About private water supplies

A private water supply is one which is not provided by a water company. The water that comes through the tap is feed from a well, spring, or borehole. Safe drinking water is essential for good health and regulations and came into force in 2009 to ensure this.

Regulations on private water supplies

Regulations on private water supplies in England and Wales came into force on 1 January 2009, they were amended in 2016 and further changes are due in 2018. These Regulations apply to everybody who owns or uses a private water supply. They have been introduced to ensure that water from private supplies is wholesome, so that people who drink water or consume food or drinks made from private supplies do so without risk to their health.

The regulations provide guidance on our requirements for risk assessment, sampling and action that must be taken if a private water supply fails to meet the required standard to protect the health of anyone likely to drink the water.

Within Eden we have several hundred properties that are served by a private water supply.

Private water supplies affected by flooding

Private water supplies can be affected by flooding, you should assume the supply may have been contaminated and that it is not fit to use without boiling. Find out more private water supply affected by flooding.