• Water pollution
  • Drainage & Sewage
    
  • Mains / Private Supply
    

• Bin collection & recycling

• Business

• Community and living

• Council and democracy

• Council tax, benefits and finance

• Housing

• Job vacancies

• Learning and education

• Leisure and culture

• Pay my bill

• Policing and public safety

• Social care and health

• Transport and streets

• Useful links

Health & Environmental Services

Tel: 03450 450 063

Fax: 01954 713149
Email to contact:
Health & Environmental services (This link will open in a new window)
Refuse service (This link will open in a new window)

Environmental FAQs

• How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
• What should I do if I find a stray dog?
• How do I find out about private land ownership?
• How do I complain about a nuisance?

• More environmental FAQs

Mains / Private Supply water

Mains Water

Water is tested by the Cambridge Water Company who make the results available to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (This link will open in a new window) (DWI) is responsible for assessing the quality of drinking water in England and Wales, taking enforcement action if standards are not being met, and appropriate action when water is unfit for human consumption.

Private Water Supply

What is a private water supply?

In general terms a private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company. It is not a 'mains' supply (e.g. water from boreholes, wells, springs and streams). No water rates are paid for these supplies although the person who owns a supply may make a charge. The owner or person who uses the supply is responsible for maintaining it. About 1% of the population use water from private supplies.

South Cambridgeshire District Council are responsible for regulating private water supplies used for domestic purposes (such as drinking, cooking and washing) in both domestic and commercial premises.

The new Private Water Supply Regulations 2009 came into force on 1st January 2010. The regulations have been introduced to ensure the wholesomeness of the water, so that people who drink water or consume food or drinks made from private supplies may do so without risk to their health.

Why do private water supplies need to be regulated?

Even though you may have drunk the water for years without any ill affects the Regulations are there to ensure wholesomeness of your water. Even, if water looks clear it can be contaminated with microorganisms (from animal droppings or human sewerage) or chemicals which may not be detected by smell or taste.

PWS are classified into 3 types of supply:

• Commercial & Large Supplies (over 50 people): A full risk assessment to be completed once every 5 years and sampling at least once per year (frequency will be determined by volume of water used)
• Small Supplies (less than 50 people more than one property): A risk assessment to be completed once every 5 years and sampling once every 5 years (although this could be more frequent dependant upon the risk assessment)
• Single Dwelling Supplies (one property only): Sampling and risk assessment will be undertaken only if requested by owner/occupier (charges will apply)

Risk Assessments

Within 5 years, the Council is required to complete a risk assessment for all supplies within its district (except supplies to single dwellings) and there is a duty on the Council to regularly monitor supplies used as part of a commercial or public activity and for supplies which service 50 or more people a day. A risk assessment will look at the source of the supply and the surrounding area to see if contamination is possible. It also involves looking at storage tanks, any treatment systems and the pipework. The risk assessment identifies any actual and potential hazards that may affect the health of those drinking the water, so that you can take action to make sure the water supply is safe to drink.

What will the water be tested for?

All large supplies will be tested for: ammonium, coliform bacteria, colony counts, colour, conductivity, E. coli, pH, odour, taste and turbidity. Other chemical parameters (e.g. pesticides) will also be tested for and this will be determined by the site risk assessment. The results of the sampling will be forwarded to you within 28 days of sampling. If the results are unsatisfactory further action may be required, such as an investigation by the local authority or remedial works by you. In extreme circumstances enforcement action may be necessary.

Results

The results of sampling will be forwarded to you within 28 days of sampling. If the results are unsatisfactory further action will be required, such as an investigation by the local authority or remedial works by you.

Charges

Charges will be made on an hourly rate basis up to the maximums specified below:

Further advice

Further advice and information can be found at:

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI): www.dwi.gov.uk (This link will open in a new window)
Private Water Supplies: www.privatewatersupplies.gov.uk (This link will open in a new window)

Please contact Health & Environmental Services or alternatively, water supply service requests (This link will open in a new window) can be submitted online