- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (01/01/2010)
- Original (As made)
Version Superseded: 01/04/2013
Point in time view as at 01/01/2010.
There are currently no known outstanding effects for the The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 (revoked).
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.
Regulations 4, 10, 15 and 17
Prescribed concentrations or values
Parameters | Maximum concentration or value | Units of Measurement |
---|---|---|
Escherichia coli (E. coli) | 0 | Number/100ml |
Enterococci | 0 | Number/100ml |
In the case of water in bottles or containers: | ||
Escherichia coli (E. coli) | 0 | Number/250ml |
Enterococci | 0 | Number/250ml |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 0 | Number/250ml |
Colony count 22°C | 100 | Number/ml |
Colony count 37°C | 20 | Number/ml |
Prescribed concentrations or values
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— | ||||||
organic insecticides | ||||||
organic herbicides | ||||||
organic fungicides | ||||||
organic nematocides | ||||||
organic acaricides | ||||||
organic algicides | ||||||
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: | ||||||
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: | ||||||
chloroform | ||||||
bromoform | ||||||
dibromochloromethane | ||||||
bromodichloromethane. | ||||||
The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. | ||||||
Parameters | Maximum concentration or value | Units of Measurement | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parameters | Maximum concentration or value | Units of Measurement | ||||
Acrylamide 1 | 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 | ||||
Epichlorohydrin 1 | 0.10 | μg/l | ||||
Fluoride | 1.5 | mg/l | ||||
Lead | 25 (until 25th December 2013) | μg/l | ||||
10 (from 25th December 2013) | μg/l | |||||
Mercury | 1.0 | μg/l | ||||
Nickel | 20 | μg/l | ||||
Nitrate 2 | 50 | mg/l | ||||
Nitrite2 | 0.5 (or 0.1 in the case of treatment works) | mg/l | ||||
Pesticides 3— | ||||||
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 total 4 | 0.50 | μg/l | ||||
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 5 | 0.10 | μg/l | ||||
Selenium | 10 | μg/l | ||||
Tetrachloroethene and Trichloroethene 6 | 10 | μg/l | ||||
Trihalomethanes: Total 7 | 100 | μg/l | ||||
Vinyl chloride 1 | 0.50 | μg/l | ||||
National requirements – Prescribed concentrations or values | ||||||
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 |
TABLE C Prescribed concentrations, values or states
1 The water should not be aggressive. | ||||
2 Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products. | ||||
3 Only in the case of surface water or groundwater that has been influenced by surface water. | ||||
Parameters | Maximum concentration or value or state (unless otherwise stated) | Units of measurement | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Ammonium | 0.50 | mg/l | ||
Chloride 1 | 250 | mg/l | ||
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) | 0 | Number/100ml | ||
Coliform bacteria | 0 | Number/100ml (Number/250 ml in the case of water put into bottles or containers) | ||
Colony counts | No abnormal change No abnormal change | Number/ml at 22°C Number/ml at 37°C | ||
Conductivity 1 | 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 | |||
Sulphate 1 | 250 | mg/l | ||
Total indicative dose (for radioactivity) 2 | 0.10 | mSv/year | ||
Total organic carbon (TOC) | No abnormal change | mgC/l | ||
Tritium (for radioactivity) | 100 | Bq/l | ||
Turbidity3 | 1 | NTU |
Regulation 9
1.—(1) A local authority must undertake check monitoring in accordance with this Part.
(2) Check monitoring means sampling for each parameter listed in Table 1 in the circumstances listed in that table in order—
(a)to determine whether or not water complies with the concentrations or values in Schedule 1;
(b)to provide information on the organoleptic and microbiological quality of the water; and
(c)to establish the effectiveness of the treatment of the water, including disinfection.
Table 1 Check monitoring
Parameter | Circumstances |
---|---|
Aluminium | When used as flocculant or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters |
Ammonium | In all supplies |
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) | Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters |
Coliform bacteria | In all supplies |
Colony counts | In all supplies |
Colour | In all supplies |
Conductivity | In all supplies |
Escherichia coli (E. coli) | In all supplies |
Hydrogen ion concentration | In all supplies |
Iron | When used as flocculant 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 | When chloramination is practised |
Nitrite | When chloramination is practised |
Odour | In all supplies |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Only in the case of water in bottles or containers |
Taste | In all supplies |
Turbidity | In all supplies |
2.—(1) Sampling must be carried out at frequencies specified in Table 2.
