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The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016

Type Statutory-Instrument

Publication 2016-05-26

Last updated 2020-12-31

State In force

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Made: 26th May 2016

Laid before Parliament: 1st June 2016

Coming into force: 27th June 2016

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by—sections 67, 69, 77(3) and (4) and 213(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991 , andin relation to regulations 26, 31 and 33, section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 .

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by—

sections 67, 69, 77(3) and (4) and 213(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991 , and

in relation to regulations 26, 31 and 33, section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 .

The Secretary of State has been designated for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 in relation to the environment .

PART 1 — General

Citation, commencement and application

1

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and come into force on 27th June 2016 immediately after the commencement of the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 .

(2) Parts 1 to 9 and 11 of these Regulations apply in relation to the supply of water by every—

(a) water undertaker whose area is not wholly or mainly in Wales;

(b) water supply licensee so far as relating to licensed activities not using the supply system of a water undertaker whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales.

(3) Part 10 of these Regulations applies to local authorities in England, as regards the discharge of functions under that Part, in relation to every—

(a) water undertaker whose area is wholly in England;

(b) water undertaker whose area is partly in England and partly in Wales, but only in respect of the part in England;

(c) water supply licensee so far as relating to licensed activities not using the supply system situated in Wales of any water undertaker.

Interpretation

2

(1) In these Regulations—

“the 2000 Regulations” means the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 ;

“the Act” means the Water Industry Act 1991;

“appropriate local authority” in relation to—a departure authorised under regulation 22,an application for any such authorisation, oran event specified in regulation 35(6),means a local authority whose area contains any part of the water supply zone to which the authorisation relates or, in the case of an application, would relate if a departure were authorised in the terms sought, or whose area is affected or is likely to be affected by the event;

“blending point” means a point at which water originating from two or more sources and treated for the purposes of their supply for regulation 4(1) purposes is combined under conditions that are designed to secure that, after such combination, the requirements of regulation 4(2) are met;

“Chapter 3” means Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act (quality and sufficiency of water supplies);

“consumer” means a person to whom water is supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes by a relevant supplier in the discharge of its duties under Chapter 3;

“disinfection” means a process of water treatment to remove or render harmless to human health every pathogenic micro-organism and pathogenic parasite that would otherwise be present in the water;

“E. coli” means Escherichia coli;

“groundwater” means water contained in underground strata, and section 221(3) of the Water Resources Act 1991 has effect for the purposes of this definition as it has effect for the purpose of construing references in that Act to water contained in underground strata;

“indicative dose” (ID) means the committed effective dose for 1 year of ingestion resulting from all the radionuclides whose presence has been detected in a supply of water intended for human consumption, of natural and artificial origin, excluding tritium, potassium-40, radon and short-lived radon decay products;

“indicator parameter” means a parameter listed in Schedule 2;

“local authority” means any of the following—the Common Council of the City of London;a London Borough Council;a district council;the council of a county in which there are no district councils;

“monitoring of a Group A parameter” has the meaning given in regulation 5(1);

“monitoring of a Group B parameter” has the meaning given in regulation 5(3);

“monitoring programme” means a programme for the identification of, and collection of data on, any substance or organism identified during a risk assessment to confirm compliance with the prescribed concentrations set out in Schedule 1 which—consists of either or both of the following—collection and analysis of discrete water samples;measurements recorded by a continuous monitoring process, andmay in addition consist of either or both of the following—inspections of records of the functionality, and maintenance status, of equipment;inspections of the catchment area, water abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution infrastructure;

“National Public Health Service for Wales” means an NHS trust within the meaning of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 if and insofar as it has the function of providing services in relation to public health in Wales;

“NTU” means Nephelometric Turbidity Unit;

“parameter” means a property, element, organism or substance listed in column 2 of Table A or of Table B in Schedule 1, or in Schedule 2, as read, where appropriate, with the notes to those Tables and to Schedule 2;

“pesticides and related products” means any of the following, and includes their relevant metabolites, degradation and reaction products—organic insecticide;organic herbicide;organic fungicide;organic nematocide;organic acaricide;organic algicide;organic rodenticide;organic slimicide;any product related to any of (a) to (h) (including any growth regulator);

“prescribed concentration or value”, in relation to any parameter, means the maximum or minimum concentration or value specified in relation to that parameter in Table A or in Table B in Schedule 1, as measured by reference to the unit of measurement so specified and as read where appropriate with the notes to those Tables;

“Public Health England” means the executive agency of that name of the Department of Health and Social Care;

“radioactive parameters” means the following indicator parameters listed in Schedule 2—indicative dose (item 8);radon (item 9);tritium (item 12);

“regulation 4(1) purposes”, in relation to a supply of water, means a supply to premises—for such domestic purposes as consist in or include, cooking, drinking, food preparation or washing, orfor food production purposes ;

“relevant supplier” means a water undertaker or water supply licensee;

“retail licensee” means a person who is the holder of a water supply licence with a retail authorisation within the meaning of Schedule 2A to the Act;

“sampling point”—in relation to water supplied from a distribution network, means a point, being a consumer's tap, that is selected for the purposes of Part 4 of these Regulations;in relation to water supplied from a tanker, means the point at which the water emerges from the tanker;

“specification” in relation to an indicator parameter, means the concentration, value or state shown as applicable to that parameter in Schedule 2, as measured by reference to the unit of measurement so shown;

“state”, in relation to an indicator parameter, means the state specified in relation to that parameter in Schedule 2, as measured by reference to the unit of measurement so specified;

“suitably accredited body” means the Secretary of State or a person acting on behalf of the Secretary of State;

“supply point” means a blending point, service reservoir, treatment works or other point, not being a sampling point, which the Secretary of State authorises under regulation 8, for the purposes of regulation 6;

“supply system” is to be construed in accordance with section 17B(4A) of the Act ;

“water of a relevant description” means water supplied by a relevant supplier which uses a supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers, being a supply system into which the water undertaker or wholesale licensee introduces water;

“water supply zone” in relation to a water undertaker and a water supply licensee and a year, means an area designated for that year by the water undertaker in accordance with regulation 3;

“wholesale licensee” means a person who is the holder of a water supply licence with a wholesale authorisation within the meaning of Schedule 2A to the Act;

“year” means a calendar year.

(2) In these Regulations a reference to an application or notice includes a reference to that application or notice in electronic form.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), references in these Regulations to a service reservoir are references to any structure ..., in which a reserve of water that has been treated with a view to complying with the requirements of regulation 4 is contained and stored for the sole purpose of meeting a variable demand for the supply of water.

(4) Where references in these Regulations to a service reservoir would, but for this paragraph, include references to a structure comprising more than one compartment—

(a) each compartment which has its own water inlet and water outlet and is not connected hydraulically to any other compartment is to be treated as a single service reservoir,

(b) the compartments that are connected hydraulically are to be treated as a single service reservoir, and

(c) unless all of the compartments are connected hydraulically, the structure as a whole is not to be treated as a service reservoir.

(5) In these Regulations, a reference to an EU or Euratom Directive is to be read as if any reference in that Directive to one or more member States in a provision imposing an obligation on, or conferring a discretion on, a member State or member States were a reference to either the Secretary of State or local authority depending on which, immediately before exit day, was responsible for the United Kingdom's compliance with that obligation, or able to exercise that discretion, in respect of England or Wales.

PART 2 — Water supply zones

Water supply zones

3

(1) Before the beginning of each year in which it intends to supply water, a water undertaker must designate the name and areas within its area of supply that are to be its water supply zones for that year.

(2) A water supply zone may not comprise an area whose population immediately before the beginning of the year in question is estimated by the water undertaker to exceed 100,000.

(3) The water quality within a water supply zone must be approximately uniform.

