishes to standardize on a Allowable water loss (litre/hr/km)
common rate of water volume loss as the assessment
criterion. Therefore, the water volume changes = 0.000018*(ID)2 (C3)
caused by the
0.2 bar/hr. decay rate stated in BS EN 805 have been C.4 Acceptable pressure loss rates
adopted as standard, using ductile iron pipe as the
yardstick. A value of pressure loss may be an easier parameter to
measure in any test, so it is necessary to calculate
C.3 BS EN 805 – water loss calculation acceptable loss rates for different pipe materials and
In BS EN 805, the allowable pressure loss is 0.2 bar in stiffness.
any test where the main is raised to the test pressure Having accepted that the BS EN 805 allowable
and then sealed. This drop in pressure is specified to pressure loss rate of 0.2 bar/hr. shall apply for ductile
be common to ductile iron, steel, concrete and ‘plastic’ iron pipes, the resulting acceptable pressure loss rates
pipes. for pipes made in different stiffness categories for all
There is a major problem in adopting this universal other materials have then been calculated.
criterion for both metal and plastic pipes. Because The criterion is that the acceptable water losses are
plastics are much less stiff the volume change caused those given in Figure C1. Equation (C1) has then been
by a decrease in pressure of 0.2 bar will be some 10 - used to calculate ∆p, given ∆V as an input for pipes of
20 times larger than for ductile iron where the volume different SDRs and with different modulus values Ep.
change is small.
The values of acceptable pressure decay rates (APDR)
For example, consider the volume of water loss that are given in Table D2 in Appendix D of this IGN.
would cause a pressure drop of 0.2 bar in 1 km of a
20
250mm pipeline:
• For a rigid / semi-rigid pipe such as ductile 15
iron,
10
Water Loss
litres/hr/km
1.13 litres would need to be lost.

5
• For a flexible pipe such as PE100, some 16
litres would be lost. 0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
The specification of one simple pressure loss rate in Outside Diameter (mm)
BS EN 805 leads to the acceptance of totally different
water volume losses for pipes of different wall
thicknesses and made from different materials. Figure C1 Allowable Leak Rates for ductile iron
with a Pressure Loss of 0.2 bar/hr.
Since water engineers are driven to maintain leakage
at very low uniform rates – independent of the pipe C.5 Pressure test methods
material, it is recommended here that the water loss C.5.1 BS EN 805 tests
rates calculated from equation (C1) of this IGN for BS
EN 545: 2010 Class 40 ductile iron pipes be taken as BS EN 805 does not directly specify any given test
the acceptable measure of water loss. These rates method for pipes. In Section 11 and in Appendices
should then apply for all materials, based on nominal A26 and A27 of BS EN 805: 2000, the details for
pipe diameters. mains testing and data analysis are given. It is always
left to the discretion of the ‘designer’ to choose the test
The allowable water loss rates for BS EN 545: 2010 method, and for PE pipes the method described is a
Class 40 Ductile Iron are shown in Table 2 of Section recommendation rather than a requirement. The tests
6 and Figure C1. However, it should be noted that described are described in C.5.2 to
actual pipe volumes will vary with manufacturing
tolerances, as these can increase or decrease the actual C.5.4 below.
internal diameter. Other pressure classes are available
and will also have different water volumes. C.5.2 Limited Pressure Decay - Pressure Loss
Method (BS EN 805 11.3.3.4.3)
Following raising of pressure to STP, the main is In this procedure, it is required to hold the pressure at
closed and it is stated that any changes in pressure are STP and then measure any water needed to be added
monitored over a one hour period (or longer if to hold pressure. There are two items to note with this
specified by the designer). method:
BS EN 805 states that the rate at which the pressure is • The control equipment to hold the pressure
lost should not exceed the specified limit of 0.2 bar/hr. absolutely constant needs to be sophisticated.
for ductile iron, steel or ‘plastic’ pipes. Again, small pressure fluctuations can cause
large errors in assigning water leakage rates.
This test is appropriate for the assessment of ductile
iron and steel pipes (see 6.3 of this IGN) but the • The water losses allowed can be so small that
simple analysis recommended is inappropriate for it is simply not feasible to measure the flow
plastic pipes which suffer from creep stress relaxation. rates of any water added to maintain pressure.
Instead, the equipment should be capable of
It is likely that a result which can be accepted with measuring accurately the volume of water
confidence will only be obtained after at least 10 hr. of added to maintain the STP.
pressure decay for PVC and some 36 hr. for PE pipes.
It is only at these times that the pressure drop from C.6 Use of BS EN 805 Test Methods for Plastic
creep stress relaxation has decayed to the same level as Pipes
the ‘allowable water loss’. Further information is
given in Appendix D of this IGN. The wording in BS EN 805 is very confusing with
respect to different materials under test. The standard
C.5.3 Limited Pressure Decay – Water Loss does not mention PVC or GRP pipes specifically at all,
Method (BS EN 805 11.3.3.4.2 a) but recommends that “plastics pipes” be treated the
same as ductile iron.
In this procedure (long used for ductile iron evaluation
in the UK), the pressure is raised to STP, maintained There is only mention of PE and PP pipes as being
for one hour, and is then allowed to decay over a 1 hr. special cases of materials with viscoelastic properties
- 2 hr. period to a pressure P1. The pressure is then and thereby in need of different assessment. This is
returned to STP. Immediately, water is drained from quite wrong. PVC will suffer from creep stress
the system to return the pressure to P1. The volume relaxation – although not to the same degree as with
drained in this final process is deemed to be the PE and PP.
amount lost due to leakage in the decay phase. There
are two fundamental problems with this test when The pressure in PVC pipes will naturally decay
applied to short lengths of small diameter pipe: without leakage and the effects are significant for
times up to 10 hours. Thus pressure decay test data (or
• The BS EN 805: 2000 allowable water loss water volume measurements) on PVC and GRP are
rates are so small for small diameter pipes that if the difficult to analyse in the first 10 hours since stress
pressure is not returned to STP and subsequently relaxation effects could be confused with leakage.
drained to P1 with great precision, then the result will
be meaningless. Very small errors in pressure control BS EN 805 does recognise that all PE (and PP) pipes
(e.g. of the order will suffer from the problem that the pressure will still
decay in a main without any leakage because of stress
+/- 0.05 bar) cause significant variations in the water relaxation. This will totally confuse the assessment of
volumes lost. leakage with any test method relying on a simple
pressure decay rate or the measurement of water added
• If even small volumes of air are present, the water or removed.
volume measurements will be meaningless as a true
measure of leakage, if pressures are not controlled A special test is described in Section A27 of Annex A
with great precision. of BS EN 805: 2000. This was long specified by WRc
in their MDPE manuals (Type I test) in the 1980s, but
The new demands for a more sensitive measure of was seldom used in the UK for the reasons outlined
leakage means that water loss assessment is likely to below.
lead to confusing results and this test is not
recommended. Instead the Pressure Loss Method BS EN 805 outlines a primitive method of opening a
(C.5.2) is preferred for short lengths of small diameter valve to allow the pressure to drop swiftly after STP is
pipe. achieved. The valve is closed and if the pressure then
increases as the pipe diameter contracts, this is taken
to be a sign that the main is secure.
C.5.4 Constant Pressure Test – Water Added There are many problems with this test – primarily:
Method (BS EN 805 11.3.3.4.2 b)
• There is no possible method of relating any of the This test is not recommended.
pressure measurements to an absolute leakage rate. It
is thus a highly empirical analysis procedure.
• Tests have shown that mains with leaks

greater than those outlined in Table 2 will still show
pressure rebound after valve closure.
APPENDIX D SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION ON PRESSURE TESTING OF
UK PIPELINES
given in Table D1 below. The forces given should be

multiplied pro rata for other pressures.
D.1 Introduction
It is essential that the end fittings themselves are
The purpose of this appendix is to provide additional watertight.
background information on the testing methods and
their applications for all new water and sewerage End fittings or struts installed to resist pressure forces
pressure pipelines laid in the U.K. should not be removed until all pressure applied
during testing has been removed from the main.
Section D.5 provides the mathematical background to
the Type 2 test used in Section 5. Table D1: Examples of end forces generated by 15
bar pressure on PE pipes to illustrate the level of
D.2 Choice of System Test Pressure (STP) danger
[Supplementary to 3.3 of this IGN]
External End Force
Historically, different Water Companies have used an
Diameter (mm) (tonnes)
ad hoc range of test pressures. These have usually 80 0.8
resulted from the whim of individuals. Some engineers 180 3.9
have used the mains working pressure as the basis for 250 7.5
the test pressure; some have used the pipe rating. 315 11.9
It is now strongly recommended that all companies 400 19.2
500 30
universally follow the guidelines specified in BS EN
610 44.7
805 and establish common levels for the System Test
720 62.3
Pressure (STP). This has the benefit of greatly
800 76.9
simplifying data analysis and increasing the ability to
1000 120.2
detect leakage which is sensitive to pressure.
D.3 End Loads

D.3 Allowable Pressure Drop Rates
[Supplementary to 3.4 of this IGN]
[Supplementary to 5.4 and 6.4 of this IGN]
Where socket and spigot joints have been used (e.g.
D.3.1 Allowable Pressure Drop Rates for Single
for PVC, ductile iron and GRP mains) sufficient thrust
Materials
blocks or other anchorages should be in position and
any concrete used should have been adequately cured. The corresponding ‘allowable pressure decay rates’
which would cause the allowable volume changes for
The ends of the pipeline should be securely anchored
pipes made from PE, GRP and PVC materials are
and any temporary strutting should be properly
given in Table D2. Values of moduli used are those
designed.
measured at 23°C.
It is the responsibility of the site engineer to ensure
Small pressure changes applied to the less stiff pipes
that all end fittings can safely withstand the end forces
cause considerable volume changes, so the allowable
generated by high test pressures.
pressure drop rates are always lower for the lower
These forces can be very high and examples of the end stiffness systems.
loads on PE pipes raised to a test pressure of 15 bar are
For plastics, creep stress relaxation alone will cause D.4 Data Analysis for PVC and PE pipelines
higher pressure drop rates than those given in Table
D2, for up to 10 hours with PVC and for at least 36 [Supplementary to 5.4 of this IGN]
hours with PE pipes. This obscures leakage assessment D.4.1 Correction for creep during pressurization
in simple pressure drop tests and so the analysis for time
plastics needs to differ from elastic materials such as
ductile iron – see Section D.4. The rate of linear decay of pressure with time caused
by creep stress relaxation will give rates of pressure
Table D2: Allowable Pressure Decay Rates (APDR) drop that greatly exceed the BS EN 805 allowed rate
for different pipe materials arising from the for times up to 10 hours for PVC pipes and 36 hours
“allowable” leakage given in Table 2 (Section 6) for PE pipes.
To check whether there is evidence that the rate of

Material Allowable Pressure decay is predicted to be unacceptably high, it is
Loss (bar/hour) necessary to analyse the logarithmic decay of pressure
Ductile Iron 0.200 with time and compare this with known material creep
PE 100 SDR 11 0.030 relaxation behaviour.
PE 100 SDR 17 0.016
Equation (1) in section 5.4 provides a method of
PE 100 SDR 21 0.012
calculating a correction to the decay time which is
PVC SDR 17 0.024
PVC SDR 26 0.023 needed to account for the time spent in raising the
GRP 0.023 pressure.
D.4.2 Analysis of Pressure Above Static Head

Note 1: The values in Table D2 have been corrected Where there is a significant static head on the pipeline,
from Issue 1 to align with BS EN 805. analysis can be affected. This head is always present
Note 2: The values for allowable pressure loss for and cannot decay. Therefore, all pressure data should
be analysed using the pressure applied by pumping
additional SDR have been calculated using equation
above the static head.
(C1) and maintaining the same value for ∆𝑉max, the
allowable water loss in litres, for all SDRs. Raised Pressure (PA) = (Actual Pressure at time t1, t2
etc – Static Head P0) (D2)
D.3.2 Allowable Pressure Drop Rates for
Pipelines with Multiple Materials
Sometimes, pipes of different types may be

accommodated within a system under test. If there are
pipelines with sections of different materials (A and D.4.3 Data to be Used for Analysis - Filtering
B), a law of mixtures may be used to obtain the Short Term Decay Pressures
allowable pressure loss rate (in bar/hr) for the whole
There are frequently odd pressure variations in the
system. The formula for allowable pressure drop (∆p)
time immediately after closing the pipeline via the
is:
isolating valve, so no data for either PVC or PE should
∆p = LfA * (APDR)A + LfB *(APDR)B (D1) be analysed until a time period equal to the rise time
has passed.
Where LfA and LfB are the respective length fractions
of materials A and B. With PVC, the initial decay data will not settle to a
constant logarithmic decay rate for at least 1 hour. No
It would be most unusual to find more than two data at times less than one hour should be used for
materials or a large multiplicity of SDR ratings in a PVC pipes.
test length, but if this is the case, the Law of Mixtures
principle expounded in equation D1 may be extended Data may be analysed by a graphical method (see
as necessary. However, it is recommended that this D.4.4) and also by calculation (see 5.4).
only be done where the ratio of the two different pipe
D.4.4 Trendline Analysis
materials is not greater than 3:1.
A graph of the Raised Pressure (PA) value vs the
For small lengths of relatively stiff (metal) pipe mixed
corrected decay time should be plotted on logarithmic
with pipe made from viscoelastic (plastic pipe)
axes.
material, it is necessary to check the metal pipe locally
for leaks that are likely to be masked by the For PE pipes, it is expected that for corrected times
viscoelastic nature of the plastic pipe. greater than the rise time, the Raised Pressure decay
results should lie on a straight line with a slope where LfA and LfB are the respective length fractions
between -0.07 and -0.09. of materials A and B. It is recommended that this only
be done where the ratio of the two different pipe
If pressure decay results are plotted using a materials is not greater than 3:1.
spreadsheet program, power law trendlines can be
applied to all the data in two separate time intervals. D.4.5 Pass/Fail Criteria for PE and PVC Pipes
Note: the interval times are approximate – take nearest
readings to those recommended. For either PE or PVC pipes, no great significance
should be placed on the absolute value of n within the
The time intervals for PE pipes: (t1 to t2) between tL ranges quoted.
and 8 tL and (t2 to t3) between 8tL and 20 tL,
dependent on the volume of air present. See Table 1 in It is important to note that for a secure pipeline, the
section 5. The equivalent pressure readings should be pressure will decay with a constant power law slope
taken at times (t1 to t2) between tP and 8 tP and (t2 to and it is any increase in slope that is important in
t3) between 8tP and 20 tP, assessing whether a main is suffering leakage. Any
slope change is directly proportional to the leakage
Where tP = time taken to achieve test pressure (also rate and computer analysis has shown that assuming
known as “rise time”) and tL is the corrected decay up to 4% air content, a 25% increase in slope
time for creep. corresponds to the allowable BS EN 805 leakage rate
shown in Table 2.
For PVC pipe, the intervals are: (t1 to t2) between 1
hr. and 3 hr. and (t2 to t3) between 3 hr. and 10 hr., Small slope changes or occasional decreases in value
dependent on volume of air present. at longer decay times are not an issue of concern. It is
where there is a consistent increase in slope that
The resulting equations will be of the form: leakage is indicated.
PA = (pressure measured at Decay Time (t1, t2, t3 etc. The assessment criteria are:
))n (D3)
The negative slopes between the two time intervals

should be determined as the power law exponent (n). • For both PE and PVC pipes, the value for the
The absolute value of n is dependent on numerous longer time period should not increase above the short
factors and cannot be used to determine leak-tightness term value by more than 25%.
– this can only be done through change of slope (see
5.4). However, the values are given below as a guide. • For PE pipes: if the longer term slope exceeds
-0.13, the rate of pressure decay is unacceptably high.
PE pipes: The expected slope (n) for most PE
materials is between -0.07 and -0.09. • For PVC pipes: if the longer term slope
exceeds -0.08, the rate of pressure decay is
Note 1: Special ‘barrier layer’ PE pipes with unacceptable high.
polypropylene or aluminium layers, will have lower
slopes. Reference should be made to the pipe supplier It is to be noted that the simple analysis in Section 5.4
for the expected creep relaxation exponents. relies heavily on single point data and if there is an
indication that the slope has increased by more than
Note 2: Values of n may occasionally range between - 10%, results should be plotted and a computer
0.06 and -0.1, depending to some degree on trendline determined (as in Section D.4.4) using all
compaction and also the air content. (A slope below - data in the specified time ranges.
0.06 may be indicative of excessive pre-
pressurisation). If pipelines fail to meet the acceptance criteria, the test
should be stopped and the excess water bled carefully
PVC pipes: The expected slope (n) for most PVC from the system. A search for potential leaks should be
materials is between -0.03 and -0.07. initiated.
Note 3: When pipelines utilise different materials, After leaks are found and repaired, the test should be
equation (D1), seeD.3.2 above, may be modified to repeated – but only after a time greater than four times
calculate expected power law pressure decay the total original test time has elapsed to allow for
exponents for lines with multiple materials (A and B) complete creep deformation recovery.
by replacing APDR with values of ‘n’.
Example – steadily increasing pressure decay
The formula for allowable value of n is:
An example of a set of pressure decay data is shown in
n = LfA*(n)A + LfB*(n)B (D4) graph below for a PE pipe with a leak generating a
pressure loss (in excess of that expected for creep
alone) which is just at the BS EN 805 limit given in time intervals, the time taken for the pressure to decay
Table 2. by the last
PE80 450mm SDR17 500m Pressure Decay: Table 2 0.05 bar should be used as the last time increment.
Leak
The pressure drop due to leakage can be converted to a
water volume loss (litres/hr/km) using equation (D8)
in D.5.4.
D.5 Pressure Decay (Type 2) test
D.5.1 Advantages of pressure decay test
• The test method itself is extremely simple.

