The Water Regulation Approval Scheme (WRAS) has appointed Jamie Lynch as business development manager. 

Jamie brings more than 12 years’ experience of working in the water industry to WRAS, having joined Bristan Group as a graduate mechanical engineer back in 2011. Since then, Jamie has progressed through various roles with the shower, bath and taps manufacturer as supplier quality engineer, technical manager, and most recently as Bristan’s product compliance and data manager for which he managed a team responsible for obtaining all product approvals.     

The Water Regulations Approval Scheme is an independent UK certification body for plumbing products and materials, helping business and consumers choose compliant products that keep water safe. Gaining approval from WRAS, enables manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with water fittings regulations. WRAS certify plumbing products and materials in the UK following rigorous tests in accredited laboratories.  

WRAS has been focusing on improvements to customer experience, using customer feedback as part of its leading work in promoting compliance with water fittings regulations.

Jamie says: “Having known WRAS as a customer for many years, I’m excited to join the team and to have the opportunity to draw upon my experience to make meaningful changes and improvements that will hopefully enhance the scheme for others.”

Jamie’s immediate priority will be the communication of planned updates to several approval submission processes including direct submission to the application assessing team, which are due to be launched in 2024 and will improve Tap and Shower applications. 

Jamie adds: “As WRAS prepares to implement these changes in 2024, I will be supporting customers to address any issues and to guide them through the new process and gain the necessary testing and WRAS approvals. The new process will benefit all customers by giving them early feedback direct from WRAS about their application and test requirements. This will help to resolve any issues identified early on.”

In a recent WRAS survey of British manufacturers, 63% of respondents answered they would like more choice of testing labs. In the newly created role, Jamie will support WRAS with the ongoing rollout of its lab recognition programme, ensuring that more laboratories are added to the Laboratory Recognition scheme offering more freedom of choice for clients and customers.

“Gaining a WRAS approval provides trusted assurance that manufacturers have demonstrated their products are of a suitable quality and standard, as required by the water regulations.”

Despite a selective chorus of voices warning of an impending water crisis, Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, argues the government and key stakeholders must urgently educate the public.

In the heart of our country, a looming crisis is quietly unfolding, largely ignored by the public despite its impending severity: water scarcity.

The combination of a surging population and climate change effects such as rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events significantly threaten our water security. Indeed, parts of the Southeast are already classed as ‘water-stressed’.

The Great British Rain Paradox survey paints a startling picture – while 72% of the British public believes that the UK has sufficient water to meet daily demands, the reality is far different. Only 10% of people consider water consumption a critical environmental issue, ranking significantly lower than plastic pollution (39%), energy consumption (22%), and food waste (16%). This alarming discrepancy in perception highlights a critical need for awareness and education.

Water companies and their associated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have historically been the messengers for water reduction calls. However, they must first address critical issues to regain credibility. High on the agenda is reducing water pipe leakage and tackling sewage pollution. Without public trust in their capabilities, their messages to educate the public about water scarcity and reduce demand will likely fail.

Without any current comprehensive government action on education concerning water reduction, the onus will fall on the next administration to coordinate a national public information campaign. The objective must be to enlighten the public about the impending water scarcity crisis and instigate simple steps to reduce consumption. A proactive approach should also include promoting or incentivising the retrofitting of water-efficient fittings in properties, ultimately driving widespread change.

In addition, architects and designers hold a unique position to contribute to this cause. A national public information campaign would enable you to advocate louder for water-saving initiatives within the bathroom space. By incorporating water-efficient fittings in your designs, you contribute to the larger conservation effort and position yourself as a pioneer in sustainable design. Your influence extends beyond aesthetics; it encompasses the responsibility to foster a collective understanding of the water scarcity challenge and to drive tangible change.

The water crisis in England may be quiet, but its consequences are deafening. It’s time for the next UK Government and key stakeholders to amplify their voices, implement innovative solutions and advocate for lasting behavioural change. The future of water sustainability lies in our collective hands, and the bathroom sector can be at the forefront of this transformative journey.