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 1,000 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 1,000 m3/day) |
(2) The local authority may reduce the frequency of sampling for a parameter to a frequency not less than half if—
(a)the local authority is of the opinion that the quality of water in the supply is unlikely to deteriorate;
(b)in the case of hydrogen ion the parameter has had a pH value that is not less than 6.5 and not more than 9.5; and
(c)in all other cases, in each of two successive years the results of samples taken for the purposes of monitoring the parameter in question are constant and significantly lower than the concentrations or values laid down in Schedule 1.
(3) The 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 in addition may monitor anything else identified in the risk assessment.
3.—(1) A local authority must undertake audit monitoring in accordance with this Part.
(2) Audit monitoring means sampling for each parameter listed in Schedule 1 (other than parameters already being sampled under check monitoring) in order to provide information necessary to determine whether or not the private supply satisfies each concentration, value or state specified in that Schedule and, if disinfection is used, to check that disinfection by-products are kept as low as possible without compromising the disinfection.
(3) The local authority may, for such time as it may decide, exclude a parameter from the audit monitoring of a private supply—
(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 supply failing to meet the concentration, value or state specified in Schedule 1 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.
(4) It may monitor anything else identified in the risk assessment.
4.—(1) Sampling must be carried out at the frequencies specified in Table 3.
Table 3 Sampling frequency for audit monitoring
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 10,000 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 10,000 m3/day) |
> 100,000 | 10 + 1 for each 25,000 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 25,000 m3/day) |
(2) The local authority may set a higher frequency for any parameter if it considers it appropriate taking into account the findings of any risk assessment.
1 The volumes are calculated as averages taken over a calendar year. | ||
Volume 1 of water produced in bottles or containers each day (m3) | Check monitoring number of samples per year | Audit monitoring number of samples per year |
---|---|---|
≤10 | 1 | 1 |
>10≤ 60 | 12 | 1 |
>60 | 1 for each 5 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 5 m3/day) | 1 for each 100 m3/day of the total volume (rounding up to the nearest multiple of 100 m3/day) |
Regulation 11
1.—(1) The local authority must ensure that each sample is—
(a)taken by a competent person using suitable equipment;
(b)representative of the water at the sampling point at the time of sampling;
(c)not contaminated in the course of being taken;
(d)kept at such temperature and in such conditions as will secure that there is no material change in what is to be measured; and
(e)analysed without delay by a competent person using suitable equipment.
(2) It must ensure that the sample is analysed using a system of analytical quality control.
(3) The system must be subjected to checking by a person who is—
(a)not under the control of either the analyst or the local authority; and
(b)approved by the Secretary of State for that purpose.
2.—(1) The 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) For each parameter specified in the first column of Table 2 in Part 2 of this Schedule the method is one that is capable of—
(a)measuring concentrations and values with the trueness and precision specified in the second and third columns of that table, and
(b)detecting the parameter at the limit of detection specified in the fourth column of that table.
(4) For hydrogen ion, the method of analysis must be capable of measuring a value with a trueness of 0.2 pH unit and a precision of 0.2 pH unit.
(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 of 1 dilution number at 25°C.
(6) For these purposes—
“limit of detection” is —
three times the relative within-batch standard deviation of a natural sample containing a low concentration of the parameter; or
five times the relative within-batch standard deviation of a blank sample;
“precision” (the random error) is twice the standard deviation (within a batch and between batches) of the spread of results about the mean;
“trueness” (the systematic error) is the difference between the mean value of the large number of repeated measurements and the true value.
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.
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 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.