10 100 1,000 The pipeline is raised to pressure with a pump and
10,000
when the test pressure (STP) is achieved, the pump is
Corrected Time (min)
switched off, a valve is closed and the pressure is
monitored.
Figure D1: Example
• The equipment needed to raise the pressure is
D.4.6 Checking Absolute Rate of Pressure Decay unsophisticated.
for PVC and PE Pipes
• The pressure measurements may be made
As a final confirmation that the rate of pressure decay using either pressure gauges or transducers. There is
is in excess of the allowed limits, it is possible to no need for highly sophisticated or highly sensitive
calculate the current pressure decay rate at the end of monitoring equipment.
the test period. This is only valid if the test has been
• Data may be recorded by simple loggers so
running for more than 36
that constant monitoring by staff is not necessary.
hours since creep stress relaxation effects will There is also a permanent record for QA purposes.
confuse results at shorter times.
The decay rate should be calculated by use of the time

• The test gives more accurate results the
interval over which the pressure decayed by more than
longer the pressure is allowed to decay. However,
0.05 bar in the last phase of the test. leaks of the order specified in Table 2 in Section 6 can
first be detected in relatively short timescales.
If the pressure decay rate is in excess of 2*APDR (see
Table D2), the pipeline has unacceptable leakage. • The basic test method may be used for all
pipe materials.
Note: The factor 2 allows for the residual creep stress
relaxation which will still occur at 36 hours. • The test actually measures the rate of pressure
decay, which is the main criterion specified by BS EN
805.
D.4.7 Estimating the Rate of Leakage • The analysis of results for thermoplastics
Finally, when a pipeline has been shown to have an varies depending on the material, but in all cases there
unacceptable pressure decay rate, it is frequently of are relatively simple procedures that can be performed
use to the installation contractor to know the extent of quickly to give answers that can be directly interpreted
the actual leakage. Knowing the leak rate may indicate as water volume losses, using the principles specified
whether, for example, a single joint is leaking or by BS EN 805.
whether there are multiple leak paths in various places. D.5.2 Modified U.K. pressure decay (Type 2) test
for metal pipes
To estimate the leak rate, it is necessary to know the
current pressure decay rate in the test. This can be The analysis for metal pipes is simple:
calculated by taking the pressure decay over the last
time increment and dividing by the time interval - let • The results of pressure decay with time can
this be ∆P/∆t. be plotted to derive a rate of pressure loss; or
Note: if the logger is setup to log the time for a defined

pressure drop, or if the logger is setup to log at specific
• The rate of pressure loss with time can be It is now known that the use of an absolute value of
calculated after any initial pressure fluctuations have pressure led to confusion in the rates of creep stress
settled. relaxation when high initial static head existed. The
BS EN 805 analysis is actually calculated in terms of
With metal pipes, there should be no loss in pressure if the change in pressure (e.g. equation (D5)) and so the
there has been a pre-test to allow for joint settlement new requirement also requires measurement of a
and saturation of any cement mortar lining (see 6.3.2) pressure change above the initial static level.
and so any continuous decay is a sign of leakage. The Examination of some hundreds of historic tests has
measured rate of decay can be compared with the BS shown that this greatly enhances the consistency of
EN 805 level of data expected for creep deformation in tests which
0.2 bar/hr. If it is above this level, the pipeline has an showed no signs of leakage.
unacceptable leakage level. However, the accuracy of The basis of the decay data analysis is as follows:
pressure drop measurement required is exacting and
can be affected by temperature change. • Pressure will fall continuously with time
because of creep stress relaxation.
D.5.3 Modified U.K. pressure decay (Type 2) test
for PVC and GRP pipes • The decay is linear on logarithmic axes,
because creep stress relaxation follows a power law,
With PVC, pressure will decay naturally without i.e.
leakage for at least 10 hours after achievement of STP.
Thereafter the pressure drop caused by stress PA = P1* (Corrected Decay Time)-n (D5)
relaxation alone becomes of less and less significance. Where:
Thus, where there are leaks in PVC pipelines, the sign PA is the pressure applied above static head, see
of a leak can be discerned by plotting a linear graph of equation (D2) in D.4.2
the Pressure vs Decay Time. Two typical tests on
PVC-A pipes, one known to be leaking, the other Corrected Decay Time is given by equation (1) in 5.4.
secure, are shown in Figure D2. P1 is the value of PA when time = 1
For the case with the leaking pipe, the pressure was n = creep stress relaxation exponent
approximately 10 times in excess of the allowable rate • Leakage is a linear decay of pressure with
(Table 2 in Section 6) and was detectable after less time and thus any leak will cause the pressure to
than 2 deviate continuously from the log-log power law.
hours on test. This was caused by a single leaking • A steady increase in the negative slope of the
socket and spigot joint. logarithmic plot of PA∆ vs corrected time is a sure
After 4 hours there was a constant rate of pressure sign of leakage.
drop with time when the creep stress relaxation rate As an example, Figure D3 shows that on a 7.7 km
became a small fraction of the rate of loss caused by length of 500mm PE pipe, the leak generated a
the leakage. pressure decay rate that was some four times in excess
For much smaller leaks, the pressure decay rate caused of the allowable water loss rate given in Table 2 of
by the leak becomes dominant in comparison to the Section 6. It was obvious from the slope changes that
creep stress relaxation rate after 7 hr. - 10 hr. Thus there were serious leakage problems after
tests on PVC materials need to be continued for 8 approximately 12 hours – this was at about twice the
hours to be certain that the pipeline is secure. pressure rise time.
D.5.4 Modified U.K. pressure decay (Type 2) test The change in slope of the log-log plot of pressure
for PE pipes change with time is a very sensitive measure of
leakage.
Background
Historically, the absolute value of gauge pressure was
Historically, the U.K. Water Industry has used a required to be plotted as a function of time.
pressure decay test to assess PE pipes for leakage. This
is in accord with BS EN 805. The test procedure itself A ‘correction’ of 0.4*time taken to reach STP was
is in full accord with that outlined simply in Clause required to be added to all the decay times – to
11.3.3.4.3 of BS EN 805: 2000. account for the creep deformation that had
accumulated during the pressure rise phase.
Use of Change in Pressure for Analysis
Derivation of the Pressure Loss Rate due to
Leakage
If equation (D5) is differentiated, we have: excess of the pressure drop due to creep. However, the
early signs that there is a problem can be discerned
dPA/dt = -n*∆P1 * (Corrected Time) –(1+n) when the test data deviate from the power law line.
(D6) The analysis of the slope changes given in D.4.4 give a
This rate can be predicted from known creep stress much more sensitive early warning that there are
relaxation data. unusual pressure changes occurring and this analysis is
preferred as the first stage in test data interpretation.
If there is a leak which causes a pressure change
(dPA/dt)leak, the total rate of negative pressure change The pressure change with time analysis here is to be
will be: used when an absolute value of the pressure change
due to leakage is required.
Measured Rate of Pressure Drop = - (n*∆P1 * Time –
(1+n) ) + (dPA/dt)leak, (D7)
The leak rate is the only unknown and can thus be Conversion of Pressure Decay Rate to Volume Loss
derived. The derived pressure drop due to leakage can be
This relationship can be plotted on logarithmic axes converted to a water volume loss (litres/hr/km) by the
(where the creep relaxation component will follow a following calculation involving scaling via equation
linear power law) and the leak component will be a (C2):
constant. Water loss = (Measured Pressure Decay Rate/ APDR)
As an example, a PE pipe leaking at the ‘allowable’ * 0.000018* (ID)2 (D8)
rate would be as shown in Figure D4. Values of the Allowable Pressure Decay Rates
The test data shown were calculated by simply taking (APDR) are given in Table D2.
the incremental changes in pressure ∆P over logged
time intervals ∆t as the test continued.
If the absolute level of leakage is known, it can be of
Note: If transducers are set at too sensitive levels, the great assistance to the installation contractor in finding
pressures will oscillate. Therefore, it is recommended and repairing the source of the leak.
that the minimum pressure change ∆P should be at
least 0.05 bar
- 0.1 bar to prevent flutter of logged pressures being D.6 Visual Inspection for Leakage
too significant.
With most pipes, there is seldom any leakage through
It can be seen that in this example after 30 hours on the pipe wall. All pressure pipes in use in the UK will
test (800 mm diameter, 3.8 km long pipe giving long have been tested at the factory to much higher pressure
test time), there is a significant deviation from the levels than STP.
expected linear decay due to creep stress relaxation
and the leak rate falls to a constant value after With PE pipes, 25 years of testing have rarely detected
approximately 72 hours. This is beyond the time when a failure of a butt fusion weld with systems welded
creep stress relaxation causes any major pressure with modern equipment.
change and can thus be considered to be the rate of Leaks will occur generally at mechanical joints or
pressure loss caused by a leak. electrofusion welded pipes/fittings in PE systems.
If this value is in excess of the values given in Table 2 It is recommended that the pipeline be raised in
in Section 6, then the pipeline has failed to pass the pressure back to STP and that the contractor carry out
required criteria. a visual inspection of all joints that are visible.
It is to be noted that sometimes leaks are quite If there are no signs of visible water loss, a leak-noise
sensitive to the pressure level, in which case the final correlator may be used and the ground inspected for
pressure decay rate may not settle at a constant value. damp patches.
The rate will still be well in excess of the ever
decreasing creep rate but in this case it would be If there is no success, the pipeline should be divided
necessary to introduce a pressure factor to calculate a into shorter sections and further pressure tests
leakage rate. conducted.
This type of analysis requires that the PE pressure test

be continued for at least 36 hours, to be certain that the
pressure drop caused by the water leakage rate is in
Figure D2: Pressure Decay Curves for PVC-A Pipe: with and without leaks
Figure D3: Raised Pressure (PA) v Corrected Time (on logarithmic axes) for a PE Pressure Test
D4: Rate of Pressure Decay as a function of Time for a PE Pipe (log axes)
Appendix 4: Principles of Water Supply Hygiene, Water UK, 2017
Principles of Water Supply

Hygiene
Final
1 October 2015
(updated 1 March 2017)
Foreword
It is well known that water has the potential to transmit disease and that keeping properly hydrated is essential
to good health. It is therefore vitally important that those whose business it is to supply water take all possible
precautions to protect drinking water quality at every stage from its collection in the catchment, through its
treatment and distribution, all the way to the point it emerges from the tap.
The UK has an excellent record of providing public water supplies that are safe to drink. There is, however, a
need for constant vigilance to assure the wholesomeness of supplies. From a clear understanding of the ever-
present risks of waterborne illness, has come the development of water supply hygiene safeguards. Since the
1930s, these safeguards have guided water suppliers in the practices and procedures they should follow.
The UK has a comprehensive regulatory system for maintaining water supply quality based around the proactive
management of risk and a holistic approach to drinking water safety. The maintenance of robust hygiene practices
lies at the heart of this and forms an essential control measure in the protection of human health.
Water UK’s members agree to the following commitments in the pursuit delivering a secure supply of safe,
wholesome drinking water.
• To ensure all involved in the treatment and supply of drinking water recognise the direct link between
hygienic practices and public health;
• To ensure that the principles and good practice outlined in this document and the associated Technical
Guidance Notes are incorporated into internal operational procedures and fully implemented;
• To ensure the competency, accountability and training of staff and contractors working on drinking
water delivery;
• To work with stakeholders to maintain awareness and understanding of existing and evolving risks to the
hygienic supply of drinking water.
It is of upmost importance that consumers trust in tap water supplies, that has been hard won over many decades,
is never lost.
Table of Contents
Foreword .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Hygienic practices........................................................................................................................................................ 5
3 Hygiene Training .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
4 Medical Surveillance of Personnel ........................................................................................................................... 6
5 Source Protection ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
6 Water Treatment ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
7 Treated or partially treated water reservoirs and tanks ..................................................................................... 9
8 Distribution systems ................................................................................................................................ 10
9 Materials in contact with water ............................................................................................................................. 11
10 Management of events potentially affecting human health ............................................................................ 11
11 Technical Guidance Notes .................................................................................................................................... 12
12 References................................................................................................................................................................... 55
1 INTRODUCTION barriers consistent with the nature of the hazard to
reduce the chance that a breach in any single
system could lead to contamination of water
supplies.
1.1 Purpose
This document sets out the principles to be considered There has been a trend towards an increased use of
by drinking water quality specialists in water independent contractors in the day-to-day operation
of water supply systems. It is essential that all those
undertakers in drawing up operational procedures for
maintaining safe and wholesome drinking water involved in the production and distribution of drinking
supplies with specific focus being given to hygiene. water, whether employees of a water undertaker or
of a contractor, should understand the need for
precautions. They must follow the procedures
The material in the document is not exhaustive nor is
developed to ensure that water quality standards are
it prescriptive and should be used in accordance with
maintained at all times.
company experiences and specific advice available
from a variety sources such as government
guidance, information letters from drinking water 1.3 Definitions
regulators, water industry research and appointed Throughout this document the following definitions
committees, the proceedings of seminars and journals are used:
and textbooks on water supply practices.
Robust water hygiene practices underpin many