(4) A water undertaker may not vary a designation under paragraph (1) after the beginning of the year in relation to which the designation has effect.

PART 3 — Wholesomeness

Wholesomeness

4

(1) Water supplied to premises that is intended for human consumption including—

(a) for such domestic purposes as consist in or include, cooking, drinking, food preparation or washing, or

(b) for food production purposes,

is, subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), to be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter 3, as it applies to the supply of water for those purposes, if the requirements of paragraph (2) are satisfied.

(2) The requirements of this paragraph are—

(a) that the water does not contain—

(i) any micro-organism (other than a parameter listed in Schedule 1) or parasite, or

(ii) any substance (other than a parameter listed in Schedule 1),

at a concentration or value which would constitute a potential danger to human health;

(b) that the water does not contain any substance (whether or not a parameter) at a concentration or value which, in conjunction with any other substance it contains (whether or not a parameter) would constitute a potential danger to human health;

(c) that the water does not contain concentrations or values of the parameters listed in Tables A and B in Schedule 1 in excess of or, as the case may be, less than, the prescribed concentrations or values;

(d) that the water satisfies the formula “[nitrate]/50 + [nitrite]/3 ≤ 1”, where the square brackets signify the concentrations in mg/1 for nitrate (NO₃) and nitrite (NO₂).

(3) The point at which the requirements of paragraph (2), insofar as they relate to the parameters set out in Part I of Table A and in Table B in Schedule 1, are to be complied with is—

(a) in the case of water supplied from a tanker, the point at which the water emerges from the tanker;

(b) in the case of water supplied in bottles or containers, the point at which the water first emerges from any bottle or container collected from a local distribution point;

(d) in any other case, the consumer's tap.

(4) Water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes must not be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter 3 if, on transfer from a treatment works for supply for those purposes—

(a) it contains a concentration of the coliform bacteria or E. coli parameter (items 1 and 2 in Part II of Table A in Schedule 1) in excess of the prescribed concentrations,

(b) it contains a concentration of nitrite in excess of 0.1mgNO₂/1.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes is not to be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter 3 if, on transfer from a service reservoir for supply for those purposes, it contains a concentration of the coliform bacteria or E. coli parameter in excess of the prescribed concentrations.

(6) Water transferred from a service reservoir for supply for regulation 4(1) purposes is to be regarded as unwholesome if more than 5% of samples taken in a year exceed the prescribed concentration for the coliform bacteria parameter.

PART 4 — Monitoring of water supplies

Interpretation and application of Part 4

5

(1) In this Part, “monitoring of a Group A parameter” means monitoring of a Group A parameter for the purpose of obtaining information at regular intervals—

(a) as to the organoleptic and microbiological quality of water;

(b) where relevant, as to the effectiveness of drinking water treatment, particularly for the purposes of disinfection, for the purposes referred to in paragraph (2); and

(c) as regards indicator parameters, whether water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes meets the specifications for those parameters.

(2) A Group A parameter must be monitored to determine whether its presence in water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes satisfies the provisions of Part 3 or, if a departure has been authorised under Part 7 in relation to that supply, the provisions of Part 3 as read with the terms of that departure.

(3) In this Part, “monitoring of a Group B parameter” means monitoring of a Group B parameter for the purpose of obtaining information from which it may be established whether water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes—

(a) satisfies the provisions of Part 3 or, if a departure has been authorised under Part 7 in relation to that supply, the provisions of Part 3 as read with the terms of that departure;

(b) meets the specifications for indicator parameters;

(c) in respect of other parameters identified as relevant by the Secretary of State under regulation 9, meets the specifications for those parameters.

(4) This Part applies to water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes by a relevant supplier in the performance of its duties under Chapter 3.

(5) Regulations 6 to 10 apply to a wholesale licensee in relation to samples taken from supply points as they apply to a water undertaker, but only insofar as the wholesale licensee is introducing water into a water supply zone in which the water undertaker takes samples under this Part (to the extent authorised by or under regulation 8) from supply points.

(6) In this regulation—

“Group A parameter” means a parameter specified in column 2 of Table 1 in Schedule 3;

“Group B parameter” means a parameter specified in column 2 of Table 2 or, as the case may be, Table 3 in Schedule 3.

Monitoring: general provisions

6

(1) Paragraph (2) applies for the purpose of determining whether water to which this Part applies satisfies the provisions of Part 3 or, if a departure has been authorised under Part 7 in relation to that supply, those provisions as read with the terms of that authorisation.

(2) A water undertaker must take or cause to be taken, and analyse or cause to be analysed, not less than the number of samples of the water within each of the water supply zones which it supplies specified in, or in accordance with the provisions of, this Part and Schedule 3.

(3) Except in a case to which paragraph (16) applies, the parameters listed in Tables A and B in Schedule 1 and the indicator parameters must be subject to—

(a) monitoring of a Group A parameter if the parameter is one listed in column 2 of Table 1 in Schedule 3 and the circumstances specified in column 3 of that Table apply;

(b) monitoring of a Group B parameter in any other case.

(4) In the application of paragraph (3)(b) to the aluminium, ..., iron and manganese parameters (items 1, 9 and 10 in Table 1 in Schedule 3), a supply which consists of both groundwater and surface water is deemed to be a supply which consists only of surface water.

(5) Compliance samples for chemical parameters including copper, lead and nickel must take the form of a random daytime sample of one litre volume taken at a consumer’s tap without prior flushing.

(6) Paragraphs (7) to (15) apply to the radioactive parameters.

(7) As regards the indicative dose parameter—

(a) monitoring must be carried out where an artificial source of radionuclides or elevated natural radioactivity is present and it cannot be shown on the basis of other representative surveillance programmes or other investigations that the level of indicative dose is below the value specified in Schedule 2;

(b) where monitoring for natural radionuclide levels is required, the Secretary of State must define the frequency of the monitoring of either gross alpha activity, gross beta activity or individual natural radionuclides, depending on the screening strategy adopted in accordance with Schedule 4;

(c) where the monitoring frequency defined in accordance with sub-paragraph (b) requires one sample per year for naturally occurring radioactivity, a further sample must be taken where any change occurs in relation to the supply that is likely to influence the concentrations of radionuclides in water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes;

(d) in the case of naturally occurring radionuclides where the results of the monitoring referred to in sub-paragraph (b) show that the concentration of radionuclides in the supply is stable, the minimum sampling and analysis frequencies are to be decided by the Secretary of State and confirmed by notice to the water undertaker, taking into account the risk to human health;

(e) a water undertaker may use a screening strategy for gross alpha, gross beta activity or individual radionuclides and, in the event that there is any exceedance of the value specified in Schedule 2, it must carry out an analysis of the specific radionuclides in accordance with Schedule 4.

(8) As regards the radon parameter—

(a) a water undertaker must ensure that a representative survey is carried out in accordance with paragraph (9) to determine the likelihood of a supply failing the parametric value for radon specified in Schedule 2;

(b) monitoring must be carried out where there is reason to believe, on the basis of the results of the representative surveys or other reliable information, that the parametric value for radon might be exceeded.

(9) A representative survey must be designed in such a way—

(i) as to be capable of determining the scale and nature of likely exposures to radon in water intended for human consumption originating from different types of groundwater sources and wells in different geological areas;

(ii) that the underlying parameters, in particular the geology and hydrology of the area, radioactivity of rock or soil, and well type, can be identified and used to direct further action to areas of likely high exposure.

(10) As regards the tritium parameter—

(a) monitoring must be carried out where an anthropogenic source of tritium or other artificial radionuclides is present within the catchment area and it cannot be shown on the basis of other surveillance programmes or investigations that the level of tritium is below the parametric value specified in Schedule 2;

(b) if the concentration of tritium exceeds its parametric value, an investigation of the presence of other artificial radionuclides must be carried out.

(11) Where a parametric value is exceeded in a particular sample, the Secretary of State must define the extent of re-sampling necessary to ensure that the measured values are representative of an average activity concentration for a full year.

(12) The Secretary of State may notify a water undertaker which supplies water to a water supply zone that a radioactive parameter need not be monitored if the Secretary of State is satisfied that, for the period specified in the notice, the water supplied to that zone for regulation 4(1) purposes—

(a) gives rise to a calculated indicative dose that is below the parametric value specified in Schedule 2,

(b) contains levels of radon that are below the parametric value specified in Schedule 2,

(13) Where paragraph (12) applies, the Secretary of State must publish, in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, the grounds for the notification with the necessary documentation supporting the decision (including the findings of any surveys, monitoring or investigations carried out).

(14) The Secretary of State must by notice in writing withdraw a notice under paragraph (12)—

(a) given in relation to the indicative dose parameter, if the Secretary of State believes that water supplied to the zone in question for regulation 4(1) purposes gives rise to a calculated indicative dose that is likely to exceed the parametric value specified in Schedule 2;

(b) given in relation to the radon parameter, if the Secretary of State believes that water supplied to the zone in question for regulation 4(1) purposes contains levels of radon that are likely to exceed the parametric value specified in Schedule 2;

(c) given in relation to the tritium parameter, if the Secretary of State believes that water supplied to the zone in question for regulation 4(1) purposes contains levels of tritium that are likely to exceed the parametric value specified in Schedule 2.

(15) A water undertaker which receives a notice under paragraph (14) must monitor or cause to be monitored the indicative dose parameter or, as the case may be, the radon or tritium parameter, in accordance with Tables 8 to 13 (as applicable) in Schedule 3.

(16) Where the distribution of water in any part of a water supply zone is by tanker and is (or is likely to be) an intermittent short-term supply, samples of water from each tanker from which the water is distributed must be taken—

(a) at the commencement of the distribution from that tanker, and

(b) every 48 hours thereafter until the distribution is discontinued.

(17) The first sample taken in relation to each distribution must be analysed for compliance with the following parameters—

(a) E. coli (item 2 in Part II of Table A in Schedule 1), and

(b) conductivity (item 6 in Schedule 2).

(18) The second and any subsequent samples must be analysed for compliance with those and every other parameter.

(19) On the coming into force of these Regulations, a notification under regulation 6(7) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notification under paragraph (12) of this regulation.

Sampling points

7

Except in relation to water supplied from a tanker, sampling points in respect of every parameter, other than a parameter for which samples are taken from a supply point authorised by or under regulation 8, must be selected at random unless, by notice in writing to a water undertaker (whether or not on the application of the undertaker), the Secretary of State otherwise determines.

Authorisation of supply points

8

(1) For those parameters specified as item 6 in column 1 of Table 1, and as items 1 to 12 and 14 to 21 in column 1 of Table 3 in Schedule 3, samples may be taken from—

(a) any blending point;

(b) the water leaving any service reservoir which receives water from a treatment works before its supply to any consumer;

(2) If the Secretary of State is satisfied that analysis of those samples will produce data which are unlikely to differ in any material respect from the data that would be produced from analysis within the sampling points, the Secretary of State may authorise the use for the purposes of regulation 6 of those samples taken for a water supply zone from a blending point, a service reservoir of that description or a treatment works.

(3) In respect of any water supply zone, the taking of samples from a supply point is not authorised under paragraph (2) where a wholesale licensee introduces water into the water supply zone, unless the water quality within the water supply zone remains approximately uniform.

(4) Subject to paragraph (6), the Secretary of State may, in relation to any parameter not covered by an authorisation given under paragraph (2), on the written application of a water undertaker or on the joint written application of a water undertaker and wholesale licensee, authorise the use for the purposes of regulation 6 of samples taken for a water supply zone otherwise than from a sampling point.

(5) An authorisation under paragraph (4) may extend to all samples in relation to that parameter or to such number or proportion of those samples as is specified in the authorisation.

(6) The Secretary of State must not grant an authorisation under paragraph (4) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that analysis of samples taken from a point other than a sampling point will produce data in respect of the parameter in question which are unlikely to differ in any material respect from the data that would be produced in respect of that parameter from analysis of samples obtained from sampling points.

(7) The Secretary of State may at any time vary or revoke an authorisation under paragraph (2) or (4).

(8) But, unless it appears to the Secretary of State that the immediate modification or revocation of an authorisation under paragraph (4) is required in the interests of public health, the Secretary of State must give the water undertaker to which the authorisation relates at least 6 weeks' notice of the Secretary of State's intention to modify or revoke before making such modification or revocation.

(9) A water undertaker must notify the Secretary of State as soon as it has reasonable grounds for believing that an analysis of samples taken for a water supply zone from a point other than a sampling point would produce data in respect of the parameter in question which would differ in a material respect from the data produced by an analysis of samples taken from any of the sampling points within that zone.

(10) On being notified under paragraph (9) and without the need for prior notice to the water undertaker, the Secretary of State must revoke the authorisation under paragraph (4).

(11) On the coming into force of these Regulations—

(a) an authorisation under regulation 8(1) of the 2000 Regulations is taken to be an authorisation given under paragraph 8(2) of this regulation;

(b) an authorisation under regulation 8(2) of the 2000 Regulation which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulation is taken to be an authorisation under paragraph 8(4) of this regulation.

Numbers of samples

9

(1) In each year a water undertaker must take or cause to be taken from its sampling points or, to the extent authorised under regulation 8, from its supply points, the standard number of samples for analysis of residual disinfectant and each parameter listed in—

(a) column 2 of Table 1 in Schedule 3 (Group A parameters);

(b) column 2 of Table 2 in Schedule 3 (Group B1 parameters);

(d) column 2 of Table 4 in Schedule 3 (Group A1 parameters);

(e) column 2 of Table 5 in Schedule 3 (Group A2 parameters);

(f) column 2 of Table 6 in Schedule 3 (Group A3 parameters);

(g) column 2 of Table 7 in Schedule 3 (Group A4 parameters).

(2) In respect of any parameter not referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may specify—

(a) the number of samples which a water undertaker must take or cause to be taken from its sampling points in each year;

(b) its prescribed concentration or value.

(3) Samples required to be taken by this regulation must—

(a) be taken at regular intervals;

(b) in respect of sampling for chemical parameters in the distribution network other than sampling at a consumer’s tap, be taken and handled in accordance with international standard ISO 5667-5 entitled “Water quality. Sampling. Guidance on treatment of drinking water from treatment works and piped distribution systems”; and

(c) in respect of microbiological parameters in the distribution network and at a consumer’s tap, be taken and handled in accordance with European standard EN ISO 19458 entitled “Water Quality – Sampling for microbiological analysis” using sampling procedure A in the distribution network and sampling procedure B at a consumer’s tap.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the Secretary of State may, in respect of any supplies of water by a water undertaker to a water supply zone, treatment works, supply points or a service reservoir, give the water undertaker written notice of any variation of—

(a) the parameters subject to sampling (by the omission or addition of parameters);

(b) the number of samples which the undertaker must take in the period specified in the notice.

(5) Paragraph (4) does not apply in relation to E. coli.

(6) The Secretary of State may give a notice under paragraph (4)—

(a) on the Secretary of State’s own motion; or

(b) where paragraph (8) applies, upon application by a water undertaker.

(7) A notice under paragraph (4)—

(a) must specify which parameters are subject to a variation;

(b) must specify the extent of any variation from the standard number of samples required to be taken under paragraph (1) or from the number of samples required to be taken under paragraph (2);

(d) may be revoked or varied by the Secretary of State.

