Private Water Supplies

Introduction

In general terms a private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company. It is not a "mains" supply. About 1% of the population of England and Wales have private water supplies to their homes. Most private supplies are situated in the more remote, rural parts of the country. The source of the supply may be a well, borehole, spring, stream, river, lake or pond. The supply may serve just one property or several properties through a network of pipes.

• DWI's role

• Summary of the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009

• Guidance on Section 9 of the PWS: technical manual

Further information

Information on the approximate number of Private Water supplies can be seen in each of the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s Regional reports on Drinking Water for 2008. Map 1 shows areas of no public water supply where private water supplies are most common, and Table 2 indicates the number of Private water Supplies in each region. Where this data is not present the Water Companies or Local Authorities may hold this information.  

If you are a local authority requiring technical support in resolving a water quality issue with a private water supply then please contact the DWI Enquiry Line on: 030 0068 6400 or email: DWI.Enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk who can put you in touch with the appropriate Inspector. 
Further useful technical information to support professionals in risk assessment of private water supplies can be found at: http://www.privatewatersupplies.gov.uk/private_water/CCC_FirstPage.jsp

If you are a consumer with a water quality issue with a private water supply then further information on how to keep your Private supply safe can be found on this website at http://www.dwi.gov.uk/consumer/faq/private.htm, or alternatively contact your local authority Environmental Health section.

Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru/ Welsh Assembly Government

Website last updated
24 February 2010

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