2010 No. 95
The Water Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2010
Made
Laid before the Scottish Parliament
Coming into force
Citation, commencement and interpretation1
1
These Regulations may be cited as the Water Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2010 and come into force on 20th April 2010.
Amendment of the Water (Scotland) Act 1980
2
After section 76F of the 1980 Act (general functions of local authorities in relation to water quality), insert—
Domestic distribution failures where water is supplied to the public76FA
1
A local authority must immediately investigate to determine the cause of a “relevant water quality issue”, being an issue relating to water quality which—
a
affects premises where water is supplied to the public (such as schools, hospitals and restaurants) within the area of the local authority;
b
is attributable to the domestic distribution system (within the meaning of Article 2.2 of Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption) of those premises, or to the maintenance of that system; and
c
requires, or would require, notification to the Scottish Ministers under—
i
regulation 17(5) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/207);
ii
regulation 18(2) of those Regulations;
iii
regulation 17(3) of the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/209); or
iv
regulation 18(2) of those Regulations.
2
On completion of the investigation mentioned in subsection (1) above the local authority must, as soon as possible, report the findings of the investigation to the Scottish Ministers.
3
A report under subsection (2) above must set out—
a
what, in the opinion of the local authority, is the cause of the relevant water quality issue;
b
whether, in the opinion of the local authority, the relevant water quality issue constitutes a potential risk to human health; and
c
any steps which the local authority intend to require by notice under section 76FB.
4
On receipt of a report under subsection (2) above the Scottish Ministers may, in relation to the relevant water quality issue, give the local authority a direction as to the exercise of their functions under sections 76FA to 76FC.
5
In particular, a direction under subsection (4) above may—
a
specify any advice which the local authority must require to be given to consumers in relation to the relevant water quality issue by notice under section 76FB(3)(d) below;
b
specify any steps which the local authority must require to be taken under section 76FB(3)(b) and (e) below; and
c
specify the period which the local authority must require under section 76FB(3)(c) below.
6
A local authority must comply with a direction given under subsection (4) above.
7
Where a local authority conduct an investigation under subsection (1) above (and the investigation confirms the existence of a relevant water quality issue) the authority may recover the expenses reasonably incurred by the authority in conducting that investigation from the responsible person.
Remedial powers of local authorities where domestic distribution failure affects supply to public76FB
1
This section applies where a local authority have completed an investigation under section 76FA(1) above.
2
A local authority must serve a notice on the person who owns or is otherwise responsible for the domestic distribution system of the premises affected by the relevant water quality issue (the “responsible person”) for the purposes of ensuring a wholesome supply and protecting human health.
3
A notice served under this section must—
a
give particulars of the relevant water quality issue in respect of which the notice is served;
b
specify any steps which the local authority require to be taken for the purposes of ensuring a wholesome supply and protecting human health;
c
specify a period for the performance of each step;
d
specify the advice (if any) which the local authority require the responsible person to communicate to consumers of the supply;
e
specify any steps which the local authority require to be taken for the purpose of communicating such advice;
f
specify a period ending not less than 28 days after the day on which the notice is served within which any representations or objections with respect to the notice must be received by the local authority; and
g
state the effect in relation to that notice of section 76FC below.
4
Where the local authority consider that a relevant water quality issue (including a relevant water quality issue relating to an indicator parameter) constitutes a potential risk to human health, the local authority must—
a
require the taking of such steps under subsection (3)(b) above as the authority consider necessary to protect human health; and
b
require advice to be given to consumers under subsection (3)(d).
5
In requiring the taking of such steps as may be necessary to comply with subsection (4)(a) above, the local authority and the Scottish Ministers must take into account the risks to human health which would be caused by an interruption of the supply or a restriction in the use of water intended for human consumption (within the meaning of Article 2.1 of Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption).
6
The provisions of section 76G(3) below shall have effect in relation to notices served under this section and the reference to a “relevant person” in that subsection shall be construed as a reference to a “responsible person” for the purposes of this section.
