Most private water supplies in Scotland comply with drinking water standards but a significant minority need to make further improvements, according to the latest report from Scotland’s Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR).
Around 3.5 per cent of the Scottish population receive their water from a private water supply rather than from Scottish Water. The care and maintenance of these supplies, some of which serve hotels, tourist accommodation and other businesses, is the responsibility of the owners and users..
In 2014, a total of 44,812 tests were taken from Type A private water supplies – those serving more than 50 people or a commercial activity. Of these, 94 per cent met the required standard. However, 13.4 per cent of samples taken from Type A supplies last year contained the E. coli bacterium, which indicates they are not receiving the appropriate treatment necessary to make the water safe. There has been a marginal improvement on last year’s figure of 13.6 per cent.
Sue Petch, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator said:
“It is important that private water supplies are well managed and maintained so that they are safe to drink. There is much that people responsible for a private water supply can do to protect water sources and ensure that there is an appropriate and robust treatment process in place – and although E.coli levels have improved on last year, there is still plenty of opportunity for improvement. I am working with local authorities and other stakeholders to improve awareness and explain how people can take care of their private water supply. I urge everyone with a private water supply to take advantage of the support and advice that can be accessed through their local environmental health department.”
Various treatment options are available for private water supplies. Disinfection often uses ultra-violet light, which can be relatively simple to install and maintain, but may require pre-filtration to remove substances such as iron, manganese and natural colour in the water. All treatment processes require some maintenance and specialist advice may need to be sought.
A Scottish Government grant of £800 per property is available for improving private water supplies.
Click here to download Drinking Water Quality in Scotland – Private Water Supplies 2014
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