Do You Know the UK Law re Drinking Water for Employees?Whether you own a business or work in one in the UK, it is important that you know the law regarding drinking water for employees in the UK. Employers are mandated to adhere to the Health & Safety Regulations regarding employee’s rights and safety in the workplace.

According to the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992, specifically Regulation 22:

  1. An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water shall be provided for all persons at work in the workplace.
  2. Every supply of drinking water required by paragraph (1) shall –
    (a) be readily accessible at suitable places; and
    (b) be conspicuously marked by an appropriate sign where necessary for reasons of health or safety.
  3. Where a supply of drinking water is required by paragraph (1), there shall also be provided a sufficient number of suitable cups or other drinking vessels unless the supply of drinking water is in a jet from which persons can drink easily.

The approved code of practice states:

  • Any water storage cistern must comply with the UK Water Bylaws. Such a storage tank or vessel must be kept covered and sanitary at all times
  • Drinking cups must be supplied except in the case where drinking water is supplied via a drinking fountain. Facilities for washing non-disposable cups must be made available
  • Drinking water may also be provided via a tap on a pipe that is connected to a water-storage cistern
  • Drinking water should be provided via a private or public water supply via a water main.
  • Drinking water taps should be installed in areas where contamination is a possibility and should not be housed in sanitary accommodations
  • Where water is not supplied directly from a mains supply, it can be supplied via containers. The drinking water in such a container or cistern must be tested regularly to ensure that there is no contamination

One of the easiest ways to adhere to all of the above is for a business to invest in an office water cooler which can supply access to filtered, pure, chilled (and in some cases ambient and hot) drinking water virtually 24/7.