
2016 No. 618
Water, England
The Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016
Made 26th May 2016
Laid before Parliament 3rd June 2016
Coming into force 27th June 2016

(a) 
(b) The Secretary of State has been designated for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 in relation to the environment .The Secretary of State has carried out the public consultation required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety .
PART 1 General
Citation, commencement and application
1 

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 and come into force on 27th June 2016.
(2) They apply in relation to England only.
Interpretation
2 

(1) In these Regulations—
 “the 2009 Regulations” means the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 ;
 “the Act” means the Water Industry Act 1991;
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 “consumer” means a person to whom a private water supply is provided for human consumption purposes;
 “disinfection” means a process of water treatment to remove, or render harmless to health, every pathogenic micro-organism and pathogenic parasite that would otherwise be present in the water;
 “E. coli” means Escherichia coli;
 “indicative dose” (ID) means the committed effective dose for 1 year of ingestion resulting from all the radionuclides whose presence has been detected in a supply of water intended for human consumption, of natural and artificial origin, excluding tritium, potassium−40, radon and short-lived radon decay products;
 “indicator parameter” means a parameter listed in Table C in Part 2 of Schedule 1;
 “local authority” means any of the following—
(a) the Common Council of the City of London;
(b) a London borough council;
(c) a district council;
(d) the council of a county in which there are no district councils;
 “NTU” means Nephelometric Turbidity Unit;
 “parameter” means a property, element, organism or substance listed in the first column of the Tables in Schedule 1 as read, where appropriate, with the notes to that Schedule and those Tables;
 “prescribed concentration or value”, in relation to any parameter, means the maximum or minimum concentration or value specified in relation to that parameter in  Table A or in Table B in Schedule, 1 as measured by reference to the unit of measurement so specified and as read, where appropriate in the case of Table B, with the notes to that Table;
 “private water supply” or  “private supply of water” means a supply of water other than a supply provided directly by a water undertaker or  water supply licensee, and which is comprised of all physical assets from the point of abstraction to the point of use, including associated pipes, fittings and tanks;
 “radioactive parameters table” has the meaning given in regulation 11(1);
 “relevant person” means—
(a) the owner and occupier (who may be the same or different persons) of premises which are supplied with water for domestic or food production purposes by means of a private supply;
(b) the owner and occupier (who may be the same or different persons) of land on which any part of the supply is situated;
(c) any other person who exercises powers of management or control in relation to that supply;
 “risk assessment” means a risk assessment carried out under regulation 6.
(2) In these Regulations, a reference to an application or notice includes a reference to that application or notice in electronic form.
(3) In these Regulations, a reference to an EU or Euratom Directive is to be read as if any reference in that Directive to one or more member States in a provision imposing an obligation on, or conferring a discretion on, a member State or member States were a reference to either the Secretary of State or local authority depending on which, immediately before exit day, was responsible for the United Kingdom's compliance with that obligation, or was able to exercise that discretion, in respect of England.
Scope
3 

(1) These Regulations apply in relation to private supplies of water intended for human consumption and for these purposes  “water intended for human consumption” means all water—
(a) either in its original state or after treatment, intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation or other domestic purposes, regardless of its origin and whether it is supplied from any distribution network, from a tanker, or in bottles or containers;
(b) used in any food production undertaking for the manufacture, processing, preservation or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption unless, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs , the competent authority , is satisfied that the quality of the water cannot affect the wholesomeness of the foodstuff in its finished form.
(2) These Regulations do not apply in relation to—
(a) water controlled by the Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) Regulations 2007 ;
(b) water that is a medicinal product within the meaning of the Medicines Act 1968  or a product in which any provision of that Act has effect as if it were such a medicinal product.
PART 2 Water standards
Wholesomeness
4 

(1) A private supply of water is to be regarded as wholesome if the following conditions are met—
(a) it does not contain any micro-organism, parasite or substance, alone or in conjunction with any other substance, at a concentration or value that would constitute a potential danger to human health,
(b) it complies with the concentrations or values prescribed in Part 1 of Schedule 1 for each parameter, and
(c) the water satisfies the formula  “[nitrate]/50 + [nitrite]/3 ≤ 1”, where the square brackets signify the concentrations in mg/1 for nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2).
Use of products or substances in private supplies and disinfection arrangements
5 

(1) Any product or substance used in the preparation or distribution of a private supply of water, or impurities associated with such products or substances, must not be present in water at the point of use at levels that would make it unwholesome or constitute a potential danger to human health.
(2) Where disinfection forms part of the preparation or distribution of water, the relevant person must—
(a) design, operate and maintain the disinfection process so as to keep disinfection by-products as low as possible without compromising the effectiveness of the disinfection,
(b) ensure that the effectiveness of the disinfection process is maintained, and
(c) verify the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
Requirement to carry out a risk assessment
6 

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a local authority must carry out a risk assessment for every private water supply in its area and review and update that risk assessment every 5 years (or earlier if it considers that the existing risk assessment is inadequate).
(2) In the case of a supply provided to a single dwelling, the duty in paragraph (1) applies only where that supply is provided as part of a commercial or public activity.
(3) In the case of any other supply provided to a single dwelling, a local authority must carry out a risk assessment if requested to do so by the owner or occupier of that dwelling.
(4) The risk assessment must establish whether there is a risk of supplying water that would constitute a potential danger to human health.
(5) A risk assessment described in paragraph (1) must—
(a) satisfy any requirements specified by the Secretary of State in respect of the conduct of such an assessment;
(b) satisfy the requirements of European standard EN 15975-2 entitled “Security of Drinking Water Supply - Guidelines for Risk and Crisis Management – Risk Management”; and
(c) take into account the results of monitoring conducted under the second paragraph of Article 7(1) and Article 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.
(6) A local authority must within 12 months beginning with the day after the day on which it carried out the risk assessment provide the Secretary of State with a summary of the results of that assessment.
(7) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(c), Articles 7(1) and 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC are to be read with the following modifications—
(a) as if any reference to Annex 5 to that Directive were a reference to that Annex as modified by Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017;
(b) in Article 8, as if—
(i) in paragraph 1, the final indent were omitted;
(ii) in paragraph 2, the first sentence were omitted;
(iii) paragraph 3 were omitted.
PART 3 Monitoring
Monitoring
7 

