Environmental Health (Environmental Protection), Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7PA. Tel - 023 8028 5411, Fax - 023 8028 5544, Minicom - 023 8028 5416.
What areas of water quality does the Environmental Protection Section deal with?
- Private Water Supplies:For those who extract their private water supply from boreholes.
- Mains Water:To include Manufacturers of foods and drinks as well as occasionally looking at domestic supply.
Private Water Supplies
We have a number of domestic and commercial private water supplies where we are the responsible authority for monitoring their quality both microbiologically (bacteria) and chemically (e.g. pesticides).
The legislation we use is made under the Water Industry Act 1991 and is called the Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991.
This tells us what the standards of the water should be and how often we have to test the water depending upon its use.
Mains Water Supply:
We also examine the quality of the mains water in our food manufacturers to include breweries and other food industries. We may occasionally become involved in the testing of domestic mains water in addition to the statutory water undertaker.
In addition, the Drinking Water Inspectorate who are the national body for ensuring the quality of water, provide an annual publication titled 'How Good is Your Drinking Water'
What do I do, if I'm concerned about the quality of my drinking water?
If you pay your water rates to a statutory provider for example Southern Water or Bournemouth and West Hants Water, then contact them on the following: -
- Wessex Water:
Tel: 08457 300600
Southern Water Ltd:
Tel: 0845 278 0845
Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water PLC:
Tel: 01202 590059
If you are on a private supply the supplier has a duty to ensure that the water is fit to drink, and we have a duty to enforce this. All the private water supplies we know about in the District are monitored and checked regularly.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is responsible for public water inspection. For further information they can be contacted on: -
Website: www.dwi.gov.uk
Address:
Drinking Water Inspectorate
55 Whitehall
C/O 3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2HH
Email: dwi.enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone (Enquiries) : 020 7082 8024
Facsimile : 020 7082 8028
Who is responsible for Blue/Green algae?
This is a problem for the landowner or whoever is responsible for the area that the pond or lake is in. Often if the area of water is used for recreation, then the local town/parish council may have an interest.
The Environment Agency will have further information. They can be contacted on 0800 807060
Who monitors the quality of water in public swimming pools?
The swimming pool operator is responsible for ensuring that their pool is safe to swim in. We will always offer advice on pool water quality.
For further information please contact Environmental Health (Commercial) on 023 8028 5682.
I have seen a stream/river that looks polluted. How can I report it?
Please contact the Environment Agency on the National Pollution Hotline on:
Tel: 0800 807060 (freephone)
I have seen a ditch that looks polluted. How can I report it?
Please contact the Council's Environmental Protection Department on 023 8028 5411. Drinking Water Inspectorate SW1E 6DE
