Private Supply Legislation

The standards and requirements for drinking water are enacted in National Regulations. They are enforced in respect of private water supplies in England through the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2016, which came into effect on 27 June 2016, and in Wales through the Private Water Supplies (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010, which came into effect on 27 June 2016, and The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2017, which came into force on 20 November 2017. 

Further to this The Private Water Supplies (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 came into force on 11 July 2018.  

The Water Industry Act 1991, the primary national legislation, defines the powers and responsibilities of local authorities in relation to private water supplies and the definition of a relevant person(s).

The full list of current Regulations is below.

The Regulations governing private water supplies in England and Wales

and

The Regulations governing public water supplies in England and Wales

and

Regulations governing the design, installation, operation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances

Outlines the powers and the responsibilities of local authorities in regulating private water supplies (Section 77, and 80-82)

Council Directive (98/83/EC) on the quality of water for human consumption

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