(1) A local authority must monitor all private water supplies in accordance with this Part when carrying out its duties under section 77(1) of the Act (general functions of local authorities in relation to water quality).
(2) A local authority must discharge the obligation described in paragraph (1) by establishing a monitoring programme which consists of either or both of the following—
(a) collection and analysis of discrete water samples;
(b) measurements recorded by a continuous monitoring process.
(3) Monitoring programmes may in addition consist of either or both of the following—
(a) inspections of records of the functionality, and maintenance status, of equipment;
(b) inspections of the catchment area, water abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution infrastructure.
Further distribution of supplies from water undertakers or  water supply licensees
8 
Where water is supplied by a water undertaker or  water supply licensee, and is then further distributed by a person other than a water undertaker or  water supply licensee, the local authority must carry out monitoring on the basis of the risk assessment.
Large supplies and supplies as part of a commercial or public activity
9 

(1) Paragraph (2) applies in the case of a private water supply (other than a supply specified in regulation 8) that—
(a) supplies an average daily volume of water of 10m3 or more, or
(b) supplies water as part of a commercial or public activity.
(2) Where this paragraph applies, the local authority must monitor for any parameter in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 in accordance with Schedule 2 and carry out any additional monitoring that the risk assessment shows to be necessary.
Other private supplies
10 

(1) In the case of a private water supply not covered by regulation 8 or 9 or by paragraph (3), the local authority must monitor for—
(a) conductivity,
(b) enterococci,
(c) Escherichia coli (E. coli),
(d) hydrogen ion,
(e) turbidity,
(f) any parameter in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 identified in the risk assessment as being at risk of not complying with the concentrations or values in that Schedule, and
(g) anything else identified in the risk assessment as a potential danger to human health.
(2) The local authority must carry out the monitoring required by paragraph (1) at least every 5 years and more frequently if the risk assessment shows this to be necessary.
(3) In the case of a private water supply to a single dwelling not provided as part of a commercial or public activity, a local authority may monitor the supply in accordance with this regulation, and must do so if requested to do so by the owner or occupier of that dwelling.
Monitoring for radioactive substances
11 

(1) A local authority must monitor each private water supply in its area (other than a supply covered by paragraph (8)) for the parameters specified in Table D in Part 3 of Schedule 1 (“the radioactive parameters table”) in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (7) and (9).
(2) As regards the indicative dose parameter, the local authority—
(a) must carry out monitoring where an artificial source of radionuclides or elevated natural radioactivity is present and it cannot be shown on the basis of other surveillance programmes or investigations that the level of indicative dose is below the value specified in the radioactive parameters table;
(b) may use a screening strategy for gross alpha and gross beta activity or for individual radionuclides and, in the event that there is any exceedance of the value specified in that Table, must carry out an analysis of the specific radionuclides in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 3.
(3) As regards the radon parameter, the local authority must—
(a) ensure a representative survey is carried out in accordance with paragraph (4) to determine the likelihood of a supply failing the value specified in the radioactive parameters table;
(b) carry out monitoring where there is reason to believe, on the basis of the results of the representative survey or other reliable information, that the parametric value for radon might be exceeded.
(4) A representative survey must be designed in such a way—
(a) as to be capable of determining the scale and nature of likely exposure to radon in water intended for human consumption originating from different types of groundwater sources and wells in different geological areas, and
(b) that underlying parameters (in particular the geology and hydrology of the area, radioactivity of rock or soil) and well type can be identified and used to direct further action to areas of likely high exposure.
(5) As regards the tritium parameter, the local authority must carry out—
(a) monitoring, where an anthropogenic source of tritium or other artificial radionuclides is present within the catchment area and it cannot be shown on the basis of other surveillance programmes or investigations that the level of tritium is below the value specified in the radioactive parameters table;
(b) an investigation of the presence of other artificial radionuclides, where the concentration of tritium exceeds its parametric value.
(6) In the case of a private water supply to which regulation 9 applies, where monitoring is required by paragraph (2) or (5), it must be carried out at the frequencies as set out for  monitoring for a Group B parameter  in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 2.
(7) In the case of a private water supply to which regulation 8 or 10(1) applies (but excluding a supply covered by paragraph (8)), where monitoring is required by paragraph (2) or (5), it must be carried out at least every 5 years and more frequently if the risk assessment shows this to be necessary.
(8) In the case of a private water supply to a single dwelling not provided as part of a commercial or public activity, a local authority may monitor the supply in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5), and must do so if requested to do so by the owner or occupier of that dwelling.
(9) Where a parametric value is exceeded in a particular sample, the local authority must define the extent of re-sampling necessary to ensure that the measured values are representative of an average activity concentration for a full year.
(10) The local authority may, for such time as it may decide, exclude from monitoring a parameter contained in the radioactive parameters table—
(a) if it considers that the parameter in question is unlikely to be present in the supply or system at a concentration or value that poses a risk of the private water supply failing to meet the concentration, value or state specified in the radioactive parameters table in respect of that parameter,
(b) taking into account the findings of any risk assessment, and
(c) taking into account any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
(10A) The local authority may exclude the indicative dose parameter from monitoring, or reduce the frequency of monitoring in respect of that parameter, for such period as it may decide provided that the parameter is—
(a) naturally occurring, and
(b) stable.
(11) The local authority must provide the Secretary of State with the grounds for a decision under paragraph (10) or (10A)  and the necessary documentation supporting the decision (including the findings of any surveys, monitoring or investigations carried out).
(12) The Secretary of State must  publish, in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, the grounds for a decision under paragraph (10) or (10A)  and the information provided under paragraph (11).
Sampling and analysis
12 

