Drinking Water - Water Sampling
What does the council do?
Private water
supplies e.g. wells and boreholes are routinely monitored to detect
excess levels of chemicals, pesticides and bacteria. We will also
sample private water supplies at the request of the owners where
contamination is suspected.
How do I know if I have a private water
supply?
You have a private water supply if your house
is not connected to the public water mains( No water rates are
paid). In this case your water will come from a well, borehole or
spring and either you, or a neighbour, will be responsible for the
supply. Braintree Council Environmental Health Dept monitors the
quality of these private supplies and gives advice to the water
users.
If you are using a private supply and would like it
sampled and tested (for which there is a charge), call 01376 551414
extension 2216.
-
Extensive Chemical analysis
— £ 100.00 (including VAT)
- Bacteriological analysis only — £ 55.00 (including
VAT)
- Basic sample (as required by the Private Water Supply
Regulations) — £68.00 (including
VAT)
Mains water
For more information about
mains water contact the local water company listed in your
telephone directory under 'Water'.
General advice to private water supply
users.
Find out about your supply who is responsible for the upkeep and
maintenance? where is the source? how does the water get to your
property? is it treated in any way? is the treatment equipment in
good order & serviced regularly? Keep your supply safe
Make sure you inspect all parts of your supply, including the
catchment area, regularly to check it is in good order and has not
been interfered with or damaged. Any defects found should be put
right as soon as possible.
Supplies from springs, wells or boreholesCheck that the source
is adequately protected to stop surface water getting into your
supply, particularly at times of heavy rain.
Supplies from farmland where animals graze or manure is spread
Divert rain water run-off so it does not flow into your supply (for
example, with a small ditch leading away from your supply) Check
that the farmer is aware of the drinking water supply and the need
to avoid contaminating it by farming activity. Fencing may be
necessary to stop farm and other animals from gaining access to
areas where they could contaminate the supply.
If your supply has water collection chambers and/or storage
tanksThese should have watertight and vermin-proof walls and lids
Tops of chambers or tanks should be above ground level to prevent
water from surrounding land flowing into them Any overflow pipes or
vents in chambers should be designed to stop animals and debris
from entering them The collection chamber should not be close to
any soak-away or drain
If you supply water to othersIf you supply water to other people
in the course of a business, for example by renting out holiday
accommodation or using water for food production, you have a legal
duty of care towards customers for the safety of water you
supply.
For example, if you think your water may be unsafe, you may have
to: Advise boiling all water for drinking and food production Use
or suggest others use bottled water Should you get your supply
checked?
Braintree Council monitors the quality of all private supplies
in the district, but this is only likely to be every five years
unless there are more than 25 people using the supply, when it is
checked annually.
You should contact the council If you would like to have
additional tests done If you would like to know the results of
previous tests If you are worried about the quality of the water
for any reason.