For products progressing through the DWI Regulation 31 approval process, testing typically follows a staged approach.
BS 6920 testing provides an initial assessment of a material's suitability for contact with drinking water. Where further analytical evidence is required by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Regulation 31 leachate studies generate the detailed analytical migration data needed to support product approval.
What are Regulation 31 Leachate Studies?
Regulation 31 applies to materials and products used throughout the public drinking water supply chain in England and Wales. It is intended to help demonstrate that substances do not leach into water at levels that could pose a risk to human health.
Leachate studies form part of the Regulation 31 approval process, supporting both new product approvals and in certain cases the reassessment of existing materials.
Regulation 31 leachate studies involve advanced migration testing of water contact materials, designed to identify and quantify substances that may transfer into drinking water.
Testing typically includes:
- Controlled preparation of leachate samples for the relevant product category, including factory-made products, site-applied products and membrane filters
- Non-targeted analytical screening to identify unknown or unintended chemical compounds that may migrate into drinking water
- Targeted chemical analysis of specific compounds from the product formulation identified as "of interest" by DWI's expert team
- Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis to support assessment of overall organic migration
These studies provide detailed analytical data to support DWI's formal assessment of the product.
When are Regulation 31 Leachate Studies Required?
The requirement to conduct Regulation 31 leachate studies is determined by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) as part of the approval process. Following submission of an application, the DWI reviews the product, its composition and intended use before specifying the testing required. Applicants are then instructed to use a designated laboratory for Regulation 31 product testing to undertake the defined studies.
Depending on the application, Regulation 31 leachate studies may be required to:
- Support approval of new products or materials designed for use with drinking water
- Assess changes to product formulation, raw materials or manufacturing processes
- Support reapproval of products where required by the DWI
Our technical specialists can provide guidance on the Regulation 31 approval process and discuss the testing requirements specified by the DWI in your application.
How Smithers Can Support Your Regulation 31 Approval
As a designated laboratory for Regulation 31 product testing, Smithers provides leachate studies across a wide range of drinking water categories, supporting manufacturers, suppliers and water companies throughout the approval process. Our capabilities include testing for factory-made products, site-applied products and ion exchange resins, with rig testing for membrane filters available through our large-scale conditioned testing facility.
Where BS 6920 testing is also required, Smithers can provide a coordinated approach to generating the analytical data needed to support Regulation 31 approval.
We can support you by:
- Delivering Regulation 31 leachate studies alongside complementary BS 6920 testing where required
- Providing non-targeted analytical screening, targeted chemical analysis and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) assessment
- Developing bespoke analytical approaches where standard methods are not applicable
- Generating the technical data required to support Regulation 31 approval submissions
The Smithers Difference
Smithers combines Regulation 31 leachate studies with deep analytical chemistry expertise, advanced instrumentation and practical experience in regulated contact materials testing.
Our leachate studies capability is built on more than 40 years of expertise in food contact migration testing, analytical chemistry and working within highly regulated industries. Through decades of testing in this field, our team has developed extensive experience in rapid method development, non-targeted analysis and unknown compound identification, enabling us to apply proven analytical techniques to drinking water applications.
Smithers applies this established migration testing expertise to deliver scientifically robust Regulation 31 leachate study programmes with high confidence in analytical results. Supported by a large team of specialists and an extensive library of analytical methods, we can deliver efficiently against both standard and bespoke testing requirements.
- Regulation 31 leachate studies
- BS 6920 water contact testing available where required
- In-house testing supported by advanced analytical equipment, including GC-MS, LC-MS and high-resolution chromatography instrumentation
- Extensive experience in migration testing, analytical chemistry and unknown compound identification
- Proven capability in rapid method development for complex analytical studies
- Large team of dedicated technical specialists supporting projects from initial enquiry through to final reporting
Start your Enquiry Now
Please use the Request a Quote form or contact one of our experts to tell us briefly about your material or product, its intended application, and how it will be used in contact with drinking water. Our technical team will review your enquiry and advise on the next steps.