(1) When a local authority monitors a private water supply in accordance with regulations 8 to 11, it must take a sample—
(a) if the water is supplied for domestic purposes, from a tap normally used to supply water for human consumption (and which, if there is more than one tap, is representative of the water supplied to the premises);
(b) if the water is used in a food-production undertaking, at the point at which it is used in the undertaking;
(c) if the water is supplied from a tanker, at the point at which it emerges from the tanker;
(d) in any other case, at a suitable point.
(2) The local authority must ensure that the sample is analysed in accordance with Schedule 3.
(3) The further provisions for sampling and analysis in Schedule 3 apply.
(4) Compliance samples for chemical parameters including copper, lead and nickel must take the form of a random daytime sample of one litre volume taken at a consumer’s tap without prior flushing.
(5) All sampling under this regulation—
(a) for chemical parameters in the distribution network must, other than where the sample is taken at a consumer’s tap, be undertaken in accordance with international standard ISO 5667-5 entitled “Water quality. Sampling. Guidance on treatment of drinking water from treatment works and piped distribution systems”;
(b) for microbiological parameters in the distribution network and at a consumer’s tap must be undertaken in accordance with European standard EN ISO 19458 entitled “Water Quality – Sampling for microbiological analysis” using sampling procedure A in the distribution network and sampling procedure B at a consumer’s tap.
New supplies
13 

(1) Where a local authority becomes aware of a private water supply that is to be, or has been, used for the first time (or for the first time after being out of use for a period of 12 months or more), the requirements of regulations 6 to 12 and 14 to 16 must be complied with as soon as is reasonably practicable.
(2) A private water supply must not be brought into use or used until the local authority is satisfied that the supply does not constitute a potential danger to human health.
Records
14 

(1) A local authority must make and keep records in respect of every private water supply in its area in accordance with Schedule 4.
(2) By 31stJanuary of every year, a local authority must send the Secretary of State a copy of the records mentioned in Schedule 4.
PART 4 Action in the event of failure
Provision of information
15 
If a local authority considers that a private water supply in its area is a potential danger to human health, it must promptly take appropriate steps to ensure that people likely to consume water from it—
(a) are informed that the supply constitutes a potential danger to human health,
(b) where possible, are informed of the nature of the potential danger, and
(c) are given advice to allow them to minimise any potential danger.
Investigations
16 

(1) A local authority must carry out an investigation to establish the cause if it suspects that a private water supply is unwholesome or that an indicator parameter does not comply with the concentrations or values prescribed in Part 2 or 3 of Schedule 1.
(2) Once a local authority has carried out an investigation and established the cause of the water being unwholesome, it must act in accordance with paragraphs  (3), (4) and (6) as appropriate.
(3) If the cause of the water being unwholesome is due to the distribution system within a domestic premises (whether or not the water is made available to the public in those premises), the local authority must promptly inform the people likely to be affected and offer them advice on measures necessary for the protection of human health.
(4) In addition to the duty in paragraph (3) (where it applies), if the cause of the water being unwholesome is due to the circumstances described in paragraph (5), the local authority must—
(a) if the water is a potential danger to human health and the conditions in regulation 18 are fulfilled, serve a notice under that regulation, or
(b) within 28 days of  establishing the cause  and if appropriate remedial action has not been taken, serve a notice in accordance with section 80 of the Act (remedial powers of local authorities in relation to private supplies) unless the local authority grants an authorisation in accordance with regulation 17(2).
(5) The circumstances in this paragraph are—
(a) if the cause of the water being unwholesome is due to the distribution system within domestic premises where water is made available to the public;
(b) if the cause of the water being unwholesome is not due the distribution system within domestic premises.
(6) In any case where the monitoring obligations in respect of a private water supply have been reduced or otherwise varied under Part 2A of Schedule 2 by a local authority and—
(a) the local authority considers there to be a significant risk that a private water supply is unwholesome; or
(b) the local authority determines as a matter of fact that a private water supply is unwholesome,
the reduction or variation in respect of the parameter which has contributed to the risk or fact of unwholesomeness must cease immediately and the standard frequency outlined in Table 2 or Table 3 in Schedule 2 (as applicable) must be reinstated in respect of that parameter.
Authorisations of different standards
17 

