The Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991

Collection and analysis of samples

19.—(1) A local authority 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 these Regulations, the appropriate requirements are satisfied.

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

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

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

(c) that 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) that the sample is analysed as soon as may be after the time 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) that any laboratory at which samples are analysed has a system of analytical quality control that is subject from time to time to checking by a person who is–

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

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

(3) Within 28 days of the results of an analysis of any sample of a private supply taken from any premises being available to the local authority which took the sample, the authority shall notify the owner of those premises of the results of that analysis and any other relevant person who is to be charged for the taking and analysis of the sample from those premises under regulation 20(1).