The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989

Collection and analysis of samples

21.—(1) A water undertaker shall secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that in taking, handling, transporting, storing and analysing or causing to be analysed any sample taken for the purposes of Parts IV and V of these Regulations, the appropriate requirements are satisfied.

(2) In paragraph (1) “the appropriate requirements” means such of the following requirements as are applicable–

(a) the sample is representative of the quality of the water at the time of sampling;

(b) the sample is not contaminated when being taken;

(c) the sample is kept at such temperature and in such conditions as will secure that there is no material alteration of the concentration or value for the measurement or observation of which the sample is intended;

(d) the sample is analysed as soon as may be after it has been taken–

(i) by or under the supervision of a person who is competent to perform that task;

(ii) with the use of such equipment as is suitable for the purpose;

(iii) by applying such analytical systems and methods as are capable of establishing, within acceptable limits of deviation and detection, whether the sample contains concentrations or values which contravene the prescribed concentrations or values; and

(e) any laboratory at which samples are analysed has a system of analytical quality control that is subjected from time to time to checking by a person who is–

(i) not under the control of either the laboratory or the undertaker; and

(ii) approved by the Secretary of State for that purpose.