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Private Water Supplies

What is a Private Water Supply?

A private water supply is a supply of water, which does not come from a water undertaker or licensed water supplier, such as Southern Water or Veolia. Private supplies may come from a variety of sources, including wells, springs, boreholes and streams.

The supplies are covered by The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009, which came into force on 1 January 2010. The regulations aim to ensure water from private supplies is wholesome, so people who drink water or consume food or drinks made from private supplies may do so without risk to their health. They also cover private distribution systems where water may be supplied to one property and then distributed on to other properties, e.g. caravan sites.

They are categorised as follows:

Large/commercial supplies

• serves at least 50 people
• uses more than 10m³ of water per day or
• is used for commercial means or serves premises which the public have access to

Small supplies

• serves at least two properties
• serves less than 50 people or less than 10m³ per day
• is not used for any commercial means or public premises

For large supplies and small domestic supplies, we are required to carry out a risk assessment on the supply.  This risk assessment looks at the source of the supply and the surrounding area to see if contamination is possible.  It also involves checks of storage tanks, treatment systems and the pipes to ensure that any action necessary is taken to ensure the water supply is safe to drink.  Risk assessments must be carried out every five years.  

We are also required to carry out sampling at these supplies but the frequency of sampling and the parameters tested are dependent on the outcome of the risk assessment and the size of the supply. 

Single supplies

• supply to a single premises where there is no commercial or public use

There is no requirement to sample at single domestic supplies. However, this can be done at the request of the owner or occupier.  There is a charge for this service and the fees are set out in the regulations as detailed in the table below.  Charges are dependent on the parameters tested and the officer’s time.  We only charge for costs incurred and no profit is made.  The table below gives detail of the maximum charges permitted.

Authorisations

Where sampling and testing shows there is a problem with the water supply an authorisation may still be granted. This would permit the supply to be of a different standard to that set out in the regulations. However, this would only be if the water poses no danger to human health. The authorisation will still require the applicant to take action to comply with any necessary conditions. 

Alternatively, if a private supply of water constitutes a potential danger to human health, the local authority must serve a private supply notice.  The notice can be served on the owner or occupier of the premises that the water supply serves or the owner or occupier of the source premises.  The notice will usually require various steps to remedy the problems or to arrange an alternative supply.  If no action is taken, the local authority can carry out the works in default and recover the cost. 

Charges

Where can I get further advice?

Detailed technical information and guidance is available on the Private Water Supplies website.

Information on sampling parameters, fees, frequency of inspections etc is also available on the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website.

The Environmental Protection Team at Dover District Council, on 01304 872428 or via e-mail at envhealth@dover.gov.uk  can also provide advice.