Private water supplies

You can request Environmental Health to take a sample of your private water supply.

When you can request a sample

Sampling is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only and most samples are taken between 8am and 11:30am. 

We are unable to provide specific times, but you can specify a preferred day on the request form.

Paying for the sample

You must pay the sample fee for the type of analysis you require at least three days prior to the appointment to make sure the sampling is carried out as arranged.

The full list of fees are on the request form.

Make a request

Fill in the request form.

After you have completed the form, send it to:

Email: [email protected]

How samples are analysed

We would recommend you have your water treatment system maintained and filters changed prior to the sample being taken.

Samples are analysed for parameters which indicate the safety and quality of the water and whether or not the supply on the day of sampling met legislative standards. 

To analyse your water supply, we will need access to the inside of your premises to take a sample from the main drinking water tap post treatment, if any. 

If further analyses are required these will be charged as per analysis costs which we will confirm.

Sample results are normally available 10 to 12 working days from the date of sampling; the certificate of analysis will be emailed to your address of choice. A report will be provided detailing if the sample passed or failed and appropriate advice will be given.

Penalty fees

You will need to pay a penalty fee (unless there's an exceptional circumstance) if:

• you cancel your appointment at the last moment and it is too late for us to reschedule another visit for the water sampler – this will cost you £79.80 (VAT will be charged)
• the water sampler fails to gain access to a property to obtain a sample – this will cost you £96.60 (VAT will be charged)