The government is considering bringing tap water temperatures under the building regulations to improve safety in all newly built and converted private housing. It means Part G of the Building Regulations (Hygiene) could be amended before 2006 to require temperature control valves on all bathroom taps.
It has previously been considered necessary for hot water to be stored at temperatures of no less than 60°C. This is mainly to prevent the proliferation of micro-organisms but also to allow the use of more compact storage cylinders, which can help reduce energy costs.
However, hot water temperatures that kill bacteria such as legionella will cause scalding. More than 75% of severe scalds are suffered by children under five, and almost 75% of the fatalities are people aged 65 and over.
The new generation of thermostatic mixing valves provides a solution by mixing hot water (stored at a temperature high enough to kill legionella) with cold water to prevent scalding.
Subject to the views of BRAC (Building Regulations Advisory Committee) and a full public consultation, it appears likely that a review of Part G will propose that all bathroom taps are fitted with such valves.