Prescribed methods of analysis
*Use the following method to make m-CP agar: | |
Parameter | Method |
---|---|
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) | Membrane filtration followed by anaerobic incubation of the membrane on m-CP agar* at 44 ± 1°C for 21 ± 3 hours. Count opaque yellow colonies that turn pink or red after exposure to ammonium hydroxide vapours for 20 to 30 seconds. |
Coliform bacteria | BS-EN ISO 9308-1 |
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 |
Escherichia coli (E. coli) | BS-EN ISO 9308-1 |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | BS-EN ISO 12780 |
Make a basal medium consisting of—
Tryptose | 30.0g |
Yeast extract | 20.0g |
Sucrose | 5.0g |
L-cysteine hydrochloride | 1.0g |
MgSO4.7H2O | 0.1g |
Bromocresol purple | 40.0mg |
Agar | 15.0g |
Water | 1,000.0ml |
Dissolve the ingredients of the basal medium, adjust pH to 7.6 and autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes. Allow the medium to cool.
Dissolve—
D-cycloserine | 400.0mg |
Polymyxine-B sulphate | 25.0mg |
Indoxyl-β-D-glucoside | 60.0mg |
into 8ml sterile water and add it to the medium.
Add to the medium—
Filter-sterilised 0.5% phenolphthalein diphosphate solution | 20.0ml |
Filter-sterilised 4.5% FeCl3.6H2O | 2.0ml |
Prescribed performance characteristics for methods of analysis
Notes: | |||
1 The method of analysis should determine total cyanide in all forms. | |||
2 The performance characteristics apply to each individual pesticide and will depend on the pesticide concerned. | |||
3 The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 25% of the parametric value in Part 1 of Table B in Schedule 1. | |||
4 The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the parametric value in Part 1 of Table B in Schedule 1. | |||
5 The performance characteristics apply to the prescribed value of 4 NTU. | |||
6 The performance characteristics apply to the specification of 1 NTU for surface waters or ground waters influenced by surface water. | |||
Parameters | Trueness % of prescribed concentration or value or specification | Precision % of prescribed concentration or value or specification | Limit of detection % of prescribed concentration or value or specification |
---|---|---|---|
Aluminium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Ammonium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Antimony | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Arsenic | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Benzene | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Benzo(a)pyrene | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Boron | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Bromate | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Cadmium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Chloride | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Chromium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Colour | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Conductivity | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Copper | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Cyanide 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
1,2-dichloroethane | 25 | 25 | 10 |
Fluoride | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Iron | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Lead | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Manganese | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Mercury | 20 | 10 | 20 |
Nickel | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Nitrate | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Nitrite | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Pesticides and related products 2 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 3 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Selenium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Sodium | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Sulphate | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Tetrachloroethene 4 | 25 | 25 | 10 |
Tetrachloromethane | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Trichloroethene 4 | 25 | 25 | 10 |
Trihalomethanes: Total 3 | 25 | 25 | 10 |
Turbidity 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Turbidity 6 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Regulation 12 and 13
1.—(1) A local authority must, before 30th June 2010, 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;
(h)the name of the Health Protection Agency in whose area the supply is located.
(2) It must review and update the record at least once a year.
(3) It must keep the record for at least 30 years.
2.—(1) For each supply it must record each of the following within 28 days of the event—
(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 Water Industry Act 1991 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.
(2) It must keep the risk assessment and records of sampling and analysis for at least thirty years, and all other records under this paragraph for at least five years.
Regulation 21
1. The 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 subject to the following maximum amounts.
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. | ||
Service | Maximum fee (£) | |
---|---|---|
Risk assessment (each assessment): | 500 | |
Sampling (each visit)1: | 100 | |
Investigation (each investigation): | 100 | |
Granting an authorisation (each authorisation): | 100 | |
Analysing a sample— | ||
taken under regulation 10: | 25 | |
taken during check monitoring: | 100 | |
taken during audit monitoring: | 500 |
2.—(1) Any person requesting anything under these Regulations is liable for the cost.
(2) Otherwise fees are payable, as specified in the invoice, by the relevant person as defined in section 80(7) of the Water Industry Act 1991.
(3) Where more than one person is liable, in determining who is required to make payment the local authority—
(a)may apportion the charge between them; and
(b)must have regard to any agreement or other document produced to the local authority relating to the terms on which water is supplied.
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Explanatory Memorandum sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Statutory Instrument and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications. They aim to make the Statutory Instrument accessible to readers who are not legally qualified and accompany any Statutory Instrument or Draft Statutory Instrument laid before Parliament from June 2004 onwards.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: