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The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002

Type Ni-Statutory-Rule
Publication 2002-10-31
Last updated 2004-01-01
State In force
Jurisdiction Northern Ireland
Department Government Printer for Northern Ireland
Source legislation.gov.uk
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Reform history JSON API
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes:
(i)The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification. (i)The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification. (i)The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification. (i)The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification. (i)The parametric value refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled by product specification.
(ii)See also regulation 6(6). (ii)See also regulation 6(6). (ii)See also regulation 6(6). (ii)See also regulation 6(6). (ii)See also regulation 6(6).
(iii)See also regulation 4(2)(d). (iii)See also regulation 4(2)(d). (iii)See also regulation 4(2)(d). (iii)See also regulation 4(2)(d). (iii)See also regulation 4(2)(d).
(iv)See the definition of “pesticides and related products” in regulation 2. (iv)See the definition of “pesticides and related products” in regulation 2. (iv)See the definition of “pesticides and related products” in regulation 2. (iv)See the definition of “pesticides and related products” in regulation 2. (iv)See the definition of “pesticides and related products” in regulation 2.
(v)The parametric value applies to each individual pesticide. (v)The parametric value applies to each individual pesticide. (v)The parametric value applies to each individual pesticide. (v)The parametric value applies to each individual pesticide. (v)The parametric value applies to each individual pesticide.
(vi)“Pesticides: Total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. (vi)“Pesticides: Total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. (vi)“Pesticides: Total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. (vi)“Pesticides: Total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. (vi)“Pesticides: Total” means the sum of the concentrations of the individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure.
(vii)The specified compounds are:benzo(b)fluoranthenebenzo(k)fluoranthenebenzo(ghi)peryleneindeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (vii)The specified compounds are:benzo(b)fluoranthenebenzo(k)fluoranthenebenzo(ghi)peryleneindeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (vii)The specified compounds are:benzo(b)fluoranthenebenzo(k)fluoranthenebenzo(ghi)peryleneindeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (vii)The specified compounds are:benzo(b)fluoranthenebenzo(k)fluoranthenebenzo(ghi)peryleneindeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (vii)The specified compounds are:benzo(b)fluoranthenebenzo(k)fluoranthenebenzo(ghi)peryleneindeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
(viii)The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (viii)The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (viii)The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (viii)The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (viii)The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
(ix)The specified compounds are:chloroformbromoformdibromochloromethanebromodichloromethane.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (ix)The specified compounds are:chloroformbromoformdibromochloromethanebromodichloromethane.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (ix)The specified compounds are:chloroformbromoformdibromochloromethanebromodichloromethane.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (ix)The specified compounds are:chloroformbromoformdibromochloromethanebromodichloromethane.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process. (ix)The specified compounds are:chloroformbromoformdibromochloromethanebromodichloromethane.The parametric value applies to the sum of the concentrations of the individual compounds detected and quantified in the monitoring process.
1. Acrylamide 0.10 μg/l [^f01000]
2. Antimony 5.0 μgSb/l Consumers' taps
3. Arsenic 10 μgAs/l Consumers' taps
4. Benzene 1.0 μg/l Consumers' taps
5. Benzo(a)pyrene 0.010 μg/l Consumers' taps
6. Boron 1.0 mgB/l Consumers' taps
7. Bromate 10 μgBrO₃/l Consumers' taps
8. Cadmium 5.0 μgCd/l Consumers' taps
9. Chromium 50 μgCr/l Consumers' taps
10. Copper [^f01001] 2.0 mgCu/l Consumers' taps
11. Cyanide 50 μgCN/l Consumers' taps
12. 1, 2 dichloroethane 3.0 μg/l Consumers' taps
13. Epichlorohydrin 0.10 μg/l [^f01000]
14. Fluoride 1.5 mgF/l Consumers' taps
15. Lead [^f01001] a25, from 25th December 2003 until immediately before 25th December 2013 μgPb/l Consumers' taps
b10, on and after 25th December 2013 μgPb/l Consumers' taps
16. Mercury 1.0 μgHg/l Consumers' taps
17. Nickel [^f01001] 20 μgNi/l Consumers' taps
18. Nitrate [^f01002] 50 mgNO₃/l Consumers' taps
19. Nitrite [^f01002] 0.50 mgNO₂/l Consumers' taps
0.10 Treatment works
20. Pesticides [^f01003][^f01004] }Aldrin }Dieldrin }Heptachlor }Heptachlor epoxide } 0.030 μg/l Consumers' taps
other pesticides 0.10 μg/l Consumers' taps
21. Pesticides: Total [^f01005] 0.50 μg/l Consumers' taps
22. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [^f01006] 0.10 μg/l Consumers' taps
23. Selenium 10 μgSe/l Consumers' taps
24. Tetrachloroethene and Trichloroethene [^f01007] 10 μg/l Consumers' taps
25. Trihalomethanes: Total [^f01008] 100 μg/l Consumers' taps
26. Vinyl chloride 0.50 μg/l [^f01000]
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum unless otherwise stated) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
--- --- --- --- ---
1. Aluminium 200 μgAl/l Consumers' taps
2. Colour 20 mg/l Pt/Co Consumers' taps
3. Hydrogen ion 10.0 pH value Consumers' taps
6.5 (minimum) pH value
4. Iron 200 μgFe/l Consumers' taps
5. Manganese 50 μgMn/l Consumers' taps
6. Odour 3 at 25°C Dilution number Consumers' taps
7. Sodium 200 mgNa/l Consumers' taps
8. Taste 3 at 25°C Dilution number Consumers' taps
9. Tetrachloromethane 3 μg/l Consumers' taps
10. Turbidity 4 NTU Consumers' taps

SCHEDULE 2 — INDICATOR PARAMETERS

Item Parameters Specification Concentration or Value (maximum) or State Units of Measurement Point of monitoring
Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes:
(i)The water should not be aggressive. (i)The water should not be aggressive. (i)The water should not be aggressive. (i)The water should not be aggressive. (i)The water should not be aggressive.
(ii)Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products. (ii)Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products. (ii)Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products. (ii)Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products. (ii)Excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and radon decay products.
*May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution. *May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution. *May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution. *May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution. *May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution.
1. Ammonium 0.50 mgNH₄/l Consumers' taps
2. Chloride [^f01009] 250 mgCl/l Supply point[^f01011]
3. Clostridium perfringens (including spores) 0 Number/100ml Supply point[^f01011]
4. Coliform bacteria 0 Number/100ml Consumers' taps
5. Colony counts No abnormal change Number/1ml at 22°C Number/1ml at 37°C Consumers' taps, service reservoirs and treatment works
6. Conductivity [^f01009] 2500 μS/cm at 20°C Supply point[^f01011]
7. Hydrogen ion 9.5 pH value Consumers' taps
8. Sulphate [^f01009] 250 mgSO₄/l Supply point[^f01011]
9. Total indicative dose (for radioactivity) [^f01010] 0.10 mSv/year Supply point[^f01011]
10. Total organic carbon (TOC) No abnormal change mgC/l Supply point*
11. Tritium (for radioactivity) 100 Bq/l Supply point[^f01011]
12. Turbidity 1 NTU Treatment works

SCHEDULE 3

PART IV — MONITORING

(1) (2) (3)
Item Parameter Circumstances
1. Aluminium When used as flocculant or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
2. Ammonium
3. Clostridium perfringens (including spores) Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
4. Coliform bacteria
5 Colony Counts
6. Colour
7. Conductivity
8. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
9. Hydrogen ion
10. Iron When used as flocculant or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
11. Manganese Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
12. Nitrate When chloramination is practised
13. Nitrite When chloramination is practised
14. Odour
15. Taste
16. Turbidity
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Substances and parameters subject to check monitoring Estimated population of water supply zone Reduced
Notes: Notes: Notes:
Sampling for these parameters may be within water supply zones or at supply points as specified in Table 3, subject to notes (ii) and ((iii)*) below. Sampling for these parameters may be within water supply zones or at supply points as specified in Table 3, subject to notes (ii) and ((iii)*) below. Sampling for these parameters may be within water supply zones or at supply points as specified in Table 3, subject to notes (ii) and ((iii)*) below.
(i)Where the population is not an exact multiple of 5,000, the population figure should be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5,000. (i)Where the population is not an exact multiple of 5,000, the population figure should be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5,000. (i)Where the population is not an exact multiple of 5,000, the population figure should be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5,000.
(ii)Check monitoring in water supply zones is required only where chloramination is practised. In other circumstances audit monitoring is required. (ii)Check monitoring in water supply zones is required only where chloramination is practised. In other circumstances audit monitoring is required. (ii)Check monitoring in water supply zones is required only where chloramination is practised. In other circumstances audit monitoring is required.
(iii)Audit monitoring in water supply zones is required only where sodium hypochlorite is added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required at supply points. (iii)Audit monitoring in water supply zones is required only where sodium hypochlorite is added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required at supply points. (iii)Audit monitoring in water supply zones is required only where sodium hypochlorite is added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required at supply points.
(iv)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). (iv)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). (iv)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity).
E. coli } <100
Coliform bacteria }Residual disinfectant } ≥100
Aluminium }
Ammonium }
Clostridium perfringens }
(including spores)[^f01012] }
Colony counts }
Colour } <100 1
Conductivity[^f01012] } 100–4,999 2
Hydrogen ion } 5,000–9,999 6
Iron } 10,000–29,999 12
Manganese } 30,000–49,999 18
Nitrate [^f01014] } 50,000–79,999 26
Nitrite [^f01014] } 80,000–100,000 38
Odour }
Taste }
Turbidity }
Parameters subject to audit monitoring Parameters subject to audit monitoring Parameters subject to audit monitoring
Aluminium }
Antimony }
Arsenic }
Benzene[^f01012] }
Benzo(a)pyrene }
Boron[^f01012] }
Bromate [^f01015] }
Cadmium }
Chromium }
Copper }
Cyanide[^f01012] }
1,2 dichloroethane[^f01012] } <100
Enterococci } 100–4,999
Fluoride[^f01012] } 5,000–100,000
Iron }
Lead }
Manganese }
Mercury[^f01012] }
Nickel }
Nitrate [^f01014] }
Nitrite [^f01014] }
Pesticides and related products[^f01012] }
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons }
Selenium }
Sodium }
Trichloroethene/Tetrachloroethene[^f01012] }
Tetrachloromethane[^f01012] }
Trihalomethanes } <100
Chloride[^f01012] } 100–4,999
Sulphate[^f01012] } 5,000–100,000
Total organic carbon[^f01012] }
Tritium[^f01012] }
Gross alpha[^f01012] [^f01016] }
Gross beta[^f01012] [^f01016] }
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Item Substances and parameters Volume of water supplied m³/d
Notes: Notes: Notes:
Sampling is at treatment works for the substances and parameters shown in column (1) of the Table as items 1 to 6 and at supply points for the other substances and parameters, except nitrite, subject to notes (ii) and (iii*); Sampling is at treatment works for the substances and parameters shown in column (1) of the Table as items 1 to 6 and at supply points for the other substances and parameters, except nitrite, subject to notes (ii) and (iii*); Sampling is at treatment works for the substances and parameters shown in column (1) of the Table as items 1 to 6 and at supply points for the other substances and parameters, except nitrite, subject to notes (ii) and (iii*);
(i)Check monitoring is required only in respect of surface waters (see regulation 6(2) and Table 1 in Schedule 3). (i)Check monitoring is required only in respect of surface waters (see regulation 6(2) and Table 1 in Schedule 3). (i)Check monitoring is required only in respect of surface waters (see regulation 6(2) and Table 1 in Schedule 3).
(ii)Sampling at treatment works when chloramination is practised. (ii)Sampling at treatment works when chloramination is practised. (ii)Sampling at treatment works when chloramination is practised.
(iii)Sampling at treatment works when chloromination is not practised. (iii)Sampling at treatment works when chloromination is not practised. (iii)Sampling at treatment works when chloromination is not practised.
(iv)Audit monitoring at supply points is required only where sodium hypochlorite is not added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required in water supply zones. (iv)Audit monitoring at supply points is required only where sodium hypochlorite is not added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required in water supply zones. (iv)Audit monitoring at supply points is required only where sodium hypochlorite is not added after water has left the treatment works. In other circumstances, audit monitoring is required in water supply zones.
(v)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). (v)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity). (v)To monitor for total indicative dose (for radioactivity).
1. E. coli } <20
2. Coliform bacteria } 20–1,999
3. Colony counts } 2,000–5,999
4. Nitrite [^f01019] } 6,000–11,999
5. Residual disinfectant } ≥12,000
6. Turbidity }
Subject to check monitoring Subject to check monitoring Subject to check monitoring
7. Clostridium perfringens [^f01018] } <20
} 20–999
8. Conductivity } 1,000–1,999
} 2,000–5,999
} 6,000–9,999
} 10,000–15,999
} 16,000–32,999
} 33,000–49,999
} 50,000–67,999
} 68,000–84,999
} 85,000–101,999
} 102,000–119,999
} 120,000–241,999
} 242,000–484,999
} 485,000–728,999
Subject to audit monitoring Subject to audit monitoring Subject to audit monitoring
9. Benzene }
10. Boron }
11. Bromate [^f01021] }
12. Cyanide }
13. 1,2 dichloroethane } <20
14. Fluoride } 20–999
15. Mercury } 1,000–49,999
16. Nitrite [^f01020] } 50,000–89,999
17. Pesticides and } 90,000–299,999
related products } 300,000–649,999
18. Trichloroethene } ≥650,000
Tetrachloroethene }
19. Tetrachloromethane }
20. Chloride }
21. Sulphate }
22. Total organic carbon }
23. Tritium }
24. Gross alpha [^f01022] }
25. Gross beta [^f01022] }

SCHEDULE 4 — ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY

(1) (2)
Parameter Method
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) Membrane filtration followed by anaerobic incubation of the membrane on m-CP agar* at 44 ± 1°C for 21 ± 3 hours. Count opaque yellow colonies that turn pink or red after exposure to ammonium hydroxide vapours for 20 to 30 seconds.
Coliform bacteria ISO 9308-1
Colony count 22°C–enumeration of culturable microorganisms PrEN ISO 6222
Colony count 37°C–enumeration of culturable microoganisms prEN ISO 6222
Enterococci ISO 7899-2
Escherichia coli (E. coli) ISO 9308-1
*The composition of m-CP agar is: *The composition of m-CP agar is:
Basal medium
Tryptose 30.0g
Yeast extract 20.0g
Sucrose 5.0g
L-cysteine hydrochloride 1.0g
MgSO₄.7H₂O 0.1g
Bromocresol purple 40.0mg
Agar 15.0g
Water 1,000.0ml
Dissolve the ingredients of the basal medium, adjust pH to 7.6 and autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes. Allow the medium to cool and add: Dissolve the ingredients of the basal medium, adjust pH to 7.6 and autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes. Allow the medium to cool and add:
D-cycloserine 400.0mg
Polymyxine-B sulphate 25.0mg
Indoxyl-[beta]-D-glucoside 60.0mg
to be dissolved in 8ml sterile water before addition
Filter-sterilised 0.5% phenolphthalein diphosphate solution 20.0ml
Filter-sterilised 4.5% FeCl₃.6H₂O 2.0ml
(1) (2)
--- ---
Parameters Trueness % of prescribed concentration or value or specification
Notes: Notes:
(i)The method of analysis should determine total cyanide in all forms. (i)The method of analysis should determine total cyanide in all forms.
(ii)The performance characteristics apply to each individual pesticide and will depend on the pesticide concerned. (ii)The performance characteristics apply to each individual pesticide and will depend on the pesticide concerned.
(iii)The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 25% of the parametric value in Part I of Table B in Schedule 1. (iii)The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 25% of the parametric value in Part I of Table B in Schedule 1.
(iv)The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the parametric value in Part I of Table B in Schedule 1. (iv)The performance characteristics apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the parametric value in Part I of Table B in Schedule 1.
(v)The performance characteristics apply to the prescribed value of 4 NTU. (v)The performance characteristics apply to the prescribed value of 4 NTU.
(vi)The performance characteristics apply to the specification of 1 NTU for water leaving treatment works. (vi)The performance characteristics apply to the specification of 1 NTU for water leaving treatment works.
Aluminium 10
Ammonium 10
Antimony 25
Arsenic 10
Benzene 25
Benzo(a)pyrene 25
Boron 10
Bromate 25
Cadmium 10
Chloride 10
Chromium 10
Colour 10
Conductivity 10
Copper 10
Cyanide [^f01023] 10
1,2-dichloroethane 25
Fluoride 10
Iron 10
Lead 10
Manganese 10
Mercury 20
Nickel 10
Nitrate 10
Nitrite 10
Pesticides and related products [^f01024] 25
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [^f01025] 25
Selenium 10
Sodium 10
Sulphate 10
Tetrachloroethene [^f01026] 25
Tetrachloromethane 20
Trichloroethene [^f01026] 25
Trihalomethanes:Total [^f01025] 25
Turbidity [^f01027] 10
Turbidity [^f01028] 25

SCHEDULE 5 — AMENDMENT OF THE WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1994

The amendments to the 1994 Regulations referred to in regulation 36 are –

(13A) (1) Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), in each of the years 2002 and 2003, the Department for Regional Development shall take, or cause to be taken, from its sampling points or, as the case may be, its supply points, for analysis for testing against the concentrations and values specified in column (2) of Table 4A for the organisms and substances listed in column (1) of that Table, not less than the number of samples specified in paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) In respect of supply points and the supply of a volume of water within a range shown in column (3) of that Table, the number is that shown in column (4) of that Table with the prefix “S” as applicable to a volume within that range. (3) In respect of sampling points and the supply of water to an estimated population within a range shown in column (5) of that Table, the number is that shown in column (6) of that Table with the prefix “S” as applicable to a population within that range. (4) In each of those years samples shall be taken at regular intervals throughout the year. (5) Where analysis of the samples taken by the Department for Regional Development in 2002 in accordance with this regulation has established a concentration or value in respect of an organism or substance listed in column (1) of Table 4A that is significantly lower than the prescribed concentration or value, the number of samples to be taken in 2003, respectively, for analysis for testing for that organism or substance, may be the number shown in column (4) or, as the case may be, column (6) of that Table with the prefix “R”.

(19A) The samples taken in accordance with regulation 13 shall additionally be tested against the concentrations specified in column (2) of Table 4B.

(3) In relation to each of the parameters and other substances listed in column (1) of Table 4B, paragraph (2)(d) shall have effect as if for sub-paragraph (iii) there were substituted the requirements of regulation 20A.

(20A) (1) The method of analysis used for testing for a parameter or other substance listed in column (1) of Table 4B against the concentrations in column (2) of that Table must be capable, at the time of use – (a) of measuring concentrations with the trueness and precision specified in relation to that parameter or substance in columns (3) and (4) of Table 4B; and (b) of detecting the parameter or substance at the limit of detection specified in relation to it in column (5) of that Table. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) – - “limit of detection” is to be calculated as –three times the relative within batch standard deviation of a natural sample containing a low concentration of the parameter or substance; orfive times the relative within batch standard deviation of a blank sample; - “precision” (the random error) is to be calculated as twice the standard deviation (within a batch and between batches) of the spread of results about the mean; and - “trueness” (the systematic error) is to be calculated as the difference between the mean value of the large number of repeated measurements and the true value

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Organism or substance Concentration or value and unit of measurement Volume of water supplied m³/d Annual sampling frequency Estimated population of water supply zone Annual sampling frequency
*Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters *Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters *Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters *Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters *Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters *Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
Benzene } 1.0 μg/l
Bromate } 10 μgBr0₃/l ≤999 S2 or R1 ≤4,999 S2 or R1
Clostridium perfringens[^f01029] (including spores) } 0 Number/100ml 1,000 – 49,999 S4 or R1 5,000–50,000 S4 or R1
1,2 dichloroethane 3.0 μg/l ≥50,000 S8 or R2
Enterococci 0 Number/100ml
Nitrite 0.10 mgNO₂/l
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
--- --- --- --- ---
Parameter or other substance Concentration and unit of measurement Trueness % of concentration Precision % of concentration Limit of detection % of concentration
*Trueness, precision and limit of detection apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the concentration in column (2).”. *Trueness, precision and limit of detection apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the concentration in column (2).”. *Trueness, precision and limit of detection apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the concentration in column (2).”. *Trueness, precision and limit of detection apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the concentration in column (2).”. *Trueness, precision and limit of detection apply to the individual substances specified at 50% of the concentration in column (2).”.
Antimony 5.0 μgSb/l 25 25 25
Arsenic 10 μgAs/l 10 10 10
Benzene 1.0 μg/l 25 25 25
Boron 1.0 mgB/l 10 10 10
Bromate 10 μgBrO₃/l 25 25 25
Copper 2.0 μgCu/1 10 10 10
1,2 dichloroethane 3.0 μg/l 25 25 10
Lead 25 μgPb/l 10 10 10
Nickel 20 μgNi/l 10 10 10
Nitrite (ex works) 0.1 mgNO₂/l 10 10 10
Tetrachloroethene[^f01030] }
Trichloroethene[^f01030] } 10 μg/l 25 25 10

Signed

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of the Environment on 31st October 2002.

Judena Goldring — Assistant Secretary

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations supplement the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 (the Order), amend, for a limited period, the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 (the 1994 Regulations) and, on 1st January 2004, revoke and replace those Regulations. They are primarily concerned with the quality of water supplied in Northern Ireland for drinking, washing, cooking and food preparation, and for food production, and with arrangements for the publication of information about water quality.

The Regulations are directed at the achievement of the objective set out in Article 2 of Council Directive 98/83/EC (O.J. No. L 330, 5.12.98, p. 32) (“the 1998 Directive”), namely, to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean. In particular, effect is given in Part III of the Regulations to Articles 4 and 5 of the 1998 Directive which relate to the quality of water intended for human consumption and, in Part V, to Article 7 (monitoring) of that Directive.

Part I of the Regulations (regulations 1 and 2) defines terms that are used in the Regulations.

Part II (regulation 3) requires the Department for Regional Development to identify annually the areas (“water supply zones”) that are to be relevant for a particular year for the purposes of the application of provisions of the Regulations. A water supply zone may not comprise an area in which the estimated population exceeds 100,000. The Department for Regional Development may not alter the boundaries of water supply zones during the year.

Part III (regulation 4) prescribes standards of wholesomeness in respect of water that is supplied by the Department for Regional Development for cooking, drinking, food preparation and washing and other domestic purposes and to premises for food production purposes. These various purposes are referred to in the Regulations as “regulation 4(1) purposes”. In particular, regulation 4 provides that water is to be regarded as wholesome if it contains concentrations or values in respect of various properties, elements, organisms and substances that do not contravene prescribed maximum and, in some cases, minimum concentrations or values. Some of the prescribed maximum and minimum concentrations and values are specified in regulation 4, but most are included in Tables A and B which appear in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. They include the values specified in Parts A and B of Annex 1 to the 1998 Directive. There are also specifications for indicator parameters in Schedule 2.

Part IV (regulations 5 to 10) provides for the monitoring of water supplies by reference to the analysis of samples. Regulation 5 defines two monitoring regimes; “audit” monitoring and “check” monitoring. Regulation 6 requires the Department for Regional Development to take a minimum number of samples each year in respect of a variety of properties, elements, organisms and substances. It also makes special provision for monitoring supplies from tankers. Regulation 7 requires the Department for Regional Development to select at random the consumers' taps from which samples are to be taken. Regulation 8 authorises the taking of samples from points other than consumers' taps (“supply points”) and allows the Department to authorise other supply points. Regulation 9 deals with the number of samples to be taken. These are specified in Tables 1 and 2 in Schedule 3 to the Regulations, and are not less than those specified in Annex II to the 1998 Directive. Regulation 10 requires samples to be taken where the Department for Regional Development have reason to believe that the quality of the water within their water supply zone has been adversely affected by the presence of certain elements, organisms or substances.

Part V (regulations 11 to 16) contains additional provisions relating to sampling. Regulations 13 and 14 require samples to be taken in respect of particular organisms and substances, at treatment works and at reservoirs which store treated water. Regulation 15 requires samples to be taken before water is supplied from new sources and from sources which have not recently been used. Regulation 16 prescribes requirements relating to the taking, handling, storage, transport and analysis of samples.

Part VI (regulations 17 to 24) provides for the investigation of every failure to satisfy a concentration, value or state prescribed by regulation 4 and for a report to be made to the Department. Where a failure relates to a Table B parameter, and certain other conditions are met, the Department may require the Department for Regional Development to apply to it for an authorisation allowing a departure from the requirements of Part III, as regards that parameter. The circumstances in which such authorisations may be issued, and the conditions to which they are subject are contained in regulations 21 and 22, respectively. (Article 9 of the 1998 Directive permits derogations from the parametric values). Provision is made in regulation 23 for publicising authorisations. Regulation 24 provides for the modification and withdrawal of authorisations.

Part VII (regulations 25 to 32) deals with the treatment of water and regulates the substances, processes and products that may be used by the Department for Regional Development in connection with the supply of water. Regulation 26 imposes requirements relating to the disinfection of water and imposes additional requirements for the treatment of surface water. It prohibits the abstraction for the supply of drinking water of waters below category A3, as required by Council Directive 75/440/EEC (quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water). Regulations 27 and 28 relate specifically to cryptosporidium. Regulation 27 provides for the carrying out of risk assessments. Regulation 28 provides the procedures following risk assessments. Regulation 29 makes provision for securing the elimination or reduction to a minimum of the risk that water will be contaminated after supply by excessive concentrations of copper or lead. Regulation 30 specifies the circumstances in which the Department for Regional Development may apply or introduce substances or products into water supplied for drinking, washing or cooking. Regulation 31 enables the Department to require that its approval be obtained to the use of processes. Regulation 32 creates an offence for wilfully or negligently introducing a process, substance or product in contravention of regulations 30 or 31; anyone found guilty of the offence is liable to fine.