(8) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a risk assessment complying with this regulation has been undertaken and indicates that no factor can be reasonably anticipated to be likely to cause deterioration of the quality of the water;

(b) in the case where the water undertaker seeks to cease monitoring a particular parameter, the results from samples taken in respect of the parameter collected at regular intervals over a period of at least three years are all at less than 30% of the parametric value of the parameter; and

(c) in the case where the water undertaker seeks to reduce the frequency of monitoring in respect of a particular parameter, the results from samples taken in respect of that parameter collected at regular intervals over a period of at least three years are all at less than 60% of the parametric value of the parameter.

(9) The Secretary of State must by further written notice withdraw a notice given under paragraph (4) if the Secretary of State believes that any parameter in the water supply to which the notice relates contravenes the prescribed concentration or value or is likely to do so.

(10) A water undertaker given a notice under paragraph (4) must institute a monitoring programme which must be kept under annual review.

(11) A risk assessment complies with this regulation where—

(a) it meets the principles of European Standard EN 15975-2 entitled “Security of drinking water supply – Guidance for risk and crisis management – Part 2: Risk management” or of other equivalent standards accepted at international level;

(b) it is subject to a system of quality control which is checked from time to time by a suitably accredited body; and

(c) it takes into account the results of monitoring conducted under the second paragraph of Article 7(1) and Article 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.

(12) In this regulation “the standard number” means the number of samples specified in Part 2 or Part 3 of Schedule 3 in respect of a parameter specified in Part 1 of that Schedule.

(13) For the purposes of paragraph (11)(c), Articles 7(1) and 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC are to be read with the following modifications—

(a) as if any reference to Annex 5 to that Directive were a reference to that Annex as modified by Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017;

(b) in Article 8, as if—

(i) in paragraph 1, the final indent were omitted;

(ii) in paragraph 2, the first sentence were omitted;

(iii) paragraph 3 were omitted.

Sampling: further provisions

10

(1) Paragraph (2) applies as soon as a relevant supplier has reasonable grounds for believing that any element, organism or substance, other than a residual disinfectant or a parameter (whether alone or in combination with any parameter or any other element, organism or substance) may cause the supply within any of the water supply zones which it supplies to be a supply which does not satisfy—

(a) the provisions of Part 3, or

(b) if a departure has been authorised under Part 7, those provisions as read with the terms of that authorisation.

(2) Where this paragraph applies, the relevant supplier must take or cause to be taken sufficient samples from water within that zone (whether from a service reservoir, a treatment works or otherwise) in respect of any element, organism or substances, in order to establish whether that water is wholesome.

PART 5 — Monitoring – additional provisions

Interpretation of Part 5

11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sampling for particular substances and parameters

12

(1) For the purposes of establishing the quality of water to be supplied to any of its water supply zones, a water undertaker must take or cause to be taken, and analyse or cause to be analysed, not less than the number of samples specified in this Part.

(2) For the purposes of establishing the quality of water to be supplied in any supply system into which a wholesale licensee introduces water, the wholesale licensee must take or cause to be taken, and analyse or cause to be analysed, not less than the number of samples specified in this Part.

Sampling at treatment works

13

(1) Subject to paragraph (6), in each year every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must take or cause to be taken, from the point at which water leaves each treatment works which it uses to supply water to water supply zones, the standard number of samples for analysis—

(a) for determining the concentration of residual disinfectant,

(b) for determining whether, in relation to the colony counts and turbidity parameters (items 5 and 13 in Schedule 2), water leaving treatment works meets the specifications for those parameters set out in Schedule 2, and

(c) for testing for compliance with the prescribed concentrations or values in respect of the coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrite parameters (in Part II of Table A in Schedule 1 and item 19 in Table B of Schedule 1 respectively) for leaving water treatment works.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Samples required to be taken by this regulation must be taken at regular intervals.

(6) Where a particular treatment works is in use for part only of a year, the minimum number of samples to be taken from that works in that year must bear to the standard number or, as the case may be, the number specified in a current notice given by the Secretary of State under regulation 9 which departs from the standard number, the same proportion as the number of days in that year in which the treatment works has been in use bears to 365.

(7) In this regulation, “the standard number” has the same meaning as in regulation 9

Sampling at service reservoirs

14

Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must take or cause to be taken, from each of its service reservoirs in each week in which the reservoir is in use or as specified in a notice given by the Secretary of State under regulation 9(3), one sample for analysis—

(a) for testing for compliance with the prescribed concentrations or values in respect of the coliform bacteria and E. coli parameters,

(b) for determining the concentration of the residual disinfectant, and

Sampling: new sources

15

(1) This regulation applies in relation to—

(a) any source which has not previously been used for the supply of water by a water undertaker or wholesale licensee;

(b) any source which has been so used but not so used for a period of 6 months preceding the date on which the water undertaker or wholesale licensee proposes to supply water from it.

(2) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must take or cause to be taken, in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4), such samples of water as enable it to establish—

(a) whether water can be supplied from that source without contravening section 68(1) of the Act , and

(b) the treatment necessary to ensure that section 68(1) of the Act is complied with in relation to the supply of that water.

(3) The samples must be taken or be caused to be taken—

(a) before the water undertaker or wholesale licensee supplies water from a source mentioned in paragraph (1)(a);

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after it has begun to supply water from a source mentioned in paragraph (1)(b).

(4) Samples must be taken—

(a) in the case of a source mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), in respect of—

(i) the parameters listed in Schedules 1 and 2; and

(ii) any other element, organism or substance which, in the opinion of the water undertaker or wholesale licensee proposing to use the source, may cause the supply to contravene section 68(1) of the Act;

(b) in the case of a source mentioned in paragraph (1)(b), in respect of—

(i) the parameters listed in Table A in Schedule 1;

(ii) the conductivity, hydrogen ion and turbidity parameters; and

(iii) any other parameter as regards which the water undertaker or wholesale licenseeproposing to use the source is of the opinion that its concentration or value is likely to have altered since the last occasion on which water from that source was analysed.

(5) Unless the conditions in paragraph (6) are satisfied, a water undertaker or wholesale licensee must not supply water from a source mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) for regulation 4(1) purposes until 1 month has passed following the day on which the water undertaker or wholesale licensee has complied with regulation 28(1) with respect to the source.

(6) The conditions are that the water undertaker or wholesale licensee—

(a) must supply water from the source as a matter of urgency in order to prevent an unexpected interruption in piped supply to consumers, and

(b) before the supply is made, has carried out a risk assessment under regulation 27 specifically with respect to that source.

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (6)(b), regulation 27 applies to supplies made as a matter of urgency as if “treatment works” includes a source from which untreated water is supplied.

Collection and analysis of samples

16

(1) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must secure, so far as reasonably practicable, that when it takes, handles, transports, stores or analyses any sample required to be taken for the purposes of Part 4 or this Part, or causes any such sample to be taken, handled, transported, stored or analysed, it complies with the appropriate requirements.

(2) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must secure that a suitably accredited body checks from time to time its compliance with the appropriate requirements.

(3) Additionally, any person involved in seeking to discharge the obligation described in paragraph (1) must ensure that—

(a) the methods of analysis used by that person for the purposes of monitoring and demonstrating compliance with this Part are validated and documented in accordance with European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 entitled “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” or other equivalent standards accepted at international level; and

(b) that person applies quality management system practices in accordance with European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 or other equivalent standards accepted at international level.

