The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989

Authorisations—public supplies

4.—(1) The Secretary of State may, upon the written application of a water undertaker, authorise a relaxation of the provisions of Part II of these Regulations as respects the supply of water by that undertaker if he is satisfied–

(a) that the authorisation is necessary, as an emergency measure, to maintain a supply of water for human consumption;

(b) that the authorisation is called for by reason of exceptional meteorological conditions; or

(c) that the authorisation is called for by reason of the nature and structure of the ground in the area from which the supply emanates.

(2) The Secretary of State may, in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(c), authorise a relaxation of the provisions of Part II of these Regulations as respects the supply of water by a water undertaker notwithstanding that no application for such authorisation has been made to him.

(3) An undertaker shall at the same time as it makes an application for an authorisation under paragraph (1) serve a copy on every appropriate local authority.

(4) In paragraph (3) “appropriate local authority” means any of the following authorities if any premises in relation to which the authorisation is sought fall within the area of that authority, namely

(a) the Common Council of the City of London;

(b) a London borough council;

(c) a district council.