Regulations for private water supplies
The primary legislative powers in Northern Ireland, which put in place the United Kingdom water quality requirements of the European Commission (EC) Drinking Water Directive, are contained in the Water and Sewage Services (Northern Ireland) Order (2006).
The European Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) published on the 25 December 1998 sets standards for drinking water including requirements for monitoring of those standards.
The Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
apply to private supplies which serve more than one household for domestic purposes, or are used in commercial food production. This includes the making, processing, preserving, preparing, or marketing of food or drink (including water) for sale for human consumption.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate monitors private water supplies to ensure they meet standards set within the regulations.
Other Regulations
The district councils are responsible for The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Water Regulations. If you have any queries or concerns in this regard, please contact your local district council for further information.
Technical Guidance
A technical manual on private water supplies can be viewed on the Water Quality Bureau website.