(1) Any relevant person may apply to the local authority for a grant of an authorisation under this regulation.
(2) The local authority may grant an authorisation of different prescribed concentrations or values under this regulation if—
(a) the only cause of the unwholesome water is that a parameter in Table B in Part 1 of Schedule 1 is not complied with,
(b) the local authority has consulted all water users who will be affected by the authorisation and Public Health England, and has taken their views into account,
(c) granting the authorisation does not cause a potential danger to human health, and
(d) the supply of water cannot be maintained by any other reasonable means.
(3) An authorisation must require the applicant to take action over a period of time to ensure that the relevant parameters are complied with, and must specify—
(a) the person to whom an authorisation is granted,
(b) the supply concerned,
(c) the grounds for granting an authorisation,
(d) the parameters concerned, previous relevant monitoring results, and the maximum permissible values under the authorisation,
(e) the geographical area, the estimated quantity of water supplied each day, the number of persons likely to be affected and whether or not any food production undertaking is affected,
(f) an appropriate monitoring scheme, with an increased monitoring frequency where necessary,
(g) a summary of the steps for the necessary remedial action, including a timetable for the work and an estimate of the cost and provisions for reviewing progress, and
(h) the duration of the authorisation.
(4) If the local authority grants an authorisation, and the person to whom it is granted takes action in accordance with the timetable specified in the authorisation, the local authority may not serve a notice under section 80 of the Act concerning the matters specified in the authorisation without first amending or revoking the authorisation.
(5) The duration of the authorisation must be as short as possible and in any event must not exceed 3 years.
(6) The local authority must ensure that people likely to be affected by the authorisation are promptly informed of the authorisation and its conditions, and, where necessary, ensure that advice is given to particular groups to whom the authorisation could present a special risk.
(7) If the supply exceeds 1,000m3 a day as an average or serves more than 5,000 persons, the local authority must send a copy of the authorisation to the Secretary of State within 1 month.
(8) The local authority must keep the progress of the remedial action under review.
(9) If necessary, the local authority may grant a second authorisation for up to a further 3 years with the prior consent of the Secretary of State.
(10) The local authority may revoke or amend the authorisation at any time and in particular may revoke or amend it if the timetable for remedial action has not been adhered to.
PART 5 Notice procedure
Notices
18 

(1) If any private supply of water intended for human consumption constitutes a potential danger to human health, a local authority must serve a notice under this regulation on any relevant person.
(2) The notice must—
(a) identify the private water supply to which it relates,
(b) state the grounds for serving the notice,
(c) prohibit or restrict the use of that supply, and
(d) specify what corrective action must be taken in order to—
(i) safeguard human health;
(ii) restore the wholesomeness of the water supply; and
(iii) maintain the continued wholesomeness of the water supply following its restoration.
(3) The local authority must promptly inform consumers of the private water supply to which the notice relates and provide any necessary advice.
(4) The notice may be subject to conditions and may be amended by further notice at any time.
(5) The local authority must revoke the notice as soon as it becomes aware that there is no longer a potential danger to human health.
(6) It is an offence for a person on whom a notice under this regulation is served to fail to comply with a notice served under this regulation.
(7) Where any relevant person (“P”) who is required by virtue of a notice served under this regulation to take any step in relation to any premises fails to take that step within the period specified in the notice, the local authority which served the notice may take that step itself.
(8) Where any step is taken by a local authority in relation to any premises by virtue of paragraph (7), the local authority may recover from P any expenses reasonably incurred by it, or by any person acting on its behalf, in taking that step.
Appeals
19 

(1) Any person who is aggrieved by a notice served under regulation 18 may appeal to the magistrates' court within 28 days of service of the notice.
(2) The procedure on appeal to a magistrates' court under paragraph (1) is by way of complaint, and the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980  applies to the proceedings.
(3) A notice remains in force unless suspended by the court.
(4) On an appeal, the court may either cancel the notice or confirm it, with or without modification.
Penalties
20 

(1) A person who fails to comply with a notice served under regulation 18 is liable—
(a) on summary conviction to a fine or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both;
(b) on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.
(2) Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under these Regulations, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to have been attributable to any neglect on the part of—
(a) any director, manager, secretary or other similar person of the body corporate, or
(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,
that person is guilty of the offence as well as the body corporate.
(3) In paragraph (2),  “director”, in relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, means a member of the body corporate.
PART 6 Miscellaneous
Fees
21 
Provision for charging fees is set out in Schedule 5.
Reporting
21A 

(1) The Secretary of State must prepare and publish a report on the quality of water intended for human consumption, with the objective of informing consumers.
(2) A report under paragraph (1) must—
(a) be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate;
(b) include, as a minimum, information on all individual supplies of water that—
(i) exceed 1,000m³ a day as an average, or
(ii) serve more than 5,000 persons;
(c) cover a period of three calendar years.
(3) The first report under this regulation must cover the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and be published by 31st December 2021.
(4) Subsequent reports under this regulation must be published at intervals not exceeding three years.
Review
22 

(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—
(a) carry out a review of the regulatory provision in these Regulations, and
(b) publish a report setting out the conclusions of the review.
(2) In carrying out a review of any regulatory provision which implements an obligation in Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption  and Council Directive 2013/51/Euratom laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption , the Secretary of State must have regard to how the obligation is implemented in other member States.
(3) The report must in particular—
(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory provision,
(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved,
(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate, and
(d) if those objectives remain appropriate, assess the extent to which they could be achieved in another way which involves less onerous regulatory provision.
(4) The first report under this regulation must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with the day on which these Regulations come into force.
(5) Subsequent reports under this regulation must be published at intervals not exceeding five years.
(6) In this regulation,  “regulatory provision” has the meaning given by section 32(4) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 .
Revocations
23 

(1) The 2009 Regulations are revoked.
(2) Regulation 10 of the Water Supply Regulations 2010  is revoked.
(3) Paragraph 133 of Schedule 2 to the National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2013  is revoked.
Transitional provisions
24 

(1) On the coming into force of these Regulations—
(a) an authorisation granted under regulation 17(2) of the 2009 Regulations which is in force immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be an authorisation granted under regulation 17(2) of these Regulations;
(b) a second authorisation granted under regulation 17(9) of the 2009 Regulations which is in force immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a second authorisation granted under regulation 17(9) of these Regulations;
(c) a notice served under regulation 18 of the 2009 Regulations which is in force immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations (“an existing notice”) is taken to be a notice served under regulation 18 of these Regulations.
(2) An appeal may be made under regulation 19(1) of these Regulations against an existing notice if, on the date these Regulations come into force, the time for making an appeal under regulation 19(1) of the 2009 Regulations had not expired.
Rory Stewart