(4) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must maintain such records as are sufficient to enable it to establish, in relation to each sample taken for the purposes of Part 4 or this Part, that such of the appropriate requirements as are applicable to that sample have been satisfied.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), for the purpose of establishing, within acceptable limits of deviation and detection, whether the sample contains concentrations or values which contravene the prescribed concentrations or values, or exceed the specifications for indicator parameters—

(a) the method of analysis specified in column 2 of Table A1 in Schedule 5 must be used for the parameter specified in relation to that method in column 1;

(b) the method of analysis in respect of the parameters listed in column 1 of Table A3 in Schedule 5 must be capable of measuring concentrations equal to the parametric value with a limit of quantification of 30% or less and an uncertainty of measurement as specified in column 2 of that Table and the result must be expressed—

(i) using at least the same number of significant figures as the parametric value, and

(ii) in the same units laid down in these Regulations; and

(c) the method of analysis used for the odour and taste parameters (items 5 and 7 in Part 2 of Table B in Schedule 1) must be capable, at the time of use, of measuring values equal to the parametric value with a precision or uncertainty of measurement of 1 dilution number at 25°C.

(6) The Secretary of State may, on the application of any person, authorise a method of analysis other than that specified in paragraph (5)(a) (“the prescribed method”).

(7) An application for the purposes of paragraph (6) must be made in writing and must be accompanied by—

(a) a description of the method of analysis; and

(b) the results of the tests carried out to demonstrate the reliability of that method and its equivalence to the prescribed method.

(8) But the Secretary of State must not authorise the use of the method proposed in the application unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that the results obtained by the use of that method are at least as reliable as those produced by the use of the prescribed method.

(9) An authorisation under paragraph (6) may be subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(10) The Secretary of State may at any time, by notice in writing served on the water undertaker or wholesale licensee to which an authorisation under paragraph (6) has been given, revoke the authorisation, but any such notice must be served no later than 3 months before the date on which the revocation is stated to take effect.

(11) In this regulation, “appropriate requirements” means such of the following requirements as are applicable—

(a) the sample is representative of the quality of the water at the time of sampling;

(b) the person taking the sample is doing so in accordance with a system of quality control to an appropriate standard;

(d) the sample is kept at such a temperature and in such conditions as will secure that there is no material alteration of the concentration or value for the measurement or observation of which the sample is intended;

(e) the sample is analysed, whether at the time and place it is taken or as soon as reasonably practicable after it is taken—

(i) by or under the supervision of a person who is competent to perform that task; and

(ii) with the use of such equipment as is suitable for the purpose

PART 6 — Drinking water protected areas

Drinking water abstraction points: monitoring sites

17

(1) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must identify every point from which it abstracts water for supply for regulation 4(1) purposes.

(2) At every abstraction point, the relevant water undertaker or wholesale licensee must take or cause to be taken such samples, and analyse or cause to be analysed those samples for such properties, organisms and substances as it considers necessary in order to comply with regulations 26 to 28.

(3) In relation to any abstraction point, the Secretary of State may, by notice served on the relevant water undertaker or wholesale licensee, require the relevant water undertaker or wholesale licensee—

(a) to take or cause to be taken such numbers of samples of water per year as may be specified, and

(b) to analyse or cause to be analysed those samples for such concentrations or values of such properties, organisms and substances as may be specified and at such frequencies as may be specified.

(4) The Secretary of State may, by notice served on the relevant undertaker or wholesale licensee, revoke or vary a notice served under paragraph (3).

(5) Every analysis required under—

(a) paragraph (2), in relation to every body of surface water which provides more than 100 cubic metres of water per day as an average, must be carried out at no less than the following frequencies—

(i) 4 per year, where the population so served by the body of surface water is less than 10,000 people;

(ii) 8 per year, where the population so served is from 10,000 to 30,000 people;

(iii) 12 per year, where the population so served is greater than 30,000 people;

(b) paragraphs (2) and (3) must be in accordance with such relevant standards as may be specified by the Secretary of State by notice served on the water undertaker or wholesale licensee.

(6) For the purposes of—

(a) paragraphs (2) and (3) and this paragraph—

“abstraction point” means an abstraction point identified under paragraph (1);

“relevant water undertaker or wholesale licensee” means the water undertaker or wholesale licensee which identifies the abstraction point;paragraph (3), “specified” means specified in the notice served under that paragraph;paragraph (5), “body of surface water” has the meaning given in Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy .

(7) A notice given under regulation 16A(3) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (3) of this regulation.

(8) A notice given under regulation 16A(5)(b) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (5)(b) of this regulation.

PART 7 — Investigations, authorisation of departures and remedial action

Investigations: Schedule 1 parameters

18

(1) A water undertaker or wholesale licensee must immediately take such steps as are necessary to identify the matters specified in paragraph (2) where it has reason to believe that water of a relevant description—

(a) fails or is likely to fail to satisfy a requirement of regulation 4(2),

(b) is to be regarded as unwholesome by virtue of regulation 4(4), or

(2) The matters referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) the cause and extent of the failure or, as the case may be, the apprehended failure;

(b) the Schedule 1 parameters in respect of which the prescribed concentration or value has not been or is unlikely to be achieved;

(c) in relation to each parameter so identified, whether the failure or apprehended failure to achieve the prescribed concentration or value is attributable—

(i) to the domestic distribution system,

(ii) to the maintenance of that system, or

(iii) to neither of those matters.

(3) Where a departure has been authorised under this Part—

(a) paragraph (1) is to apply only in respect of the Schedule 1 parameters (if any) that are not specified in the authorisation;

(b) every water undertaker or wholesale licensee which has reason to believe that water of a relevant description fails or is likely to fail to satisfy the concentration or value required by the authorisation in relation to any Schedule 1 parameter must immediately take such steps as are necessary to identify the matters specified in paragraph (4).

(4) The matters referred to in paragraph (3) are—

(a) the cause and extent of the failure or, as the case may be, the apprehended failure;

(b) the Schedule 1 parameters in respect of which the required concentration or value has not been or is unlikely to be achieved;

(c) in relation to each parameter so identified, whether the failure or apprehended failure to achieve that concentration or value is attributable—

(i) to the domestic distribution system,

(ii) to the maintenance of that system, or

(iii) to neither of those matters.

(5) As soon as possible after the matters specified in paragraph (2) or (4) have been identified, the water undertaker or wholesale licensee must—

(a) notify the Secretary of State—

(i) of those matters;

(ii) whether it is its opinion that, in relation to each parameter identified in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) or (4)(b), a failure in respect of that parameter is likely to recur;

(iii) of the action (if any) taken by it in relation to a failure which is attributable to the domestic distribution system or the maintenance of that system;

(b) send a copy of that notice to any other relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

(6) Where the water undertaker or wholesale licensee has identified a failure attributable to the domestic distribution system or the maintenance of that system, it must by notice in writing, at the same time as notification is given under paragraph (5), inform any person referred to in paragraph (7) of the nature of the failure and provide details of the steps (if any) that, in its opinion, it is necessary or desirable for those consumers to take in the interests of their health.

(7) The persons that must be informed in accordance with paragraph (6) are—

(a) those of its consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure, and

(b) any other relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

(8) Where a notice is sent in accordance with paragraph (6), a copy of that notice must be sent to the Secretary of State and to each local authority whose area is likely to be affected by the failure.

(9) A relevant supplier which receives a notice under paragraph (6) must immediately send or cause to be sent a copy of that notice to those of its consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

(10) A water undertaker or wholesale licensee which has complied with the requirements of paragraphs (5) and (6) need not, in respect of the same failure or apprehended failure, comply with the requirements of regulation 35(6)(a)(iv).

(11) Where such a failure as is mentioned in paragraph (1) relates to the copper or lead parameters (item 10 and 15 in Part I of Table B in Schedule 1), the relevant supplier must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the occurrence, modify or replace such of its pipes and their associated fittings as it knows or has reason to believe have the potential for contributing to copper or lead in the water supplied to the premises, so as to eliminate that potential (whether or not the presence of copper or lead in those pipes contributed to the failure).

