WIRS Accreditation
The Water Industry Registration Scheme
The Water Industry Registration Scheme is for contractors who provide new connections to the existing water supply or sewerage system. These are referred to as “self-lay” organisations or SLOs.
What is WIRS Accreditation?
In order to be WIRS accredited, the companies undergo technical assessments from LRQA. We assess several areas, including design, construction, connections, commissioning, and project management. By becoming WIRS accredited, companies don’t need to be approved by 22 separate water companies.
The assessment body (Lloyd Register) assess several areas, including design, construction, connections, commissioning, and project management. By becoming WIRS accredited, you don’t need to be approved by 22 separate water companies. Our WIRS Consultants will assist you in getting your management systems compliant with WIRS requirements, guide and support you through the accreditation audits to obtain WIRS accreditation.
WIRS scopes of registration:
- Design
- Project Management
- Construction of Mains and/or Services
- Construction of Routine Mains Connections (Please note for this scope construction of Mains and Services must be held)
- Service Connections only
- Construction of Routine or Non-Routine Mains Connections (only applies in Scotland as stand-alone where construction accreditation is not separately)
- Meter Assets Maintenance (only applies to Scotland)
- New Scope launched June 2013* Permanent Disconnections Non-Household (only applies to Scotland)
About WIRSAE
The Water Industry Registration Scheme – Accredited Entity has been developed to allow contractors, who fulfil the scheme requirements, to become registered as accredited WIRSAE Providers. WIRSAE Providers are referred to as Accredited Entities in the Wholesale Retail Code.
WIRSAE accreditation (and subsequent registration), allows WIRSAE Providers to tender for and to carry out for Retailers’ water supply disconnections and meter installation/replacement works, relevant to their level of accreditation, as an alternative to the Wholesaler, known as the adopting utility, in whose area the work is being done.
Did you also know we could help with MURS.
- Temporary disconnections/reconnections
- Temporary disconnections (up to 40mm supply)
- Temporary Temporary disconnections (over 40mm supply)
- Meter installation
- Meter installation (up to 40mm)
- Meter installation (over 40mm)
- Meter Installation / replacement (all sizes inc. pipework configuration / chamber construction)
- Permanent disconnections
- Permanent disconnections
- Permanent disconnections (up to 40mm supply)
- Permanent disconnections (over 40mm supply)
Why Compliancy Group & what can we offer?
WIRSAE accreditation (and subsequent registration), allows WIRSAE Providers to tender for and to carry out for Retailers’ water supply disconnections and meter installation/replacement works, relevant to their level of accreditation, as an alternative to the Wholesaler, known as the adopting utility, in whose area the work is being done.
Did you also know we could help with MURS.
If you are considering NERS, WIRS, and GIRS for your company, it is crucial to take into account the benefits of also obtaining MURS (Multi-Utility Recognition Status). MURS is not a standalone accreditation; rather, it complements existing certifications. Only companies holding NERS (at 1st tier level), GIRS, and WIRS, while meeting the scheme requirements, will be eligible for automatic inclusion in the MURS register. Although they will not directly hold MURS accreditation, being on the MURS register signifies a higher level of competence and multi-utility capability.
By implementing MURS, the utility industry can eliminate redundant procedures and validation processes that commonly exist across different utility schemes. This streamlines operations and brings several advantages:
- Reduction in the number of annual surveillance visits, which eases the administrative burden on companies while ensuring compliance with standards.
- A revised approach to the 3-yearly re-appraisals will enhance efficiency and effectiveness, leading to smoother evaluations and continued improvements.
- Companies awarded MURS will be promoted for their multi-utility capability through scheme-specific web listings, boosting their visibility and credibility in the industry.
- The implementation of MURS will involve a designated assessor who will liaise with the utility provider and coordinate the input of scheme-specific assessors, ensuring a unified and standardised evaluation process.
Opting for MURS alongside NERS, WIRS, and GIRS will not only enhance your company’s reputation but also streamline validation processes, reduce surveillance visits, and promote your multi-utility capabilities, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and excellence in the utility sector – reach out to the Compliancy Group Team if you feel this is something you would like to consider!
WIRS Benefits: For Your Business
Commitment to Your Clients
WIRS accreditation demonstrates a commitment to high standards of work and compliance with industry regulations. This enhances the credibility of a business, instilling trust among clients, regulators, and customers.
Access to Contracts
Accreditation opens doors to a wider range of contracts and projects within the water industry. Many clients and government bodies require WIRS-accredited companies for specific water-related projects, providing a competitive advantage in securing lucrative contracts.
Quality Assurance
WIRS accreditation signifies a focus on quality and safety in all water-related activities. It helps businesses improve their internal processes, ensuring that work is completed to the highest standards, reducing the risk of errors, accidents, and costly rework
Benefits of COMPLIANCY GROUP's Services
Expanded Business Opportunities
WIRS accreditation allows companies to undertake self-lay works that will ultimately be adopted by water utility companies. Being accredited opens doors to work directly on water utility projects, thus expanding the potential for new business opportunities in the water sector.
Increased Credibility and Trust:
Achieving WIRS accreditation is a testament to a company's competence, capability, and adherence to industry standards. This not only boosts the company's reputation but also fosters trust among clients and stakeholders, knowing that the company meets the stringent requirements of the water industry.
Streamlined Work Approvals
With WIRS accreditation, companies can experience a more streamlined process for getting work approvals from water utilities. The need for repetitive assessments by different water companies is reduced, as the accreditation serves as a recognised stamp of approval across the industry. This can lead to faster project commencements and reduced administrative burdens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wirs accreditation?
WIRS stands for Water Industry Registration Scheme. It’s a UK-based scheme that allows self-lay providers (SLPs) and other organisations to be recognized as competent to undertake the design and construction of new water infrastructure that will be adopted by the incumbent water companies.
How do I get Wirs accreditation?
To obtain WIRS accreditation:
- Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines for WIRS.
- Complete the application process, which typically involves submitting relevant documentation about your organisation and its capabilities.
- Undergo a technical assessment, which may involve both desktop reviews of your documentation and on-site assessments.
- Address any gaps or non-conformities that might be identified during the assessment.
- Once you meet all requirements and successfully pass the assessment, you’ll be granted the WIRS accreditation.
What are the Wirs accreditation requirements?
While specific requirements can vary depending on the scope of work and the area of specialisation, general WIRS accreditation requirements include:
- Demonstrating technical competency in the water industry. This might involve having qualified personnel, necessary equipment, and appropriate procedures in place.
- Proving that your organisation has effective health and safety procedures in place that align with industry standards.
- Having a quality management system in place.
- Successful completion of both initial and ongoing audits and assessments.
