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Private Water Supplies
A number of properties in North Herts use private water supplies, i.e. a water supply which is not provided by a water company. Most private supplies are situated in the more remote, rural parts of the district, and the source of the supply is usually a well or a borehole. The supply may serve just one property or several through a network of pipes.
Safe drinking water is essential to good health. Any private water supply can pose a threat to health unless it is properly protected and treated. Water may become contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses, or other substances. Many of these contaminants are harmless, but some may cause serious illness or even death in vulnerable people (particularly the young and the elderly). You may not be able to tell whether or not your water is safe to drink, as contamination may not be obvious through taste, smell or colour of the water. Unlike public supplies, many private supplies are not treated to remove contamination.
What should you do?
- Find out about your water supply.
- Who is responsible for the supply, its upkeep and maintenance?
- Where is the source of supply?
- Where does the supply enter your property?
- Is there a storage tank in your loft?
- Is the water treated in any way?
- Is the treatment equipment in good order and maintained regularly?
- Keep your supply safe.
- Inspect all parts of your supply for damage and defects.
- Check that any well or borehole is adequately protected to prevent surface water contamination, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
- Ensure that there is no pollution of your supply from overflowing cesspools or run-off from farmland.
- Check that nearby farmers are aware of the drinking water supply and the need to avoid contamination from farming activities.
- Check storage tanks.
- Ensure that tanks are watertight and have vermin proof lids and walls.
- Overflow pipes and vents should be designed to stop birds and rodents from entering.
- If you supply water to others you have a duty of care for the safety of water you supply.
- If you think that the water is unsafe you should advise boiling of all water for drinking or food preparation.
- Suggest others use bottled water.
Should I get my supply checked?
North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) monitors the bacteriological quality of private water supplies; however, the checks are not frequent. You may ask the Environmental Health Section for the results of tests carried out.
NHDC charge for water quality testing. The charges are as follows:
- Microbiological analysis £50.00
- Microbiological and Chemical analysis £68.00
- Microbiological, chemical and an addition parameter e.g. Iron £70.00
Please note the charges do not include VAT.
Alternatively you may wish to arrange for regular testing using a private laboratory. Remember that the test results only confirm the quality of the water at the time of testing and that the quality may change.
NHDC have a programme of checking private water supplies for chemicals and pesticides residues. Private water supplies may be affected by chemicals and pesticides used in farming activities which may be washed through the soil by rainwater. Water containing high levels of nitrate is particularly unsuitable for young babies.
Contact Details
If you have any questions or want advice about private water supplies, contact the Environmental Health Section via the Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000 or at service@north-herts.gov.uk.