Investigations: indicator parameters

19

(1) Where a water undertaker or wholesale licensee has reason to believe that water of a relevant description does not meet the specifications for indicator parameters set out in Schedule 2, it must immediately take such steps as are necessary to identify—

(a) the reason why the specifications are not met;

(b) the indicator parameters in respect of which the specifications are not met;

(c) if the specification for the coliform bacteria or colony counts parameter (items 4 and 5 in Schedule 2) is not met, whether the inability to meet that specification is attributable—

(i) to the domestic distribution system,

(ii) to the maintenance of that system, or

(iii) to neither of those matters;

(d) if the specification for the tritium parameter is not met, whether the inability to meet the specification is attributable to artificial radionuclides.

(2) As soon possible after the matters specified in paragraph (1) have been identified, the water undertaker or wholesale licensee must—

(a) notify the Secretary of State—

(i) of those matters;

(ii) whether it is its opinion that, in relation to each parameter identified in accordance with paragraph (1)(b), a recurrence of the inability to meet the specification in respect of that parameter is likely;

(b) send a copy of that notice to any other relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

(3) Where, in a case to which paragraph (1)(c) applies, the inability to meet the specification has been attributable to the domestic distribution system or to the maintenance of that system, the water undertaker or water supply licensee must, at the same time as notification is given under paragraph (2)—

(a) by notice in writing to any person referred to in paragraph (4), inform them of the nature of the failure and provide details of the steps (if any) that, in its opinion, it is necessary or desirable for those consumers to take in the interests of their health;

(b) send a copy of that notice to the Secretary of State and to each local authority whose area is likely to be affected by the failure.

(4) The persons referred to in paragraph (3)(a) are—

(a) those of its consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure, and

(b) any other relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

(5) A relevant supplier which receives a notice under paragraph (3)(a) must immediately send or cause to be sent a copy of that notice to those of its consumers who are likely to be affected by the failure.

Action by the Secretary of State

20

(1) Where—

(a) a notification given in accordance with paragraph (5) of regulation 18 in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1) of that regulation (including that paragraph as read with paragraph (3)(a) of that regulation) discloses—

(i) a failure in respect of a parameter specified in Table B in Schedule 1, and

(ii) that the failure is not attributable to the domestic distribution system or the maintenance of that system, and

(b) it appears to the Secretary of State that the failure is not trivial and is likely to recur,

the Secretary of State may, by notice in writing to any relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers in respect of which the notification was given, require that relevant supplier to seek a departure from the provisions of Part 3 in accordance with regulation 22.

(2) The exercise by the Secretary of State of the power conferred by paragraph (1) does not preclude the exercise by the Secretary of State of the power conferred by section 18 of the Act .

(3) Where—

(a) a notification given in accordance with regulation 18(5) in the circumstances mentioned in regulation 18(3)(b) discloses—

(i) a failure in relation to any parameter specified in Table B in Schedule 1, and

(ii) that the failure is not attributable to the domestic distribution systems or the maintenance of that system, and

(b) it appears to the Secretary of State that the failure in respect of that parameter is not trivial and likely to recur,

the Secretary of State must consider whether to vary the terms of the authorisation under regulation 22.

(4) Where—

(a) a notification given in accordance with regulation 19(2) discloses an inability to meet the specification applicable to an indicator parameter, and

(b) the Secretary of State considers that the inability poses a potential danger to human health,

the Secretary of State must, by notice in writing to any relevant supplier which uses the supply system for the purposes of supplying water to consumers in respect of which the notification was given, require that relevant supplier to take such steps as may be determined by the Secretary of State and specified in the notice.

(5) A relevant supplier to whom a notice under paragraph (4) has been given must take the steps specified in the notice.

(6) On the coming into force of these Regulations—

(a) a notice given under regulation 19(1) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (1) of this regulation;

(b) a notice given under regulation 19(4) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (4) of this regulation.

Failure attributable to domestic distribution system where water is supplied to the public

21

(1) Paragraph (3) applies where the Secretary of State considers that the failure (or, in the case of regulation 18, apprehended failure) disclosed by a notification under regulation 18(5) or regulation 19(2)—

(a) is attributable to the domestic distribution system, or the maintenance of that system, in premises where water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes is made available for members of the public, including schools within the meaning of the Education Act 1996 , hospitals and restaurants,

(b) is not trivial and is likely to recur, and

(2) References in this regulation to “failure” are references to a failure or apprehended failure of the type referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Subject to paragraph (7), the Secretary of State must serve a notice in writing on—

(a) the water undertaker that supplies water to the premises, or

(b) the water undertaker whose supply system is used for the purpose of a water supply licensee making a supply of water to the premises,

requiring it to exercise the power conferred by section 75(2) of the Act in respect of the failure.

(4) The provisions of section 75(2) to (12) of the Act apply in relation to the exercise of the power in section 75(2) in pursuance of a notice served under paragraph (3), subject to the modifications in paragraph (5).

(5) Those modifications are—

(a) subsections (2)(b) and (4) are to be read as if any reference to “damage, contamination, waste, misuse or undue consumption” were a reference to the failure;

(b) subsection (9) is to be read as if, for the opening words to the end of paragraph (b), there were substituted—

(9) Where, in a case not falling within subsection (7)(a) or (b) above, any steps specified in a notice served by a water undertaker for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above have not been taken by the end of the period so specified, the water undertaker— (a) must take those steps itself; and (b) subject to subsection (10) below may recover any expenses reasonably incurred by the undertaker in taking those steps from the person on whom the notice was served;

(6) Where the water undertaker exercises the power in section 75(2) of the Act pursuant to a notice served by the Secretary of State under paragraph (3), it must inform by notice in writing any of its other consumers who are likely to be affected of the steps it has taken, and such notice must include a copy of any notice that it has served.

(7) Where the Secretary of State considers that the failure (or any aspect of it) is attributable to factors arising from the further distribution by a person other than a water undertaker or water supply licensee of water supplied by a water undertaker or water supply licensee—

(a) the Secretary of State must not serve a notice under paragraph (3) in respect of that failure or aspect of it;

(b) if the Secretary of State considers that the local authority needs information or assistance from the water undertaker or water supply licensee in order to be able to carry out its duties under regulation 15 or 16 of the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 , the Secretary of State must serve a notice on the water undertaker or water supply licensee requiring it to provide such information or assistance to the local authority as is specified in the notice.

(8) The water undertaker or water supply licensee on which a notice under this regulation has been served must take the steps specified in the notice.

(9) On the coming into force of these Regulations, a notice given under regulation 19A(3) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (3) of this regulation.

Authorisation of temporary supply of water that is not wholesome

22

(1) The Secretary of State may, upon the written application of a relevant supplier, authorise in accordance with regulation 23 a departure from the provisions of Part 3 insofar as they relate to—

(a) a parameter specified in Table B in Schedule 1, and

(b) the supply of water by a relevant supplier in any of the water supply zones which it uses for the purposes of supplying water to consumers.

(2) But the Secretary of State must not authorise a departure under paragraph (1) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that—

(a) the authorisation is necessary to maintain in that zone a supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes,

(b) a supply of water for those purposes cannot be maintained in that zone by any other reasonable means, and

(3) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must provide with its application—

(a) a statement—

(i) of the grounds on which the authorisation is sought;

(ii) of the water supply zone in respect of which the authorisation is sought;

(iii) of the parameters in respect of which the prescribed concentration or value cannot be met;

(iv) in respect of each parameter to which paragraph (iii) applies, of the results of the analysis of the samples taken in the water supply zone in question during the 12 months immediately preceding the first day on which the prescribed concentration or value could not be met;

(v) in respect of each parameter to which paragraph (iii) applies, of the results of the analysis of the samples (if any) taken in the water supply zone in question between the first day on which the prescribed concentration or value could not be met and the date of the application;

(vi) of the average daily quantity of water supplied to that zone or, if that quantity cannot readily be ascertained, of the average daily quantity of water supplied from the treatment works that supplies water to that zone;

(vii) of the estimated population of that zone;

(viii) as to whether, if a departure were authorised in the terms sought, any relevant food production undertaking would be affected;

(ix) of the period for which the authorisation is sought;

(x) of the reasons why the supply cannot be maintained by other reasonable means;

(b) a scheme for monitoring the quality of water supplied in the zone during the period for which the authorisation is sought;

(c) a summary of the steps that it proposes to take, either alone or together with other relevant suppliers, in order to secure that the supply fully satisfies the requirements of Part 3, including—

(i) a timetable for the work;

(ii) an estimate of the cost of the work;

(iii) provisions for reviewing the progress of the work and for reporting the results of the review to the Secretary of State.

