-
Deficiencies with a newly constructed borehole
This case study relates to a small supply serving three domestic premises and a milking parlour. Some, but not all, of the properties were fitted with point of use treatment (ultraviolet (UV)). A planned sample collected by the local authority contained E.coli and the local authority advised all users to boil water before use or […]
-
Change of use of a private supply from a single domestic dwelling to a food premises
This case study relates to a spring supply to a single domestic dwelling. The local authority received a request for advice about water quality from the owners of the property, which at that time was exempt from the monitoring requirements of the regulations. The local authority referred the owner to guidance on source protection available […]
-
Unsatisfactory water quality as a consequence of using an unapproved treatment system
This case study relates to a private supply serving a residential outdoor centre for up to 50 people (including children). The source is a borehole. After abstraction water is pumped into a storage reservoir from where it is piped into the premises’ loft and treated by a filter and UV disinfection. The water then passes […]
-
Lead in drinking water, the overlooked health risk in small domestic private supplies?
This case study relates to a private supply that serves 13 dwellings, some of which are rented. Historically, the local authority collected a bacteriological sample every other year. These previous samples were positive for coliform bacteria and treatment of the supply had been recommended, but no action taken. The risk assessment under the new regulations […]
-
Prohibition of disconnection and securing the sufficiency of private supplies
This case study relates to a relatively large supply serving five houses and a holiday park with more than 100 chalets. Ownership of the chalets is mixed; private individuals own some chalets, either as permanent homes or as commercial or holiday lets, other chalets are owned and let out by a holiday park company. Occupancy […]
-
The implications of not establishing that a laboratory is accredited and using only an approved or authorised method of analysis
This case study relates to a spring source, which provides the water supply to a food premises (cheese manufacturer). The supply is not treated. A planned sample, collected by the local authority, was reported as being positive for E.coli. As part of the investigation, the local authority reviewed the original risk assessment and noted that […]
-
Consumer complaint of illness highlighting an inadequate approach to maintenance by the owner
This case study relates to a small supply serving 11 domestic dwellings, five of which are rented. The source is a borehole surrounded by pastureland grazed by domestic livestock (sheep) and the supply is disinfected with chlorine. The local authority sampled from one of the properties after receiving a complaint from the tenant about the […]
-
Use of a Notice to secure the safety of a private supply through improved management arrangements
This private supply is located on a small estate and serves a domestic dwelling, rented accommodation and an office. The source is a borehole from which water is pumped to a reservoir where treatment is by filtration followed by UV disinfection before water is distributed to all the properties. The estate employs a contractor to […]
-
Spring supply serving a bed and breakfast business – mandatory action
This case study relates to a small supply serving five domestic properties. Spring water is collected in a common chamber from where it flows into intermediate chambers and then to loft storage tanks in each of the properties. Local authorities have five years (by 2015) to risk assess small domestic supplies and this supply had […]
-
Surface water supply to a public building with accommodation – Risk assessment
This large supply serves a small group of residential educational centres, holiday cottages and an office, and therefore it is classed as a large supply (Regulation 9). There is one land owner, but several different owners of premises. Up to 160 people may be using the accommodation at any one time. The supply originates from […]
-
Failure of a borehole supply serving a public building
The subject of this case study is a borehole supply serving a public building which is a visitor attraction for children and families (an open farm with a café) and residential properties. When the local authority carried out check and audit monitoring under the new private water supply regulations, a sample of drinking water from […]
-
Failure of a borehole supply serving rented property
This case study relates to a borehole supply serving an estate of 23 domestic dwellings, four of which are owner-occupied, but the majority (19) are rented. The volume of water used each day is estimated at 40m3 making this a large supply (Regulation 9). The borehole is deep and lined, and the head is above […]