7
Once the period specified for performance of a step required by a notice under this section has expired, a local authority must notify the Scottish Ministers as soon as possible of any actions taken by the responsible person and the local authority pursuant to, or in consequence of, the requirement to take the step.
8
Unless a local authority consider a relevant water quality issue to be of a trivial nature, the authority must take such steps as the authority consider necessary to ensure that consumers are notified of any remedial action taken under, or pursuant to, a notice served under this section.
9
In this section “indicator parameter” means a parameter listed in—
a
Part II of Table B in Schedule 1 to the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/207);
b
Schedule 2 to those Regulations;
c
Part II of Table B in Schedule 1 to the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/209); or
d
Table C in Schedule 1 to those Regulations.
Effect, confirmation and variation of a notice under section 76FB76FC
1
The provisions of section 76H(1) to (10) below shall have effect in relation to notices served under section 76FB above subject to the modifications set out in subsection (2) below.
2
The modifications to section 76H are—
a
subsections (3)(c), (5)(b) and (5A) do not apply;
b
for “76G” in each place where it occurs substitute “76FB”;
c
for “relevant person” in both places where it occurs substitute “responsible person”;
d
for “76G(2)(c) and (d)” in both places where it occurs substitute “76FB(3)(f) and (g)”; and
e
in subsection (5)(a), omit the words “, except where the case is one to which paragraph (b) below applies,”.
3
Any responsible person on whom a notice is served under section 76FB above, who fails without reasonable excuse to take any step as specified in the notice within the period so specified shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
3
In section 76G of the 1980 Act (remedial powers of local authorities in relation to private supplies), after subsection (1) insert—
1A
Subject to section 76FB(6), this section does not apply to a relevant water quality issue.
4
In section 76HA of the 1980 Act (Application of sections 76G and 76H to certain private supplies)—
a
after subsection (2)(b) insert—
ba
after subsection (3) insert—
3A
Where a local authority consider that a Type A supply falling within subsection (1)(a) above (including a supply which falls within subsection (1)(a) because of a failure in relation to an indicator parameter) constitutes a potential risk to human health, the local authority must require such steps under subsection (2)(b) above as are necessary to protect human health.
3B
In requiring such steps as may be necessary to comply with subsection (3A) above, the local authority must take into account the risks to human health which would be caused by an interruption of the supply or a restriction in the use of water intended for human consumption purposes.
b
in subsection (2)(f) after “2006;” insert—
“indicator parameter” means a parameter listed in Part II of Table B or in Table C in Schedule 1 to those Regulations;
5
In section 76L of the 1980 Act (interpretation etc. of Part VIA)—
a
after the definition of “analyse” insert—
“domestic distribution system” has the meaning given by section 76FA(1) above;
b
after the definition of “private supply” insert—
“relevant water quality issue” has the meaning given by section 76FA(1) above;
“responsible person” has the meaning given by section 76FB(2) above;
Amendment of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 20026
In section 11 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 20026 (enforcement notices: further provisions), after subsection (7) insert—
7A
Where a public water supplier has rectified the contravention specified in an enforcement notice, the Regulator must publish (or arrange for the publication of) information to this effect, in such a manner as the Regulator thinks appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons affected, or who may have been affected, by the contravention.
Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001
7
1
Regulation 17 of the 2001 Regulations (investigations: Schedule 1 parameters) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6).
2
In paragraph (2), after sub-paragraph (a) insert—
aa
whether the failure or as the case may be, the apprehended failure poses a risk to human health;
3
In paragraph (5)—
a
for “As soon as may be” substitute “Immediately”;
b
after “the Scottish Ministers” insert “and (in the case of failures or apprehended failures affecting premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public, such as schools, hospitals and restaurants) the local authority in whose area the premises or establishment is located”;
c
after sub-paragraph (a) insert—
aa
whether those matters relate to premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public;
d
in sub-paragraph (c), omit “in relation to a failure which is attributable to the domestic distribution system or the maintenance of that system”.
