There are estimated to be at least 50,000 private water supplies providing water for domestic use and food production in operation in England and Wales. Some estimates are much higher, but no up to date figures exist.
A 1994 UK Department of the Environment survey estimated that these private supplies served over 160,000 persons.
Over 95% of these supplies are very small, supplying individual households or communities of less than 25 persons, and the vast majority are groundwater-reliant, drawing water from boreholes, wells, springs and infiltration galleries. These sources draw from approximately 175 major and minor aquifers as well as numerous low-yield formations not productive enough to be considered as aquifers but still able to provide sufficient volume for an individual dwelling, retail outlet or small camp-site.
Local authority environmental health officers have a duty under the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 to monitor private supplies. While the water quality and operating conditions of some private water supplies are excellent and provide a perfectly acceptable source of water, many are unsatisfactory.
The public health concern increases because the smaller supplies are only infrequently monitored. Better understanding of potential hazards and their communication to the private supply owner/operator could enable users to help themselves provide a safe, wholesome supply and focus enforcement effort more effectively.
Groundwater Resource for EHPs
To assist EHPs in advising on private water supplies, the British Geological Survey has created an online resource which provides concise illustrated summaries giving background on groundwater in England and Wales, especially on its use as a source of private water supplies.