Understanding Private Clean Water Terms and Regulations
- Andrea Stephenson-Hemmings
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8
If you rely on a private water supply, it's crucial to be aware of the terms, responsibilities, and regulations that govern the quality and safety of your water. In this article, we explain some of the key concepts and legal requirements you need to know to ensure your water remains safe, sufficient, and compliant.
Potable Water vs Clean Water
Potable Water is water that is fit for human consumption and food preparation. It must be free from any substances or organisms that could pose a risk to human health.
Clean Water, by contrast, is water suitable for activities such as washing down surfaces. While it must not affect the health quality of food, it is not required to meet drinking water standards.
Who is the Consumer?
A consumer is any individual who receives water from a private supply for the purpose of human consumption. This includes drinking, food preparation, washing, and other domestic uses.
Responsibilities for Private Water Supplies
The responsibility for a private water supply lies with the owner or occupier of the land where the supply is situated or any person managing the supply. This individual is often referred to as the Relevant Person under regulatory definitions.
Importance of Disinfection and Water Treatment
Disinfection is the process of treating water to eliminate or neutralise pathogens that could pose a risk to human health. All private water supplies must have an appropriate Water Treatment Plan. As a minimum, PFS recommends:
Labelling all pipes and filters clearly.
Keeping copies of user manuals and service records.
Proper documentation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the safety of your supply.
Parameters and Prescribed Concentration Values
A Parameter refers to any property, element, organism, or substance that must be monitored in drinking water. Each parameter has a Prescribed Concentration Value (PCV), which sets the maximum (or minimum) permissible concentration levels to ensure the water remains wholesome.
A wholesome private water supply must not contain microorganisms, parasites, or substances in concentrations that could endanger human health.
Sufficient Supply and Backup Solutions
Private water supplies must be sufficient, meaning they should not be at risk of running dry (dry-run) or over-abstraction. It is important to have a suitable backup plan, such as access to bottled water, in case the primary supply fails or needs to be temporarily disconnected.
Understanding Hazards and Risk Assessments
A hazard is any biological, chemical, physical, or radiological agent that could cause harm if present in the water supply.
A Risk Assessment must be carried out by the Local Authority under Regulation 13. This involves reviewing the water source and treatment system to identify any current or potential hazards to human health. A risk assessment is mandatory for all new private supplies before they are brought into use.
Regulatory Powers: Section 80 and Notices
Under Section 80 Regulation 18 of the Water Industry Act 1991, the Local Authority has the power to issue a Notice to the Relevant Person if a private water supply is not, or is likely to become, unwholesome or insufficient.
Such a Notice will:
Indicate the severity of the problem.
Set a timeframe for resolution.
Demand immediate restrictions if necessary to protect health.
In Summary
Managing a private water supply carries significant responsibilities. Regular testing, effective treatment, good documentation, and a clear understanding of regulations are essential to ensure your water remains safe and sufficient.
If you need help managing your private water supply, including risk assessments, water treatment solutions, or regulatory compliance advice, the team at PFS Clean Water Management are here to support you.
