Approved Documents set out what may be accepted as reasonable compliance with the relevant Building Regulations in England to which they refer.  Following the guidance in an Approved Document establishes a presumption of compliance with the requirements covered by the guidance. However, compliance is not guaranteed.  The guidance may not apply if the particular case is unusual in some way.

Approved Document G covers the standards required for cold water supply, water efficiency, hot water supply and systems, sanitary conveniences and washing facilities, bathrooms and kitchens and food preparation areas.

This amended approved document took effect on 1 March 2016 for use in England. It does not apply to work started before 1 March 2016, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date provided the work is started on site before 1 March 2016.

It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions (No. 2) Order 2009.

Further information and free pdf versions of the Approved Documents can be found on the Gov.UK website.