SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES
Support from your Council
If you have any private water supply issues or concerns, you should first contact your council’s Environmental Health Department.
By law, the local authority must keep an up-to-date register of all private water supplies in its region. While the property owner remains responsible for the quality of a private water supply, the council has a duty to provide water sampling tests (at a cost) and advice.
Your council can also arrange the necessary risk assessment to check your eligibility for the Scottish Government grant (£800 per household) to improve your water system.
Your council can provide an emergency supply of bottled water if your supply runs dry, or if it is at serious risk of doing so.
Scottish Water
Scottish Water does not have any duty to support private water system users, except where a connection to the mains can be provided “at a reasonable cost.”
If you believe Scottish Water has unfairly refused your request to be connected to public water or sewerage systems, you can make an appeal to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division at Scottish Government.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) invites the public to report the impact of dry weather onto any water supplies, so they can review water scarcity stress in different areas. However, if you actually need help, SEPA will recommend you contact your council instead.
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR)
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR) is an independent body which acts as enforcer to ensure that all drinking water in Scotland is safe to drink. DWQR has a duty to monitor how councils are supporting the private water supplies in their areas, and DWQR will also collect and interpret the data about the water quality and quantity.
The DWQR will only take seriously a complaint about a local authority after that complaint has been submitted and passed through the council’s own complaints procedure, so you would need to do that first.
Consumer Scotland does not provide direct 1-to-1 support to water consumers; instead, they are an independent statutory body who use research and reports to advocate for all types of consumer concerns. This includes issues, such as costs, related to both mains and private water supplies.
In 2023, Consumer Scotland published a report on the challenges and experiences of private water supply users, including recommendations to decision-makers on how to best support private water supply users.
Consumer Scotland
The National Health Service Scotland (NHS) has some information about risks from contaminated private water supplies, such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, lead, and e. coli.
Information and measurement packs for radon is managed separately by the UK Health Security Agency.
A full analysis about private water safety in Scotland, including effective treatments, was published by the Centre of Expertise for Waters.
The National Health Service Scotland (NHS)
Remember: it’s ok to ask for help.
If you’re in a low mood and feel like talking to someone, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. All below are free services and there is no limit to how many times you use them, whether it’s for yourself or for someone you’re concerned about.
The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 116 123 (free from any phone.)
If you’d prefer texting, Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service, just text SHOUT to 85258.
RSABI specifically supports people working in Scottish agriculture so they know the pressures well. They can offer daily telephone calls and financial support, just call 0808 1234 555.
Mind has friendly advisors who can help you find further support for any situation. They can be reached from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays. Their number is 0300 102 1234.