Important information about your private water supply

Finding out about the supply

If your drinking water is not supplied by Thames or South East Water then your property is likely to be supplied from a private water supply, probably either a well, a borehole or a spring. The water may be pumped to a header tank or pressure vessel to provide adequate pressure and will then be distributed to the taps. If you do not know how your distribution system works we would strongly advise that you find out, as this knowledge may assist you if the supply fails or problems occur. Contact a plumber or water engineer to assist you, if necessary, and carry out a survey of your distribution system.

Listed are some guidelines to help you understand what your own duties and responsibilities are and the potential dangers if you don’t do anything to keep the supply serviced and maintained.

 This guide explains:-

• Who is responsible for the supply, why we are involved and what do we look for in water samples?

• How to keep your supply clean and well maintained

• What to do if your supply is contaminated, why we require you to carry out improvements and what we will tell a future buyer of your home

• Useful contacts