4
After paragraph (5), insert—
5A
Where the water authority has identified a failure which constitutes a potential risk to human health, it shall, at the same time as notice is given under paragraph (5)—
a
by notice in writing (or in electronic form) to those of its consumers—
i
to whom it supplies water for regulation 4(1) purposes; and
ii
who are likely to be affected by the failure,
inform them of the nature of the failure and provide details of the steps (if any) that, in the opinion of the water authority, it is necessary or desirable for those consumers to take in the interests of their health; and
b
send a copy of that notice to the Scottish Ministers and to each appropriate local authority.
5
In paragraph (6), after “maintenance of that system” insert “(and the failure does not require to be notified to consumers under paragraph (5A))”.
6
In paragraph (7)—
a
after “(5)” insert “, (5A)”; and
b
after “requirements of” (where they second occur) insert “regulation 31(8) (insofar as they relate to a local authority notified under paragraph (5), (5A) or (6)) and”.
8
1
Regulation 18 of the 2001 Regulations (investigations: Schedule 2 indicator parameters) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5).
2
In paragraph (1)—
a
after “it shall”, insert “immediately”;
b
after sub-paragraph (a), insert—
aa
whether the supply poses a risk to human health;
c
in sub-paragraph (c) omit “if the specification for the coliform bacteria or colony count parameter (items 4 and 5 in Schedule 2) is not met,”.
3
In paragraph (2)—
a
for “As soon as may be” substitute “Immediately”;
b
after “the Scottish Ministers” insert—
and (in the case of failures or apprehended failures affecting premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public such as schools, hospitals and restaurants) the local authority in whose area the premises or establishment is located
c
at the end of sub-paragraph (a) omit “and”;
d
after sub-paragraph (a) insert—
aa
whether those matters relate to premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public;
e
after sub-paragraph (b) insert—
and
c
of the action (if any) taken by the water authority.
4
After paragraph (2) insert—
2A
Where the inability to meet the specification constitutes a potential risk to human health, the water authority shall, at the same time as notice is given under paragraph (2)—
a
by notice in writing (or in electronic form) to those of its consumers—
i
to whom it supplies water for regulation 4(1) purposes; and
ii
who are likely to be affected by the failure,
inform them of the nature of the failure and provide details of the steps (if any) that, in the opinion of the water authority, it is necessary or desirable for those consumers to take in the interests of their health; and
b
send a copy of that notice to the Scottish Ministers and to each appropriate local authority.
5
In paragraph (3), after “maintenance of that system,” insert “(and the failure does not require to be notified to consumers under paragraph (2A))”.
9
After regulation 18 of the 2001 Regulations, insert—
Action by the water authority18A
1
In this regulation—
“indicator parameter” means a parameter listed in—
- a
Part II of Table B in Schedule 1; or
- b
Schedule 2; and
“public supply failure” means a failure or an inability to meet a specification which—
- a
requires notification to the Scottish Ministers under—
- i
regulation 17(5); or
- ii
regulation 18(2); and
- b
is not attributable to the domestic distribution system of the premises or to the maintenance of that system.
2
Where the water authority identifies a public supply failure, the water authority must as soon as possible take such remedial action as is necessary to restore a wholesome supply, having regard to the extent to which any parameters in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 have been exceeded and the potential risk to human health.
3
The duty at paragraph (2) does not apply where the failure is the subject of an enforcement notice issued to the water authority under section 10 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.
4
Where the water authority identifies a public supply failure (including a public supply failure in relation to an indicator parameter) which constitutes a potential risk to human health, the water authority must take such action under paragraph (2) or otherwise, as is necessary to protect human health.
5
The water authority must decide what action should be taken to comply with paragraph (4), bearing in mind the risks to human health which would be caused by an interruption of the supply or a restriction in the use of water intended for human consumption.
