Why Choose Potable Paints & Coatings (DWI Approved) for Drinking Water Tanks and Systems
These approved products have passed stringent testing in accordance with water quality regulations, meaning they are safe for contact with public water supplies. They won’t contaminate drinking water, leach harmful substances, or compromise system integrity. Used alongside compatible hygiene paint or antibacterial paint systems, these coatings support better water quality, reduce risk, and extend the lifespan of water tank lining systems—particularly in steel, concrete, or glass reinforced plastic (GRP tanks).
Whether you're working on water towers, plastic pipes, reservoirs, or enclosed water tanks, these coatings offer the most effective corrosion resistance and compliance with the water industry’s current standards.
Approved Products for Potable Paints Coatings (DWI Approved) and Drinking Water Tanks
Our offering includes approved products trusted by engineers across the UK and Northern Ireland, including the renowned Acothane DW product range. Used in both maintenance and new build scenarios, these coatings are ideal for water intended for human consumption and meet the requirements of the annual list of products approved for use in public water supplies.
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Acothane DW: A leading DWI approved coating with over thirty years of use in the UK water sector. This two-pack, epoxy-urethane coating offers strong resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and effective corrosion in both steel and concrete applications.
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Acothane LV Sealer: A solvent-free primer for concrete substrates. Essential for sealing porous surfaces prior to final coating and suitable for use in contact with drinking water.
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Sika Sikadur 31 DW: An epoxy adhesive with DWI approval, ideal for repairs and structural bonding inside water tanks and pipes.
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Other options include coatings compatible with glass reinforced plastic, plastic pipes, and other common construction products in drinking water systems.
All products are listed within the DWI list of approved products and come with comprehensive technical support and application advice from fully trained experts.
Food-Grade Epoxy Paint for Water Tanks & Drinking Water Systems
When selecting coatings for drinking water tanks, using food-grade epoxy paint is vital. These materials meet strict criteria on temperature, erosion, and chemical exposure. Our paints are developed to withstand constant immersion and are tested for suitability in water intended for human consumption, including water towers, pipes, and liquid retaining structures manufactured in GRP, concrete, or steel.
The Acothane UK system is widely specified in the water industry, thanks to its record of compliance and reliable water tank lining performance. These coatings form a seamless barrier, prevent corrosion, reduce bacterial adhesion, and protect water quality—all while meeting regulation under current drinking water inspectorate guidance.
By using DWI approved materials, you can be confident that your system will meet both regulatory and performance standards across all types of drinking water infrastructure.
DWI Certification, Regulations, and Specification Advice Sheet
The term DWI approved refers to materials certified by the Drinking Water Inspectorate for use in the treatment, storage, and delivery of drinking water. These must meet strict safety and durability standards for contact with water intended for human consumption.
One common question we receive is: What’s the difference between DWI and WRAS?
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WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval applies to fittings, pipes, and products used after the stopcock—typically inside buildings or on the domestic side.
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DWI approval applies to materials and coatings used in the treatment, storage, and distribution infrastructure—governed under public health law.
We supply a detailed advice sheet, including further details on system compatibility, specification, and suitability. We also flag any approvals revoked or amended under previous regulations, ensuring your project stays compliant with up-to-date standards across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
For bedding and repair of surfaces or tanks, consider Fosroc Conbextra Bedding Mortar, suitable for use in contact areas of water systems.
Contact Us for Potable Paints Coatings (DWI Approved) and Specification Support
If you're maintaining or specifying drinking water tanks, pipes, or related structures and need reliable potable paints coatings DWI approved, contact our team today. We provide direct access to products approved by the DWI, including the Acothane DW product range, food-grade epoxy coatings, and antibacterial paint systems for water supply projects.
Our fully trained applicators and support staff can assist with:
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Material selection
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Specification matching
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Compliance with water quality regulations
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Application advice for coating, lining, and repair in site conditions
We’re here to help with construction products in the water industry, whether you're working on a new installation or refurbishing existing structures. Speak to us for up-to-date guidance, or request a quote based on your technical and regulatory needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is DWI approved?
A: DWI approved refers to materials certified by the Drinking Water Inspectorate for use in the treatment, storage, and delivery of drinking water. These must meet strict safety and durability standards for contact with water intended for human consumption.
Q: What paint is safe for potable water?
A: Paints certified under the DWI scheme, including food-grade epoxy paints and Acothane DW systems, are considered safe. They meet both performance and regulatory criteria for drinking water contact and resist corrosion, leaching, and degradation.
Q: What’s the difference between WRAS and DWI?
A: WRAS approval covers products and fittings used post-stopcock, generally inside buildings. DWI approval applies to water industry infrastructure—pipes, tanks, and treatment equipment. Both are important but serve different ends of the supply chain.
Q: Which sealant is safe for drinking water tanks?
A: Sealants like Acothane LV Sealer, which is DWI approved, are suitable for potable water contact. Check all products approved for use in the annual list and ensure they meet the requirements for temperature, chemical exposure, and resistance.
Q: How does hygiene paint differ from antibacterial coatings in drinking water systems?
A: Hygiene paint prevents microbial growth on surfaces, while antibacterial coatings contain active agents to kill bacteria. For drinking water applications, both should be used in conjunction with a DWI approved base layer to meet all water quality regulations.