Do You Need to Demonstrate That Your Water Is Suitable to Drink?

January 29, 2021

For operators of private water supplies, the ability to meet regulatory compliance is paramount. Following changes to the Private Water Supplies Regulations in England and Wales, our specialists undertook ‘Certification of Persons Scheme for sampling private water supplies’. This ensures our team can continue to sample our clients’ private water supplies and provide the evidence required by local authorities throughout England & Wales.


What's the big deal?


The 2018 amendment to the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations, and the Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2017,

introduced the requirement for water samplers to be accredited to a recognised international standard. A certification scheme was finally made available in July 2020, with the aim of ensuring a common standard for collecting water samples from private water supplies, to safeguard against the risk of contamination, and to ensure that sample results are representative of water quality.


Dr Phil Ham, our managing director commented:


“Envireau Water has always conducted water sampling to the highest standard, in accordance with industry best practice. Nevertheless, this accreditation allows our specialists to receive recognition and work in accordance with the EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard. It means we can continue to conduct robust water sampling of private water supplies for our clients, and local authorities, up and down the country.”


What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?


The requirement for certification only applies in England and Wales but the requirements are likely to be introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland in the future.

 

When is water sampling required?


If you operate a private supply that is shared, provides more than 10m3 of water per day, or is used for any commercial activity, then these new requirements apply to you.  


That’s where Envireau Water come in. Whether you are a client needing our specialist regulatory guidance or a local authority who may not yet have certification, our team can provide support. Get in touch with our specialists on info@envireauwater.co.uk or call on 01332 871 882. 

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