• ‘Water undertaker’, means any organisation
licensed to provide a public water supply as
aspects of a risk-based approach to managing water
defined in the Water Industry Act 1991.
supplies and these principles are therefore intended to
support water undertakers in the development and • ‘Clean’, means a normal domestic standard of
maintenance of drinking water safety plans. cleanliness, free from faecal matter, dirt or any
other contaminatingsubstance.
Demonstration of an understanding of these principles • ‘The Regulations’ mean Water Supply (Water
is an important factor for any “new entrant” Quality) Regulations 2016, Water Supply
organisation wishing to provide public water supplies (Water Quality) Regulations Wales 2010 as
and will also be of use to those managing private amended, Public Water Supplies (Scotland)
water supplies or temporary events. Regulations 2014 as amended, Water Supply
(Water Quality Regulations) Northern Ireland
1.2 The need for precautions 2007 as amended
To maintain the excellent record of providing safe • ‘Restricted areas’ means defined areas within
water supplies in the United Kingdom in recent years, locations where water is prepared for supply, or
water undertakers must continue to be vigilant and where it is considered to be in supply in these
recognise and assess all hazards (natural or areas of the site, including boreholes, wells,
anthropogenic) that may lead to the contamination of springs, treatment works, pumping stations,
water supplies. Water treatment plant and distribution service reservoirs and all pipes in distribution
systems must be designed and operated to minimise systems to the customer’s premises
any risks. ‘Restricted operations’ means any work which may
involve direct or potential contact with untreated
Water undertakers must develop and maintain sources of underground water, with partially or fully
rigorous and effective procedures to prevent treated water within water treatment works, or any
deterioration in water quality in their day-to-day surface of an operational asset (including those
operations. temporarily out of use) which will itself be in contact
with potable water at any stage in its distribution to the
Protection against the risks of contamination should point where it is made available to consumers.
not rely upon a single line of defence. Wherever
practicable, there should be multiple
2 HYGIENIC PRACTICES in the case of portable or temporary arrangements,
all wastes must be disposed of without risk to water
supplies or to the environment.
Drinking water is a food product To achieve this, it is essential that vehicles deployed
for use on restricted operations in remote areas (e.g.:
The production and distribution of drinking water is
during the repair of distribution mains) should be
analogous to food processing and distribution
equipped with hand sanitising facilities.
therefore it is of the utmost importance that a high
standard of personal hygiene is maintained at all
times by all water supply personnel, both water 2.4 Clothing & Tools
undertakers and contractors Protective clothing (including footwear) used by staff
on restricted operations should be readily identifiable.
2.1 Restricted operations Under no circumstances should clothing that has been
used on wastewater operations be worn within defined
Restricted operations are those water supply and restricted areas. Clothing should be clean, free from
distribution activities which, by their nature, carry a
contamination and be stored apart from other
greater risk of contamination than others (see 1.3
protective clothing.
Definitions). Water undertakers should identify these
tasks and the personnel who may be required to work
Tools for use in restricted areas should be similarly
on them.
clean, free from contamination and disinfected before
use. Separate tool sets should be used for water and
Appropriate control measures should be established.
wastewater operations and be clearly marked or
For example, anyone undertaking restricted
identifiable to distinguish between purposes.
operations must therefore be registered on an
approved hygiene scheme and carry a valid water
Tools and other equipment to be used on restricted
hygiene training card.
operations should be stored in designated areas.
Particular attention should be paid to the potential for
2.2 Multifunctional working contamination from fuel oil and other similar chemicals.
To minimise the risk of contamination, it is advisable to
keep to a minimum, the number of personnel that are If specialist equipment is needed for use on both water
required to work on both water and sewage and wastewater facilities, then specific and individual
installations. However, it is accepted that some risk assessments must be carried out prior to use and
personnel may be required to work on both clean approved by drinking water quality specialists within
water and wastewater installations. In such situations, the undertaker. Suitable decontamination protocols
it is imperative that procedures are in place to should be available.
minimise the risk of cross contamination. These
procedures will include the need for individuals working 2.5 Tankers and bowsers
on both water and sewage installations to be properly
Water tankers used directly for supplying drinking water
trained and authorised.
should not be used for other purposes. Particular attention
should be paid to their cleanliness. Water undertakers
The following paragraphs suggest minimum
should satisfy themselves that tankers and bowsers to be
requirements should be in place for those personnel
used for conveying potable water meet regulatory
routinely working on both water and wastewater
requirements and are protected from contamination during
operations.
use. Further considerations are outlined in Technical
Guidance Note 12.
2.3 Toilets and washing
Water undertakers and contractors should ensure that Vehicles used for carrying and handling sewage or
there is adequate provision of toilet and washing sewage sludge should only enter water treatment sites for
facilities to enable all personnel working on restricted specifically approved purposes (e.g.: removal of sludge).
operations to maintain the highest standards of Sewage sludge tankers must not be used for conveying
personal hygiene. Especially drinking water in any circumstances.
2.6 Other vehicles 3 HYGIENE TRAINING
Dedicated vehicles should be available for use on All individuals working on restricted operations must
restricted operations. Where this is not possible, for have been trained and authorised under an approved
example in the case of specialised vehicles (e.g. water hygiene scheme. Authorisation will be time
excavators which have been in contact with sewage, limited and require repeat training and authorisation
sewage sludge or spray from wastewater treatment before renewal. Cards must be carried at all times by
processes), specific and individual risk assessments any individual working on restricted operations.
must be carried out prior to use and appropriate
controls approved by drinking water quality specialists It is recommended that regular audits are carried out
within the undertaker. to ensure all individuals working on restricted
operations are in possession of a valid card. Any
2.7 Stores and workshops individual who cannot produce their valid card proving
authorisation under an approved training scheme
Procedures should be in place in workshops and should be suspended from undertaking restricted
stores to prevent cross contamination between operations.
equipment used for water supply and other uses.
Tools and equipment which come into contact with Individuals who flagrantly or repeatedly breach hygiene
water should be cleaned and disinfected before use standards in the course of their duties should be
in restricted operations. suspended from carrying out work on restricted
operations and their authorisation may be revoked
Pumps and hoses should be clearly identified for whilst appropriate retraining is undertaken.
drinking water use only and should be made of
materials that are approved for use with drinking water In addition, it is recommended that water undertakers
(see section 9). They should be stored separately, carry out additional detailed training in respect of
protected from contamination, not be used for any specific restricted operations tasks such as mains
other purpose and be disinfected prior to use. disinfection, flushing and sampling.
2.8 Storage of Pipes and Fittings Consideration should also be given to the hygiene
Pipes and fittings for use in water supply should be awareness of other individuals who, whilst not involved
stored raised above ground level and protected from in restricted operations, regularly visit sites
contamination by the use of end caps or similar. unsupervised in carrying out their duties.
Although the largest diameter pipes 4 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE OF

(normally>600mm) are not routinely supplied with end PERSONNEL
caps, undertakers should take precautions to prevent
All individuals working on restricted operations and
contamination. Pipes and fittings that, on inspection,
authorised under an approved water hygiene scheme
may have become contaminated, for example having
will have received initial medical assessment.
been stored without satisfactory end cap protection,
must be cleaned and disinfected prior to deployment.
Water undertakers and contractors must have
procedures in place to ensure that personnel working
on restricted operations who develop symptoms of
certain infectious diseases report the fact to their
supervisors as well as seeking medical advice.
Personnel who have been identified as having had

illnesses such as infective jaundice, gastroenteritis,
persistent diarrhoea or prolonged unexplained fevers
should be excluded from restricted operations until
clearance has been obtained from the water undertaker.
This must be a matter of record.
Further details of Medical Screens are included in

Technical Guidance Note 1.
5 SOURCE PROTECTION 6 WATER TREATMENT
Water undertakers are required to carry out
comprehensive risk assessments of all stages of the
5.1 Surface and ground water supply of potable water from its source to the tap.
protection Drinking water safety plans should identify the degree
of treatment required along with all the hazards and
No source of raw water can be considered as free
potential hazardous events inherent in the operation of
from the risk of contamination. Water undertakers
water treatment plants and the necessary control and
should use the “Source-Pathway- Receptor” concept
monitoring measures required to eliminate or mitigate
inherent in a Drinking Water Safety Plan approach to
the risks of suchhazards.
identify, assess and where necessary, investigate
hazards to drinking water quality, beginning at a
catchment level. 6.1 Monitoring water quality
The purpose of monitoring is to confirm that the
In the context of water supply hygiene, the following treatment process as a whole continues to be capable
general principles of risk management apply: of achieving the required water quality, that the
individual treatment processes are being adequately
• Regular inspections of catchment areas are optimised and as a validation and verification of the
needed to identify potential hazards towater implemented control measures.
quality. Operatives carrying out such
inspections need to be aware of hygienic Continuous monitoring should be undertaken for key
practices when accessing restricted areas; parameters critical to the treatment process employed
and sampling should be at a sufficient frequency, and
• Water undertakers should engage with for appropriate determinands, in order to establish and
relevant stakeholders such as the local confirm the general water quality and identify
environmental regulator, landowners and significant variation (such as seasonal variation, etc.).
catchment users to understand potential Any unexplained deterioration in water quality should
impacts of any activity; be investigated and acted upon.
• Water undertakers should establish
The Regulations give statutory minimum frequencies
procedures to mitigate risks from pollution
for monitoring the quality of final treated water. Water
emergencies and the potential health risks
undertakers should consider the need for additional
that mayresult.
operational monitoring of water during its treatment, to
confirm the satisfactory operation of the treatment
processes and in distribution, to provide sufficient
5.2 Recreation and public access information regarding water quality generally and to
give early indication of any developing deterioration in
Water undertakers have a statutory duty to take the quality of supplies.
account of recreation and nature conservation in the
management of land under their control. In carrying out TGN15 provides good practice advice and guidance
this duty however, there should be due regard for the on the installation and maintenance of final water and
essential protection of water supply quality. Where service reservoir sampling taps.
there is public access, appropriate arrangements
should be made to protect water quality by controlling
the type of activities permitted and by ensuring
satisfactory disposal of wastes from any toilet facilities
provided.
Further details on Catchment Management are

included in Technical Guidance Note 7.
6.2 Disinfection Water undertakers must have appropriately
designed chemical storage facilities, and have
The Regulations (e.g. Regulation 26 of the Water clearly defined procedures in place for
Supply (Water Quality) regulations 2016 in England or procurement, delivery, receipt and use of
equivalent in devolved administrations) require all water treatment chemicals to prevent
drinking water to be disinfected effectively prior to inadvertent contamination of the water supply.
supply.
6.4 Plant maintenance
Water undertakers must have disinfection policies in
place to achieve this objective at all water treatment Hygiene should be an integral part of plant
works. Any failure of disinfection is serious and maintenance and its importance should be
represents a potential risk to public health. incorporated into maintenance contracts. Water
undertakers should ensure that process plant is
Risk assessments should inform the overall treatment maintained and inspected and chemical dosing and
process required including which disinfection monitoring equipment is serviced and calibrated at
processes are needed or may require modification to appropriate frequencies and by competent
respond to changes in raw water quality. personnel.
Plant and processes used in the treatment of water All maintenance activities that may have an adverse
should be designed and operated to prevent impact on water quality should be subject to a prior risk
undisinfected water leaving the works and entering assessment and appropriate controls identified and
the supply in the event of disinfection failure. Where implemented to minimise risk.
this is not possible appropriate and robust contingency
plans must be in place to ensure the protection of Appropriate standby plant, chemicals and fuel required
public health. for each treatment facility should be provided and
regularly assessed to determine its operability.
Further information on disinfection, and also on
preparation of chlorine solutions and disposal of Arrangements for the maintenance and inspection of
chlorinated water, is included in Technical Guidance treated water reservoirs and tanks (Section 7) should
Notes 8, 13 and 14 and also in guidance issued by equally be applied to similar facilities at water
regulators. treatment works that are used to store partially treated
water. Maintenance should include checks of barriers
6.3 Water treatment chemicals installed for the prevention of vermin access, such as
ventilator gauzes.
Chemicals used in the treatment of water must meet
the requirements of the Regulations (e.g. Regulation 31 6.5 Plant supervision and security
of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016
in England or The operation of a water treatment plant requires
experienced and well-trained staff who understand the
equivalent in devolved administrations. Products must principles and processes of water treatment. Water
be approved under the Regulations or meet the BS/EN undertakers should ensure that staff are adequately
standard classification as being suitable for use with trained and that specialist technical expertise is
potable water. available to advise and authorise alterations to
treatment.
The process for approval of new treatment chemical
products is controlled and managed by the DWI. For Visitors to water treatment works should be strictly
further guidance see Section 9. supervised and should not be given access to areas of
restricted operation.
Products and processes should be used in
accordance with manufacturers’ information and Unattended and remote water installations are vulnerable
guidance as DWI approval does not indicate to vandalism or deliberate interference. Water
effectiveness of a particular treatment other than it has undertakers should take necessary steps to prevent
no adverse health effects if used as described. unauthorised access by careful design of new facilities
and by any appropriate means of security or detection at
all sites in accordance with current water industry security
standards.
6.6 Competent operator 7.1 Measures to prevent contamination or
The operation of water treatment processes by deterioration
competent personnel is an essential element of water Tanks containing treated water for supply without
quality assurance. As a consequence of the further treatment and disinfection should be closed
competition provision in the Water Act 2003, a structures, designed, constructed, maintained and
framework for the competency standards required for operated to prevent the ingress of surface water or
‘operators’ working within water treatment works was other potential contaminants.
agreed by representatives from DWI, UK water
companies and EU Skills. The framework requires Livestock should be excluded from the roofs of
that all individual operators are assessed and receive treated water storage tanks and all reasonable
the necessary training prior to them being declared as measures should be taken to exclude other animal
competent and authorised to work. access and control vermin.
This framework (The Competent Operator Scheme”) Measures to prevent unauthorised access should be
states that training and assessment is undertaken installed according to water industry security standards
against the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and comply with the Security and Emergencies
for operating process plant. Companies may adopt in- Direction 2006 or its equivalent in Scotland and
house schemes which the Framework requires be Northern Ireland. .
mapped against the NOS. Any such in-house
schemes will require approval by EU Skills in their role Tanks and their pipework should be designed to aid
as the competency assessment body for the Water circulation of the stored water to prevent stagnation.
Industry. The design should include arrangements for the
satisfactory discharge of any occasional overflows or
7 TREATED OR PARTIALLY drainage of the stored water. Operating regimes
TREATED WATER should recognise the role of minimising the residence
RESERVOIRS AND TANKS time of stored water in preventing deterioration in
quality.
Treated water storage tanks (including break
pressure tanks, pump suction tanks and disinfection Regular external and internal inspections of the
contact tanks) can be at risk of contamination through structural condition of storage tanks should be
ingress. If contamination occurs at a treated water undertaken to identify any ingress of surface water
reservoir there may be little opportunity to rectify through joints, seals or fittings. Inspections should be
water quality before the water is supplied to carried out by competent personnel.
consumers.
Condition reports should be produced at the time of
Water undertakers should ensure that the design and inspection and recommendations to ensure integrity of
operation of treated water storage facilities minimises structure and maintain hygiene acted upon.
the risk of deterioration of water quality during its
storage. Vigilance should also be applied to any tanks The frequency of inspection (both internal and external)
containing treatment chemicals or partially treated should be determined by individual risk assessment and
water for use in water treatment processes (for be appropriate to the engineering design and condition of
example, tanks used to store water for filter the structure.
backwashing).
Following internal inspection, the service reservoir must be
cleaned and disinfected, before being returned to supply.
The adequacy of disinfection (i.e.: microbiological quality)
and the aesthetic acceptability of the water within the
cleaned structure should be demonstrated by sampling
before it is returned to service.
Further considerations are outlined in Technical Guidance

