Private Water Supplies
A private water supply is one that isn't provided by a water company, which in the case of South Staffordshire is either Severn Trent Water or South Staffordshire Water. Private supplies can come from a well, borehole or a spring, and are usually found in the more rural areas of the county. The supply often serves just one home, but some supplies serve several.
Safe drinking water is essential to good health. All private water supplies can pose a threat to health unless they're properly protected, maintained and treated. They may become contaminated with bacteria or other substances. You may not be able to tell whether your water is safe, as contamination may not change the smell, taste or colour of the water. We have a duty to monitor, risk assess and sample private water supplies.
Private Water Supply Regulations 2009
The regulations classify private water supplies into three categories, excluding those to single domestic dwellings. These are large supplies, other supplies and private distribution systems. The classification of a supply is primarily dependent on the number and type of premises served and the volume of water used. The regulations have also introduced a new requirement for local authorities to monitor private distribution systems.
The classification of a supply is primarily dependent on the number and type of premises served and the volume of water used. The regulations have also introduced a new requirement for local authorities to monitor private distribution systems.
For more information on how the regulations affect different types of properties, take a look at the Drinking Water Inspectorate advice.
Fees
Private Water Supplies Fees and Charges
| Service (activity) | Maximum fee (£) | South Staffordshire Council Fee (£) |
| Risk assessment (each assessment) | 500 | Subject to individual quote based on time spent and travelling time |
| Routine Sampling (each visit)* | 100 | 30 |
| Sample - On request | 100 | 60 |
| Investigation (each investigation) | 100 | Subject to individual quote based on time spent and travelling time |
| Granting an authorisation (each authorisation) | 100 | 50 |
| Analysing a sample: | ||
| Sampling Single Domestic Dwelling | 25 | 25 |
| Taken under check monitoring | 100 | 30 - 46 depending on parameters required |
| Taken under audit monitoring | 500 | Subject to individual quote based on time spent and travelling time |
* No fee is payable where a sample is taken and analysed solely to confirm or clarify the results of the analysis of a previous sample.
Further help and advice
For further help and advice on private water supplies, or to let us know about a new supply being brought into use, please contact Environmental Health & Licensing on 01902 696000 or environmentalprotection@sstaffs.gov.uk