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

SCHEDULE 1
Prescribed concentrations or values

Regulations 4, 9 and 11
PART 1 Wholesomeness

Table A
MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERSPrescribed concentrations or valuesParameters Maximum concentration or value Units of measurement
E. coli 0 Number/100ml
Enterococci 0 Number/100ml
In the case of water in bottles or containers:
Colony count 22°C 100 Number/ml
. . . . . . . . .
E. coli 0 Number/250ml
Enterococci 0 Number/250ml
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0 Number/250ml

Table B
CHEMICAL PARAMETERSPart I: Directive requirements - prescribed concentration or valuesParameters Maximum concentration or value Units of measurement
Acrylamide1 0.10 μg/l
Antimony 5.0 μg/l
Arsenic 10 μg/l
Benzene 1.0 μg/l
Benzo(a)pyrene 0.010 μg/l
Boron 1.0 mg/l
Bromate 10 μg/l
Cadmium 5.0 μg/l
Chromium 50 μg/l
Copper 2.0 mg/l
Cyanide 50 μg/l
1, 2 dichloroethane 3.0 μg/l
Epichlorohydrin1 0.10 μg/l
Fluoride 1.5 mg/l
Lead 10 μg/l
Mercury 1.0 μg/l
Nickel 20 μg/l
Nitrate2 50 mg/l
Nitrite2 0.5 (or 0.1 in the case of treatment works) mg/l
Pesticides3—  
Aldrin 0.030 μg/l
Dieldrin 0.030 μg/l
Heptachlor 0.030 μg/l
Heptachlor epoxide 0.030 μg/l
Other pesticides 0.10 μg/l
Pesticides total4 0.50 μg/l
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons5 0.10 μg/l
Selenium 10 μg/l
Tetrachloroethene and Trichloroethene6 10 μg/l
Trihalomethanes: Total7 100 μg/l
Vinyl chloride1 0.50 μg/l
  
Part II: National requirements – prescribed concentrations or values
Parameters Maximum concentration or value Units of measurement
Aluminium 200 μg/l
Colour 20 mg/l Pt/Co
Iron 200 μg/l
Manganese 50 μg/l
Odour Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change 
Sodium 200 mg/l
Taste Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change 
Tetrachloromethane 3 μg/l
Turbidity 4 NTU
1 The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification.
2 See also the nitrate-nitrite formula in regulation 4(c).
3 For these purposes,  “pesticides” means—
 For these purposes,  “pesticides” means—
 
—  organic acaricides;
 
—  organic algicides;
 
—  organic fungicide;
 
—  organic herbicides;
 
—  organic insecticides;
 
—  organic nematocides;
 
—  organic rodenticides;
 
—  organic slimicides;
 
—  related products (inter alia, growth regulators and their relevant metabolites, degradation and reaction products).  Only those pesticides likely to be present in a given supply need be monitored.
4
                  “Pesticides total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
5 The specified compounds are—
 The specified compounds are—
 
—  benzo(b)fluoranthene;
 
—  benzo(k)fluoranthene;
 
—  benzo(ghi)perylene;
 
—  indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.
 The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
6 The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
7 The specified compounds are—
 The specified compounds are—
 
—  bromodichloromethane;
 
—  bromoform;
 
—  chloroform;
 
—  dibromochloromethane
 The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
PART 2 Indicator parameters (excluding radioactive substances)

Table C
Prescribed concentrations, values or statesParameters Maximum concentration or value or state (unless otherwise stated) Units of measurement
Ammonium 0.50 mg/l
Chloride1 250 mg/l
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) 0 Number/100ml
  Number/100ml (Number/250
Coliform bacteria 0 ml in the case of water put into bottles of containers)
 . . . . . .
Colony counts No abnormal change Number/ml at  22°C
Conductivity1 2500 μS/cm at 20°C
Hydrogen ion 9.5 (maximum) pH value
 6.5 (minimum) (in the case of 
 still water put into bottles or containers the minimum is 4.5) pH value
Sulphate1 250 mg/l
Total organic carbon (TOC) No abnormal change mgC/l
Turbidity2 1 NTU
1 The water should not be aggressive.
2 Only in the case of surface water or groundwater that has been influenced by surface water.
PART 3 Indicator parameters (radioactive substances)

Table D
Parametric values for indicative does, randon and tritium of water intended for human consumptionParameters Maximum concentration or value or state (unless otherwise stated) Units of measurements
Indicative dose (for radioactivity1 0.10 mSv
Gross alpha 0.1 Bq/1
Gross beta 1.0 Bq/1
Radon2 100 Bq/1
Tritium (for radioactivity)3 100 Bq/1
1 Where treatment to reduce the level of radionuclides in water intended for human consumption has been taken, monitoring must be carried out under Part 1 of Schedule 2 to ensure the continued efficacy of the treatment.
2 Enforcement action by a local authority is deemed justified on radiological protection grounds without further consideration where randon concentrates exceed 1,000 Bq/1.
3 If tritium concentration exceeds its parametric value, an investigation (which may include analysis) of the presence of artificial radionuclides must be carried out.
SCHEDULE 2
Monitoring

Regulation 9
PART 1 Monitoring for Group A parameters
Monitoring for Group A parameters
1. 

(1) A local authority must monitor for a Group A parameter in accordance with this Part and Part 2A.
(2) In this Schedule, “monitoring for a Group A parameter” means sampling for each parameter listed in Column 1 of Table 1 in the circumstances listed in the entry which corresponds with that parameter in Column 2 of Table 1 in order to—
(a) determine whether or not the water complies with the concentrations or values in Schedule 1;
(b) provide information on the organoleptic and microbiological quality of the water; and
(c) establish the effectiveness of the treatment of the water, including disinfection.

