Half of UK householders would trust a plumbing product bearing the WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) logo, according to new research released to mark the first anniversary of its dedicated launch.
WRAS was officially launched in April 2021, having been separated from Water Regs UK in order to clarify the services offered by the business.
Both organisations previously operated as the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.
Of around 2,000 UK householders interviewed in a public awareness survey, one in five said they had heard of the Water Regulations Approval Scheme.
Ian Hughes, approvals manager for the WRAS, said: “Our aim is to help businesses and consumers choose compliant products that keep water safe. That means ensuring WRAS is a trusted brand, among householders and non-householders alike.
“One year on from the launch of approvals as a dedicated business, these results are very encouraging and shows that a WRAS approval is a recognised route to demonstrating compliance with the regulations.”
As part of the study, WRAS also interviewed 500 people who were responsible for water services in commercial premises.
The findings revealed that awareness of WRAS among a trade audience was higher than among consumers, with 74% aware of the scheme and over two thirds saying they would trust a plumbing product bearing the WRAS logo.
Ian Hughes added: “Not only does a WRAS approval offer the security that the Water Fittings Regulations have been complied with, it also offers commercial opportunities to manufacturers and retailers.
“Sixty two per cent of the trade audience in our study said they would pay a premium for a plumbing product that had a WRAS approval.”