Private Water Supply
What is a private water supply?
A private water supply is any water supply that is not provided by a water company for example a private well, borehole, spring, stream, river, lake or pond. These supplies now fall under the Private Water Regulations 2009, which came into force in early 2010.
These regulations also cover private distribution networks where water provided by a water company is further distributed by a third party to properties not owned by the same person, company or organisation (for example caravan sites where water is distributed to different plots or standpipes).
The regulations divide premises into 3 main categories of supply:
1. Large Supplies which provide ≥10m3/day of water (serving >50 persons), provide water for commercial use or for use in public buildings.
2. Small Supplies which provide <10m3/day (serving <50 persons) to more than one premises and the water is used only for domestic purposes.
3. Single Dwellings where water is provided for one premises and is used for only domestic purposes.
Local authorities have a responsibility to conduct risk assessments on all large and small supplies every 5 years (Single dwellings may request a risk assessment). These risk assessments are intended to identify any potential risks to human health and will be conducted on a prioritised basis with large, commercial and public premises being assessed first. (There is a charge for the risk assessment)
The regulations also mean that local authorities must send information about each private water supply to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) on an annual basis, and users of private water supplies will be informed accordingly.
Why conduct a risk assessment?
The risk assessment is intended to:
Identify risks in the catchment and ensure any practical control measures are in place.
Identify risks that need to be controlled by treatment.
Identify risks of contamination entering the distribution network.
Identify risks of contamination within the premises.
Establish the control measures and operational monitoring required.
Establish standard operating protocols for treatment and distribution and also establish protocols for timely remediation when an operational problem is detected.
Identify security risks with the source, treatment works and distribution network.
Verify drinking water quality through routine checks and inspections.
Further monitoring
Following the risk assessment local authorities are required to conduct check monitoring for set parameters on all large supplies. This is intended to:
Determine whether water complies with the standards set in the regulations.
Provide information on the organoleptic (taste, odour & appearance) and microbiological quality of the water.
Establish the effectiveness of any treatment.
In addition to check monitoring less frequent audit monitoring must also be conducted for parameters determined by the risk assessment. (All check and audit monitoring is subject to a fee).
The monitoring regime for small premises will be determined solely by the outcome of the risk assessment and will not be required for single dwellings. (Monitoring is subject to a fee).
What are the risks and what improvements might be needed?
Even if untreated water looks clear, it can still contain microorganisms or chemical contamination which will not necessarily be detected by taste or smell. Micro-organisms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or more severe illnesses. Chemical contamination can result in a wide variety of illnesses depending on the type and concentrations of chemicals in the supply.
When monitoring detects a failure to meet the specified standard the local authority will carry out an investigation to determine the cause, they will advise on remediation options and if necessary issue a notice to prevent any danger to human health.
Likely remediation options may include repairing the system to prevent dirty water or contamination entering, installing appropriate water treatment/filters or replacing water systems/pipes.
If you have a private water supply or private distribution network further advice is available through the links below, if your supply is not known to East Staffordshire Borough Council it is important that you contact us as soon as possible on 01283 508848 or e-mail pollution.team@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk so that a risk assessment can be completed if necessary.
Fees and charges related to the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009
Through the implementation of our requirements under the above legislation costs are incurred, which we charge on those responsible for the supply or using the supply.
The table below highlights the typical costs for the various activities, including risk assessing, sampling & analysis (monitoring), authorising and investigations.
The table highlights the maximum fees we are allowed to charge, but also includes what we envisage will be the typical costs for the activities, including what the charge includes.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give exact costs per activity due to the varied nature of individual private water supplies, but we will be happy to discuss charges further if you contact us through the above email or telephone number.
| Risk Assessment |
£500 |
Large Supply approx £350
(Cost proportionally divided by all users relative to time spent at each property). |
Based on hourly rate (and travel costs) for the amount of time taken for a desk top study and site visit(s). Excludes analysis costs. |
|
|
Small Supply approx £250
(Cost proportionally divided by all users relative to time spent at each property). |
Based on hourly rate (and travel costs) for the amount of time taken for a desk top study and site visit(s). Excludes analysis costs. |
| Sampling |
£100 |
Approx £50 per property. |
Based on hourly rate (and travel costs). Assumes a number of properties are included in the sampling. |
| Investigation |
£100 |
Approx £100
(Cost divided between all users if failure is for the overall supply or charged on an individual property if failure relates just to that premise). |
Includes hourly rate, travel costs and also analysis. |
| Authorisation |
£100 |
£35 (charged on person responsible for the water supply). |
Based on hourly rate |
| Analysis:- |
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| Under Reg. 10 (Small supplies/domestic supplies) |
£25 |
Approx £25 per property. |
Based on a small number of parameters (substances). In addition to the sampling costs above. |
| Check monitoring (Large supplies/ commercial supplies) |
£100 |
Approx £60 (per supply, divided between all users). |
Based on a set number of parameters (substances). In addition to the sampling costs above. |
| Audit monitoring (Commercial supplies) |
£500 |
Approx £100 (per supply, divided between all users). |
Based on a varied number of parameters (substances) depending on the nature of the water supply and the respective risk assessment. In addition to the sampling costs above. |
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Useful Links
Drinking Water Inspectorate – Private water supply homepage: http://www.dwi.gov.uk/stakeholders/private-water-supplies/index.htm
Drinking Water Inspectorate – Private water supply FAQ’s: http://www.dwi.gov.uk/consumers/advice-leaflets/PWS-newregs.pdf
General information on Private Water Supply Regulations: http://www.privatewatersupplies.gov.uk/private_water/21.html
Private Water Supply Regulations, 2009 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/3101/contents/made