South East Water Limited: Air Valve Risk Assessment

Notice under regulation 27(4) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended)

Reference: SEW-2025-00035

Version Number: 1

Water undertaker as appointed under section 6 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended): South East Water Limited, with registered number 02679874 (hereinafter called ‘the company’).

Assets affected:

All valves located at or on treatment works, the water distribution system, service reservoirs and water supply zones within the company’s operating area.

Details of this Notice:

This Notice is served on the company by the Drinking Water Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, under regulation 27(4) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended) for the assets listed above, for risks associated with contamination via ingress into air valves.

Requirements:

The company is required to satisfy the following:

(a) Carry out a risk assessment:

Implement a process for risk assessing air valves.
Date by which requirement must be satisfied: 31 March 2026
Commence risk-based maintenance activity on all air valves.
Date by which requirement must be satisfied: from 1 April 2026
Use the information gathered from steps (a) 1-2 to inform the company’s Drinking Water Safety Plans and carry out a regulation 27 risk assessment for contamination via ingress into air valves in all water supply zones operated by the company.
Date by which requirement must be satisfied: 31 March 2028

(b) Review of a risk assessment:

Not applicable.

(c) Reporting:

Submit the revised or new risk assessment (as appropriate) as outlined in section 1 and 2, accompanied by a Board level Director sign-off.
Date by which requirement must be satisfied: As soon as reasonably practicable upon completion. It is anticipated this would be by 30 April 2026.

Signed

Nicholas Adjei

Deputy Chief Inspector, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

7 November 2025