A plain-English tour of the areas Part G of the Building Regulations guides, from cold water to scald safety.
Approved Document G provides guidance for meeting Part G of the Building Regulations in England. It covers cold water, water efficiency, hot water safety and sanitary facilities. The regulations set the requirements; the approved document describes ways to meet them.
G1: match water quality to the outlet
Drinking-water outlets and food-preparation sinks require wholesome water. The specified washbasins, bidets, baths and showers may receive wholesome or softened wholesome water.
WC and urinal flushing have a separate requirement: water of suitable quality. A properly designed alternative supply can serve flushing. It does not follow that reclaimed water can supply the bathroom washbasin or kitchen sink.
Worked decision: a new dwelling has wholesome water at its kitchen sink, but the washbasin is connected to a non-potable rainwater system. The kitchen supply alone does not meet the requirement for the washbasin. Trace each outlet's use and supply; do not judge the entire dwelling from one tap.
G2 and G3
G2 concerns water efficiency in new dwellings. Choose suitable fittings and assess expected consumption; slowing a refill valve is not the same as reducing flush volume.
G3 concerns hot water provision and safety, including stored-water controls, safe discharge and scald protection. A drinking-quality supply does not by itself establish that a hot water installation is safe.
G4–G6 cover sanitary conveniences and washing facilities, bathrooms and food-preparation areas. These headings help locate the relevant requirement; they are not a substitute for checking the detail of a proposed installation.
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