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Private water supplies

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is responsible for the registration, risk assessment, sampling and enforcement of private water supplies and private distribution systems to ensure they are suitable for use and meet the standards set by the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 and Private Water Supplies (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is allowed to cover our costs for work involved in assessing and taking samples.

  • Hourly Rate of £85.00 per hour

On average a Risk Assessment can take 6 Hours: £85.00 x 6 = £510

On average a sample visit can take 3 hours: £85.00 x 3 = £255

The above information are examples only.

Costs for the analysis of samples taken will be an additional cost to hourly rates. We are unable to provide an example of these costs as it is dependent on number of samples taken, and the analysis required.

Private water supply

  • Can include things like wells, springs, boreholes, streams, surface water features and ponds
  • Can serve more than one property
  • A supply that is not provided by a water company, like South East Water or Southern Water

Private distribution system

A private distribution system occurs when mains water is supplied to a site or property which is then distributed to other buildings not owned by that organisation or person.

The residents would then pay the landlord directly for the water instead of the water company, for example South East Water or Southern Water.

If you think your home or business is served by a private water supply or a private distribution system you can contact us to see if it is registered or for advice, please call 01622 602460 or 01622 602450 or email ehadmin@midkent.gov.uk

Mains water supplies

Most properties in Tunbridge Wells get their water from South East Water or Southern Water. If you are concerned about your supply, please contact your water provider or Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority).

Information and advice

For more information about private water supplies, you can visit Private Water Supplies | DWI. Alternatively, you can contact ehadmin@midkent.gov.uk

You should include:

  • Your address
  • Your contact details
  • The address of the property the water supply serves

Useful links

South East Water

Southern Water

Drinking Water Inspectorate

Private Supply Legislation

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