Note 9.
8 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Further considerations are outlined in Technical
Guidance Notes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14.
8.1 General principles 8.2 Out-of-service and abandoned

mains
Distribution systems should be designed and operated
to prevent the deterioration of treated water as it travels Where mains have been taken out of service for an
through the network. In particular, the number of dead- extended period of time prior to re- commissioning,
ends should be minimised, and where unavoidable, further risk assessment should be carried out to
flushing facilities should be provided. Additionally, they determine whether water quality may have
should be designed and operated to remain under significantly deteriorated. Such assessment should
positive pressure at all times. include the requirement for further disinfection,
flushing and sampling and analysis.
All materials used in the construction and
maintenance of distribution systems should be Abandoned mains and services should be
approved for use. For further guidance see Section disconnected as soon as possible from the network
9. so that no contamination or deterioration can occur.
Records should be kept to clearly identify abandoned
Water undertakers should perform appropriate mains and valves that are left in the ground.
inspection and maintenance of key distribution
infrastructure (e.g. air valves) using a risk based Further considerations are outlined in Technical
approach. Air valves should be positioned in chambers Guidance Note 5.
above the point to where surface water might rise, to
avoid the potential for contamination entering through 8.3 Contamination by backflow
the valve.
Backflow of water from customers' installations or via
All pipes and fittings for new mains should be air valves and other distribution fittings into the mains
transported and stored so as to prevent ingress or can be a source of serious contamination. Backflow
contamination. They should not be stored in direct can occur when network pressure drops or is low,
contact with the ground and open ends should be when mains are isolated for essential work, or where
capped or otherwise protected. high pressure installations in customers' premises
overcome mains pressure.
Measures should be taken to exclude ingress or
contamination during laying. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (1999) and
equivalents in Northern Ireland and Scotland make
The pipe end should be capped whenever work provision to prevent contamination due to the materials of
stops for an extended period (e.g. overnight). construction or the installation and operation of water
fittings. Advice and guidance is available from the Water
Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS). Fittings must not be
Before a new main is brought into service it should
installed in such a way that they are likely to cause
be cleaned, disinfected and where appropriate,
contamination.
pressure tested. Samples should be taken, analysed
and satisfactory results obtained in respect of
microbiological and aesthetic parameters. Water undertakers are required to enforce the
requirements of these regulations and have powers to
enter premises to inspect installations. Procedures should
Where water mains are being rehabilitated, water
be in place to maintain a programme for inspecting
undertakers should consider arrangements to provide
installations at sites deemed to be at high risk (for example
a continued supply of wholesome water through
industrial plants and farms or where a site uses a blend of
enabling works or alternative supplies (including
mains water and water taken from a private water supply).
overland mains, tankers / bowsers or bottled water)
whilst rehabilitation is carried out.
Where possible, mains should be repaired

without full depressurisation to prevent ingress.
Where depressurisation cannot be avoided,
adequate dewatering facilities should be available
on site.
8.4 Bottled Water 10 MANAGEMENT OF EVENTS
Where alternative water supplies are provided through POTENTIALLY AFFECTING
bottled water (in emergencies or associated with HUMAN HEALTH
planned interruptions) then a water undertaker must Water undertakers must have procedures in place to
be able to demonstrate that the bottled water meets identify and respond to events affecting (or that have
the relevant requirements of the Regulations. the potential to affect) drinking water quality. These
procedures should be regularly rehearsed and
Procedures must be in place to provide quality updated asnecessary.
assurance of bottled water through the whole supply
chain including storage and deployment. Water undertakers should have clear management
procedures for dealing with such events, including
Procedures for the recall of batches of bottled water appropriate reporting lines and timings of internal and
must be in place if the quality of water is known to have external notifications. As regulator for England and
deteriorated. Wales the DWI has provided guidance on the types
of event to be notified. These can be found on the
Further considerations are outlined in Technical DWI website.
Guidance Note 11.
The duty of care with respect to the protection of
9 MATERIALS IN CONTACT WITH consumers’ health is ultimately the responsibility of the
WATER water undertaker. Procedures should be in place for
warning consumers as soon as practicable in the event
Water quality problems can arise from the use of of a restriction to water use for water quality reasons.
inappropriate materials in contact with water. To
reduce this risk, materials in contact with water
Water undertakers should establish and maintain
intended for human consumption must meet the
regular contact with appropriately individuals from
requirements of the Regulations (e.g. Regulation 31 of
those organisations that have responsibility for the
the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 in
protection of human health. Any restrictions on water
England or equivalent in devolved administrations).
use that may be considered necessary should be
developed in conjunction with relevant health
Water undertakers should have policies and professionals.
procedures to assure themselves that materials
(under their control) comply with the requirements of
Following any significant event affecting drinking water
this Regulation. The process for approval of new
quality, reviews with relevant personnel and
materials and products is controlled and managed by
stakeholders (including external organisations and
the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Further advice on the
other water undertakers) should be held to identify any
selection and approval of suitable materials is
necessary changes to procedures and working
available on the DWI website.
practices to prevent a recurrence. If the circumstances
of an event dictate it, the relevant risk assessment or
procedure associated with the drinking water safety
plan should be reviewed and revised as necessary.
Further considerations are outlined in Technical

Guidance Note 10.
11 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE NOTES
Water undertakers will have developed their own procedures and practices to take into account the Principles of
Water Supply Hygiene contained within this document. However, to ensure a consistent approach across the
industry, Water UK has developed additional "Technical Guidance Notes" (TGNs) to provide further detail on a
range of operational activities that have a significant impact on water hygiene.
These TGNs are based on the experience of the many technical, engineering, operational and water quality staff,
who have been involved in their development and routine application of such procedures from all parts of the UK.
They also take account of a broad range of views from water operators to reach a consensus on what is
recognised as good practice.
They are designed to help water suppliers develop their internal procedures. They are not intended to be
prescriptive and in many cases alternative approaches to achieving the same objectives may be valid. This is for
individual undertakers to decide. It is intended that the TGNs will be regularly revised and updated in the light of
practical experience and technical and regulatory developments.
UK water suppliers have a proven tradition of providing safe and wholesome water to consumers. These
TGNs will help water suppliers to maintain and develop the UK's excellent record.
The TGNs can be found on the Water UK website. The current list of TGNs at the time of publication (2010) is:
TGN 1 Medical screening
TGN 2 Distribution system (new mains and services)
TGN 3 Distribution system (repaired mains)
TGN 4 Distribution system (renovated mains)
TGN 5 Distribution system (abandoned mains and changed status mains)
TGN 6 Temporary mains
TGN 7 Catchment protection
TGN 8 Water treatment (Disinfection)
TGN 9 Storage of treated water
TGN 10 Event and incident management
TGN 11 Storage and use of bottled water
TGN 12 Tankers, bowsers and static tanks–
TGN 13 Preparation of chlorine solutions
TGN 14 Disposal of chlorinated water
TGN 15 Installation of service reservoir sample points
TGN16 Quality assurance of on-line water quality monitoring instrumentation, used for the control
and monitoring of disinfection processes.
TGN1 - MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE OF PERSONNEL
Introduction
To maintain safe water supplies, water undertakers must continue to be vigilant and take appropriate steps to
minimise ways in which water supplies could become contaminated.
Following the outbreak of typhoid fever in Croydon in 1937, where the source of infection was identified as a
typhoid-carrying operative working in a groundwater well, it is now a requirement that all personnel who carry out
work in, on or around treated and partially treated drinking water (herein referred to as “restricted operations”) be
registered on an approved hygiene scheme and hold a valid water hygiene trainingcard.
Good Practice
1. The training and assessment process for obtaining a water hygiene card requires personnel to
declare whether they have ever suffered from any infection that may pose a risk to human health
and that may be transmitted through water supplies. These infections include (but are not limited
to) the enteric fevers typhoid and paratyphoid, hepatitis A and E, dysentery and verocytotoxin
producing E. coli (VTEC). The assessment also requires personnel to declare whether they have
a history of enteric fever, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice or prolonged, unexplained fever.
2. Any personnel who declare such illness or history of illness should be referred for further
specialised medical advice.
3. Known carriers of waterborne diseases must not be allowed to work on restricted operations.
4. It is the card holder’s responsibility to report any vomiting, diarrhoea or fever (greater than 72
hours), jaundice or any other illness that may have a bearing on their suitability to work on restricted
operations to their line manager immediately. All such personnel should be suspended from
carrying out work on restricted operations until cleared to do so.
5. Personnel who have been off sick should be assessed to verify that they are fit to continue their
restricted operations duties.
6. Line managers who receive any such reports should seek advice from their company medical
advisor.
7. Clearance to return to work on restricted operations should depend on the approval of the medical
advisor. All such actions should be appropriately documented.
8. Water undertakers should have procedures in place to ensure that all personnel carrying out
restricted operations (including their contractors) comply with the requirements of the approved
hygiene scheme.
TGN2 - DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (NEW MAINS AND SERVICES)
Introduction
Designers, constructors, and operators of water networks should be alert to all the possible opportunities for
contamination to enter supplies, and take all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk. They should equally
avoid circumstances where water in the mains can deteriorate through stagnation or long contact with particular
materials e.g. cement mortar pipe lining. The design and specification of the network can itself significantly
reduce most of these risks.
Where distribution networks are designed and installed by self-lay organisations (SLO) water undertakers should
ensure that these activities are carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice for the self-laying of water
mains and services and relevant British Standards. SLOs should be members of the Water Industry Registration
Scheme operated by Lloys on behalf of Water UK and the Water Industry.
Good Practice
In developing their own policies or operating procedures, companies and SLOs should consider the following
points:
1. As far as practicable, new mains should be designed to ensure adequate turnover. In particular,
crossovers, “push-pull” mains or other intermittently used pipes should be avoided where possible,
or at least be provided with appropriate washout facilities.
2. Networks should be designed to include all the features required for their subsequent
commissioning (including sampling).
3. An assessment of the ground conditions in which the new main is to be laid should be carried out
in order to identify any risks to water quality either during the laying or from permeation through
the main following commissioning. For example, use of metal or barrier pipes should be used in
brown-field sites where there is a risk of hydrocarbon contamination.
4. Chambers for hydrants and air valves should be sited in readily accessible locations, away from
risk of spillage or surface water, and constructed as self-draining.
5. Laying new mains and services requires personnel to hold registration under an approved hygiene
scheme and carry a valid water hygiene training card. Ideally, relevant personnel should have
current certification to at least NVQ level 2 in Network Construction Operations.
6. Pipes and fittings should be transported and carefully stored on site, off the ground, to avoid entry
of dirt or vermin. All pipes should be supplied with close-fitting end caps where feasible and these
should remain in place until the pipe is laid. All pipes and fittings (and in particular plastic types)
should be kept clear of fuel oils, and any materials so contaminated should be discarded.
7. All fittings and pipe ends should be free of any visible contamination and sprayed with a solution
of 1000mg/l free available chlorine as they are laid.
8. Care should be taken to prevent water, subsoil or other material entering a pipeline
underconstruction. It should not be assumed that such material will be flushed out on
commissioning. Additional cleaning measures (e.g.: swabbing) and inspection techniques (e.g.:
CCTV) should be considered prior to commissioning on larger diameter mains.
9. Swabs may be useful for clearing a new main of any dirt or debris that has entered and the use of
a chlorinated swab may be appropriate if any form of contamination is suspected. However, a
chlorinated swab is only an intermediate measure and is not a substitute for disinfection.
10. After installation and before use, water mains should be flushed until visibly clear. They should be
disinfected by charging with water containing sufficient free chlorine to ensure that a concentration
of at least 20mg/L has been maintained throughout the entire pipe length over a period of standing
for at least 16 hours. The time is important to ensure adequate dispersion and contact of the
chlorine with the water and the entire internal surface of the main and fittings. The main should
then be flushed and left charged for a minimum of 16 hours, and sampled at appropriate points,
including the downstream end. The number and location of samples required should be sufficient
to ensure the suitability for supply of the entire length of main.
11. Alternative disinfection methods can be considered that are equivalent to 20mg/L for 16 hours (for
example, spraying the full internal length with a solution containing 1000 mg/L chlorine).
12. Chlorinated water should be discharged appropriately, including dechlorination where necessary
(for example when discharging to surface water). Ref: TGN 14.
13. Samples from new mains should, as a minimum be checked for residual chlorine, taste & odour,
coliform bacteria, E. Coli, and appearance / turbidity. Consideration should be given to including
other parameters as appropriate.
14. Documentary evidence should be provided of satisfactory water quality results before the main is
connected (by the water undertaker or its service partners) to the live network.
15. If the main is not brought into service within 14 days of a satisfactory sample having been taken,
the main should be flushed with mains water and re-sampled. If contamination is suspected, the
main should be re-chlorinated and sampling carried out as in 10 & 12 above.
16. All new service connections should be pressure tested and flushed with mains water before use.
Service pipes above 50mm diameter require disinfection, although water quality samples will not
normally be required. If the disinfected service pipe is not commissioned and brought into supply
within 30 days of completing disinfection, the disinfection process should be repeated prior to
commissioning if it is considered that deterioration of water quality may have occurred within this
period.
TGN3 - DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (REPAIRING MAINS)
Introduction
A burst or damaged main and the process of its repair are potential opportunities for contamination to enter the
distribution system. A risk assessment should be carried out immediately prior to all repair activity; this should
be dynamic and respond to any new developments during the repair process.
Precautions are necessary to prevent contamination and minimise the risk to public health when
responding to these circumstances and during subsequent repair work.
Good Practice
1. Repair activities on all water mains are restricted operations. All personnel undertaking repairs
must be registered under an approved hygiene scheme and carry a valid water hygiene training
card.
2. The risk of contamination is greatest when the main is depressurised, whether from the burst or
damage itself, or during subsequent isolation for repair when contaminated water or other material
can enter the main directly or from backflow through service pipe connections.
3. An on-site assessment should be performed in each case to establish whether there is a risk of
contamination and if so its nature and severity. The risk assessment should take account of the
possibility that the surrounding soil may be contaminated with chemical or biological materials (for
example, petrol or sewage).
4. Where the main is leaking, but still under pressure, for example from a crack around the
circumference of the main, a simple repair can be effected with a collar. The excavation should be
drained below pipe level (at least 150mm below the invert of the pipe), and the water should remain
under a positive, but if necessary reduced, pressure while the repair is made.
5. Where possible, the excavation should be made and pumped so that the water is below pipe level
prior to the main being depressurised. For more serious bursts (where there is risk of flooding to
properties, danger to the public or significant loss of downstream pressure) the main should be
isolated as soon as possible at the nearest downstream valve first. Under these circumstances it
is likely that a cut-out repair or pipe length replacement will be necessary.
6. Where the main has to be replaced or cut out for repair, the excavation should extend to a sump
well to at least 150mm below the invert of the pipe. The water level should be kept below the bottom
of the pipe throughout the repair process, when necessary by suitable pumping.
7. Fittings and pipes should be inspected prior to installation to ensure they are clean and free of
defect. Replacement pipes and pieces of pipes together with all fittings and cut ends should be
spray disinfected with a fresh solution of 1000mg/L of free available chlorine ensuring that all
surfaces are covered.
8. After completing any repair on a depressurised main, including installations of new sections or
components, the main should be flushed at the nearest downstream hydrant to remove any
debris and excess chlorine. Where practicable, flushing should ideallyachieve three volume
changes. Due consideration must be given to the potential for contamination of watercourses.
Sufficient neutralising agent (e.g.: sodium thiosulphate) should be added to de-chlorinate the
water where this is necessary.
9. Measurement of the downstream chlorine residual should be carried out in order to determine
whether sufficient flushing of the repaired section has been completed and the residual has
returned to background concentration.
10. Where depressurisation occurs during the repair, the precautions necessary prior to return- to-
service should be documented. Where the repair requires a cut-out, but the risk assessment
indicates no reason to suspect contamination and the appearance and smell of the water is
satisfactory, a sample should be taken for chlorine residual, taste and odour properties,
physicochemical and bacteriological analysis from the nearest available downstream hydrant or
property. The main may be returned to service pending the results. In the event of a failing
sample, the main should be re-sampled and additional samples taken in the adjacent distribution
system. Further actions proportionate to the circumstances should be considered to protect
public health including disinfection or the issuing of protective advice as necessary.
11. If it is known or suspected that groundwater or other material has entered the pipe, on completion
of the repair the main should be flushed (and where necessary swabbed), disinfected and
sampled. Dependant on the nature and extent of the contamination, the main may be returned
to service prior to receipt of analytical results. Where the risk assessment suggests significant
contamination may have occurred (e.g.: from sewerage) the main should remain out of service
until results are known, or if it is critical to restore the supply immediately after repair
precautionary advice (such as Boil Water Advice or Do Not Drink Advice) should be issued.
12. Where the on-site risk assessment has determined the necessity for disinfection of the isolated
section of main this should be carried out with a minimum of 50mg/L of free available chlorine for
30 minutes (or equivalent method). Levels should be checked during this period to ensure that
the concentration of chlorine is maintained throughout the process.
13. During this time all service connections should be closed. If this is not possible, steps should be
taken to protect any customers who may be affected. After disinfection the main should be
flushed as in 8 above.
14. Where “Thermopipe” is used as a repair material it should be treated as an epoxy or polyurethane
spray lining. Disinfection by steam is not acceptable. For further information refer to the codes of
practice for In-situ Lining of Water Mains.
15. Repairs requiring more than 3 pipe lengths or more than approximately 20 metres long should
be disinfected as new mains.
16. The table below is designed to provide a summary of the operational requirements for various
types of mains repair and circumstances.
Job Risk Hand Flush Charge & Sample Water Quality
Assess Spray Disinfect clearance
Disinfect required
Repair on √ √
pressurised main
Repair on √ √ √ √
depressurised main
(e.g.: cut-out repair
or piece-up).
Repair on √ √ √ √ √ √
depressurised main
- risk of
contamination*
*Note: This includes possible foul contamination for example due to the proximity of a damaged sewer.
TGN4 - DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (RENOVATED MAINS)
Introduction
Due its intrusive nature, the process of mains renovation represents a potential opportunity for contamination to
enter the system and therefore specific precautions are needed during such work to minimise these risks.
However, this planned activity also usually requires the disruption of supplies to consumers, which in itself has
potential public health implications. This work should therefore be carried out in such a manner as to minimise
the period during which consumers are without water, whilst at the same time minimising risk to water quality
during the process. Water undertakers should therefore continue to be vigilant and recognise all possible ways
in which contamination could enter water supplies.
The spray lining of pipes with an approved polymer is a frequently used method for renovating pipes. Compliance
with Information and Guidance Note (IGN 4-02-02): Code of practice for the in-situ resin lining of water mains and
the associated Water Industry Standard (WIS 4-02-01): Operational Requirements: In-situ resin lining of water
mains is a mandatory requirement for in situ lining. These documents are controlled and administered on behalf
of the water industry by Water UK. This TGN also provides guidance on the hygienic use of coiled polyethylene
pipes and liners.
Good Practice
In developing their own policies or operating procedures, companies and contractors should consider the
following points:
General
1. Mains renovation is a restricted operation and as such all personnel involved should be medically
assessed and be must be registered under an approved hygiene scheme and carry a valid water
hygiene training card.
2. All fittings and pipe cut ends should be spray disinfected with a solution containing at least
1000mg/L of free available chlorine ensuring that all surfaces are coated. The pipe should be
capped until connected.
3. Where pipes are being installed using a heat reversion process the heat generated can be
considered to bring about in situ disinfection. However, all fittings and pipe cut ends should be
spray disinfected with a solution containing at least 1000mg/L of free available chlorine.
4. All pipes and fittings should be stored, transported, installed and connected in ways which
minimise the risk of contamination (e.g.: from groundwater or other materials) from entering them.
5. In cases where the newly installed or lined pipe may have become contaminated, the need for
further disinfection and/or precautionary boil advice notices should be assessed in accordance
with company practice. An individual risk assessment should be carried out on each such
occasion to determine whether measures are required to protect public health and what these
should be. Companies should have appropriate procedures to deal with instances of
contamination when they occur to ensure that at no time are customers’ water supplies at risk.
Typically, these procedures should include isolation of properties from the contamination,
communication with customers, communication with the appropriate regulatory bodies, methods
of removing the contamination, methods for the disinfection of all apparatus and an appropriate
sampling regime.
6. Companies and their contractors should have appropriate procedures and method statements
for the specific rehabilitation technique employed.
Spray Lining
7. Lining of mains with polyurethane (PU) should be carried out in accordance with the
aforementioned WIS and IGN.
8. Lining work should be carried out with approved materials which should be applied in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions for use. It should only be applied by accredited contractors
in accordance with specified conditions of approval.
9. Spray lined mains should be disinfected by either one of the following methods:
a) disinfection by “fill and stand” – a free chlorine concentration of 50mg/L for a minimum of
30 minutes should be used. A significant reduction in chlorine concentration using this
method over the contact period may indicate a dirty or otherwise contaminated pipe: or
b) spray disinfection – a specially designed chlorine spray-lining unit designed to completely
wet the entire internal surface of a relined main with 1000 mg/l should be used. The main
should be left for a minimum of one hour before flushing.
10. The main may be returned to service following recharging and checks on residual chlorine
concentration.
11. A sample should be taken following the return to service of each renovated section of main.
Coiled Polyethylene Pipes or Liners
12. Where coiled polyethylene pipes or liners are to be installed within an existing main, either close
or loose fitting within the existing pipe or by insertion through pipe-bursting or created by
directional drilling, one of the following disinfection procedures should be followed:
a) pre-disinfected with free chlorine levels of 20mg/L for 16 hours (or equivalent), flushed and
then recharged with mains water for a further 16 hours before sampling at appropriate
points and written approval obtained before being brought into service. A significant
reduction in chlorine concentration using this method over the contact period may indicate
a dirty or otherwise contaminated pipe; or
b) disinfection for a minimum of 50mg/L of free available chlorine for 30 minutes followed by
flushing and sampling prior to being returned to service. A significant reduction in chlorine
concentration using this method over the contact period may indicate a dirty or otherwise
contaminated pipe; or
c) use of factory sealed and pre-disinfected pipes (supplied with a manufacturers expiry date)
with the seal remaining intact until the pipe is ready to be installed; or
d) treated as a new main installation and disinfected accordingly (see Technical Guidance
Note 2)
13. The risk of contamination during the installation of pre-disinfected coiled pipe (e.g.: loss of
sealed cap through “pulling” main) should be assessed. Where the pipe is suspected to have
become contaminated during installation, further cleaning and disinfection methods should
be considered.
14. Factory-sealed coiled pipe should be installed within 6 months of the disinfection/sterilisation
date. Where the 6 month period has been exceeded, the pipe should be re-chlorinated.
15. Where a pre-chlorinated coiled pipe has been cut or there is any doubt about the disinfection
status of the pipe, or it is suspected that contamination has occurred, then the coil should be
re-chlorinated.
TGN5 - DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (ABANDONED MAINS AND CHANGED FUNCTION
MAINS)
Introduction
Mains and connections which are no longer in service represent a significant risk to water quality if they are not
fully decommissioned. Mains whose function is changed from carrying potable water to partially-treated or raw
water also represent a potential risk to water quality if procedures for their correct identification and labelling on
company GIS records are not accurately and promptly updated.
An abandoned main is a main that has been permanently decommissioned and is not required for further use.
A decommissioned main is a main that has been taken out of service either on a temporary but prolonged basis
orpending abandonment.
Good Practice Abandoned Mains

