Water Regs UK and Severn Trent have announced that WaterMark, an Approved Contractor Scheme currently run by Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy, will be joining the Water Industry Approved Plumbers' Scheme (WIAPS) from 1st April 2025. This move will bring WaterMark members into the UK’s largest approved contractor scheme, managed by Water Regs UK on behalf of 15 water companies. The transition will enhance the recognition and reach of approved plumbing professionals, while also making it easier for consumers to find qualified contractors.
WIAPS, the largest of the UK’s approved contractor schemes, accredits qualified plumbers and sector professionals, including supply pipe installers (groundworkers), who comply with the Water Fittings Regulations. For current WaterMark members, this transition will be seamless. They will be able to transfer their membership to WIAPS, subject to meeting the scheme’s requirements, and completing a WIAPS application. Members who are already registered with WaterSafe will retain their membership under the new system, subject to any terms and conditions.
For installers, joining WIAPS means broader recognition across the UK, eliminating the need for multiple memberships and offering a more streamlined, cost-effective process. This shift ensures that plumbing professionals will continue to be acknowledged by water companies and trade associations nationwide. For consumers, WIAPS will simplify the process of finding qualified plumbers who meet strict regulatory standards, ensuring a reliable and compliant service for their plumbing needs.
Julie Spinks, MD at Water Regs UK, pictured, said: "We are thrilled to welcome WaterMark members into the WIAPS family. This integration will streamline the approval process for installers, providing them with broader recognition and saving them the hassle and cost of maintaining multiple memberships. Combining these schemes under WIAPS not only benefits installers but also simplifies the landscape for consumers. It ensures higher standards and better protection for drinking water across the UK."
