What Are Water Byelaws?

Water Byelaws were created under Section 70 of the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 to maintain and protect water quality. They also help prevent waste, misuse and stop us using too much water. 

Scottish Water provides good, clean, safe and high quality drinking water to 2.4 million households across Scotland. 

Byelaws help ensure that connections to the public network are safe. The fittings and materials used in plumbing systems and water using appliances are regulated under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014. 

How Do Byelaws Affect You? 

It is important to keep your drinking water safe and of the highest quality. We have a legal obligation to enforce the requirements of the Water Byelaws. Home owners and businesses, are legally obliged to ensure their plumbing systems, appliances and fittings used, meet these requirements. 

Compliance helps protect the health and well-being of everyone using the public supply in Scotland. Byelaws help protect you, your family and neighbours. 

We must all do our bit. 

Helping You Comply

Read our Water Byelaws Explained leaflet which can be found in our Leaflets document hub page.  

Talk to one of our team of experts call our Customer Helpline on 0800 0778778 or email our Byelaws team at byelaws@scottishwater.co.uk.