1. As soon as practicable after a main has been taken out of service for abandonment, all live
connections should be physically separated from any abandoned pipework remaining in situ.
A closed valve is not sufficient. Valves between live and abandoned mains should be removed
where possible, but as a minimum they should be fitted with a blanking plate (and thrust block
where necessary), buried in the closed position and the surface box removed.
2. Where abandonment of mains creates a potential for poor turnover the need for a washout
facility should be considered at the end of the live main.
3. Valves and hydrants on abandoned mains should be buried and the surface box removed.
4. Abandoned or decommissioned fire-hydrants should have their marker plate removed and
the Fire and Rescue Service notified.
5. Where a main is in service but a hydrant is no longer required, the hydrant (and any branch
pipe) should be removed as close to the main as practicable or alternatively converted to a
washout.
6. Abandoned service pipes have the potential to introduce contamination into live water mains
due to backflow. They should be isolated by closing or removing the ferrule. A closed stop-
tap is not a satisfactory long-term solution.
7. The details of all abandoned assets should be recorded promptly in company records and/or
GIS.
8. Decommissioned mains should be clearly identified in company records and/or GIS.
Procedures for their effective re-commissioning should be in place to prevent the inadvertent
introduction of a decommissioned main without an appropriate risk assessment.
9. The abandonment of asbestos cement pipes requires additional consideration and should
follow the Environment Agency protocol developed by the water industry with Defra and the
Scottish Government. Records of the condition should be made available to anyone
proposing to work on the pipe and the disposal of any pipe must be treated as “hazardous
Waste”.
Changed function mains
10. Mains whose function is changed from carrying potable water to non-potable water (i.e.:
partially-treated, blended or raw water mains) should be clearly identified on company records
and/or GIS.
11. Any services connected to such mains should be identified and transferred to a potable main
prior to such change in function.
TGN6 - TEMPORARY (OVERLAND) MAINS AND SERVICES
Introduction
As part of a planned work activity, for example where water mains are being renovated or in an emergency
situation, there may be a need to install a temporary overland supply. The use of temporary mains presents
additional risks to the integrity of the water supply. Therefore, generally, the use of temporary mains should be
only for short periods and where there is no other satisfactory means of supply. Water undertakers should have
safeguards in place to satisfy themselves that risks from the use of temporary mains are adequately controlled.
Good practice
1. The installation, testing and connection of a temporary main is considered a restricted
operation. All staff carrying out such work should be registered under the National Water
Hygiene Scheme administered by Energy and Utility Skills and carry the card that provides
evidence of registration and should be suitably trained to participate in that activity.
2. The size of the overland supply pipe should be appropriate for the number of customers to be
supplied and modelling techniques may be used for this purpose.
3. If the temporary main is laid as part of a pre-planned activity, it should be disinfected, sampled
and satisfactory results obtained before being commissioned.
4. Alternatively, prechlorinated lengths of polyethylene pipe may be used to maintain supplies
providing they have been sampled and approved for use.
5. If electrofusion joints are used then the main should be treated as if the coil has not been
disinfected and further disinfection carried out and samples taken to demonstrate it is suitable
to put into use.
6. Temporary service connections (<50mm) do not normally require sampling provided
appropriate flushing and/or disinfection has been carried out.
7. All joints and fittings should be disinfected with a fresh solution of 1000mg/L of free available
chlorine.
8. Consideration should be given to ensuring that the main and services are suitably protected
from physical damage. For example where crossing driveways, footpaths and roads,
appropriate measures may include the use of sandbags, ramps and shallow buried sections.
9. The potential for contamination by oil, petrol or solvents should be assessed as these may
quickly penetrate plastic pipes. If crossing contaminated land then suitably protected/barrier
pipe should be used.
10. Suitable points should be installed to enable the temporary main(s) to be flushed (and if
necessary sampled) prior to use.
11. Where temporary mains are required to be used for extended periods, regular checks should
be carried out to confirm the integrity of the arrangements.
12. The main should then be connected, flushed and chlorine residuals checked to match normal
distribution levels. Further clarity, taste and odour checks should be carried out at the
downstream flushing point.
13. After connection, samples should be taken from downstream points for bacteriological
indicator parameters. Scientific staff should risk assess an appropriate sampling regime
required for the particular installation.
14. Chlorinated water should be discharged appropriately, including dechlorination where
necessary (for example when discharging to surface water). Ref: TGN 14.
15. When in use the overland main should be regularly inspected to confirm its integrity and
samples should be taken at a frequency determined by risk assessment.
16. In warm weather, consideration should be given to regular flushing to minimise the effects of
rises in water temperature.
17. For certain operations, such as mains relining or online replacement, it may be necessary to
redeploy bypass mains as the work proceeds. Should this be the case, pipe lengths should
be securely capped on disassembly and fittings cleaned. Upon reassembly, and providing
that a period of no more than 14 days has elapsed between the two operations, an
assessment of the cleanliness of the pipes should be carried out and recorded. Bypass mains
assessed as uncontaminated by the move should be disinfected with a 50 mg/l chlorine
solution for a period of 30 minutes, flushed and sampled prior to being put into service. Bypass
mains that have been out of service for longer than 14 days or where contamination may have
occurred should be disinfected in accordance with a company’s new mains procedure. In use
monitoring procedure should be as detailed above
TGN7 - CATCHMENT PROTECTION
Introduction
Application of a multiple-barrier approach to water treatment recognises that the failure of one barrier might be
compensated by the effective operation of the remaining barriers. This approach reduces the likelihood of
contaminants passing through the entire treatment system and/or being present in sufficient concentrations to
pose a potential risk to the health of consumers.
By minimising contamination of the source water through application of effective and appropriate catchment
management measures, the challenge to treatment processes, and degree of treatment required can be
reduced with a beneficial effect on water quality risk and operational costs. This follows the principle of
“prevention is better than cure”.
The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (WFD) came in to force in 2003. The primary objectives
of the WFD directly concerned with catchment management are:
• reduce pollution of water, especially by ‘priority’ and ‘priority hazardous’ substances and;
• ensure progressive reduction of groundwater pollution
Further, the introduction of the WFD brought about the need for increased analytical monitoring and a requirement
to report raw water data to the DWI. This is enshrined in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and
their equivalents in the devolved administrations. These Regulations require water undertakers to carry out
“source to tap” risk assessments of all the hazards in the catchment and where necessary to implement a
sampling regime to monitor their potential impact on water supplies.
This TGN presents examples of potential hazards in the catchment and suggests strategies to help reduce or
mitigate these. It does not provide comprehensive guidance on risk assessment methodology, nor does it identify
all potential risks to surface and ground waters.
The following Good Practice guidance is provided:
Good Practice
In developing their own policies, codes of practice and operating procedures for the management of
catchments, companies should consider the following points:-
1. It is important to understand the influence of the characteristics of a catchment on water quality

and how this may vary temporally and spatially. Such changes may influence the requirements for
treatment, its efficiency, efficacy and ultimately the potential of the final treated water to pose a
potential risk to human health.
2. Where a number of water sources are available, there may be flexibility in the selection of water for
treatment and supply. For example, it may be possible to avoid taking water from rivers and streams
when water quality is poor (e.g., following heavy rainfall or a known contamination event) in order
to reduce risk and prevent potential problems in subsequent treatment processes.
3. In addition to maintaining continuous availability of water for treatment, retention in raw water
reservoirs can reduce the number of faecal microorganisms through settling and die-off either by
senescence or predation and solar inactivation. If well designed, such
structures will also “peak lop” or buffer any fluctuations in raw water quality providing more
consistent water for treatment.
4. Raw water quality may be influenced by both natural and human factors. Important natural
factors include wildlife, climate, topography, geology and vegetation. Human factors include
accidental or deliberate point source pollution, diffuse source pollution and the influence of
animal husbandry practices. These factors can present significant microbiological and chemical
hazards continuously or during a pollution event. Examples of risks and control measures are
provided below (11-13).
5. It is recognised that not all catchments (in part or entirety) are owned by the water undertaker.
Whilst catchment ownership clearly allows for more direct management of any potential hazards,
third party ownership should not impede a responsible and prudent approach to catchment risk
management.
6. Scenarios that could lead to water pollution should be identified and managed (either directly
or via stakeholder management). Despite economic drivers and the need for increased
development in catchments, introducing good practice in containment of hazards is often
possible without substantially restricting activities or increasing cost.
7. Collaboration between stakeholders is a powerful tool to reduce pollution without reducing
beneficial development. Where catchment management is beyond the direct control of the water
undertaker, the planning and implementation of mitigation measures will require coordination with
other agencies. These may include:
• Land owners and their agents,
• Local planning authorities,
• The Environment Agency (and equivalents in Scotland and Northern Ireland),
• Natural England (and equivalent in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland),
• Highway authorities,
• Agricultural umbrella organisations (e.g.: NFU)
• Industrial and trade organisations
8. The multi-agency approach to the management of certain pesticides (e.g.: metaldehyde) is a good
example of indirect catchment management.
9. Groundwater from deep and confined aquifers is usually of good microbiological quality, chemically
stable and less easily influenced by direct contamination. However, shallow or unconfined aquifers
can be subject to the same contamination risks as surface water as well as by gradual permeation
of pollutants. The contamination of groundwater is at its greatest where the hazard occurs close to
or within Source Protection Zone 1 as defined by the Environment Agency (a theoretical boundary
where the transmission from surface to aquifer may be less than 50 days).
10. The disposal of all wastes produced on groundwater sites (e.g.: sewage) should be
managed to prevent pollution of the source.
11. Specific control measures for the protection of the well / borehole head from contamination (e.g.:
from local flooding) should be in place. Assessment of the physical integrity of the borehole
casing and headworks structures should be carried out periodically.
12. Hazards and hazardous events that may have a deleterious impact on catchments,
abstraction systems and raw water storage reservoirs include:
• Municipal and industrial wastewater discharges;
• Septic tanks and cess pits;
• Chemical use in catchment areas (e.g., use of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides);
• Major chemical spills (including relationship to public roads and transport routes), both
accidental and deliberate;
• Land use (e.g., agriculture, forestry, mining, waste disposal, industrial area) and
changes thereof;
• Active or closed mining or waste disposal sites / contaminated sites / hazardous wastes;
• Human access (e.g., recreational activity);
• Number, type and concentration of wildlife and livestock;
• Inadequate buffer zones and vegetation, soil erosion and failure of sediment traps;
• Storm water flows and discharges;

• Geology (naturally occurring chemicals);
• Unconfined and shallow aquifer (including groundwater under direct influence of surface
water) especially those within a flood plain
• Proliferation of algal and cyanobacterial blooms within, or stratification of, the raw water
storage
13. Effective resource and source protection management measures may include the development
and implementation of a catchment management plan. This is a useful method of identifying and
recording control measures to protect raw water sources. This should consider:
• The impact of climatic and seasonal variations (e.g.: heavy rainfall events, droughts,
flooding).
• Procedures to identify planning applications that may pose risks to source water quality.
• Promotion and awareness in the community of the impact of human activity on water quality.
14. Control measures for effective protection of source water, catchments, raw water storage and
abstractions systems include:
• Implementation of a catchment management plan;
• Control of wastewater effluents;
• Regular inspections of catchments;
• Appropriate location, security measures, and protection of intake;

