Water Supply & Wells

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. About 1% of the population of England and Wales have private water supplies to their homes. Most private supplies are situated in the more remote, rural parts of the country. The source of the supply may be a well, borehole, spring, stream, river, lake or pond. The supply may serve just one property or several properties through a network of pipes.

Most private water supplies rely on ground water as the source for wells or springs. If you drink water from your own supply, it is your responsibility to maintain the condition of your well or spring on a regular basis and reduce or eliminate potential sources of pollution. Water treatment should not be a substitute for a properly designed, constructed, and maintained water supply. Preventing pollution is one of the most direct ways of reducing health risks from drinking water.

Private water supplies should always be tested before a home is purchased and whenever a new water supply is being developed. Annual testing for certain contaminants is also recommended. Testing results should guide your decisions on whether you need a water treatment system, and if so, what kind.