Domestic water treatment association formed

Published: 06 December, 2004

BEAMAEnergy has formed the Domestic Water Treatment Association (DWTA),

and is actively seeking to expand its membership to provide an inclusive and

focused approach in promoting the interests of the chemical water treatment

sector.

The DWTA has three founding members: Fernox, Kamco and Sentinel. Its

initial work plan has been dominated by the development of a chemical treatment

quality approval standard and application code of practice.

The new association launched a comprehensive consultation process for the

standard and the code of practice during early November 2004 and a

consultation meeting was held on 9 November to discuss, and agree, the

suitability of the standard and the code, with a cross-section of equipment

manufacturers and contractor representatives.

Alongside this activity, the DWTA has been developing its response to Part L

of the Building Regulations. Both the standard and code have been referenced in

the response.

Based on previously agreed draft BS testing methodologies, the DWTA’s

industry standard concerns the use of chemical treatments in primary water

systems, while the new industry code of practice supplements its introduction,

steering installers towards it when specification is appropriate.

DWTA Director Kelly Butler says: “Presently in final draft form, the

development of our industry standard and code is a significant leap forward, as

the overall water treatment sector has been trying to reach agreement on this

issue over many years – without success.

”Our consultation process is across the industry, via the HHIC, equipment

manufacturers, contractor bodies and key Government agencies.

“It is essential to have an industry standard - and complementary code of

practice - for appropriate manufacturing and application best practice.

Without one, products not reaching acceptable performance quality can

negatively impact on a market - and consumers fail to realise any return on the

promised benefits.

“Of major concern is the industry’s need to ensure that poor quality products

do not cause damage to a heating system (eg the boiler). Our code will ensure

the products are correctly applied.”