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Local Authorities risk assessment of plumbing in private premises

Under the revised Private Water Supplies Regulations (2009), local authorities have a duty to assess the risk of contamination of water supplies derived from private sources of water and of ‘private distribution networks’.  These networks occur when the water undertaker or licensed supplier provides a water supply to the boundary of the premises, to an owner/manager or other person responsible for the premises. This water is then distributed through a private distribution network to buildings/properties on the site. When the building/properties supplied are not owned or occupied by the same company/organisation/person (such as domestic dwellings), this is a private distribution system.

The local authority is required to carry out a risk assessment on the distribution network, including pipes, storage tanks, stand pipes, etc which joins the building/properties owned by the site to those owned or occupied by another company, organisation or person.  Private distribution networks come under the scope of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales because they convey water originally supplied by a public water undertaker or licensed supplier.  For Water Suppliers, WRAS developed a ‘tool’ for identifying these risks and the means of preventing them or controlling them.  To assist local authorities, it is made available by clicking here.

May 2010