What WRAS Approved Products Can Do for Your Business

If you’ve been browsing through MIW’s products on the lookout for a new water cooler, you’ll doubtless have seen the phrase ‘WRAS approved’ multiple times. The fact that we only work with WRAS approved bottle fillers, drinking fountains and water coolers is something that we’re very proud of. So, we shout about it quite a lot. After all, it’s pretty important because it means that we’re doing the very best we can for our customers.  But what can investing in WRAS certified products do for your business?

Why is it a Good Idea to Use WRAS Approved Products in Your Business?

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) was founded to provide anyone responsible for the installation of water-related products with the information they need to make good decisions. Although it is illegal to connect unsafe equipment to the British water mains, a legislative loophole means that it’s not illegal to sell unsafe goods within the UK. So, a reputable supplier might have both types of equipment available for their customers to purchase. In many cases, the WRAS logo will be the only distinguishing feature that allows customers to make an informed decision. It means that the equipment has been fully tested inside and out – and found to be fully compliant with UK water regulations.

In a nutshell then, WRAS means health, safety and peace of mind. Here’s why.

Health

If you install a WRAS approved bottle filler, you don’t have to worry about the wellbeing of your employees. Or anyone else who uses it. WRAS certification means that you can be confident that the water dispenser is free from any contaminants, including lead. And that there is nowhere for unsafe bacteria to proliferate. So, by buying a WRAS approved water cooler, you are doing your best to ensure that your team stay well.

Safety

Equally importantly, WRAS checks the build of all of the equipment within its remit. And this is important because when you select a drinking fountain, you have no idea what’s going on inside it. With WRAS approval, you can be sure that nothing internally is going to rust away. That no drinkers are going to end up with a mouthful of nuts and bolts. That there is nothing at all dangerous or dodgy about the equipment that you have sole responsibility for.

Peace of mind

Lastly, WRAS certification means that you’re prepared. If your water authority or the Drinking Water Inspectorate have reason to believe that contaminates are being leached into the local water supply from your area – or any other concerns – they have the right to inspect your facilities. If you are unable to prove that the problem doesn’t originate with you, then they have the right to ask you to remove your equipment. They also have the power to prosecute you. While you could take your equipment to be independently tested, the process is both costly and time-consuming. And you are in no way guaranteed a positive result. A WRAS certificate is your ‘get out of jail free’ card. It’s your proof that your water cooler – or any other water-related equipment – is safe.

As a consumer, it’s easy to think that when you’re making a purchase for your business, all equipment that finds its way into a British supplier’s catalogue is safe. But in reality, water coolers are made all over the world. Many in places with lower standards than the UK. And yet manufacturers and suppliers are perfectly entitled to sell those goods here. The responsibility for ensuring equipment safety lies entirely with you. Buy investing in WRAS approved goods, that weight is lifted off your shoulders.

View MIW’s WRAS certified water refill stations today.