• Designated and restricted access to catchments, or areas of a catchment and where
appropriate prevention of unauthorized access;
• Management of human activities (including commercial and domestic developments) within
catchment boundaries;
• Management of animal husbandry practices and livestock populations within
catchments and, where appropriate restricted access by animals;
• Registration of chemicals used in catchments and, specific protective requirements (e.g.:
containment) for chemical industry or fuel storage;
• Control of storm water flows and where appropriate runoff interception;
• Use of available water storage during and after periods of heavy rainfall;
• Appropriate choice of off-take depth from reservoirs;
• Proper well construction, including casing, sealing and wellhead security.
TGN8 - WATER TREATMENT - DISINFECTION
Introduction
All drinking water must be disinfected prior to supply. ‘Disinfection’ is defined under the Water Supply (Water
Quality) Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved administrations as “a process of water treatment
to remove, or render harmless to human health every pathogenic micro- organism and pathogenic parasite that
would otherwise be present in the water; and ‘disinfected’ shall be construed accordingly”.
This definition makes it clear that all microbiological hazards that may be present in the catchment (either
intermittently or continuously) should be understood, taking into account their likely impact on the source water
and variations brought about by environmental conditions. The treatment process(es) should be designed and
operated to ensure the effective removal or inactivation of these organisms.
Further, disinfection should be seen (where necessary) as a series of treatment processes whose cumulative
effect results in a final water that is safe and pathogen free. It is important to recognise therefore, that the
disinfection of many source waters does not merely refer to chlorination.
Water treatment processes should be matched and optimised to the quality characteristics of the water source(s) and
they should be capable of producing adequately disinfected water for all the expected variations of raw water quality.
The Regulations do not specify the type of treatment process(es) required to achieve safe drinking water however,
they do require water to have been pre-treated (where necessary) to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the
final stage of disinfection (e.g.: chlorination or ultraviolet irradiation). Further, they specifically require that any of its
properties (e.g.: pH) or substances (e.g.: ammonia) that are known to adversely affect disinfection have been
modified accordingly and that water entering the final stage of disinfection has a turbidity of less than 1
Nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU).
The Regulations also require water undertakers and combined licensees to ‘verify the effectiveness of
disinfection’. Companies must be able to demonstrate how the disinfection process is designed for the
microbiological challenges in the raw water and that the process(es) are operating within the design criteria. On
its own, the absence of ‘indicator bacteria’ is insufficient evidence to show that water has been disinfected.
Finally, the Regulations require Companies to keep disinfection by-products “as low as possible” without
compromising the effectiveness of disinfection.
Companies should have a written Disinfection Policy (supported by appropriate peer-reviewed scientific literature)
to demonstrate that their disinfection processes (both removal and/or inactivation) are appropriately designed and
operated to meet the microbiological and quality challenges present in the source water. The Drinking Water
Inspectorate expects that such Disinfection Policies are approved by an appropriate Director of the company.
In addition to a company’s Disinfection Policy, each water treatment works should have specific procedures that
document how disinfection is achieved and ensure that the policy is effectively implemented. Such procedures
should identify and document the critical control points for disinfection at each site.
Water treatment requires expert supervision and well-trained staff to ensure public health is not put at risk and
that water quality standards are maintained. Operatives should have attained qualifications in water treatment in
accordance with the national Competent Operator Scheme (administered by EU Skills Ltd).
This TGN describes a range of good practice for ensuring water is adequately disinfected.
Good Practice
Physical Removal Processes
1. A risk assessment of the microbiological hazards likely to be present within the raw water should
be carried out for each WTW.
2. Raw water monitoring for microbiological parameters should be carried out to assist the
verification of the capability of the disinfection process. Processes should be in place to ensure
that any significant changes in microbiological quality detected by such monitoring are acted
upon.
3. Effectively managed solid/liquid separation processes may be necessary to remove
pathogens which are resistant to chemical inactivation or ultraviolet irradiation.
4. Treatment processes should be operated within their process design criteria to achieve optimum
performance. Specific and documented risk assessments should be carried out where processes
are required to be operated outside of their ‘design envelope’.
5. Many of the recommendations from the three expert group reports1 on Cryptosporidium are still
valid and Companies should satisfy themselves that their disinfection processes remain
consistent with this guidance.
6. Coagulation, flocculation and clarification processes should be optimised with respect to turbidity
and/or organic carbon removal and residual coagulant concentration. Coagulants, and where
required, coagulant and/or flocculant aids should be used that are appropriate for the raw water
quality and treatment process. Regular checks should be carried out to confirm process
performance and optimisation.
7. Sand filters should be optimised in respect of turbidity removal. Filtration rates should be kept
constant as far as practicable and maximum filtration rates, maximum filter flows and maximum
rates of change should be determined. Backwashing should be optimised to prevent particle
breakthrough.
8. Routine media depth checks should be made and recorded and be supported by
procedures for media replacement and top-up.
9. Slow sand filters should have an appropriate cleaning regime, and should not be brought back
into service without an adequate ripening period.
10. Turbidity should be monitored on-line at the critical stages in the water treatment process with
appropriate alarms and shutdown systems as necessary.
11. The requirement for monitoring for Cryptosporidium should be determined by risk
assessment.
12. Where granular activated carbon (GAC) is used, appropriate consideration should be
given to
• how the growth, accumulation and subsequent release of micro-organisms (and

animalcules) from the media into the water stream may impact disinfection and
• the potential impact of returning adsorbers to service that may have become anoxic (and
hence contain reducing compounds) during their outage.
13. Where membrane filtration processes are used as a primary disinfection barrier, appropriate
monitoring of the integrity of the membranes should be in place. The performance
characteristics of such membranes for removing organisms of a particular size should be
documented and verifiable.
14. General water hygiene practices should be in place to prevent inadvertent contamination.
Restricted operations areas should be identified and appropriate methods to prevent vermin
access to such partially and fully treated water should be in place.
Chlorination Processes
1. Raw and partially treated water monitoring should be used to establish the likely
microbiological challenge from those organisms intended to be inactivated by
chlorination or UV) processes.
2. Where chlorination is used, the Ct required should achieve the required degree of
inactivation under all operating ranges and conditions.
3. The hydraulic performance of tanks used for chlorination should be determined (for example
by the use of tracer tests). Such tanks should preferably be designed and operated to
achieve optimum “plug flow” conditions.
4. On-line chlorine residual monitoring (for free and/or total chlorine) should be carried out at critical
control points to provide an on-going verification that Ct targets are being achieved. The
requirement for multiple instrument monitoring (i.e.: dual or triple validation) should be assessed.
5. Alarms should be set to minimise the risk of inadequately disinfected water being supplied.
Process loop times (i.e.: “dead-bands”) should be minimised.
6. Where practicable, automatic shut-down mechanisms should be installed to prevent inadequately
disinfected water being supplied. Where such “failsafe” mechanisms are not practicable,
companies should satisfy themselves that operator response times provide a sufficient margin of
safety.
7. Consideration should be given to the need for on-line monitoring of pH, especially where this is
liable to fluctuate sufficiently to affect the chlorination process.
8. Final water chlorine residuals should be set to balance the need to maintain a residual
disinfectant concentration within the supply network with the potential for customer complaints
and disinfection by-product formation.
9. Disinfection by-product control – reference should be made to the associated guidance
document for the aforementioned Regulations e.g. “Guidance on implementing the Water
Supply (Water Quality) Regulations in England and Wales ”.
Other Chemical Inactivation Processes
1. Ozone is not often used in the United Kingdom as a primary disinfectant due to a variety of factors
including, control and monitoring issues, cost, health and safety and lack of a stable and persistent
residual in treated water.
2. Despite these factors, numerous recent scientific studies on the efficacy of ozone as a disinfectant
have shown it to be a powerful oxidant and effective against a wide-range of micro-organisms.
Note, that for many organisms, these doses are higher than those required for pesticide removal.
3. Therefore, where ozone is used as a primary disinfectant (or is relied upon as part of the overall
disinfection process), companies should have in place process validation, verification and control
strategies similar to those applied for chlorination.
4. This approach should be used for any other disinfectant process deployed (e.g.: chlorine dioxide,
chloramination, peroxide)
Ultraviolet (UV) Irradiation

1. In 2010, the Drinking Water Inspectorate issued ‘Guidance on the use of Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation
for the sdisinfection of public water supplies’. This document was reviewed and reissued in 2016.
Companies who use, or wish to use, UV for this purpose should consult this detailed document.
TGN9 - TREATED WATER STORAGE
Introduction
Distribution systems often include treated water storage structures in the form of Service Reservoirs (SR) and
Water Towers (WT) to balance variation in demand and provide storage. These strategic points in the network
are often appropriate locations for the provision of secondary chlorination, or other chemical adjustment to the
water.
Weekly monitoring of SRs and WTs, when in supply, for bacteriological indicators and chlorine residual is a
requirement of Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved
administrations, hereinafter “the Regulations”.
These structures are usually the last storage unit for potable water before it is distributed to consumers and are at
additional risk as they are not pressurised and are a potential point for water quality deterioration, e.g. ingress,
water age, malicious damage.
Appropriate design and operation of such structures are important factors for ensuring water quality is maintained.
Routine inspection and maintenance strategies are required to identify risks and necessary control measures to
ensure that water quality does not deteriorate as it passes through these assets.
Contact tanks, clear water tanks, pump suction tanks and break pressure tanks are not classed as “service
reservoirs” under the Regulations, however many of the following principles of Good Practice apply to all such
treated water retaining structures and companies should ensure that appropriate operation and maintenance
practices are applied.
Treated water storage tanks should be classified as restricted areas and all personnel involved in their inspection,
cleaning and maintenance must hold valid a National Water Hygiene card (see Principles of Water Supply Hygiene
Technical Guidance Note 1).
Good Practice
In developing their own policies, codes of practice or operating procedures for the management of treated
water storage structures, companies should consider the following points:-
Security and Structural Integrity Issues

1. Structures should be designed:
i. to prevent contamination through external ingress,
ii. and managed to ensure that there is adequate turnover,
iii. to allow access for cleaning,
iv. to achieve a balance of hydraulic flow between compartments
v. Structures must be designed, operated and maintained in accordance with the
Reservoir Act 1975 and the Security and Emergency Measures (Water and
Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1998.
2. Facilities should be available to isolate the structure from service to allow continuation of supply
e.g. bypass facilities, multiple compartments.
3. Overflow arrangements should be secured, designed and maintained to prevent
introduction of contaminants and vermin (e.g. flap valves need to be maintained to prevent
sticking in the open position).
4. All materials used for construction, maintenance and repair (including membranes, sealants
and associated apparatus which are likely to come into contact with treated potable water)
must be approved under Regulation 31 of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations
2016.
5. Access hatches should comply with the Water UK security specifications and be:
i. kept to a minimum,
ii. designed with concealedhinges,
iii. designed to include devices to prevent contaminant ingress,
iv. fitted with a watertight seal between the lid and supporting frame,
v. self-venting,
vi. installed with intruder alarms installed where necessary,
vii. regularly inspected.
6. Vents screens should be constructed of corrosion resistant mesh designed and maintained to
prevent access of insects and small mammals.
7. Redundant access hatches should be securely and permanently sealed.
8. Where secondary (booster) chlorination is considered necessary to maintain chlorine residual
in the distribution system, dosing facilities should be flow proportional. Disinfection by-product
risk should also be assessed.
9. Services including telemetry cables and sample pipes that may be a route for contamination should,
as a minimum, be sealed with an appropriate elastomeric sealant to a depth that will prevent
inadvertent raking out. Installing glanded entry plates inside reservoirs and tanks should be
considered for all small bore entries such as cables and small bore pipes (e.g.:. sample lines).
10. Where structures are emptied to supply to enable inspection , care should be taken to prevent
the mobilisation of any sediment entering the distribution system.
11. Prior to return to supply, arrangements must be made to ensure adequate disinfection and
satisfactory water quality monitoring results are obtained.
12. On-site valves should be clearly marked with details recorded in site manuals and asset records.
Hydraulic Performance Issues

1. The retention time and hydraulic performance of treated water storage tanks can have a
significant impact on water quality. Structures should be designed and operated to minimise the
detrimental effects of water ageing. The following factors should be considered:
i. Inlet and outlet pipes should be located, as far as is practicable, to minimise the creation of “dead
spots” within tanks;
ii. Common inlet/outlet pipes (“push/pull” systems) should be avoided as far as is practicable.
iii. The operation of multiple-celled tanks should be optimised to prevent deterioration in one or more
such tanks from hydraulic imbalances.
iv. Turbulent inflow improves mixing and prevents stratification leading to particle
deposition.
Inspection, Maintenance and Cleaning Issues
The following Good Practice is provided in addition to any requirements that may be necessary under
the Reservoirs Act 1975 and the Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage
Undertakers) Direction 1998.
1. External and internal inspection of structures should be carried out at a frequency determined
by individual risk assessment. Internal inspection should be carried out at a frequency not be
greater than every 10 years.
2. Internal inspections should identify aspects which may impact on water quality, including a survey
of internal surfaces and joints, a leakage drop test and roof integrity test. Remedial work should be
carried out prior to return to supply.
3. Structures should be cleaned, disinfected and satisfactory sample results obtained prior to return
to supply.
4. Sampling should routinely include analysis for bacteriological, physical and aesthetic parameters.
Other parameters should be considered where additional contamination risks may have occurred
during refurbishment and/or cleaning activities.
5. Where a structure is being filled or left standing during the return to service period, it must be
configured such that flow out to the distribution system is prevented.
Sampling Issues
1. Sampling facilities should be installed to enable compliance with the water quality
monitoring requirements of the Regulations.
2. Particular consideration should be given to achieving representative samples from multi-
compartment structures and those with more than one outlet main.
TGN10 - EVENT AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Water undertakers should ensure that they have management procedures in place for the handling of events and
incidents that have or have the potential to affect drinking water quality. The processes for responding to events
and incidents have developed considerably through the capture of experience over the last 10 years. Management
procedures should be established within a water safety plan framework and should not be restricted to those
situations that may have a direct effect on human health. In general the term ‘incident’ is used for more serious
events either because of the nature of water quality risk or its extent, for example the number of customers
affected. In the context of this document, these are all referred to as ‘events’. Differentiation should be made
between microbiological contamination such as the detection of E. coli and chemical events such as a
contamination due to hydrocarbons because there are distinctive factors to an effective response. The potential for
malicious contamination should also be considered.
These procedures should be underpinned by a thorough understanding of supply systems and,

