'Join UKWTA' pole makers urged
June 1st 2006

The Aqua-Nouveau / Aquafactors Group, the organisation behind Tucker Pole Systems UK is a founder member of a new trade association dedicated to domestic and commercial water treatment.

The UKWTA (The United Kingdom Water Treatment Association) had its inaugural meeting, in Loughborough, on May 25th.

A previous affiliation, within the wider water industry, had proved an uneasy alliance. With the domestic and commercial market changing so rapidly key players realised the need for a more cohesive approach to what was going on. The formation of the UKWTA was therefore a logical move.

The UKWTA will embody the four main product areas - chemical products, filtration (including reverse osmosis), physical conditioners and water softeners. The association will also incorporate representation from various manufacturers, installers, merchants (wholesalers) and the utilities.

Initially, the new association will be concentrating on the domestic market where changes in Building Regulations and British Standards will have a huge impact on homes fitting new boilers. Domestic water treatment will be mandatory from April next year.

Many water fed pole water treatments involve fitting static pure water making systems into homes and factory units. The lack of control in the positioning of rising mains water pipes into properties in going to be a priority for the UKWTA. It is intended to introduce Building Regulations that will make sure mains water enters buildings at specific places so that water softeners and other such equipment can be fitted more easily. This is just one item on a prolific agenda of topics that require action in coming months.

On the internal front there will be a drive to increase the knowledge, understanding and competence of operatives in the water treatment industry through the development and delivery of appropriate training, Standards and Codes of Best Practice.

Naturally a key objective of the association is to enhance Government and public recognition and acceptance of the environmental, health and energy benefits that water treatment can deliver. Therefore, there will be links set up with regulatory organisations and other trade associations to drive the strategy and future direction of developments within the UK and the European water treatment industry.

Aquafactors believes the association is going to be an important organisation for those in the water fed pole industry. Although not directly aimed at the user, the company says most manufacturers and providers of systems should seriously consider joining either as a full member, or as an associate.

Further details can be obtained from the chairman, Dr Carl Jasper, on: 01509 215000 or Alan Matthews on 01256 844046.

More articles from Aquafactors Direct Limited: