The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/647)

Commencement: 15th June 2018

Revokes: The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2010

Summary

These Regulations supplement Chapter III (Water Supply) of the Water Industry Act 1991 and revoke and replace the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2010.

They are primarily concerned with the quality of water supplied by water undertakers whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales for drinking, washing, cooking and food preparation, and for food production.

These Regulations implement Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption. Their purpose is to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring it is wholesome and clean. They also implement Council Directive 2013/51/Euratom laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption.

These Regulations are split into 12 parts –

Part 1 General: Details commencement and interpretation.

Part 2 Water Supply Zones: Requires water companies to annually designate water supply zones.

Part 3 Wholesomeness: Sets out the standard of wholesomeness in respect to water that is supplied for human consumption by water companies.

Part 4 Monitoring of Water Supplies: Sets out two monitoring regimes and the general monitoring requirements.

Part 5 Monitoring Additional Provisions: Contains additional requirements relating to sampling.

Part 6 Drinking Water Protected Area: Requires water companies and supplementary licensees to identify every point from which they abstract water for supply.

Part 7 Investigations, Authorisation of Departures and Remedial Action: Requires water companies and supplementary licensees to investigate the causes of any failure, or apprehended failure.

Part 8 Water Treatment: Sets out conditions water companies must meet before supplying water.

Part 9 Records and Information: Requires every water company or supplementary licensee to prepare and maintain records.

Part 10 Function of Local Authorities in Relation to Water Quality: Imposes requirements on local authorities in relation to the quality of water supplied by water companies or water supply licensees.

Part 11 Enforcement: Provides information on the enforcement of these Regulations.

Part 12 Miscellaneous: Provides for transitional provision, amendments and revocations.

Link to legislation.gov.uk