Private Water Supply
Any water supply other than a 'mains' water supply is deemed a
private water supply. The source of a private water supply may be a
loch, burn, pond, well, spring, borehole or through rain water
harvesting.
Private water supplies are, by their nature, very vulnerable to
contamination that may cause waterborne infections or other ill
effects.
For more information about Private Water Supply, grant funding and
risk assessment, refer to our frequently asked questions
below. Alternatively, contact the Water team on 01738 476476
or email WaterTeam@pkc.gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there any grant funding
available to help me improve my private water supply?
- What is the first step in
claiming grant assistance?
- What type of water sampling
is carried out and why?
- I have not been feeling well,
what illnesses are associated with Private Water Supplies?
- Can you test for lead
content?
- Can you check mains water?
- How long do I have to wait
for results?
- Why has my water failed and what
do I do next?
- What are the implications of
a chemical failure?
- I have one tap fitted with
treatment which provides safe drinking water, is this
sufficient?
- I have existing treatment and have
never maintained it, do I need to?
- Do you have a list of plumbers/ treatment
suppliers who can help me?
- I have/ wish to start up a food
business on a Private Water Supply. Are there any
implications?
- I am buying /selling a property
with a private water supply, should I get the water
tested?
- Where can I find the legislation,
and/or guidance, related to Private Water Supplies?
Is there any grant funding
available to help me improve my private water supply?
Yes, applications can be made by owner occupiers, landlords or
tenants. Grants of up to £800 per property are available
without means testing. In some circumstances additional funding may
also be available.
We cannot issue grants retrospectively for works which are
already started or completed or to allow users to connect to the
public mains water supply.
For further information and an application form, see
Water Supply Improvement Grants.
What
is the first step in claiming grant assistance?
The first step is to have a free
risk assessment conducted of your water supply by a member of
the Service's Water Team. Group applications between neighbours are
encouraged, but individual properties may also apply.
What type of water sampling is
carried out and why?
Water sampling is carried out to determine the presence of
bacterial and/or chemical contaminants which may have adverse
health implications.
The frequency of sampling and different bacteria and chemicals
tested for are determined by the size of the supply and type
properties using the water. For example a large supply which
includes commercial businesses such as hotels or caterers will be
sampled more frequently for a range of parameters compared to a
smaller domestic supply.
I have
not been feeling well, what illnesses are associated with Private
Water Supplies?
Private water supplies can pose a threat to health unless the
water is properly protected and treated. You may not be able to
tell whether your water is safe as contaminated water may smell,
taste and look normal.
Water borne infections such as Campylobacter, E.coli (O157),
Cryptosporidium and Giardia can produce acute gastrointestinal
symptoms whilst chemical contaminants are more likely to lead to
chronic health effects.
If you think your water supply may be affecting your health
contact your GP. They can provide containers to enable you to hand
in a stool sample for analysis. Also contact our water team and we
can arrange to take a sample as soon as possible.
Can
you test for lead content?
Yes, if you require water testing for lead please contact us.
Ingestion of water with high lead levels may affect neurological
development in infants and boiling the water will not reduce lead
levels. The normal solution is to remove lead pipe work or install
special filters
For public mains water you should approach your licensed
provider e.g. Scottish Water.
Can you
check mains water?
'Mains water' is provided by a licensed water authority, such as
Scottish Water.
For most problems involving the Public Mains you should approach
your licensed water provider (e.g. Scottish Water on 0845 601 8855
or visit www.scottishwater.co.uk).
How long do I have to wait for
results?
The first bacteriological results are normally known within 24
hours however full chemical samples can take up to 6 weeks from the
date of submission to the Service's Public Analyst.
Why has
my water failed and what do I do next?
Failures can occur for numerous reasons: bacteriological and/or
chemical. The absence of treatment will provide no protection to
water users. Even having treatment (e.g. filters, Ultraviolet
disinfection, and chlorination) is no guarantee of safe water
unless it is designed to cope with the raw water quality and flow
rate at your property. Water treatment systems must also be
carefully and regularly maintained.
This Service can carry out a free
Risk Assessment of the supply and produce a report of Approved
Improvement Works. There are also non-means tested
grants of up to £800 per property available to assist
with the cost of improvement works to your supply.
Where you are responsible for other properties (e.g. tenants,
holiday visitors) you must inform the water users about the sample
failure(s) and ensure temporary measures are put into action.
What are the implications of a
chemical failure?
Failure of certain chemical parameters may mean that there may
be a risk to human health, and may also affect the efficiency of
any treatment system.
Should you wish to discuss a failure, organise a free
risk assessment visit or access grant money please contact
us.
I have
one tap fitted with treatment which provides safe drinking water,
is this sufficient?
No, any treatment should be 'point of entry', designed to treat
all of the water entering the property. All water used on the
premises must be safe for drinking and hygiene purposes, such as
showering and tooth brushing. 'Point of use' treatment e.g. applied
to only one tap is no longer acceptable. There are non-means tested
grants of up to £800 per property available to assist
with the cost of improving your supply.
I have
existing treatment and have never maintained it, do I need to?
YES - Your water treatment system needs regular maintenance. We
recommend you follow the manufacturer's instructions and bear in
mind that the maintenance frequency will need to be increased
during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
Do you have a list of
plumbers / treatment suppliers who can help me?
Please refer to our list of
plumbers/ treatment suppliers [PDF: 54Kb]
I have/ wish to start up a food business on a Private Water
Supply. Are there any implications?
It is recognised that a significant number of food businesses
such as hotels and guest houses utilise private water supplies. The
safety of any private water supply could have a direct bearing on
the safety of the food provided for consumption and is therefore
deemed a critical area of the operations. Failure therefore to
assure a consistent safe supply of water could potentially pose a
risk to health not only via consumption, but indirectly via
contaminated food stuffs.
In view of the potential risks associated with the use of a
private water supply any documented food safety management system
should include the necessary control measures, monitoring
procedures, contingency plans etc. Example procedures are available
from the Food Safety Team who can also be contacted on the same
number.
Refer to the
Food Businesses on private water supplies leaflet [PDF:
198Kb] for further information.
I am
buying /selling a property with a private water supply, should I
get the water tested?
Yes, if you are buying or selling a property on a private water
supply the water should be sampled for wholesomeness in terms of
both bacteriological and chemical parameters. The Environment
Service will normally be able to sample and advise on results.
There will be a charge for this service.
There is a lot to consider when you are buying a property on a
private water supply and you should consider the questions in the
attached
check list [PDF: 51Kb].