(4) At the same time as it makes an application for an authorisation under paragraph (1), the water undertaker or wholesale licensee must serve a copy of the application and of the statement, scheme and summary referred to in paragraph (3) on—

(a) every appropriate local authority;

(b) Public Health England;

(d) the Council .

(5) A body on whom documents have been served in accordance with paragraph (4) may make representations to the Secretary of State in connection with the application.

(6) Representations under paragraph (5) must be made within 30 days beginning with the date on which the application for the authorisation is made.

(7) On the coming into force of these Regulations, an authorisation given under regulation 20(1) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be an authorisation given under paragraph (1) of this regulation.

Authorisations: terms and conditions

23

(1) A departure may be authorised under regulation 22 for such period as is in the Secretary of State's opinion reasonably required for securing a supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes that fully satisfies the requirements of Part 3 (“the departure period”).

(2) But no departure period may exceed 3 years.

(3) Subject to paragraph (5), an authorisation under regulation 22—

(a) must specify—

(i) the grounds on which it is granted;

(ii) every water supply zone in respect of which it is granted;

(iii) the extent to which a departure from the prescribed concentration or value of any parameter is authorised;

(iv) in respect of each parameter to which paragraph (iii) applies, the results of the analysis of the samples taken in each water supply zone in question during the 12 months immediately preceding the first day on which the prescribed concentration of value could not be met;

(v) in respect of each parameter to which paragraph (iii) applies, the results of the analysis of the samples (if any) taken in each water supply zone in question between the first day on which the prescribed concentration or value could not be met and the date of the application;

(vi) the average daily quantity of water supplied from each of those zones or, if that quantity cannot readily be ascertained, the average daily quantity of water supplied from the treatment works that supplies water to that zone;

(vii) the estimated population of each of those zones;

(viii) whether or not any relevant food production undertaking would be affected;

(ix) the departure period;

(b) is to require the implementation of a scheme for monitoring the quality of water supplied in each of those zones during the departure period (which may be, but need not be, the scheme submitted in accordance with regulation 22(3)(b));

(c) is to require the carrying out of the steps which, in the relevant supplier's opinion, are reasonably required in order to secure that the supply fully satisfies the requirements of Part 3 (whether or not the steps are those proposed in the summary submitted in accordance with regulation 22(3)(c));

(d) is to specify in relation to those steps—

(i) the timetable for the work;

(ii) an estimate of the cost of the work;

(iii) provisions for reviewing the progress of the work and for reporting to the Secretary of State the result of the review;

(e) is to require a relevant supplier to provide to the relevant population advice as to the measures (if any) that it would be advisable for them to take in the interests of their health for the whole or any part of the departure period.

(4) In paragraph (3)(e), “relevant population” means the population within the water supply zones to which the authorisation applies and, in particular, those groups of that population for which the supply of water in accordance with the authorisation could present a special risk.

(5) Where paragraph (6) applies, the particulars to be specified in the authorisation are those required by paragraph (3)(a)(iii) and (ix), and paragraph (3)(b) to (e) does not apply.

(6) This paragraph applies where the Secretary of State is of the opinion that—

(a) the extent of the contravention of the requirements of Part 3 as respects any parameter is trivial, and

(b) the prescribed concentration or value as respects that parameter is likely to be achieved within the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the prescribed concentration or value in respect of that parameter was contravened.

(7) Where it appears to the Secretary of State that a supply of water that fully satisfies the requirements of Part 3 cannot be restored by the end of the departure period, the Secretary of State may authorise a further two departures.

(8) Paragraphs (1) to (6) apply to a further departure authorised under paragraph (7) as they apply to a departure authorised under regulation 22.

(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) An authorisation under regulation 22 or this regulation may be limited to water supplied—

(a) from particular sources or classes of source;

(b) to particular water supply zones or to zones of particular descriptions.

(12) On the coming into force of these Regulations, any further authorisations given under regulation 21(5) and (7) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations are taken to be further authorisations given under paragraph (7) ... of this regulation.

Publicity for authorisations

24

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after a departure has been authorised under regulation 22 or 23, the specified relevant suppliers must—

(a) separately publish by making accessible, free of charge, on their websites via a hyperlink maintained on their respective homepages for at least 14 days—

(i) except in a case to which paragraph (5) of regulation 23 applies, a notice containing a statement of the matters specified in paragraph (3)(a)(ii), (iii), (viii) and (ix) of that regulation;

(ii) in a case to which paragraph (5) of regulation 23 applies, a notice containing a statement of the matters specified in paragraph (3)(a)(ii), (iii) and (ix) of that regulation;

(b) jointly give such other public notice of the authorisation and of its terms and conditions as the Secretary of State may, by notice served on the specified relevant supplies, reasonably require.

(2) In paragraph (1), “specified relevant suppliers” means relevant suppliers who—

(a) use the same water supply zone for the purposes of supplying water to consumers, and

(b) for the purposes of that supply, rely on an authorised departure relating to the same facts.

Revocation and variation of authorisations

25

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (4), the Secretary of State may at any time revoke or vary an authorisation under regulation 22.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) the Secretary of State is not to revoke or modify an authorisation under regulation 22 without giving at least 6 months' notice in writing of the Secretary of State's intention to do so to—

(a) the relevant supplier to which the authorisation relates;

(b) any other relevant supplier which, for the purposes of supplying water to consumers, uses the water supply zone in respect of which the authorised departure has been given;

(d) Public Health England;

(e) where the authorisation relates to a water supply zone which is wholly or partly in Wales, the National Public Health Service for Wales;

(f) the Council.

(3) The Secretary of State may revoke or vary an authorisation under regulation 22 without notice if it appears to the Secretary of State that immediate revocation or modification is required in the interests of public health.

(4) A relevant supplier on whose application a departure has been authorised under regulation 22 must notify the Secretary of State as soon as the circumstances which gave rise to the application cease to exist, and the Secretary of State must revoke the authorisation without the need for prior notice.

(5) In this regulation, “an authorisation under regulation 22” includes an authorisation for a further or third departure under regulation 23.

PART 8 — Water treatment

Disinfection and other treatment arrangements

26

(1) Unless the conditions in paragraph (5) are satisfied, before supplying water for regulation 4(1) purposes, a water undertaker or wholesale licensee must—

(a) disinfect the water, and

(b) where necessary, subject the water to sufficient preliminary treatment to prepare it for disinfection.

(2) A water undertaker or water supply licensee supplier must—

(a) design, operate and maintain the disinfection process so as to keep disinfection by-products as low as possible without compromising the effectiveness of the disinfection, and

(b) verify the effectiveness of the disinfection process.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies when any property, organism or substance is present in a water source at a level that may constitute a potential danger to human health

(4) Unless the conditions in paragraph (5) are satisfied, before supplying water for regulation 4(1) purposes using water from any source, a water undertaker or wholesale licensee must design and continuously operate an adequate treatment process for water from the source.

(5) The conditions are that the water undertaker or wholesale licensee—

(a) must supply water from the treatment works as a matter of urgency in order to prevent an unexpected interruption in piped supply to consumers, and

(b) before the supply is made, has taken all necessary steps to inform consumers that the water is not disinfected or adequately treated.

