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BS 6920 Testing DWI Regulation 31 Consultancy Home
BS 6920 Testing for WRAS Approval
Over thirty years ago we developed methods in our laboratories to see how materials could affect water quality, and these methods now form the British Standard for testing non-metallic materials in contact with drinking water, BS 6920. Since then we have tested many thousands of materials against BS 6920, and this standard now forms the basis for approval given by The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). 

BS 6920 Testing is made up of 5 individual tests. 
sample rinsing before testing
1. Odour & Flavour
2. Appearance of Water
3. Cytotoxicity
4. Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms
5. Leaching of Metals

[more details]
microbial biofilm on rubber test sample
Unsuitable non-metallic materials can cause changes in the quality of the water that they are in contact with. These changes can affect the flavour and appearance of the water, as well as introducing toxic substances and promoting microbial growth.

 [image - biofilm on rubber test sample]

Wqc can help manufacturers who are developing new products and formulations to meet WRAS/BS6920 test requirements. Our materials testing experience is also invaluable in giving consultancy to manufacturers who need to understand why their materials or products do not conform to WRAS/BS6920 requirements.

Wqc laboratories are fully equipped to deal with all aspects of materials testing including: preparation and curing of site-applied products;  automated analysis of metals using plasma emission spectroscopy [ICP-OES & ICP-MS]; and identification of trace organic compounds using GC-MS and LC-MS.

Wqc laboratories have facilities for preparing and curing the majority of site applied products used in the water and building industry. If necessary we can visit your own premises or a site where the product is to be used, to witness the preparation of test samples.

© Thames Water Utilities 2005