Private water supply

A private water supply is one which is not provided by a water company or where mains water is supplied but not directly by the water company. Approximately 1% of the population in England and Wales has a private water supply to their homes.  

A private water supply is any water supply that is not provided by a water company. This includes water from:

• wells
• boreholes
• springs
• rivers or streams
• rainwater harvesting systems

If you use water from one of these sources for drinking, cooking, or washing, you may need to register it.

Types of Private Water Supplies

Private supplies are grouped into four categories:

1. Single private dwellings – used by one household only.
2. Small supplies – serving fewer than 50 people and not used commercially.
3. Large or commercial supplies – serving more than 50 people or used in businesses (e.g. holiday lets, B&Bs, food production).
4. Private distribution systems – where mains water is supplied to multiple properties via a private network.

Register a Private Water Supply

If you own or use a private water supply, you must register it with the council. This helps us assess the safety of your water and carry out regular checks.

You’ll need to provide:

• the address and location of the supply
• the type of source (e.g. borehole, spring)
• how many people use it
• whether it’s used for commercial or domestic purposes

Risk Assessments and Water Testing

We carry out risk assessments and water sampling to make sure your supply is safe.

• Risk assessments are usually done every 5 years.
• We test for bacteria, nitrates, metals, and other contaminants.
• You’ll receive a report with the results and any recommendations.

If Your Water Is Unsafe

If your water fails a test or is found to be unsafe:

• We’ll contact you with advice and next steps.
• You may need to install treatment (e.g. UV filters, chlorination).
• In serious cases, we may issue a notice requiring action.

We’re here to help you make your supply safe.

Fees and Charges

We charge for:

• registration and risk assessments
• water sampling and laboratory analysis
• follow-up visits or enforcement action (if needed)

Find more information on the Drinking Water Inspectorate website.