Table 1
Group A parameters
Parameter Circumstances
Aluminium Where used as a water treatment chemical or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
Ammonium Where chloramination is practised
Coliform bacteria In all supplies
Colony counts 22°C In all supplies
Colour In all supplies
Conductivity In all supplies
E. coli In all supplies
Hydrogen ion In all supplies
Iron Where used as a water treatment chemical or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
Manganese Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
Nitrate Where chloramination is practised
Nitrite Where chloramination is practised
Odour In all supplies
Taste In all supplies
Turbidity In all supplies
Frequency of sampling for Group A parameters
2. 
Monitoring for a Group A parameter must be undertaken at the frequencies specified in Table 2.

Table 2
Sampling frequency for Group A parameters
Volume m3/day Sampling frequency per year
≤ 10 1
> 10 ≤ 100 2
> 100 ≤ 1,000 4
> 1,000 ≤ 2,000 10
> 2,000 ≤ 3,000 13
> 3,000 ≤ 4,000 16
> 4,000 ≤ 5,000 19
> 5,000 ≤ 6,000 22
> 6,000 ≤ 7,000 25
> 7,000 ≤ 8,000 28
> 8,000 ≤ 9,000 31
> 9,000 ≤ 10,000 34
> 10,000 4 + 3 for each 1,000m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 1,000m3/day)
PART 2 Monitoring for Group B parameters
Monitoring for Group B parameters
3. 

(1) A local authority must monitor for a Group B parameter in accordance with this Part and Part 2A.
(2) In this Schedule, “monitoring for a Group B parameter” means sampling for each parameter listed in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 (other than Group A parameters already being sampled under Part 1 of this Schedule)—
(a) in order to provide information necessary to determine whether or not the private water supply satisfies each concentration, value or state prescribed in those Parts of that Schedule; and
(b) if disinfection is used, in order to check that disinfection by-products are kept as low as possible without compromising the effectiveness of disinfection.
Frequency of sampling for Group B parameters
4. 
Monitoring for a Group B parameter must be undertaken at the frequencies specified in Table 3.

Table 3
Sampling frequencies for a Group B parameter
Volume m3/day Sampling frequency per year
≤ 10 1
> 10 ≤ 3,300 2
> 3,300 ≤ 6,600 3
> 6,600 ≤ 10,000 4
> 10,000 ≤ 100,000 3 + 1 for each 10,000m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 10,000m3/day)
> 100,000 12 + 1 for each 25,000m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 25,000m3/day)
PART 2A Variation of monitoring for Group A and Group B parameters
Variation of monitoring requirements
5. 

(1) When monitoring for a Group A or Group B parameter, a local authority may reduce the sampling frequency in respect of any parameter in Group A or Group B other than E. coli provided that—
(a) the results from samples taken in respect of that parameter collected at regular intervals over a period of at least three years are all at less than 60% of the parametric value;
(b) the results of a risk assessment described in regulation 6(l) are considered, and that risk assessment indicates that no factor can be reasonably anticipated to be likely to cause deterioration of the quality of the water;
(c) data collected in the course of discharging its monitoring obligations under this Part are taken into account; and
(d) at least one sample is taken per year.
(2) A local authority may cease to monitor for a Group A or Group B parameter other than E. coli provided that—
(a) the results from samples taken in respect of that parameter collected at regular intervals over a period of at least three years are all at less than 30% of the parametric value;
(b) the results of a risk assessment described in regulation 6(l) are considered, and that risk assessment indicates that no factor can be reasonably anticipated to be likely to cause deterioration of the quality of the water; and
(c) data collected in the course of discharging its monitoring obligations under this Part are taken into account.
(3) A local authority may set a higher frequency for any parameter if it considers it appropriate, taking into account the findings of any risk assessment, and may monitor anything else identified in the risk assessment.
PART 3 Minimum frequency for  Monitoring Group A and Group B Parameters  for water put into bottles or containers not intended for sale
Volume1of water produced in bottles or containers each day (m3) Number of samples to be taken per year when monitoring for a Group A parameter Number of samples to be taken per year when monitoring for a Group B parameter
≤10 1 1
>10≤ 60 12 1
>60 1 for each 5m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 5m3/day) 1 for each 100 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 100 m3/day)
1 The volumes are calculated as averages taken over a calendar year.
SCHEDULE 3
Sampling and analysis

Regulation 12
PART 1 General
Samples: general
1 

(1) A local authority must secure, so far as reasonably practicable, that when it takes, handles, transports, stores or analyses any sample required to be taken for the purposes of this Schedule, or causes any such sample to be taken, handled, transported, stored or analysed, it complies with the appropriate requirements.
(2) A local authority must secure that a person accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service checks from time to time the local authority’s compliance with the appropriate requirements.
(3) Additionally, when undertaking activity described in sub-paragraph (1) the local authority must demonstrate compliance with the following standards—
(a) as regards any such activity, other than analysing samples, on or after 11th July 2020, European standard EN ISO/IEC 17024 entitled “Conformity Assessment. General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons”, European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 entitled “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” or other equivalent standards accepted at international level;
(b) as regards the activity of analysing samples, European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 or another equivalent standard accepted at international level.
(4) In this paragraph, “appropriate requirements” means such of the following as are applicable—
(a) the sample is representative of the quality of the water at the time of sampling;
(b) the person taking the sample is doing so in accordance with a system of quality control to an appropriate standard;
(c) the sample is not contaminated in the course of being taken;
(d) the sample is kept at such a temperature and in such conditions as will secure that there is no material alteration of the concentration or value for the measurement or observation of which the sample is intended;
(e) the sample is analysed whether at the time and place it is taken or as soon as reasonably practicable after it is taken—
(i) by or under the supervision of a person who is competent to perform that task, and
(i) with the use of such equipment as is suitable for the purpose.
Analysing samples
2 