6
The water authority must by notice in writing (or in electronic form) to those of its consumers—
a
to whom it supplies water for regulation 4(1) purposes; and
b
who were affected or were likely to have been affected by the failure,
inform those consumers of any remedial action taken in accordance with paragraph (2).
7
The duty at paragraph (6) does not apply where the water authority considers that the public supply failure is trivial.
8
Notwithstanding paragraph (7), a water authority must comply with any notice given to it by the Scottish Ministers under regulation 19(4).
10
For regulation 19(4) of the 2001 Regulations (action by the Scottish Ministers) , substitute—
4
Where the Scottish Ministers consider that a notification given under regulation 18(2) or 17(5) discloses a risk to human health, or a failure which is not trivial, they may by notice in writing (or in electronic form) to the water authority require the water authority to take such steps as may be determined by them and specified in the notice (including, but not limited to, steps to notify consumers of any remedial action taken in relation to a supply).
11
In regulation 20(1)(a) of the 2001 Regulations (authorisation of a temporary supply of water that is not wholesome) omit “Part II of Table A in Schedule 1 or in”.
12
In regulation 21(1) of the 2001 Regulations (authorisations: terms and conditions) for “such” substitute “as short a”.
13
In regulation 25 of the 2001 Regulations (treatment of raw water) after paragraph (1) insert—
1A
Where the water authority disinfects a supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes, the water authority shall—
a
where necessary, subject the water to sufficient preliminary treatment to prepare the water for disinfection;
b
design, operate and maintain the disinfection process so as to keep disinfection by- products as low as possible without compromising the performance of the disinfection process ; and
c
verify the performance of the disinfection process.
14
1
Schedule 3 to the 2001 Regulations is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4).
2
For Table 2 substitute—
(1) Substances and parameters | (2) Estimated population of water supply zone | (3) Reduced | (4) Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
Subject to check monitoring | |||
E. coli | < 100 ≥ 100 | – – | 4 |
Coliform bacteria | 12 per 5,000 | ||
Residual disinfectant | population(i) | ||
Aluminium(+) | |||
Ammonium | |||
Clostridium | |||
Perfringens (including | |||
Colony counts | < 100 | 1 | 2 |
Colour | 100-4,999 | 2 | 4 |
Conductivity(*) | 5,000-9,999 | 6 | 12 |
Hydrogen ion | 10,000-29,999 | 12 | 24 |
Iron(+) | 30,000-49,999 | 18 | 36 |
Manganese(+) | 50,000-79,999 | 26 | 52 |
Nitrate(+) | 80,000-100,000 | 38 | 76 |
Nitrite(+) | |||
Odour | |||
Taste | |||
Turbidity | |||
Subject to audit monitoring | |||
Antimony | < 100 | – | 1 |
Arsenic | 100-4,999 | – | 4 |
Benzene(*) | 5,000-100,000 | – | 8 |
Benzo(a)pyrene | |||
Boron(*) | |||
Cadmium | |||
Chromium | |||
Copper | |||
Cyanide(*) | |||
1,2 dichloroethane(*) | |||
Enterococci | |||
Fluoride(*) | |||
Lead | |||
Mercury(*) | |||
Nickel | |||
Pesticides(*) | |||
PAH | |||
Selenium | |||
Sodium | |||
Trichloroethene/ | |||
Tetrachloroethene(*) | |||
Tetrachloromethane(*) | |||
THM | |||
Chloride(*) | |||
Sulphate(*) | |||
Total Organic Carbon(*) | |||
Tritium(*) | |||
Notes: | |||
(+) See regulation 6(2) and Table 1 in Schedule 3 | |||
(*) Sampling for these parameters may be within water supply zones or at supply points as specified in Table 3, subject to note (ii) and (iii) below. | |||
(i) Where the population is not an exact multiple of 5,000, the population figure should be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5,000. | |||
