KIWA Certification for Water Tanks and Fittings: A Complete Guide
KIWA certification is an internationally recognised mark of quality, safety, and compliance for products used in drinking water systems. For water storage tanks, pipes, and fittings, KIWA approval confirms that materials are hygienic, durable, and safe for potable (drinking) water.
While WRAS approval is the standard requirement in the UK, KIWA extends recognition across Europe and globally. For manufacturers such as Tricel, offering both WRAS and KIWA approvals demonstrates a commitment to water safety and international compliance.
Key Highlights
- Origin: KIWA was founded in 1948 in the Netherlands as Keuring Instituut voor Waterleiding Artikelen (“Testing Institute for Water Supply Articles”).
- Scope: Now a global certification, testing, and inspection organisation.
- Focus in water sector: Certifies tanks, pipes, and fittings as safe for drinking water.
- Recognition: WRAS is UK-specific, KIWA has broader European and global acceptance.
- Benefits: Proves products are non-toxic, hygienic, durable, and compliant.
- Tricel tanks: Available with both WRAS and KIWA approvals, ensuring compliance across multiple markets.
What is KIWA
KIWA began in the Netherlands in 1948 as the Keuring Instituut voor Waterleiding Artikelen, which translates to Testing Institute for Water Supply Articles. Its initial mission was to certify materials and products used in drinking water systems to guarantee safety and hygiene.
Over time, KIWA evolved into a global certification body. Today it operates internationally across industries such as:
- Water and wastewater
- Energy and gas
- Construction and infrastructure
- Agriculture and food safety
In the water sector, KIWA still reflects its original purpose: ensuring tanks, pipes, valves, and fittings do not contaminate potable water and meet strict durability and performance standards.
KIWA Certification for Water Tanks
For cold water storage tanks, KIWA certification ensures:
- Safe materials: GRP or plastics tested for non-toxicity.
- Durability: Resistance to pressure, stress, and environmental factors.
- Hygiene: Smooth, non-porous surfaces that limit bacterial growth.
- Traceability: Batch testing and certificates for compliance records.
Tricel can supply tanks with KIWA approval for international projects, ensuring recognition beyond WRAS requirements in the UK.
WRAS V KIWA: Key differences
Although both certifications cover drinking water safety, their focus and recognition differ:
| Feature | WRAS (UK) | KIWA (International) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | UK (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) | Netherlands, global certification body |
| Scope | UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations | Europe & international compliance |
| Focus | Preventing contamination in UK systems | Hygiene, safety, durability, performance |
| Recognition | Required for UK compliance | Accepted widely across Europe and beyond |
| Best use | Domestic UK projects | International or cross-border projects |
Key takeaway: WRAS is mandatory in the UK, but KIWA certification provides broader acceptance internationally.
Why KIWA Certification Matters
- International compliance – recognised by European and global water authorities.
- Added assurance – products are independently tested for hygiene, strength, and durability.
- Regulatory acceptance – simplifies approval processes outside the UK.
- Competitive advantage – demonstrates manufacturers meet high standards across multiple markets.
What does KIWA stand for?
KIWA originally stood for Keuring Instituut voor Waterleiding Artikelen, Dutch for “Testing Institute for Water Supply Articles.” Today it is used as a global brand name.
What does KIWA certification mean?
It confirms a product has been independently tested and approved for potable water use, ensuring it is safe, hygienic, and durable.
Is KIWA the same as WRAS?
No. WRAS is the UK scheme required for compliance with water regulations. KIWA is an international certification body with wider recognition across Europe and globally.
Do I need KIWA if I already have WRAS approval?
WRAS is required in the UK. KIWA is not mandatory in the UK but is useful for international projects and provides additional assurance of quality.
Can a water tank be both WRAS and KIWA approved?
Yes. Many tanks, including Tricel’s GRP range, can carry both certifications, meeting UK and international requirements.
Read More...
- Water Tank Installation & Maintenance
- Cold Water Storage Tanks
- Case Studies
Cold Water Storage Tank Compliance in the UK: Regulations, Standards & Best Practices
Ensuring compliance with cold water storage tank regulations in the UK is essential for safeguarding water quality, maintaining system efficiency, and meeting legal obligations. From WRAS approval and LPCB certification to industry standards such as BS EN 13280, strict requirements govern the design, installation, and maintenance of water tanks.
How to Maintain a Compliant Cold Water Storage Tank
Maintaining a cold water storage tank is not just about ensuring a reliable water supplyit is also a legal and safety requirement. A poorly maintained tank can pose serious risks, including bacterial growth such as Legionella, structural deterioration, or non-compliance with current regulations.
Leak in Water Tank: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions
Water tank leaks can lead to significant structural damage and water loss. Common causes include corrosion, poor installation, and lack of maintenance. To prevent leaks, it's essential to ensure proper installation, use high-quality materials, and conduct regular inspections. For detailed guidance on causes, prevention, and solutions for water tank leaks, refer to Tricel Water UK's comprehensive article.
Importance of Base Levelling Steels
Proper base levelling is essential for the stability and longevity of your water tank. This guide explains why base levelling steels are crucial for preventing structural issues and ensuring your tank performs optimally over time.
