22 May 2012What is a private water supply?
A private water supply is one that is not provided by a mains water company such as Thames, South East Water, Mid Kent Water or Sutton and East Surrey Water.
The source may be from a borehole, well, spring, river, stream, lake or pond and may serve a single house or business or many premises. It is essential that the water supply is safe for both domestic and commercial use including food preparation.
You should notify us if you own or think you may be using water from a private water supply in the Sevenoaks District that is not registered with us.
What is the Council’s role?
Sevenoaks District Council is required to monitor the safety of all private water supplies in the District with the exception of single domestic supplies unless requested to do so. This is done by examining the supply to assess whether the water may be a risk to health as well as routinely taking water samples.
The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 set the frequency at which we must test the water and the bacteria and chemicals that we must look for. If it becomes apparent that the water is unsafe or it is suspected that this may be the case, we will investigate further and take the steps necessary to protect human health.
View our list of charges for monitoring private water supplies (
PDF File 39KB file details).
What are my responsibilities if I own or manage a private water supply?
If you own or manage a private water supply you must take all measures necessary to ensure that it is safe. This includes carrying out any routine maintenance, regularly checking that the supply is protected from contamination ‘from source to tap’ and that any treatment system is working correctly.
Further advice on how to keep your private water supply safe and information regarding The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 can be found on the Drinking Water Inspectorate website at www.dwi.gov.uk or from The Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
Alternatively e-mail the Council's Environmental Health team environmental.health@sevenoak.gov.uk or call 01732 227000 for further information or advice.