(ii) Audit monitoring in water supply zones is required only where sodium hypochlorite is added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required at supply points. | |||
(iii) To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). | |||
3
For Table 3 substitute—
(1) Item | (2) Substances and parameters | (3) Volume of water supplied m3/d | (4) Reduced | (5) Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Subject to check monitoring | ||||
1. | Clostridium Perfringens (including spores)(i) | < 20 | – | 2 |
20–999 | 2 | 4 | ||
2. | Conductivity | 1,000-1,999 | 6 | 12 |
2,000-5,999 | 12 | 24 | ||
6,000-9,999 | 18 | 36 | ||
10,000-15,999 | 26 | 52 | ||
16,000-32,999 | 52 | 104 | ||
33,000-49,999 | 78 | 156 | ||
50,000-67,999 | 104 | 208 | ||
68,000-84,999 | 130 | 260 | ||
85,000-101,999 | 156 | 312 | ||
102,000-119,999 | 183 | 365 | ||
120,000-241,999 | 365 | 730 | ||
242,000-484,999 | 730 | 1,460 | ||
485,000-728,999 | 1,095 | 2,190 | ||
Subject to audit monitoring | ||||
3. | Benzene | |||
4. | Boron | |||
5. | Bromate(ii) | |||
6. | Cyanide | |||
7. | 1,2 dichloroethane | < 20 | 1 | |
8. | Fluoride | 20-999 | 4 | |
9. | Mercury | 1,000-49,999 | 8 | |
10. | Pesticides | 50,00-89,999 | 12 | |
11. | Trichloroethene/Tetrachloroethene | 90,000-299,999 | 24 | |
12. | Tetrachloromethane | 300,000-649,999 | 36 | |
13. | Chloride | ≥ 650,000 | 48 | |
14. | Sulphate | |||
15. | Total organic carbon | |||
16. | Tritium | |||
17. | Gross alpha(iii) | |||
18. | Gross beta(iii) | |||
Notes: | ||||
(i) Check monitoring is required only in respect of surface waters (see regulation 6(2) and Table 1 in Schedule 3), otherwise audit monitoring. | ||||
(ii) Audit monitoring at supply points is permitted only where sodium hypochlorite is not added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required in water supply zones. | ||||
(iii) To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). | ||||
4
For Table 4 substitute—
(1) Item | (2) Substances and parameters | (3) Volume of water supplied m3/d | (4) Reduced | (5) Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Subject to check monitoring | ||||
1. | E. coli | < 20 | – | 4 |
2. | Coliform bacteria | 20–1,999 | 12 | 52 |
3. | Colony counts | 2,000–5,999 | 52 | 104 |
4. | Residual disinfectant | 6,000–11,999 | 104 | 208 |
≥12,000 | 104 | 365 | ||
5. | Nitrite(i) | < 20 | – | 2 |
6. | Turbidity | 20-999 | 2 | 4 |
1,000-1,999 | 6 | 12 | ||
2,000-5,999 | 12 | 24 | ||
6,000-9,999 | 18 | 36 | ||
10,000-15,999 | 26 | 52 | ||
16,000-32,999 | 52 | 104 | ||
33,000-49,999 | 78 | 156 | ||
50,000-67,999 | 104 | 208 | ||
68,000-84,999 | 130 | 260 | ||
85,000-101,999 | 156 | 312 | ||
102,000-119,999 | 183 | 365 | ||
120,000-241,999 | 365 | 730 | ||
242,000-484,999 | 730 | 1,460 | ||
485,000-728,999 | 1,095 | 2,190 | ||
Subject to audit monitoring | ||||
7. | Nitrite(i) | < 20 | 1 | |
20–999 | 4 | |||
1,000–49,999 | 8 | |||
50,000–89,999 | 12 | |||
90,000–299,999 | 24 | |||
300,000–649,999 | 36 | |||
≥650,000 | 48 | |||
Notes: | ||||
(i) Check monitoring at treatment works is required only when chloramination is practised. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required. | ||||
Amendment of the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006
15
After regulation 5 of the 2006 Regulations, insert—
Duty of relevant person in relation to disinfection5A
Where a relevant person disinfects a private water supply for human consumption purposes, the relevant person must—
a
where necessary, subject the water to sufficient preliminary treatment to prepare the water for disinfection; and
b
design, operate and maintain the disinfection process so as to keep disinfection by-products as low as possible without compromising the performance of the disinfection process.
