Why It’s Essential to Follow UK Water Company Asset Standards, WIMES, and British/European Standards

Why It’s Essential to Follow UK Water Company Asset Standards, WIMES, and British/European Standards

In the UK water industry, ensuring products are compliant, compatible, and durable is critical. For suppliers like Hydrofast—who provide essential engineering consumables, tools, fixings, and components—this means more than just selling products. It means supplying the right products that meet the exacting standards set by water companies and national frameworks.

Whether we’re supplying stainless steel fasteners, chemical-resistant coatings, or cable glands for site installations, aligning with UK water company asset standards, WIMES, and British/European standards ensures our customers receive quality, compliant, and approved items—every time.

1. Water Company Asset Standards: Ensuring Fit-for-Purpose Supplies

Each UK water company (e.g. Thames Water, Wessex Water, Anglian Water) has its own set of asset standards that specify approved materials, installation preferences, and compatibility requirements.

By supplying products that align with these standards:

• Installations are more likely to be approved without delay.

• Operatives on site have confidence that items will fit and function correctly.

• Time and money are saved avoiding rework or rejected materials.

At Hydrofast, we work closely with our clients to ensure every product we supply meets their water company’s specific requirements—taking the guesswork out of procurement.

2. WIMES: Specifications Built for the Water Industry

The Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications (WIMES) were developed to standardise equipment used across the sector. This includes everything from motor enclosures to valve actuators and stainless fixings.

When sourcing through Hydrofast, you can be confident that:

• All relevant products are compliant with applicable WIMES specs.

• Quality assurance is built into the supply chain.

• Equipment longevity and reliability are considered at the point of purchase.

By focusing on WIMES-compliant products, we help customers avoid costly site issues and ensure smoother commissioning.

3. British and European Standards: Protecting People and Infrastructure

British (BS), European (EN), and ISO standards underpin everything from PPE to pressure fittings and corrosion-resistant paints. As a responsible supplier, Hydrofast ensures:

• Traceable sourcing from certified manufacturers.

• Products meet or exceed BS/EN/ISO standards.

• Full documentation and certifications can be provided on request.

For example, when supplying materials for potable water contact, we ensure they meet Regulation 31 requirements. For structural fixings, we ensure EN 1090 and CE/UKCA marking where necessary.

4. Why Standards Matter to Suppliers

As a consumables partner to many of the UK’s leading water sector contractors, we don’t just ship boxes—we help maintain the integrity of the UK’s critical infrastructure. Supplying a cheaper, non-compliant alternative might save a few pounds in the short term, but the long-term risks—from failed audits to site rejections—are never worth it.

At Hydrofast, we make compliance simple by only stocking products that meet the correct standards, or clearly flagging where alternatives may need approval.

5. Hydrofast: Your Trusted Supply Partner

Hydrofast was built to serve the water industry. Backed by a multi-million-pound engineering group, we understand what matters on site: speed, reliability, and the confidence that the tools and materials you’re using are compliant with every relevant spec.

Whether you're ordering fixings for a control panel install, sealants for pipework, or tools for a shutdown job, our team will help ensure every item is up to standard—and delivered on time.

Final Thought

Compliance isn’t just for designers and contractors—it starts at the supply chain. By working with Hydrofast, you get more than products; you get peace of mind that your materials are approved, consistent, and trusted for the UK water industry.

Hydrofast: Where performance meets compliance.