Part VIII deals with the provision of information by the Department for Regional Development. Regulation 33 requires the Department for Regional Development to prepare and maintain records containing information about the quality of water supplied in their water supply zones. Regulation 34 requires the Department for Regional Development to make available for public inspection, and to supply the Department of the Environment and district councils with, information about the quality of water within its water supply zones, the extent to which Part IV of the Regulations has been complied with, details of any departures authorised under Part VI of the Regulations. It also requires the Department for Regional Development to provide district councils and health authorities with information relating to matters that could affect the health of persons residing in the district councils' areas. Regulation 35 requires the Department for Regional Development to publish an annual report containing information about the quality of water.

Part IX (regulations 36 to 38) amends the 1994 Regulations, makes transitional provision and revokes the 1994 Regulations and other related provisions subject to savings. The amendments to the 1994 Regulations, which take effect on 28th November 2002, are set out in Schedule 5 (regulation 36).

Regulation 37 makes further transitional provision to enable the Department for Regional Development to apply in advance for the Department’s authorisation in relation to matters which, on and after 25th December 2003,will need to be authorised under Part VI of the Regulations.

Regulation 38 revokes, in stages and in relation to the Department for Regional Development and district councils, the 1994 Regulations and the amendments made by regulation 36. Regulation 21 of the Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 and regulation 8(1) of the Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking Water) (Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 are also revoked to the same extent, in consequence of the revocation of the 1994 Regulations. The revocation of the 1994 Regulations does not affect the obligations of the Department for Regional Development to keep records, provide information, make reports for the year ending on 31st December 2003.

Copies of the “Guidance for the Monitoring of Cryptosporidium in Treated Water in Northern Ireland” may be obtained from the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, Calvert House, 23 Castle Place, Belfast BT1 1FY.

Copies of the ISO standards referred to in Table A1 in Schedule 4 may be obtained from BSI, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: S.I. 1973/70 (N.I. 2) as amended by the Water and Sewerage Services (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/3165 (N.I. 16) Art. 4. Art. 2 contains a definition of “prescribed”

[^f00002]: S.I 1998/2793

[^f00003]: 1972 c. 68

[^f00004]: S.I 1994 No. 221

[^f00005]: The functions contained in Articles 3 and 3A of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order were transferred from the Department of the Environment to the Department for Regional Development by Part IV of Schedule 4 to the Department’s (Transfer and Assignment of Functions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999 S.R. 1999 No. 481

[^f00006]: S.I 1972/1265 (N.I. 14)

[^f00007]: O.J. L330, 5.12.98, p. 32

[^f00008]: O.J. No. L194, 16.6.75, p. 26

[^f00009]: S.I. 1999/662 (N.I. 6)

[^f00010]: S.R. 1996 No. 603

[^f00011]: O.J. No. L40, 11.2.89, p. 12

[^f00012]: Cmnd 2073

[^f00013]: Cmnd 2183

[^f00014]: S.I. 2000/3184

[^f00015]: O.J. No. L204, 21.7.98, p. 37, amended by Council Directives 98/48/EC (O.J. No. 217, 5.8.98, p. 18)

[^f00016]: S.R. 1994 No. 237

[^f00017]: S.R. 1996 No. 603

Editorial notes

[^key-032741d7d5e6ee7c758904286b8b7a3e]: Sch. 3 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)(by virtue of references to Sch. 3 by regulations which are in operation at 1.1.2004)