(1) A local authority must ensure that each sample is analysed in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) For each parameter specified in the first column of Table 1 in Part 2 of this Schedule, the method of analysis is specified in the second column of that Table.
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5) The method of analysis used for odour and taste parameters must be capable of measuring values equal to the parametric value with a precision or uncertainty of measurement  of 1 dilution number at 25°C.
(6) For the parameters set out in Table 3 in Part 2 of this Schedule, the specified performance characteristics are that the method of analysis used must be capable of measuring concentrations equal to the parametric value with a limit of quantification, as defined in Article 2(2) of Commission Directive 2009/90/EC laying down technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status, of 30% or less of the relevant parametric value and an uncertainty of measurement as specified in that Table.
(7) The result must be expressed using at least the same number of significant figures as for the parametric value quoted and in the same units laid down in these Regulations.
(8) The uncertainty of measurement laid down in Table 3 in Part 2 of this Schedule must not be used as an additional tolerance to the parametric values set out in Schedule 1.
Authorisation of alternative methods of analysis
3 

(1) The Secretary of State may authorise a method different from that set out in paragraph 2(2) if satisfied that it is at least as reliable.
(2) An authorisation may be time-limited and may be revoked at any time.
Sampling and analysis by persons other than local authorities
4 

(1) A local authority may enter into an arrangement for any person to take and analyse samples on its behalf.
(2) A local authority must not enter into an arrangement under sub-paragraph (1) unless—
(a) it is satisfied that the task will be carried out promptly by a person competent to perform it, and
(b) it has made arrangements that ensure that any breach of these Regulations is communicated to it immediately, and any other result is communicated to it within 28 days.
PART 2 Analytical methods

Table 1
Prescribed methods of analysisParameter Method
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) BS-EN ISO 14189
Coliform bacteria and E. coli BS-EN ISO 9308-1 and BS-EN ISO 9308-2

Colony count 22°C-enumeration of
culturable microorganisms
 BS-EN ISO 6222

Colony count 37°C-enumeration of
culturable microorganisms
 BS-EN ISO 6222
Enterococci BS-EN ISO 7899-2
Pseudomonas aeruginosa BS-EN ISO 16266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Table 3
Minimum performance characteristic: uncertainty of measurement
Parameters Uncertainty of measurement % of the parametric value (except for pH) (1)
Aluminium 25
Ammonium 40
Antimony 40
Arsenic 30
Benzene 40
Benzo(a)pyrene (2) 50
Boron 25
Bromate 40
Cadmium 25
Chloride 15
Chromium 30
Colour 20
Conductivity 20
Copper 25
Cyanide (3) 30
1,2-dichloroethane 40
Fluoride 20
Hydrogen ion concentration pH (expressed in pH units) 0.2
Iron 30
Lead 25
Manganese 30
Mercury 30
Nickel 25
Nitrate 15
Nitrite 20
Oxidisability (4) 50
Pesticides (5) 30
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (6) 50
Selenium 40
Sodium 15
Sulphate 15
Tetracloroethene (7) 30
Tetracloromethane 30
Trichloroethene (7) 40
Trihalomethanes: total (6) 40
Total organic carbon (8) 30
Turbidity (9) 30









PART 3 Monitoring for indicative dose and analytical performance characteristics
Monitoring for compliance with the ID
5 

(1) A local authority may use various reliable screening strategies to indicate the presence of radioactivity in water intended for human consumption.
(2) These strategies may include screening for—
(a) certain radionuclides, or screening for an individual radionuclide;
(b) gross alpha activity or gross beta activity screening.
Screening for certain radionuclides, or screening for an individual radionuclide
6 

(1) If one of the activity concentrations exceeds 20% of the corresponding derived value or the tritium concentration exceeds its parametric value specified in the radioactive parameters table, an analysis of additional radionuclides is required.
(2) A local authority must take into account, in deciding which radionuclides are required to be measured for each supply, all relevant information about likely sources of radioactivity.
Screening strategies for gross alpha activity and gross beta activity
7 

(1) Subject to paragraph 6(1), the recommended screening values are—
(a) 0.1 Bq/l for gross alpha activity, and
(b) 1.0 Bq/l for gross beta activity .
(2) If the gross alpha activity exceeds 0.1 Bq/l or the gross beta activity exceeds 1.0 Bq/l, analysis for specific radionuclides is required.
(3) The Secretary of State may set alternative screening levels for gross alpha activity and gross beta activity where it is demonstrated by the local authority that the alternative levels are in compliance with an ID of 0,1 mSv.
(4) The determination by the local authority of which radionuclides to measure must be based on all relevant information about likely sources of radioactivity.
Calculation of the ID
8 

(1) The ID must be calculated from—
(a) the measured radionuclide concentrations and the dose coefficients  referred to as “standard values and relationships” in Article 13, and recommended for the estimation of doses from internal exposure in the definition of “standard values and relationships” in Article 4(96), of Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, or
(b) more recent information recognised by the Secretary of State, on the basis of the annual intake of water (730 litres for adults).
(2) Where the following formula is satisfied, it can be assumed that the ID is less than the parametric value of 0,1mSv and no further investigation is required—
∑
i
=
1
n
Ci(obs)
Ci(der)
≤
1Where—“Ci(obs)” means the observed concentration of radionuclide I;“Ci(der)” means the derived concentration of radionuclide I;“n” means the number of radionuclides detected.

