Private water supplies

We check the quality of all private water supplies in Waverley.  

There are approximately 30 private water supplies within the Waverley Borough Council area. These range from supplies serving a single dwelling to those serving a number of properties.

What is a private water supply?

A 'private water supply' is one which is not provided by a water company. The water may come from a spring, well, borehole, pond, river, stream or private distribution system.

It includes all pipes, fittings and tanks. Private water supplies are either:

Large supply:

• serves 50 or more people, or
• produces more than 10m³ per day of water, and/or
• is used for commercial purposes or is a public premise

Small supply:

• serves two or more properties
• produces less than 10m³ of water, and
• is not used commercially or for public premises.

Single supply: 

Private water supplies that provide less than 10m³ per day (or supplies less than 50 persons) where the supply is only used for domestic purposes to a single property and there is no commercial or public activity.

Private distribution system: 

Mains supply which is further distributed by a person other than the water undertaker or licensed water supplier.

Do I need to register?

All private water supplies need to be registered with Waverley Borough Council. To register a supply, please contact us:

Tel: 01483 523393

Email: EnvironmentalHealth@waverley.gov.uk

Is monitoring needed?

The quality of the water serving all large and small private water supplies, and private distribution systems must be checked. Single supplies must be checked if the Council is requested to do so.

Monitoring must be undertaken in accordance with the Private Water Supply Regulations, including parameters to be monitored and the frequency of sampling.

Is a risk assessment needed?

All large and small private water supplies, including private distribution systems must be subject to a risk assessment. Single supplies must be risk assessed if the Council is requested to do so.

The risk assessment will include a site visit to inspect relevant paper work and the supply area. The inspection normally includes a site walkover, looking at the source, where it comes from, how it arrives at the destination and any possible sources of contamination. The inspection is likely to take approximately 2 hours.

What happens after monitoring and risk assessment?

Following a risk assessment and/or sampling you will be advised of any hazards identified with advice on any action required to bring the private water supply up to standard, if it does not already.

Formal action can be taken to ensure the supply of wholesome water.

Who is the Relevant Person?

The person or company, who own or is responsible for maintaining the supply is known as the Relevant Person.

The meaning of the Relevant Person is:

• The owner or occupier of the premises supplied.
• The owner or occupier of the premises where the source of the supply is situated even if the source lies outside the local authority's area.
• Any other person who exercises powers of management or control in relation to that source. 

Fees

Local authorities can charge fees to recover their full costs.

Please see the table below for the council's charges to carry out private water supply services. These charges are reviewed annually.

Where can I get more information?

More information can be found on the Drinking Water Inspectorate website

Please look at the information on this website before organising any risk assessment or a sampling visit so you are aware of what is required under the Regulations.