• Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Call Me Back
  • About
  • Knowledge
📞 Call us on 0330 223 31 31
Water Treatment Services
  • Home
  • Water
    • Applications
      • Boiler Water Treatment
      • Cooling Water Treatment
      • Closed Loop Water Treatment
      • Legionella Control
    • Services
      • Cooling Tower Cleaning
      • Cooling Tower Maintenance
      • Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment
      • Commercial Water Softeners
      • Expert Witness Services
      • Pre-Commission Cleaning
      • Tank Reline & Repair
      • TMV Servicing
      • Water Chlorination & Disinfection
      • Water Leak Detection
      • Water Testing
        • Drinking Water Testing
        • Metals Testing
        • Pool Water Testing
        • BSRIA Closed System Testing
        • SDI Testing & Analysis
        • Trade Effluent Testing
    • Training
      • Water Treatment Training
      • Basic Chemistry of Water
      • Industrial Treatment
      • Pre-Treatment
      • Boiler Treatment
      • Cooling Systems
      • Closed Systems
      • Wastewater Training
      • Advanced Treatments
      • Training Dates 2021
  • Wastewater
    • Metals Testing
    • Trade Effluent Testing
    • Wastewater Training
    • Expert Witness Services
  • Air
    • Ductwork Cleaning
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing
    • Mould Testing
    • Expert Witness Services
  • Energy
  • Legionella
    • Legionella Risk Assessment
    • Legionella Training Courses
      • Legionella Awareness Training
      • Responsible Person Training
      • Water Hygiene Awareness
      • Pseudomonas Training
      • Training Dates 2021
    • Legionella Testing
    • Expert Witness Services
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Knowledge2 / Air3 / Testing Private Water Supplies
Testing private water supplies

Testing Private Water Supplies

In this guide the experts at Water Treatment Services consider the rules and regulations for testing private water supplies, and look at who’s responsible for ensuring the water coming from these supplies is safe to drink.

The guide explains what a private water supply is, the role of the Drinking Water Inspectorate and how they categorise different supplies; it examines who’s responsible for ensuring water safety, common contaminants and the benefits of water testing.

What is a private water supply?

A private water supply describes any water supply that is not provided by a water company.

In England and Wales these private water sources serve around 1% of the population.

  • Learn more about private water supplies

Most of these are located in remote, rural areas and can come from various sources such as wells, boreholes, natural springs, and private watercourses.

Without specialist testing it’s not possible to tell whether the water you drink is safe or contaminated

Testing private water supplies

Providing a safe water supply for people to use is a crucial part of minimising any contamination risk associated with that supply.

Public water supplies are rigorously tested to ensure the quality of the water we receive in our homes and businesses is safe use.

However, it is just as important to know you can trust the quality of the water that comes from a private water supply.

Regular water testing forms an essential part of this process.

  • Professional laboratory analysis solutions for private water supplies

The role of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) was created in 1990 to safeguard the quality and safety of water supplies throughout England and Wales.

While all drinking water is covered by European Council Directive 98/83EC, England, Wales, and Scotland each have their own regulations connected to this EU Directive.

In every case, however, regular testing is required to ensure the water supply in use does not pose a health risk to those who are exposed to it.

Proper water testing has many benefits and must be done to comply with the law.

Who’s responsible for ensuring private water supplies are safe?

The various local authorities across the country are responsible for ensuring private water supplies are safe for human consumption.

However, in many cases, only the largest and best-known private water supplies are recognised and tested by local councils each year.

If you have access to a private water supply that only you use, or that is small in scale such as a well or borehole, the local authority may not be aware of it.

In every case, however, regular testing must be done to ensure the quality and safety of that private water supply.

In England and Wales around 1% of the population use private water supplies

Local authorities will typically test water supplies at least once every five years and more often if their risk assessment calls for it.

Without such testing, it is often not possible to tell whether the water you drink is safe or whether it could be contaminated and cause significant harm.

By the time you find out your supply doesn’t meet the standards required, it could have caused you and others who use the supply to suffer from a waterborne illness.

Why test private water supplies?

Private water supplies can contain bugs, bacteria, and other potentially nasty substances.

The catch-all term “substances”, can include faeces – either from nearby animals, perhaps farm animals for example, or even from humans.

Either way, they increase the chances that dangerous bacteria will be present that may harm those drinking the contaminated water.

Proper testing of the water can discover whether faeces has caused contamination.

Faeces contain E. coli bacteria, so if this is found in the water sample, it confirms this type of contamination has occurred.

Other bugs can also potentially show up when testing private water supplies if they find a way to get into them.

A standard suite of water tests would typically include for the following parameters although others can be included:

  • Conductivity

  • Enterococci

  • Escherichia coli

  • Hydrogen ion (pH)

  • Turbidity

Even if the water looks clear and you cannot see anything obvious floating in it, there could potentially be lots of harmful bacteria in it.

This could cause illness that presents with various symptoms, from mild to severe – symptoms that are often indicative of an upset stomach or stomach bug.

Laboratory testing provides a practical and reliable way to find out what is in a private water supply.

