A private water supply is any supply, not provided by a water company, where the water is intended for human consumption or for any food undertaking where the quality of the water may affect the final product. This is regardless of its origin and whether it is supplied from a distribution network, from a tanker, or in bottles or containers. Human consumption includes drinking, cooking, food preparation and other domestic purposes (including toilet flushing and other sanitary purposes).
About 1% of the population of England and 3% of the population in Wales use a private water supply. Most of these supplies are situated in remote, rural parts of the country and can originate from a range of sources including boreholes, natural springs and watercourses.
Local authorities act as the regulators for private water supplies. The Inspectorate is not the regulator for private water supplies. However, we act as technical advisors to local authorities in relation to the implementation of the Private Water Supplies Regulations on behalf of the Secretary of State. We provide technical and scientific advice on all aspects of drinking water quality, including on private water supplies, to local authorities. We do not work directly with consumers or owners of private water supplies, but do respond to any enquiries made to us about private water supplies.
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