What is a private water supply
A private water supply is any water supply not provided by Scottish Water.
Most private water supplies are in rural areas where mains water is not available. These supplies can come from:
- springs
- wells
- boreholes
- rivers
- lochs
There are over 2,800 private water supplies in Highland. Around 1,200 of these are regulated.
Types of private water supply
If a supply serves more than 50 people or is used for commerical purposes it is classed as a regulated supply.
Examples of commercial use includes:
- food businesses
- holiday accommodation
- visitor attractions
- campsites
- workplaces
- rented homes
Other supplies, such as those for owner-occupied homes, are not regulated.
How private water supplies differ from mains water
Private supplies can be affected by:
- animal waste
- fertiliser or pesticide runoff
- high mineral levels, for example, iron or manganese
- low or high pH
- changes in water colour
These issues can make the water unsafe to drink. There have been disease outbreaks in Scotland linked to private water supplies.
If you use a private supply, it is important to understand the risks and check the water quality regularly.