Private water supplies
A private water supply is any water that doesn’t come from a water company like United Utilities. It might come from a:
- well
- spring
- borehole
- stream or river
The Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 apply to everybody who owns or uses a private water supply. It makes sure that water from private supplies is safe. We have a legal responsibility to sample the water and take action if the water fails to meet the required standard.
Regular checks help keep your water safe.
Your responsibilities
If you own or use a private water supply, you must:
- register it with us
- allow regular testing and risk assessments
- maintain equipment and treatment systems
- act on any improvement notices
- apply for an abstraction licence (GOV.UK) if using more than 20m³ water per day
Landlords must ensure tenants have safe drinking water.
Visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate's website for more information.
Allerdale
If you live in the Allerdale area, complete the online form to:
- register your private water supply
- arrange an inspection
- arrange dairy hygiene monitoring
Allerdale: Private water supply
Carlisle
If you live in the Carlisle area:
- complete and return the form to register your private water supply
- contact us to request dairy hygiene monitoring