(6) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a) “adequate treatment process” means a process of blending or purification treatment which removes or renders harmless the concentration or value of any property of water, or organism or substance in water, so that supplies do not constitute a potential danger to human health;

(b) “sufficient preliminary treatment” means the treatment necessary—

(i) to remove, or to reduce the concentration or value of, any property or substance which would interfere with disinfection, and

(ii) to reduce turbidity to less than 1 NTU;

Risk assessment

27

(1) This regulation applies to every treatment works and supply system from which water is supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes.

(2) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must carry out a risk assessment of each of its treatment works and connected supply system in order to establish whether there is a significant risk of supplying water from those works or supply system that could constitute a potential danger to human health or is likely to be unwholesome.

(3) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee must keep its risk assessments under continuous review.

(4) The Secretary of State may by notice served on a water undertaker or wholesale licensee require a risk assessment or review to be carried out by a date specified in the notice.

(5) Where a water undertaker or wholesale licensee becomes aware of any factors which make it likely that a risk assessment under this regulation would establish that there is a significant risk of supplying water that would constitute a potential danger to human health or that is likely to be unwholesome, it must notify the Secretary of State specifying the relevant factors.

(6) On the coming into force of these Regulations, a notice given under regulation 27(5) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (4) of this regulation.

Procedure following risk assessment and prohibition of supply

28

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after a water undertaker or wholesale licensee has carried out a risk assessment or review of such assessment under regulation 27, it must submit to the Secretary of State a report of the assessment or review.

(2) The report must contain—

(a) a description of the methods used to carry out the assessment or review;

(b) where the assessment or review establishes that there is no significant risk of supplying water that could constitute a potential danger to human health or could be unwholesome, a statement confirming this;

(c) where the assessment or review establishes that measures have been taken to remove a significant risk of supplying water that could constitute a potential danger to human health or be unwholesome—

(i) monitoring data which verifies this;

(ii) details of those measures.

(3) Where the assessment or review establishes that there is a significant risk of supplying water that could constitute a potential danger to human health or could be unwholesome, the report must—

(a) contain a full explanation including details of every property, organism or substance that has been identified as contributing to the risk;

(b) specify the measures to mitigate the risk that the water undertaker or wholesale licensee—

(i) has made operational as at the date of the report, and

(ii) intends to make operational.

(4) Where the Secretary of State has received a report which states that there is or has been a significant risk of supplying water that could constitute a potential danger to human health or could be unwholesome, the Secretary of State may, by notice served on the water undertaker or wholesale licensee, require the water undertaker or wholesale licensee—

(a) to maintain such specified measures for such period of time as the Secretary of State considers appropriate to mitigate the risk;

(b) to review, revise or make operational such specified measures by such date as the Secretary of State considers appropriate to mitigate the risk;

(d) not to supply water for regulation 4(1) purposes from specified treatment works or supply systems, or not to so supply unless specified conditions are satisfied;

(e) to give the Secretary of State such information as the Secretary of State may require to monitor progress towards mitigation of that risk.

(5) In paragraph (4), “specified” means specified in the notice served under that paragraph.

(6) The Secretary of State may, by notice served on the relevant undertaker or water supply licensee, revoke or vary a notice served under paragraph (4).

(7) On the coming into force of these Regulations, a notice given under regulation 28(4) of the 2000 Regulations which had effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations is taken to be a notice given under paragraph (4) of this regulation.

Water treatment to minimise contamination from pipes

29

(1) Paragraph (2) applies where there is a risk (“the prescribed risk”) that water supplied by a relevant supplier would, for the reason mentioned in paragraph (3), after leaving the relevant supplier's pipes—

(a) contain a concentration of copper in excess of 2mg/litre, or

(b) contain a concentration of lead in excess of 10µg/litre.

(2) Every water undertaker or wholesale licensee which introduces water into the supply system used by the relevant supplier must, subject to paragraph (4), treat the water in such a way as will, in its opinion, eliminate the prescribed risk or reduce it to a minimum.

(3) The reason referred to in paragraph (1) is the presence in the water of a concentration of copper or lead which is attributable to the fact that copper or lead is the major component of such a pipe as is mentioned in section 68(3) of the Act , or its associated fittings.

(4) Paragraph (1) does not require a water undertaker or wholesale licensee to treat water if—

(a) the treatment is unlikely to achieve a significant reduction in the concentration of copper or lead, or

(b) treatment is not reasonably practicable.

Replacement of lead pipes

30

(1) The relevant supplier must modify or replace its part of the pipe where a relevant supplier—

(a) has received from the owner of premises to which water is so supplied notice in writing of—

(i) the owner's intention to replace so much of the pipe as belongs to him, and

(ii) the owner's desire that the relevant supplier replaces the remainder of the pipe, and

(b) has reason to believe that water supplied by it for regulation 4(1) purposes from a pipe to which paragraph (2) applies contains, or is likely to contain, at the consumer's tap, a concentration of lead which exceeds 10µg/litre.

(2) This paragraph applies to a pipe—

(a) of which the major component is lead,

(b) which is subject to water pressure from a water main or would be so subject but for the closing of some valve, and

(c) of which part belongs to a relevant supplier and of which the remainder belongs to the owner of any premises to which the relevant supplier supplies water for regulation 4(1) purposes.

Application and introduction of substances and products

31

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a water undertaker or wholesale licensee must not apply any substance or product to, or introduce any substance or product into, water which is to be supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes, unless one of the requirements of paragraph (4) is satisfied.

(2) A substance or product which, at the time of its application or introduction—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) conforms to an appropriate British Standard or some other appropriate standard ... which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance,

may be applied or introduced, notwithstanding that none of the requirements of paragraph (4) is satisfied.

(3) Paragraph (2) applies only if such an application or introduction complies with—

(a) such conditions of use restricting the dosing concentration as are for the time being in force in relation to such substances and products pursuant to a determination of the Secretary of State by an instrument in writing;

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The requirements of this paragraph are that—

(a) the Secretary of State has for the time being approved the application or introduction of that substance or product and it is applied or introduced in accordance with any conditions attaching to that approval;

(b) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the application or introduction of the substance or product either alone or in combination with any other substance or product in the water is unlikely to adversely affect the quality of the water supplied;

(c) the substance or product is to be applied or introduced solely for the purposes of testing or research, and the water undertaker or wholesale licensee has given to the Secretary of State not less than 3 months' notice in writing of its intention so to apply or introduce the substance or product.

(5) An application for an approval mentioned in paragraph 4(a) may be made by any person.

(6) If the Secretary of State decides to issue an approval under paragraph 4(a), the Secretary of State may include in the approval such conditions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate and, in accordance with paragraph (10), may at any time revoke or vary any approval that the Secretary of State has previously given.

(7) Where substances or products are applied or introduced in any case in which the requirement mentioned in paragraph (4)(c) is satisfied, their application or introduction must be discontinued within 12 months of the date on which they were first applied or introduced or, if the Secretary of State by notice given in writing to the water undertaker or wholesale licensee so directs, within such other period (whether longer or shorter) as may be specified in the notice.

(8) The Secretary of State may, by notice given in writing to any water undertaker or wholesale licensee, prohibit it from applying to, or introducing into, water intended to be supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes any substance or product which the water undertaker or licensee would otherwise be authorised to apply or introduce by virtue of—

(a) paragraphs (1) and (4)(b) or (c), or

(b) paragraph (2).

(9) A prohibition under paragraph (8) may be without limitation as to time or for such period as is specified in the notice.

(10) Subject to paragraph (11), the Secretary of State may—

(a) revoke by an instrument in writing any approval given by him under paragraph (4)(a);

(b) vary any such approval by an instrument in writing by including conditions or varying existing conditions;

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