Private Water Supply

What Does a Private Water Supply Mean for Me?

If you own or use a private supply it is important that you are aware of the quality of the supply and the risks associated with it.

Private drinking water supplies in Scotland are water supplies which are not provided by Scottish Water. Approximately 3% of the Scottish population uses a private water supply for drinking water. Many more people encounter private supplies when they stay in holiday accommodation in the more remote parts of Scotland.

Quality of Private Supplies

The quality of private water supplies is variable. There are some very good ones that have adequate treatment and are well managed, but others undoubtedly present a risk to health due to the quality of the water and inadequate, or absent, treatment. Outbreaks of disease that have occurred in Scotland have been attributed to private water supplies.

Responsibility for regulating Private Water Supplies rests with Local Authorities, but there is much that owners and users can do to protect themselves. The website below offers guidance on these supplies to both users and owners, as well as to professionals working with Private Water Suppliers.