Derived concentrations for radioactivity in water intend for human consumption Origin Nuclide Derived concentration
Natural U-2381 3,0 Bq/1
 U-2341 2,8 Bq/1
 Ra-226 0,5 Bq/1
 Ra-228 0,2 Bq/1
 Pb-210 0,2 Bq/1
 Po-210 0,1 Bq/1
Artificial C-14 240 Bq/1
 Sr-90 4,9 Bq/1
 Pu-239/Pu-240 0,6 Bq/1
 Am-241 0,7 Bq/1
 Co-60 40 Bq/1
 Cs-134 7,2 Bq/1
 Cs-137 11 Bq/1
 1-131 6,2 Bq/1
1 This Table allows only for the radiological properties of uranium, not for its chemical toxicity.
Performance characteristics and methods of analysis
9 
For the following parameters and radionuclides, the method of analysis used must, as a minimum, be capable of measuring activity concentrations with a limit of detection specified below—
Parameters and radionuclides Limit of detection (Notes 1,2) Notes
Tritium 10 Bq/1 Note 3
Radon 10 Bq/1 Note 3
gross alpha 0,04 Bq/1 Note 4
gross beta 0,4 Bq/1 Note 4
U-238 0,02 Bq/1 
U-234 0,02 Bq/1 
Ra-226 0,04 Bq/1 
Ra-228 0,02 Bq/1 Note 5
Pb-210 0,02 Bq/1 
Po-210 0,01 Bq/1 
C-14 20 Bq/1 
Sr-90 0,4 Bq/1 
Pu-239/Pu-240 0,04 Bq/1 
Am-241 0,06 Bq/1 
Co-60 0,5 Bq/1 
Cs-134 0,5 Bq/1 
Cs-137 0,5 Bq/1 
I-131 0,5 Bq/1 
Note 1: The limit of detection must be calculated according to the ISO standard 11929: Determination of the characteristic limits (decision threshold, detection limit, and limits of confidence interval) for measurements of ionising radiation – Fundamentals and application, with probabilities of errors of 1st and 2nd kind of 0,05 each .
Note 2: Measurement uncertainties must be calculated and reported as complete standard uncertainties, or as expanded uncertainties with an expansion factor of 1,96 according the ISO Guide for the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement .
Note 3: The limit of detection for tritium and for radon is 10% of its parametric value of 100 Bq/1.
Note 4: The limit of detection for gross alpha activity and gross beta activities are 40% of the screening values of 0,1 and 1,0 Bq/1 respectively.
Note 5: This limit of detection applies only to initial screening for ID for a new water source; if initial checking indicates that it is not plausible that Ra-228 exceeds 20% of the derived concentration, the limit of detection may be increased to 0,08 Bq/1 for routine Ra-228 nuclide specific measurements, until a subsequent re-check is required.
SCHEDULE 4
Records

Regulation 14
Initial records
1 

(1) A local authority must record the number of private supplies in its area, and for each supply must record—
(a) the name of the supply, together with a unique identifier,
(b) the type of source,
(c) the geographical location using a grid reference,
(d) an estimate of the number of people supplied,
(e) an estimate of the average daily volume of water supplied in cubic metres,
(f) the type of premises supplied,
(g) detail of any treatment process, together with its location, and
(h) the name of the region of Public Health England in whose area the supply is located.
(2) It must review and update the record at least once every 12 months.
(3) It must keep the record for at least 30 years.
Additional records
2 

(1) For each supply referred to in paragraph 1(1), the local authority must record each of the following within 28 days of the information being available—
(a) a plan and description of the supply;
(b) the monitoring programme for the supply;
(c) the risk assessment;
(d) the date, results and location of any sampling and analysis relating to that supply, and the reason for taking the sample;
(e) the results of any investigation undertaken in accordance with these Regulations;
(f) any authorisation;
(g) any notices served under section 80 of the Act or regulation 18;
(h) any action agreed to be taken by any person under these Regulations;
(i) any request for the local authority to carry out sampling and analysis, undertake a risk assessment or give advice;
(j) a summary of any advice given in relation to the supply.
(k) a summary of any risk assessment;
(l) a summary of the reasons for a decision to reduce or exempt altogether the monitoring of a particular parameter under regulation 11(10) and (10A).
(2) It must keep the risk assessment and records of sampling and analysis for at least 30 years, and all other records referred to in this paragraph for at least 5 years.
SCHEDULE 5
Fees

Regulation 21
1 
A local authority may charge a fee, payable on invoice, for the activities in the following Table, and the fee is the reasonable cost of providing the service....
Service ...
Risk assessment (for each assessment) . . .
Sampling (for each visit)1 . . .
Investigation (for each investigation) . . .
Granting an authorisation (for each authorisation) . . .
Analysing a sample— 
 taken under regulation 10 (for parameters referred to in paragraph (1)(a) to (e) of that regulation) . . .
 taken during  monitoring of Group A parameters . . .
 taken during  monitoring of Group B parameters  and monitoring under regulation 11 . . .
1 No fee is payable where a sample is taken and analysed solely to confirm or clarify the results of the analysis of a previous sample.
Persons liable to pay
2 

(1) Any person requesting a local authority to carry out any of the activities specified in the Table in paragraph 1 is liable for the cost.
(2) Otherwise fees are payable, as specified in the invoice, by the relevant person.
(3) Where more than one person is liable for a fee, in determining who is required to make payment, the local authority—
(a) must have regard to any agreement or other document produced to the local authority relating to the terms on which water is supplied, and
(b) may apportion the charge between them.