UKWIR Testing
Accredited analysis for water-industry soil-reuse compliance — keeping your installation programme stable and adoption-ready.
Do you need UKWIR Testing?
You may need UKWIR testing if you’re installing new water mains or service pipes on a brownfield site, a redevelopment plot, or land with any potential contamination history.
Water companies and Self-Lay Providers (SLPs) require UKWIR-compliant evidence to confirm the ground will not degrade or permeate water pipes.
This early clarity protects you from last-minute delays and unplanned redesign.
What is UKWIR testing?
UKWIR (UK Water Industry Research) provides the official guidance used by water companies to decide which pipe materials, barrier systems, or protective coatings are suitable for installation on contaminated or potentially contaminated sites.
A UKWIR test identifies contaminants that may affect pipe integrity — including chemicals capable of permeating plastics, attacking metal pipes, or compromising long-term safety.
Our testing is aligned with the UKWIR Guidance for the Selection of Water Supply Pipes to be Used in Brownfield Sites (Ref 10/WM/03/21).
Send your postcode, a brief site summary and planned pipe routes for a fast, accurate recommendation.
You may need UKWIR Testing if your site has...
Physical or biological signs:
- brownfield or redevelopment history
- former industrial or commercial use
- fuel tanks, garages, workshops, or storage areas
- odours, staining or Made Ground in trial pits
- localised hotspots from previous activities
Administrative Indicators
- water company requiring UKWIR compliance
- SLP submission flagged for contamination review
- planning conditions referencing utility design and contamination
- contractor request for pipe-material confirmation
- adoption delays pending laboratory verification
Early instruction avoids redesign cost and programme friction.
What We Deliver
| Service | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Site Review & Desk Study | Assess historical land use and contamination risk. | Confirms sampling locations and test scope. |
| Soil Sampling & Accredited Laboratory Testing | Targeted sample collection and full UKWIR analysis. | Independent, chain-of-custody laboratory data. |
| Typical Analyses Include | ||
| • Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, BTEX, MTBE) | Identify organic contamination affecting pipe permeation. | Defines material suitability. |
| • VOCs / SVOCs | Assess volatile and semi-volatile contaminants. | Ensures safe selection of pipe barriers. |
| • Phenols & chlorinated compounds | Identify legacy industrial contaminants. | Supports correct coating specification. |
| • Heavy metals | Assess corrosion potential. | Protects long-term pipe integrity. |
| • Soil pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential | Evaluate chemical environment around pipes. | Confirms compatibility with pipe materials. |
| UKWIR-Compliant Reporting | Submission-ready documentation for water company or SLP. | Clear, traceable, UKAS-accredited results. |
| Pipe Material Selection Advice | Determine correct pipe type, barrier system or protective coating. | Adoption-ready specification with no ambiguity. |
That’s how evidence stays proportionate, pipe selection stays compliant, and your installation programme keeps moving.
How it Works
Scope & Confirmation
Send a brief summary of your project, pipe routes and any known contamination. We confirm the correct UKWIR test suite and sampling plan.
Sampling & Analysis
Samples are collected and analysis is carried out by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Reporting
You receive a clear, UKWIR-compliant report with pipe-material recommendations and supporting certificates.
Timing & Delivery
Sampling
Year-round
Turnaround
Typically within 10 working days from receipt of sample receipt
Nationwide
Nationwide coverage across the UK
Expedited Testing
Fast-track available for urgent SLP or contractor deadlines
Each week gained here protects your adoption programme and prevents costly redesign or resubmission.
What You Receive:
- UKAS-accredited laboratory results
- Clear pipe-material selection (pipe type, barrier system, coatings)
- Independent interpretation aligned with UKWIR Ref 10/WM/03/21
- Submission-ready report for water companies and SLPs
- Chain-of-custody and contamination mapping (if required)
- Nationwide coverage and predictable communication
Why Clients Choose ProHort
- Deep experience across brownfield and infrastructure projects
- Testing aligned with water-industry adoption requirements
- Practical, clean reporting — no technical overreach
- Fast mobilisation and predictable turnaround
- Integration with soil testing and remediation services
Legal Compliance & Planning risk
UKWIR testing supports compliance with:
- UKWIR “Guidance on the Reuse of Excavated Materials” (10/WM/03/21)
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Waste Framework Directive
- Environment Act 2021
- Local planning and utility-provider requirements
Missing or incorrect UKWIR evidence can result in:
- rejected adoption submissions
- delayed mains connection
- refusal of Self-Lay Provider designs
- costly pipe specification changes late in the programme
- replacement of installed pipework if contamination is discovered afterward
Early alignment ensures your water company receives clear, compliant evidence on first submission — preserving programme stability.
Your Next Step
Need UKWIR testing? We’ll confirm the right test suite and deliver UKAS-accredited, UKWIR-compliant results — fast.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
Case Insight
UKWIR Testing FAQs
Do I need UKWIR testing for all brownfield sites?
Not always — but you do if the water company, SLP or local authority requires contamination evidence before approving pipe materials. If the ground has any industrial, commercial or fuel-storage history, testing is almost always mandatory.
What contaminants does UKWIR testing look for?
Testing includes petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, BTEX, MTBE), VOCs/SVOCs, phenols, chlorinated compounds, heavy metals, and supporting soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and redox potential.
Is this the same as a Phase 1 or Phase 2 contamination assessment?
No. A Phase 1 or 2 assesses environmental risk; UKWIR testing specifically determines pipe material compatibility and adoption compliance. Many brownfield projects require both.
How many samples are needed?
It depends on the size of the pipe route, contamination history, and variability of Made Ground. We provide sampling guidance or attend site directly.
Is UKWIR testing required for self-lay providers (SLPs)?
Yes — most SLPs must submit UKWIR-compliant evidence to water companies before mains adoption.
Will results affect the pipe materials we can use?
Yes. The laboratory data determines whether you need:
- standard pipework
- barrier pipe
- enhanced protective coatings
- specialised fittings
This prevents costly replacement later.
How fast can results be delivered?
Typically within 10 working days of sample receipt, with fast-track options available.
Can ProHort handle the sampling?
Yes — or we can provide detailed sampling instructions if your contractor prefers to collect.
Are the results accepted by all UK water companies?
Yes — results are UKAS-accredited and aligned with UKWIR Ref 10/WM/03/21.
Does UKWIR testing affect planning permission?
Indirectly. Planning conditions relating to utilities or contamination often require evidence before connection or adoption.
Can this delay installation if left too late?
Yes — water companies may refuse connection or adoption without compliant laboratory results.
Do you offer nationwide coverage?
We conduct sampling and reporting across England and Wales.
