Drinking water quality
Most properties within Broadland and South Norfolk receive their drinking water from a water company (mains supply), but some depend on private water supplies, which we are required to test, the fee for which varies. Please contact us using the details below to discuss further and arrange a visit.
Mains water is supplied by the local water authority. The two major water authorities in Norfolk are Anglian Water and Essex and Suffolk Water.
If you have any queries relating to your mains water supply, you should contact your water authority in the first instance. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction then you can contact the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), the industry watchdog.
A private water supply (PWS) is any supply that is not provided by a water company, which includes domestic and commercial properties. If you think your water is not provided by a water company, you should contact us:
T. 01603 430 438 or email: suzanne.delarue@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
The supply may serve just one property or several through a network of pipes.
The regulations require us to routinely sample supplies, to investigate failures of microbiological or chemical parameters and to conduct risk assessments. The fee for these services may vary.
Private water supplies should be collected transported and tested within the scope of DWI accreditation
If your property is served by a private water supply we recommend that you have your supply serviced regularly by a qualified water engineer.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has further information about private water supplies.
Drought and Lack of Water
Private water supplies can be affected by drought, prolonged dry weather, pump failure, leaks or other problems. During periods of water scarcity, including when a hosepipe ban is in place, private supply users are encouraged to take steps to reduce non-essential water use and protect their supply where possible.
If your private water supply becomes unreliable or runs out, the person responsible for the supply should put their contingency plan into action and arrange an alternative supply of water. This may include bottled water, a temporary bowser, tanker or other suitable arrangement, depending on the circumstances.
The Council can provide advice and may become involved where there is a risk to human health. However, the Council and the water company do not have a general duty to provide an alternative supply unless the circumstances pose a danger to life or human health. Where emergency water is arranged, costs may be recoverable from the person or persons responsible for the supply.
If your supply serves more than one property, rented accommodation, a food business, commercial premises, a public building or a farm with domestic dwellings, you should have a written contingency plan. This should explain what you will do if the supply becomes unreliable, runs low or fails completely.
A private water supply must not be used until we are satisfied that the supply will not constitute a potential danger to human health. Please contact us using the details above to discuss and arrange a visit.
If your well or borehole serves only one property this will be classed as a 'single domestic property' (this excludes rental properties); and therefore are not required to have routine sampling by us. You can request that we risk assess or sample the supply. There is a fee for these services which may vary.
If you are selling your house you may be required to provide up to date sample results, if you would like us to undertake this service please allow a minimum of 3 weeks. There is a fee for this service which may vary.
We also recommend that you have your supply serviced regularly by a qualified water engineer.
Sampling Fees: £94.00 (excluding analysis fees which are charged at cost)
Risk Assessment Fees: £51.50 per hour (excluding flat £10 administration cost)