Bristol Water Plc: Air Valve Risk Assessment

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

Reference: BRL-2025-00001

Version Number: 2

Water undertaker as appointed under section 6 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended): Bristol Water Plc, with registered number 02662226 (hereinafter called ‘the company’).

Assets affected:

All treatment works, service reservoirs and water supply zones within the company’s operating area.

Details of this Notice:

1. 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:

1. The company are required to satisfy the following:

(a) Carry out a risk assessment:

1. Complete and implement the methodology for risk classification of air valve assets.
   Date by which requirement must be satisfied: 31 March 2026.
2. Implement and commence risk-based inspections and any required remedial works on air valves.
   Date by which requirement must be satisfied: 31 March 2026.
3. Develop and implement a regulation 27 risk assessment methodology for the assessment of hazardous event ‘Impact on Water Supply Zone due to ingress via air valve(s)’ for all water supply zones in the company area.
   Date by which requirement must be satisfied: 31 March 2026.

(b) Review of a risk assessment:

1. Not applicable.

(c) Reporting:

1. Submit the revised or new risk assessment (as appropriate) methodology and accompanying regulation 28(1) reports 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 2027.

Signed

 

Nicholas Adjei

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

6 February 2026

Reference: BRL-2025-00001 v2