wherever practical, by established and tested water resource contingency plans.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate has provided guidance on the type of event that they expect to be notified. By
their nature all events and incidents are different to some degree or other. The following Good Practice is provided
as guidance on general principles for the more common types of occurrence.
Good Practice
1. The building of relationships with health and local authorities through liaison meetings and
regular contact is essential for effective communication during an event.
2. Up to date contact lists with health professionals and other stakeholder organisations must be
maintained and should include arrangements for out of hours contact where appropriate.
3. Water undertakers should ensure that these key stakeholders have an understanding of the main
public health risks identified from their Drinking Water Safety Plans and the control measures that
are in place.
4. As part of liaison with Local Authorities and Health Protection Units it is advisable to establish the
trigger values (or other escalation criteria) for certain chemical and microbiological monitoring
parameters, customer contacts and other intelligence that would lead to declaration of an
event/incident and notification being made. These could take the form of a value for a parameter,
for example a particular pesticide, the presence of Cryptosporidium, or number of customer
contacts for discoloured water received in a 24 hour period.
5. Water undertakers should have procedures in place detailing the investigative steps and actions
required following exceedences of PCVs; these should include the sampling requirements in
terms of locations and minimum numbers of samples, analysis required and reporting timescales
for results.
6. Incident Management / Outbreak Control Plans, developed and agreed in consultation with local
health authorities and environmental health professionals, should be in place and should be
exercised periodically.
7. When circumstances require that precautionary advice is given to customers placing restrictions
on water usage (unless this advice is to a single property according to a pre- established procedure)
these must be issued after consultation with the relevant health and local authorities. The criteria
for withdrawing any restrictions to water use must also be identified and agreed early in the event
management process.
8. In general, precautionary advice can involve the following restrictions to water use:
a. Boil Water for Drinking
b. Do Not Drink Water
c. Do Not Use Water.
9. All such advice to customers must be issued by the water undertaker who remains responsible for
its implications and management throughout the incident. There should be clear criteria agreed at
the outset when issuing such advice to customers regarding the lifting of such notices.
10. To ensure that all potentially affected customers are notified as quickly as practicable of any
restrictions to water use, the following or equivalent arrangements should be available:
a. Use of pre-prepared warning cards for each restriction, and where necessary standard
letters for customers affected. Arrangements should be in place for rapid delivery of any
warning cards and/or letters (e.g. walk plans for areas, arrangements with external
contractors/Royal Mail). Delivery of warning cards should be capable of being achieved
within 36 hours of the decision being taken to issue.
b. Use of local media; press statements can be pre-prepared for each of the above
restrictions, and locations affected added at the time of the event. Media announcements
should be made where the delivery of warning notices cannot be achieved within the
same working day. The issuing of joint press statements with other stakeholders should
be considered and where Incident Management or Outbreak Control Teams are
convened is strongly advised.
c. Development of Question & Answer sheets for each of the above scenarios and ensuring
that these are quickly made available to company call centres, scientific and operational
teams.
d. Use of company websites to display information relating to the event / incident.
e. For smaller incidents, door-to-door notification, or use of loud-hailers on vans may be
used in advance of the arrival of a warning card/letter.
f. Consideration should be given where appropriate to provision of advisory
information in languages other than English and in Braille.
11. In practice reliance should not be placed on any single method and consideration should be given
to using a combination of the above to ensure that all customers are informed.
12. Lists of ‘vulnerable’ customers should be maintained and special care and attention provided to
these during events. Customers receiving renal dialysis should be prioritised and local dialysis
centres contacted. Liaison with local health authorities should establish what assistance would be
necessary to ensure these customers are appropriately provided for.
13. Customers who are immuno-compromised are routinely advised to boil water for drinking and
precautionary advice or provision of alternative supplies during a potential incident does not alter
this position.
14. Special consideration should also be given to businesses, such as food manufacturers, in the
affected area for whom water quality might be critical.
15. Liaison arrangements should also be in place with other organisations such as the Environment
Agency, British Soft Drinks Association, European Point of Use Drinking Water Association and
Chilled Food Association, along with neighbouring water companies with bulk import or export
agreements. In some cases it may be appropriate to consider liaison with the Food Standards
Agency. Reference should be made to the Water UK protocols agreed with some of these
organisations for use in emergency situations.
16. Consideration should be given to the nature and extent of publicity at an early stage. In a multi-
agency incident it is very important to ensure that press statements are made by joint agreement
with health and local authorities (or other appropriate agency) to ensure that a consistent and
reliable message is communicated.
17. The following general principles apply to the resolution of events
• Have the criteria agreed at the outset for the withdrawal of advice notices to customers
been satisfied? These decisions should be informed from an appropriate monitoring
programme and should involve wider understanding of the system to define the extent of
the event.
• Every effort should be made to find the root cause and this should be verified after remedial
action has been implemented.
• Where no root-cause can be identified, or where a cause is only tentatively identified, it
may be prudent to carry out further investigation and monitoring to obtain additional
information and confidence.
• Information from the event should be used to update the Drinking Water Safety Plan
taking account of hazardous events and control measures identified.
Microbiological events
1. Following detection of microbiological contamination in treated water and following suspected
ingress of surface water, soil or sewage, customers should, as a minimum, be advised to boil water
for drinking. For events where sewage ingress is implicated, and the sewage may contain industrial
waste including chemicals, a risk assessment should be performed before deciding what
precautionary advice is appropriate. The decision to issue this precautionary advice should be
taken following consultation with the health and local authorities. The good practice outlined above
in terms of customer notification should be followed.
2. Where practicable and without compromising public health, prior to any remedial chlorination,
samples should be taken from the affected area, along with upstream areas for comparison.
Following such chlorination, and the return of chlorine residuals to normal concentrations, a sample
survey should be undertaken in the affected area (along with upstream locations) to confirm the
effectiveness of the chlorination. These samples should be analysed for coliforms and E. coli.
Depending on the nature of the contamination consideration should be given to sampling for other
parameters such as Cryptosporidium.Where appropriate, the concentration of chlorine in the area
affected should be increased for example by controlled dosing of sodium hypochlorite. In some
circumstances, such as in order to disinfect a discrete section of the distribution system, the use of,
for example, 50 mgCl/l (free residual) held for 30 minutes standing may be necessary. If possible
the stop-taps at boundary boxes should be isolated prior to disinfection of the main, otherwise
customers in areas where high-level chlorination is being undertaken should be warned and an
appropriate restriction to water use imposed (usually “Do Not Use”). At the end of the chlorination
period, the distribution system should be flushed until the chlorine concentration has returned to
normal levels. Any discharges of highly chlorinated water must be neutralised and strictly controlled
to prevent environmental damage.
3. In other circumstances, such as where low levels of coliform bacteria (in the absence of other
faecal indicators) are detected, increasing the chlorine concentration, for example to between 0.5
and 2 mg/l for a longer period of time, may be more appropriate. This could involve increasing the
concentration of free chlorine leaving the water treatment works or storage point to or boosting the
chlorine in a part of the distribution system using portable chlorination equipment. A typical
application time for such booster chlorination to be effective could be 12-24 hours, and where
deemed necessary, the distribution system should then be flushed until the chlorine residuals are
normal for the area.
4. For the quality of the water to be considered satisfactory after such an event a second set of
samples should be taken from locations defining the extent of the contamination as well as the
original locations at a time after the first set taking into account the turnover of the system but usually
not less than 12 hours later, and should be negative for indicator bacteria after analysis for the
parameters identified above.
5. The advice to boil water for drinking may be withdrawn in consultation with health and local
authorities provided that the criteria agreed at the beginning of the event have been satisfied.
Non-microbiological events
1. The actions to be taken during an event involving chemical parameters depend very much on the
parameter involved.
2. Events affecting the aesthetic quality, appearance, taste and odour, of the water are generally
first identified from customer contacts. Appropriate procedures should be in place to alert
operations, customer services and water quality management departments.
3. For events involving aesthetic parameters, provided that there is no risk to human health no
restrictions to water use may be necessary, although it may be advisable to give advice to the
customer service department on responding to such issues. In the case of iron and manganese
related events, flushing or air-scouring of the distribution system, if deemed appropriate, may be
sufficient to alleviate the problem. The nature and extent of the problem should be identified through
undertaking sample surveys in the affected and wider area. Whenever practicable
contemporaneous samples should be taken during the event and must be taken afterwards to verify
the effectiveness of any remedial action.
4. For events involving chemical parameters posing a potential risk to public health, such as
hydrocarbons, restrictions to water use may be required dependant on the concentrations of the
parameter involved. Toxicity data should be used to inform the process of making such a decision
and the nature of any restriction or advice to customers being considered should be discussed with
the health and local authorities prior to implementation. The remedial action required will also be
dependent on the parameters involved; it is good practice to have procedures in place to detail
actions required for a variety of chemical events.
5. Depending on the nature of the contamination and the risk assessment, a single set of samples
may be sufficient to demonstrate that levels are within acceptable limits. However in general, for
the quality of the water to be considered satisfactory after a chemical contamination event, a
number of sets of samples, taken from locations defining the extent of the contamination, at least
12 hours apart, taking the turnover of the system into account, should demonstrate that results are
within acceptable limits.
6. Advice to customers about restricting the use of the water may be withdrawn in consultation with
the health and local authorities provided that the criteria agreed at the beginning of the event
have been satisfied.
TGN11 - STORAGE AND USE OF BOTTLED WATER
Introduction
From time to time a water company may need to provide alternative supplies in the form of bottled water. They
may also be distributed as part of a company’s provision of alternative supplies under the Security and
Emergency Measures Direction 2006 issued by Defra, of 10 litres per person per day or 20 litres per person per
day in incidents lasting more than 5 days.
Good practice Prior to supply

1. Bottled water provided to customers by a water company is classified as drinking water and
therefore must be in compliance with drinking water quality standards at the point of consumption.
Bottled water manufacturers are required to provide information on water quality at the point of
bottling. Water companies must therefore ensure therefore that they are satisfied that the bottled
water that they provide to consumers meets the appropriate standards at the relevant point of
compliance.
2. Bottled water must, by law, be sold in sealed tamper-evident containers. Bottled water must
comply with the microbiological standards in the Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and
Bottled Drinking Water Regulations 2007, SI 2785 up to the point of sale (during its
marketing).Note: the exception is TVC which is only applicable within 12 hours of bottling
(maintained at 4 +/- 1 C)
3. When a delivery of bottled water is made to the water supplier, the manufacturer should issue a
quality test certificate. The certificate should include the results of all microbiological testing,
particularly E.coli and coliform bacteria and colony counts at 22ºC and 37ºC measured within the
period 12 hours following bottling with the water being maintained at 4ºC (+/-1 ºC).
Storage
1. Water is labelled with “Best Before” durability labelling, rather than ‘Use By’. If the bottles of water
are stored correctly the water will not deteriorate and there is no requirement for regular testing
during storage. If stored for an unusually long period, the water should be checked, but primarily
to test for any deterioration in the integrity of the packaging. The storage conditions should be
supervised to ensure that they are satisfactory but, provided that this is the case, it is not necessary
to routinely analyse the water.
2. Bottled water must be stored in conditions suitable for food products as recommended by the
supplier. A cool, dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight and potential sources of
contamination, such as strong smelling chemicals or diesel fumes. Under no circumstances should
the product be stored outside and / or exposed to sunlight.
3. The shelf life of the product kept in suitable conditions is as advised by the manufacturer and is
usually a maximum of 2 years. Stocks should have a clearly displayed “Best before date” and
should be rotated in appropriate order to ensure that the oldest stock is used first. Any stock
identified as being out of date must not be issued and should be disposed of.
4. If there are any concerns that the quality of a batch of bottled water has deteriorated then a quarantine
and testing procedure should be in place to ensure it is not deployed to customers until sample results
have confirmed conformity or otherwise.
Use of Bottled Water

1. A record should be kept of when strategic quantities bottled water are deployed. This should
detail the date, quantity issued and batch number. In some cases the record may need to include
where the water was used e.g. sub-depot or to whom the bottled water was issued e.g.
distribution inspector.
2. The record should be completed for all strategic issues – including any water that is returned
or discarded (including the reason why).
3. Guidance to the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the
devolved administrations contains further details of the monitoring requirements necessary for
bottled water supplied to customers. This specifically requires bottled water that has been deployed
and left outside of the water undertakers control (but not on consumers premises) to be sampled
at the point of deployment (for example where a pallet of bottled water is delivered to the corner of
a street or car park).
Audits
1. Each store of bottled water should be subject to a regular (at least annual) audit, by water quality
staff.
2. As part of the audit, a review of the results from routine sampling should be carried out and
where necessary additional samples should be taken.
3. The findings of the audit should be discussed and agreed with relevant personnel and
management and any improvements documented in changed procedures.
4. Audits of bottled water producers should also be carried out to enable the water undertaker
to satisfy itself of the quality procedures throughout the entire production process.
Product recall
1. Should a bottled water supplier instigate recall of a batch of bottled water, the water undertaker
should be notified immediately in order to prevent issue of substandard or contaminated
product to its customers.
2. Procedures should be in place for communication during and outside normal working hours.
3. The bottled water supplier should provide full details of the reasons for the recall together with
details of the batch recalled, including the location of all relevant deliveries made to the water
undertaker.
4. The appropriate batch should be quarantined for return to the supplier or discarded.
Please see the position paper on bottled water regulation at Water UK website -
www.water.org.uk/regulations-use-bottled-water-water-companies
TGN12 - TANKERS, STATIC TANKS AND BOWSERS
Introduction
When normal supply arrangements are disrupted, either as a result of a planned shutdown of the distribution
network or following an operational emergency, water undertakers may provide alternative supplies to customers.
This includes the use of tankers, static tanks, bowsers or bottled water. The distribution of bottled water is not
covered by this TGN. Under the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2006 issued by Defra, undertakers
are required to supply a minimum of 10 litres per person per day if mains supplies are unavailable or 20 litres per
person per day in incidents lasting more than 5 days.
The requirements for sampling tankers, static tanks and bowsers is covered under Regulation 6 of the Water
Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved administrations (“the Regulations”),
with further information given in the guidance to these Regulations issued by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in
2016.
Good practice General

1. Water undertakers should have procedures in place to ensure the smooth deployment of
alternative supplies across their supply area.
2. Undertakers should consider the need to have a pre-planned list of appropriate locations to place
static tanks and bowsers, taking into account accessibility for consumers, risk of vandalism and
contamination, and suitability for filling and re-filling by tanker.
3. Where undertakers employ the use of third party vehicles and equipment, additional protection
is needed to ensure these are likely to be available when needed. Undertakers should consider
having plans in place to contact alternative providers. The Water UK mutual aid scheme has
been set up so that undertakers can request additional equipment from other undertakers for
temporary use during an emergency.
4. The plans should be regularly tested and updated where necessary.
Personnel
1. All personnel involved in the deployment and use of tankers, static tanks and bowsers should hold a
National Water Hygiene Card (see TGN No.1). The only exception is tanker drivers provided they do
not have contact with the equipment to be deployed including associated fittings such as hoses.
Equipment and vehicles
1. All clothing and personal protective equipment should be clean and kept suitable for use on
restricted operations (e.g. separate from other equipment).
2. Road tankers, tanks and bowsers should be approved in accordance with Regulation 31 (or its
equivalent in previous Regulations) for either permanent or emergency use.
3. Vehicles, equipment and fittings used in water supply operations must not be used for any
other purpose and kept clean internally and externally. Petrochemicals, oils and chemicals
and any fuel-driven equipment should be kept separate from pipework and fittings during
transport.
4. Pipework and fittings should be kept above the vehicle floor and pipes should be end- capped.
Small fittings should be kept in their original protective wrappings or in clean polythene bags.
5. Used/soiled equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being
returned to use.
6. Each vehicle should carry hand washing facilities, preferably soap and water, but
waterless hand cleaner and paper towel may be used.
7. In an emergency, tankers normally used for the transport of food-grade liquids can be used, but
should be subject to additional washing, disinfection and flushing depending on the previous use.
In any case, all materials in contact with potable water should meet the requirements of Regulation
31 (or its equivalent in previous Regulations).
8. Tankers and bowsers may be kept in a “ready condition” provided there is a suitable regime
of turnover and sampling or periodic disinfection and sampling, and that the appropriate
records are maintained.
9. If not stored in a state of readiness, tankers, static tanks and bowsers should be left drained
and stored in area where the risk of external contamination is minimised.
10. Tankers, static tanks and bowsers should be able to be locked to prevent unauthorised access,
and be marked with a unique number for reference and audit.
Filling
1. All tankers, static tanks and bowsers should be completely empty before filling.
2. All equipment (hoses, hydrants and standpipes) used for filling must be kept specifically for that
purpose, stored appropriately and cleaned and disinfected before use. The filling point should
also be flushed and where necessary disinfected before use. Acceptable disinfection methods
include the use of steam-cleaning equipment (supported by an appropriate method statement)
and chlorine solutions.
3. Appropriate arrangements and methods should be in place to ensure suitable disposal of any
chlorinated water.
4. Water undertakers should consider nominating designated filling points that can
guarantee a rapid filling rate.
5. At these sites the filling point should be subject to regular flushing to minimise any risk of
deterioration in water quality.
Deployment
1. Before delivery of static tanks and bowsers, undertakers should ensure that they are in a safe
and secure position. They should be placed in accordance with legislation with regard to signing,
lighting and guarding.
2. All tanks and bowsers should be checked for the expected chlorine residual at the point of use.
3. Access and filling points should be locked and secured to prevent contamination.
4. Static tanks and bowsers should be clearly signed with “boil before use” notices. This is due to
the risk of contamination from the vessel used by the consumer to carry water to the point of use.
5. The position of the equipment should be recorded and a re-filling and sampling plan put in place.
6. Where re-filling operations take place they should be arranged to ensure an air gap between the
delivery hose and the water in the tank to prevent back-syphoning. If this is impractical then a
double check valve should be fitted in the re-filling device.
7. The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 require a sample to be taken for
bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters from each deployed bowser or static tank that
has been in continuous deployment for 48 hours. Where a bowser or static tank is in continuous
use for longer than 96 hours, full chemical and bacteriological analysis should be undertaken.
TGN13 - PREPARATION OF CHLORINE SOLUTIONS
Introduction
Chlorine is an effective disinfectant for most bacterial and viral pathogens. The effectiveness of prepared chlorine
solutions for use in water hygiene procedures is dependent upon the concentration of the active form of chlorine
(e.g.: hypochlorous acid where hypochlorite salts are used) which is influenced by age of product and storage
conditions.
Good Practice
In developing their own policies or operating procedures for the preparation of chlorine solutions, the following
points should be considered:-
1. Only materials which are approved under Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality)
Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved administrations should be used.
2. The most commonly used (and approved) chlorine compounds are:-
i) Hypochlorite solutions with an available chlorine content of approximately 10-15%
(w/v)
ii) Calcium hypochlorite tablets with an available chlorine content of
approximately 33-35% (w/w)
iii) “Instachlor” tablets – isocyanurate
3. Appropriate health and safety procedures must be employed when using concentrated
chlorine-based solutions, powders and tablets.
4. Chlorine-based solutions and tablets should not be used after the stated “expiry date”.
Procedures should be in place to ensure that diluted chlorine solutions (for use for example in
spray chlorination techniques) are also used within a stated time to ensure their effectiveness.
Procedures should be in place to ensure effective stock rotation.
5. Chlorine-based solutions must only be stored in dedicated and clearly marked containers. Storage
sites must have sufficient bunding to prevent accidental spills affecting a wider area. Containers
previously used for the storage of any other products must not be used.
6. “Ready-reckoner” tables are useful for operational field staff in the preparation of chlorine-based
solutions. The table below shows the amount (ml) of 10% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite solution
required to make specific volumes of chlorine solution at various strengths (i.e.: 5L of sodium
hypochlorite in 100L of water will produce a solution strength of 5mg/L free available chlorine).
Desired chlorine Solution volume (L)
concentration
strength (mg/l or 10 100 500 1,000 5,000
ppm)
0.5 Not 0.5 2.5 5 25

