If you manage a commercial or private water supply, it’s vital to ensure compliance with the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2018. These regulations set out stringent standards for water quality to ensure it is wholesome and safe for consumption. Below, we explore the key parameters, drinking water quality standards, and consumption figures to help you meet these requirements.
What Does "Wholesome" Water Mean?
Under the regulations, wholesome water is defined by a series of bacterial and chemical parameters that determine its safety for human consumption. Notably, the allowed concentration of sodium is 200 mg/l, with no specific mention of softened water. Supplies exceeding 10m³/day have additional requirements.
Drinking Water Quality Standards
The table below outlines the maximum allowable concentrations for key parameters in drinking water:
| Parameter | Max Concentration | Parameter | Max Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli (E.coli) | 0 per 100 ml | Pesticides | |
| Enterococci | 0 per 100 ml | Aldrin | 0.03 µg/l |
| Acrylamide | 0.1 µg/l | Dieldrin | 0.03 µg/l |
| Ammonia | 0.5 mg/l | Heptachlor | 0.03 µg/l |
| Antimony | 5 µg/l | Heptachlor epoxide | 0.03 µg/l |
| Arsenic | 10 µg/l | Other pesticides | 0.1 µg/l |
| Benzene | 1 µg/l | PAH | 0.1 µg/l |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | 0.01 µg/l | Selenium | 10 µg/l |
| Boron | 1 mg/l | Tetra & Trichloroethane | 10 µg/l |
| Bromate | 10 µg/l | THM | 100 µg/l |
| Cadmium | 5 µg/l | Vinyl chloride | 0.5 µg/l |
National Drinking Water Requirements
Additional parameters for national compliance include:
| Parameter | Max Concentration |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | 200 µg/l |
| Chloride | 250 mg/l |
| Colour | 20 mg/l |
| Iron | 200 µg/l |
| Manganese | 50 µg/l |
| Sodium | 200 mg/l |
| Sulphate | 250 mg/l |
| pH Range | 6.5 - 9.5 |
| EC | <2500 µS |
Water Consumption Figures
Water usage varies widely across activities and animal requirements. Understanding these figures helps in resource planning and compliance.
| Human Activities | Consumption (Litres/Day) | Livestock | Consumption (Litres/Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human (average) | 160 L | Horses | 40 L |
| Bath (average) | 80 L | Sheep | 4 L |
| Shower (5 minutes) | 35 L | Dry Cow | 50 L |
| Power Shower (5 minutes) | 125 L | Milking Cow | 75 L |
| Washing Machine | 45 L | Dairy Calf | 9 L |
| Dishwasher | 20 L | Chicken | 0.2 L |
| Toilet Flush | 6-9 L | Pigs | 9 L |
| Hosepipe (per minute) | 9 L | Goats | 7 L |
(Figures are estimates and should be used as a guide.)
Why Choose Wrekin Water for Your Compliance Needs?
At Wrekin Water, we specialize in providing commercial water filtration systems tailored to meet the requirements of the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2018. Whether you need water softeners, UV filtration systems, or expert guidance on compliance, we have the expertise and products to support your business.
Benefits of Choosing Wrekin Water:
- Top-quality water filtration systems for domestic and commercial use.
- Expert advice on meeting bacterial and chemical parameters.
- Reliable local service and maintenance plans to ensure ongoing compliance.
Contact Us
For more information on how Wrekin Water can help ensure your private water supply meets the regulations, contact us today. Let’s make safe and wholesome water a reality for your home or business!