In January 2010 the new Private Water Regulations came into force. These new regulations are far more demanding than any previous ones and must be taken seriously by those who’s water supply it relates to.
The first step that all private water users must take is to find out which of the 3 categories they fall into as many supplies are not affected by the regulation changes.
1) Small supply ( less than 10m3 per day), single dwelling, with no commercial use e.g. B&B, farm, child minding etc.
2) Small supply with either/or multiple dwellings or a commercial use.
3) Large supply – using more than 10m3
For those in category 1 there is no change to the previous 1992 regulations. The council cannot demand that your supply is tested or risk assessed, but they may want to test for sampling purposes ( Free of charge) or test at your request which will be chargeable.
For categories 2&3 there are several changes you need to be aware of:
- The Local Authority are duty bound to carry out a risk assessment of the water supply and the associated system by 2015.
- The Local Authority is duty bound to monitor the water supply for a range of parameters at least every 5 years ( more if deemed necessary by the risk assessment)
- The Local Authority ( who carry out the risk assessment / monitoring must inform the owner if the supply constitutes a potential danger to human health.
- The Local Authority must investigate and establish the cause of the failure.
- The Local Authority must then inform the owner of its findings and offer advice on the necessary remedial measures to be taken.
- On being informed of the unwholesomeness of their water, the owner may seek authorisation to continue to use the water, which may or may not be granted depending on a whole range of factors. This authorisation will be set with a short time span up to a maximum of 3 years.
- If the water constitutes a potential danger to human health then the Local Authority may serve a notice. A notice will either prevent or restrict usage of the water and is served by a Magistrates Court ( 28 days to appeal)
Maximum Fees chargeable by the Local Authority
Risk Assessment (each) £500
Sampling each visit £100
Investigation £100
Granting Authorisation £100
On Tap Water Treatment can assist anyone in all of the 3 categories by suppling, installing and servicing the appropriate water treatment equipment to ensure that compliance is achieved. We can help before the Local Authority visit or following notification of an unwholesome supply.