1 Not 1 5 10 50
5 0.5 5 25 50 250
10 1 10 50 100 500
20 2 20 100 200 1.000
50 5 50 250 500 2,500
1,000 100 1,000 5,000 10,000 50,000
TGN14 - DISPOSAL OF CHLORINE SOLUTIONS & CHLORINATED WATER
Introduction
Chorine is toxic to aquatic flora and fauna. Care should be taken when disposing of water containing chlorine,
particularly strong solutions used for the disinfection of water mains and fittings. Chlorine may also inactivate the
biological process necessary for effective sewage treatment.
Good Practice
1. Chlorine solutions and chlorinated water should not be discharged to water courses, without prior
consent from the Environment Agency. Care should also be taken to ensure that surface and land
drains do not discharge to water courses.
2. Chlorine solutions and chlorinated water may be discharged to foul drainage systems. A risk
assessment should be carried out prior to doing so in order to confirm that the receiving sewage
treatment works will not be adversely affected.
3. It may be necessary to dechlorinate water prior to disposal. Dechlorination can be achieved using
a number of different chemical compounds, the most commonly used of which are sodium
thiosulphate and sodium bisulphite.
4. Only materials which are approved under Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality)
Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved administrations should be used for the
dechlorination of water that will be subsequently used for supply.
5. Dechlorination solutions, powders and tablets should not be used after the stated “expiry date”.
6. Chlorine-based solutions must only be stored in dedicated and clearly marked containers.
Containers previously used for the storage of petroleum products must not be used (see TGN13)
7. The following information if provided as a guide to the relative concentration of sodium
thiosulphate and sodium bisulphite solutions required to neutralise a specific chlorine solution.
Advice from technical and scientific staff should be sought in order to calculate the required
amount of dechlorination chemical in other circumstances.
• 1ml of l.8% (w/v) solution of sodium thiosulphate will neutralise 1L of water containing
5mg/L (ppm) of free available chlorine.
• 10g of sodium thiosulphate (w/w) crystals will neutralise 1,000L of water containing 5mg/L
(ppm) free available chlorine.
• 15ml of 23% (w/v) sodium bisulphite will neutralise 1000L of water containing 5mg/L of
free available chlorine.
TGN15 - INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FINAL WATER AND SERVICE
RESERVOIR SAMPLE POINTS
Introduction
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 or their equivalents in the devolved administrations, hereafter
‘the Regulations’, require that water companies produce and supply wholesome water. Water companies are
required to verify final water quality and effectiveness of disinfection by ensuring samples are taken at the point
at which water leaves the site of production. In addition service reservoirs in the supply network must also be
sampled to ensure water quality targets and residual chlorine levels are maintained. The location and specification
of sampling points must ensure that samples taken are representative of water going in to supply. For full
principles to be applied to the sampling of drinking water from treatment works and piped distribution systems,
please refer to BS ISO 5667-5.
Good Practice
Installation - Water Treatment Works
1. For each water treatment works there should be at least one sample collection point after the final
stage of treatment.
2. For water treatment works with more than one water source, designated sample collection locations
should be representative of the output of each water source.
3. Final sample collections points should be as close as possible to the water treatment works
generally the point at which the treated water leaves the works.
Installation - Service Reservoirs

1. If the service reservoir has a common inlet and outlet main, samples should only be taken when
the main is acting as an outlet ensuring that the sampled water is representative of water that has
been stored in the service reservoir.
2. If the service reservoir has two compartments which are hydraulically linked, then this can be
treated as a single reservoir and sampled at one sampling location.
3. If the service reservoir has two compartments which are not hydraulically linked, then two
sampling locations must be positioned on the outlet of each tank, so that samples are
representative of water stored in each compartment.
4. If the service reservoir has two compartments which are not hydraulically linked but the individual
outlets combine into a common outlet, a single sample location may be adequate.
5. Sample points should be located as close as possible to the service reservoir up stream of the
first customer.
General considerations
1. Ideally, taps and associated sample lines should not be connected to any other equipment, or used
for other purposes.
2. Taps should not be fitted with attachments or inserts and should be clean, free from extraneous matter
that may affect the microbiological quality of the sample being taken.
3. If the tap is to be flame-disinfected, it is important that there are no flammable materials or fumes
nearby.
4. The sampling line should be as short as possible, in good condition and capable of being flushed
at full flow rate.
5. The sampling line should not include T-junctions, which might result in stagnation.
6. The sampling line should be dedicated to the supply of treated final water to the sample tap or
water stored in service reservoir.
7. Sample points should be in a secure location, protected from adverse weather, vandalism and
contamination from the environment.
8. Sample points should not be located in locations which require confined space training.
9. Sample points must include adequate drainage to avoid flooding and risk of
contamination.
Construction Materials
1. All materials used for construction, maintenance and repair of sample point locations, including
any apparatus which is likely to come into contact with treated potable water must be approved
under Regulation 31 of the ‘Regulations’.
2. All treatment works and service reservoir sample points should be fitted with sampling taps of
hygienic design which comply with National Standards.
3. All sample lines should be constructed from a suitable material and comply with National
Standards.
Maintenance
1. All personnel who carry out work around treated or partially treated drinking water must comply
with requirements of TGN 1(Medical screening).
2. Periodic cleaning, disinfection and flushing of the sample point should be carried out by
appropriately trained personnel.
3. Sample lines and sample taps should be replaced periodically dependant on construction
materials selected.
4. All sample points should be inspected periodically and consider the following;
i. Health and safety access.
ii. Damage which present potential for ingress or vermin.
iii. Sample area hygienically clean and will not introduce contamination.
iv. Clean waste sink and back plate.
v. Sample tap in good condition (i.e.no leakage or dripping).
TGN16 - QUALITY ASSURANCE OF ON-LINE WATER QUALITY MONITORING
INSTRUMENTATION, USED FOR THE CONTROL AND MONITORING OF
DISINFECTION PROCESSES.
Purpose
This document sets out the principles, to be considered by drinking water quality specialists, in drawing
up suitable operational quality assurance procedures and practices; for on-line water quality
monitoring instrumentation associated with disinfection.
Specific guidance is given relating to the measurement of chlorine and turbidity that are based upon
the requirements of Regulation 16 (3) which applies to samples taken for compliance with parts 4 and
5 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. Other approaches to quality assurance may also
be applied by companies but are not detailed within this guidance note.
It is acknowledged that other parameters have an impact upon disinfection (e.g. pH), but these are
not included within this guidance. Water companies should assure themselves that the risks
associated with the monitoring of other parameters have been assessed and documented and where
necessary appropriate steps have been taken to verify the readings from on-line monitors.
Background
1. The industry relies on and may from time to time provide the DWI with on-line water quality
monitoring data, in order to demonstrate that the regulations around disinfection have been
adhered to.
2. It is important that these data are fit for purpose and that companies can demonstrate that the
robustness of these data are to a similar standard to that of other water quality data submitted to
the DWI.
3. This will be achieved by the implementation of procedures, based on this guidance, to ensure that
chlorine and turbidity data associated with primary disinfection on a particular site are traceable
and auditable.
Methodology
1. Appropriate Standard Operating Procedures and suitable records to be developed and
implemented by water companies for the operation of on-line turbidity and chlorine monitors
at the point of disinfection and, where appropriate, at the point the water is supplied from a
treatment works.
2. The procedures and records are readily available to the operator, other relevant staff and 3rd
parties as appropriate.
3. For analytical quality control, an appropriate on-site comparative standard or comparison with an
accredited on-site test should be used. This should be suitable for the instrument and analytical
methodology and be fully traceable
4. Any standards that are prepared “in-house” should also be fully traceable.
5. The approach for chlorine is based on a direct comparison of the on-line instrument reading with the
result obtained from an accredited on-site test undertaken by a competent person.
6. Due to the sensitivity gap between on-site and on-line measurements of turbidity, an
alternative approach of comparing the instrument reading with the value of a known standard
is used. As with chlorine this activity should be undertaken by a competent person.
7. Companies should develop appropriate action and warning limits and procedures for reacting to
these limits ensuring they are included in the Standard Operating Procedures.
Quality assurance method for chlorine

1. Undertake instrument suitability and AQC tests on the hand held device to ensure it is
operating with its control limits and record as appropriate.
2. Collect a representative sample of the water supplying the on-line chlorine monitors and note the
instrument chlorine reading at that time.
3. Determine the level of free chlorine using the hand held instrument t.
4. Subtract the on-site test result from the on-line monitor value recorded and plot on a
difference chart.
5. If the result falls outside the calculated action or warning limits, investigate and record any
corrective actions as appropriate.
Quality assurance method for turbidity

1. Due to the nature of the analytical methodology associated with on-line turbidity measurement,
a suitable primary reference standard is to be used as the comparator for quality assurance
purposes.
2. The reference standard will have been ascribed a known reference value. (NOTE: The
reference standard used should be different from the standard used to calibrate the instrument.)
3. Test the reference standard as per manufacturer’s instructions and record the measured value.
4. Subtract the measured value from the reference value and plot on a difference chart.
5. If the result falls outside the calculated action or warning limits, investigate and record any
corrective actions as appropriate.
Results and Data Handling

1. The data produced when undertaking the comparative QA analyses will be recorded and plotted
on difference charts, these will provide confidence in the on-line analytical measurements.
2. The initial AQC data collection (to set up the difference charts) will require that a minimum of
20 measurements are collected over a representative time frame that will capture any seasonal
variations. It is suggested these data are collected over the first 12 months.
3. The appropriate AQC frequency thereafter will be determined by each water company, according
to the stability of measurement. It is anticipated that AQC will be conducted at least monthly but
the frequency must be based upon sound science and enable the company to demonstrate that
the monitor results are continually fit for purpose.
4. The difference charts will incorporate statistically calculated AQC control limits.
Response to Measurements Outside of Control Limits

1. Initial measurements which yield results outside of control limits will trigger actions to be undertaken
by the operator, detailed within the instrument’s Standard Operating Procedure.
2. Deviations which cannot be resolved by the operator will be passed to a more senior member
of staff to determine the appropriate action.
3. Any deviations which may have an adverse impact on disinfection efficacy or confidence in the
results produced by the on-line instrumentation will trigger an investigation by the water company.
The outcome of these investigations will be used to ensure continual improvement.
4. Water companies should consider whether the impact on disinfection efficacy or confidence in
the results needs to be reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate in line with its obligations
under the Water Industry (Suppliers Information) Direction.
Operator Training and Competency

1. Instrument operators to be provided with appropriate training and support to fulfil three criteria.
• Underpinning knowledge and understanding the importance of the parameters being
measured, the basis of the measurement methodology, the instrumentation being relied
upon and requirements for analytical quality control.
• Knowledge of the specific operational procedures, the manufacturer’s instructions for specific
instrumentation and any Standard Operating Procedures for undertaking Quality Assurance.
• Continuing Professional Development or demonstration of on-going competence – regular

audits and method witness.
2. The frequency of operator audits or method witnessing is determined by the water company but
must be sufficient to maintain confidence in the competence of individuals responsible for
undertaking these important tasks.
12 REFERENCES
Self-Laying of Water Mains and Services: A Code of Practice for England Wales (UKWIR 2009)
IGN 4-02-02 Code of Practice for In-situ Resin Lining of Water Mains, and WIS-4-02-01 Operational requirements:
in situ resin lining of water mains
Badenoch J (1990) Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies – Report of the Group of Experts. Department for the
Environment, Department of Health, London.
Badenoch J (1995) Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies – Second Report of the Group of Experts. Department for the
Environment, Department of Health, London.
Bouchier I (1998) Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies. Department for the Environment, Department of Health,
London.
Water UK Specification for the Security of Service Reservoirs, Issue 2, December 2008 (Restricted document)
and as subsequently amended.
Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and their equivalents in the devolved administrations The Water
Industry (Suppliers’ Information) Direction 2017
Drinking water safety: Guidance to health and water professionals (2009) joint guidance DWI and HPA
published on the DWI website at:
http://www.dwi.gov.uk/stakeholders/information-letters/2009/09_2009Annex.pdf
BS ISO 5667-5:2006 Water quality; Sampling Part 5: Guidance on sampling of drinking water from treatment works
and piped distribution systems
BS 6920-2.4:2000 - Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human
consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water
Environment Agency The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2010) - Part 2 – Practices and procedures for sampling:
Methods for the Examination of Waters and Associated Materials

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ENGINEERING GUIDELINES

TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

NEN-WRC-GGD-109 Rev 01.00, January 2021

Revision code Description of changes Purpose of issue Date

01.00 First Issue For Implementation 05.01.2021

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Job Title Senior Water Network Project Manager Project Manager

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3. Compliance with Standards

3.1 Document change request

4. Health and Safety

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The Commissioning Team shall include as a minimum:

• the Commissioning Team Leader;

6.2 Health and Safety

6.3 Good Hygiene Principles

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6.4 Strategy and Planning

6.4.1 Commissioning Strategy

• How the works and all plant will be started up;

6.4.2 Design for Commissioning

6.4.3 Commissioning Plan

The Commissioning Plan shall include the sections as listed in Appendix 2.

6.5 Overall Control System Integration

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The Contractor shall also (for all PLC Control Panels):

The Contractor shall also (for all Motor Control Centres):

• Electronic equipment tests;

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6.6 Performance requirements

6.7 Testing and Demonstration

6.8 Training and Handover

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7.1 Pressure Testing of Pipelines

7.1.1 Prior to Pressure Testing Pipelines

Testing against closed valves shall not be permitted.

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7.1.2 Test Pressures

7.1.3 Selection of Test Sections

7.1.4 Test Apparatus

7.1.5 Testing of Iron and Steel Pressure Pipelines

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7.1.6 Testing of PE Pipelines

There shall be no preliminary conditioning of PE pipelines prior to testing.

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Ew is the bulk modulus of water, kPa (2.1 x106)

e is the wall thickness of the pipe, metres

D is the internal diameter of the pipe, metres

7.2 Cleansing and Swabbing of Pipelines

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7.3 Disinfection of Water Mains

7.3.1 Personnel Carrying out Disinfection

7.3.2 Disinfection Process

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7.3.3 Water Quality Sampling

Sample Parameter Units Failure Threshold

7.3.4 Before Bringing Pipeline into Service

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