[^key-094a1156a3fad9c29a12cf58bbaf7e90]: Reg. 27 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-283a4ec256121355c73234983f38a416]: Reg. 2 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-4b4f5602488f740568c04c57d7e7cef3]: Sch. 1 in operation at 25.12.2003 in so far as not already in force, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-717cd5e3496de442fddea7ec39ccd158]: Reg. 29(4)(5) in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-8d779091d279df5635ed68df5d9bca59]: Sch. 1 in operation at 28.11.2002 for specified purposes, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-8df39f43f0c5fa4232351923646828b6]: Reg. 28 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-9268101a166501a7d6a489127800a70c]: Reg. 25 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-a586c4b1bcbbf420a5676341c63871de]: Reg. 36 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b6cdcfc762cd57cd2e900125a8769590]: Reg. 1 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-dda29c624c7e68262bab16c515a5af53]: Sch. 5 in operation at 28.11.2002, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-e7f36a25d190a8ebaf26977a56a285ad]: Sch. 2 in operation at 28.11.2002 for specified purposes, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-f67c7c912ef46a647bca728ed9bb5f2b]: Sch. 1 in operation at 28.11.2002 for specified purposes, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-f7d1412d84b89bb4371157419c93fd96]: Reg. 3 in operation at 1.6.2003, see reg. 1(3)

[^key-1cd77efada008109e1542dde8243c90a]: Reg. 37 in operation at 1.6.2003, see reg. 1(3)

[^key-6c9984baff069daa9a3657e0723fdffe]: Words in reg. 25 inserted (28.8.2003) by The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (S.R. 2003/369), regs. 1, 3

[^key-f13467c54dadc0456c4a6d4dd522af75]: Reg. 32 revoked (28.8.2003) by The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (S.R. 2003/369), regs. 1, 4

[^key-003a334fac9bc2a9293aacc94b4ade8c]: Reg. 4 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-4c040596ff5ef23d733f65b9f087abcd]: Reg. 17 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-dfb81a570c5e9bcbc53de8c938b7f48e]: Reg. 18 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-8bf98498ac8b7c343cb3d17804e3d08b]: Reg. 19 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-38e4f0485325c86c1a51f5cfbc8e1e3a]: Reg. 20 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-6210b61e6fdab9f890f8bce6fdf81879]: Reg. 21 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-e75f27f17561310097130c79affb01d6]: Reg. 22 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-60667c30836b153a59a2ba2e28a068e1]: Reg. 23 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-1bd8172a77587be69129bbe94deb9042]: Reg. 24 in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-3e9e0bdfb4d8ccba4e7c31a63ed304c0]: Reg. 38(1) in operation at 25.12.2003, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-71fa3b8cce22937b1f523a7aae5c013c]: Sch. 1 in operation at 25.12.2003 in so far as not already in operation, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-e0bd2a4a60efccb3f2b5d2cdc52ca17e]: Sch. 2 in operation at 25.12.2003 in so far as not already in operation, see reg. 1(4)

[^key-814eedc0c0b4c3f6ffcba6ef24f73363]: Reg. 29(1)-(3) in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-66c937b1251c0bc3f99924479e10cc81]: Reg. 5 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-499d1b4198a6fd3bc975d699cc5d78d8]: Reg. 6 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-3fc643d5ecb06e73ec6eb6bb0333b6c0]: Reg. 7 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-b8f03347c9af699cc0feff988e784e79]: Reg. 8 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-a449efeab8690c754c78f0e9be7b30d8]: Reg. 9 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-6fceb070806b8a00b607d51573b1e86e]: Reg. 10 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-25d5e66386d067a3f31573ffbfef4db8]: Reg. 11 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-c8c653d58ea56e1ff5b2fd56386f4188]: Reg. 12 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-55fe43b8bb39f6b040737d302d5598a5]: Reg. 13 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-3fc703b5d14564c87ec495727dc465d1]: Reg. 14 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-a143805bbf17147edb2fcc39d5aa47d1]: Reg. 15 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-bd9fcb00adc6c517534964016b0ea20c]: Reg. 16 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-6ca0cb9245d4fb2a0cf364dc785051a4]: Reg. 26 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-618d795cbcaf37c6a4125587b3ac1e6d]: Reg. 30 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-1b6726a1673b51826a3ba7b6b8c5aff8]: Reg. 31 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-080e55e8936d27659e8aac9532d72125]: Reg. 33 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-e307117124a1fc58bb1743bc94bbd869]: Reg. 34 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-44fac811af469f8cd0d5a397cd86e6a5]: Reg. 35 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-6713fa0b642ceb9962a097f00a342a4d]: Reg. 38(2)(3) in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

[^key-04920712755d54f7a5773d08589cd363]: Sch. 3 in operation at 1.1.2004 (by virtue of references to Sch. 3 by regulations which are in operation at 1.1.2004), see reg. 1(5)

[^key-2e1019a59485074f31c3157da8091868]: Sch. 4 in operation at 1.1.2004, see reg. 1(5)

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