  • Professional laboratory analysis solutions for private water supplies

Regular water testing should therefore be performed by experienced professionals who know what to look for.

Hydrogen ions (pH) and the turbidity of the water should also be checked.

Testing for turbidity can detect whether the water exhibits any cloudiness that could indicate the presence of foreign matter in the supply.

Are there rules to follow when testing water from private sources?

The DWI indicates there are four regulations covering these private water supplies.

There is some difference in the regulations between England and Wales; however, we have provided a guide to the regulations for England below:

  • Regulation 9 supplies

    Regulation 9 covers larger water supplies that may or may not be used for commercial activities or those relating to public use.

    The regulation also applies to some dwellings that include tenants.

  • Regulation 10 supplies

    Regulation 10 supplies cover smaller water supplies  They may or may not be shared with others.

  • Regulation 11 supplies

    Regulation 11 supplies only apply within Wales, and reflect the differences between regulation 9 and 10 supplies as indicated above.

  • Regulation 8 supplies

    Regulation 8 supplies cover public water supplies that are further distributed to some consumers that are not on the public water supply network.

    This would be relevant when the existing supply serves secondary premises.

For more guidance you should refer to the DWI guidance document dealing with private water supplies.

It is therefore important to know which regulation you would need to apply when testing a private water supply.

Professional water testing services such as those provided by Water Treatment Services will ensure the applicable regulation is adhered to.

How to test private water supplies

The process of testing a private water supply comprises two parts:

  • Taking the water samples

  • Analysing those samples to determine content

All water samples should be below the Prescribed Concentration Values (PCVs) in force in each country.

  • Learn more about prescribed concentration values

It is important to note the values are slightly different in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Therefore, making sure the supply meets local requirements is of paramount importance.

Why is proper testing from an accredited provider recommended?

An accredited provider will have the necessary tools and testing equipment to take samples and analyse them accurately.

  • Expert laboratory water analysis

The testing will highlight whether any bacteria are present in the water, and if so, at what levels.

The owner or operator of the private water supply can then be certain the supply meets all the necessary safety requirements and poses no danger to public health – no matter how many or how few people use that private water supply.

Professional laboratory testing of private water supplies

Water Treatment Services offer a comprehensive range of drinking water testing and laboratory analysis solutions to support owners and managers of private water supplies.

Our experts can provide advice and support to help you identify the most appropriate strategies for the safe management of your drinking water supplies.

With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained technicians, in-field specialists and consultants we can offer professional, cost effective water testing and laboratory analysis solutions across the whole of the UK and internationally.

Contact us today to learn how our expert water quality analysis services can help you keep your water safe.

Contact Us Today

Further reading…

More information about the water quality regulations produced by the DWI.

REVIEWS

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5
Water Treatment Services is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 97 reviews)
Read our reviews

Submit your review here

Tags: Laboratory analysis, Private water supply, Testing Private Water Supplies, Testing water for metals, Water testing
You might also like
What is aerobic wastewater treatment? What is Aerobic Wastewater Treatment?
Concrete mixing water testing Testing Concrete Mixing Water Quality
When to test for legionella When Should You Test For Legionella?
Guide to Testing Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs Guide to Testing Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
Hydrotherapy pool water safety Managing Hydrotherapy Pool Water Safety
Soil testing and analysis of contaminated land Soil Testing & Analysis Methods for Contaminated Land
Private water supply problems Private Water Supply Problems & What to Do
Testing water for lead Testing Water for Lead – The Dangers of Lead Pipes & Plumbing

Search…

What’s New

  • PWTAG Code of Practice for Pool Water Treatment

    PWTAG Code of Practice for Pool Water Treatment

    In this pool guide the water management experts at …
  • In-Field Wastewater Testing for Plant Operators

    In-Field Wastewater Testing for Plant Operators

    In this article the industrial wastewater specialists at WTS …
  • Guide to Testing Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

    Guide to Testing Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

    In this pool guide the water management experts at …
  • How Boiler Water Treatment Affects Performance

    How Boiler Water Treatment Affects Performance

    In this article the industrial steam boiler specialists at …
  • Improving HVAC Energy Efficiency

    Improving HVAC Energy Efficiency

    This article examines how businesses can optimise energy consumption, …
  • What is Waste Acceptance Criteria or WAC Testing?

    What is Waste Acceptance Criteria or WAC Testing?

    In this article the industrial waste specialists at WTS …

REVIEWS

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5
Water Treatment Services is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 97 reviews)
Read our reviews

Free Newsletter

Receive exciting features, news, latest research and special offers! Just add your email address and we'll do the rest.

Contact us

Water Treatment Services

[email protected]

Tel: 0330 223 31 31

© Copyright 2022 - EDG Ltd. Operating as Water Treatment Services
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Home
  • About
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • Environment
  • Reviews
  • Sitemap
My Local Exhaust Ventilation System isn’t WorkingLocal Exhaust Ventilation isn't workingCommon types of mould12 Common Types of Mould Found in Houses, Offices and Workplaces
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OK

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Other cookies

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy
Accept settingsHide notification only