The Drinking Water Inspectorate has published new research on dual pipe recycling systems to understand the associated risks and to assess the suitability of English and Welsh regulations to manage the risks from evolving systems.

The research project found that many large-scale dual pipe systems in the UK have either been mothballed or have never become operational.  The reasons for this are unclear, but there are suggestions that a “complicated, ambiguous and obstructive” regulatory system acts as a barrier to water recycling systems being widely used. More clarity around rules would give confidence to property developers to include such systems in water-stressed areas.

Other barriers, drawn from international experience, include cost, maintenance, and inconsistent public support for recycling are factors. The Inspectorate is working with Defra to understand the implications of this research.

Access the full report and executive summary.