16
For regulation 9(3) of the 2006 Regulations (authorisation of temporary departure: terms and conditions), substitute—
3
Subject to paragraphs (4) and (6), an appropriate local authority may authorise a departure for as short a period as may be authorised (“the departure period”) in which, in the opinion of the appropriate local authority, it is possible to secure a supply of water for human consumption purposes which satisfies the requirements of Part IV.
17
1
Regulation 17 of the 2006 Regulations (investigations: Schedule 1 microbiological and chemical parameters) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6).
2
In paragraph (1), after sub-paragraph (a) insert—
aa
whether the failure or, as the case may be, the apprehended failure, poses a risk to human health;
3
In paragraph (3)—
a
for “As soon as is reasonably practicable”, substitute “Immediately”;
b
after “relevant person” insert—
, the Scottish Ministers
c
at the end of sub-paragraph (a), omit “and”; and
d
after sub-paragraph (a), insert—
aa
whether those matters relate to premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public (such as schools, hospitals and restaurants);
4
In paragraph (4), for “reasonably practicable”, substitute “possible”.
5
In paragraph (7), for “reasonably practicable”, substitute “possible”.
6
After paragraph (8), insert—
9
Where the failure constitutes a potential risk to human health, the monitoring local authority must give the relevant person or, as the case may be, the responsible person, the directions mentioned in—
a
paragraph (4)(b); and
b
paragraph (7)(a).
18
1
Regulation 18 of the 2006 Regulations (investigations: Schedule 1 indicator parameters) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (7).
2
In paragraph (1)—
a
after sub-paragraph (a) insert—
aa
whether the inability to meet the specifications poses a risk to human health;
b
in sub-paragraph (c), omit “if the specification for the coliform bacteria or colony count parameter (items 4 and 5 in Table C in Schedule 1) is not met,”.
3
In paragraph (2)—
a
for “As soon as reasonably practicable”, substitute “Immediately”;
b
after “relevant person” insert—
, the Scottish Ministers,
c
after paragraph (a), insert—
aa
whether those matters relate to premises or establishments in which water is supplied to the public (such as schools, hospitals and restaurants)
4
In paragraph (3), for “reasonably practicable”, substitute “possible”.
5
In paragraph (5), for “reasonably practicable”, substitute “possible”.
6
In paragraph (7), for “reasonably practicable”, substitute “possible”.
7
After paragraph (7), insert—
8
Where the failure constitutes a potential risk to human health, the monitoring local authority must give the responsible person the directions mentioned in—
a
paragraph (5)(b); and
b
paragraph (7)(a).
19
After regulation 18 of the 2006 Regulations, insert—
Additional notification of consumers18A
Unless the monitoring local authority consider the failure identified under regulation 17 or 18 to be trivial, it must take such steps as are necessary to notify consumers, or to ensure that consumers are notified, of any remedial action performed under or pursuant to a notice served under section 76G of the 1980 Act in respect of that failure.
20
In regulation 34 of the 2006 Regulations (register of private water supplies) after paragraph (1)(i) insert—
ia
any enforcement notices served by the authority in relation to the supply under section 76FB of the 1980 Act (whether or not confirmed by the Scottish Ministers under section 76FC of that Act), including—
i
the particulars of the person on whom the notice was served
ii
the date of service of the notice;
iii
the matters specified in subsection (3) of section 76FB;
(This note is not part of the Regulations)