Drinking water quality
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The term ‘potable water’ refers to water that is safe for humans to drink. This may be referred to as ‘drinking water’.
The term ‘water quality’ refers to the chemical, physical and biological composition of water in relation to the use that it is intended for.
[edit] England and Wales
Drinking water quality is overseen in England and Wales by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). The Drinking Water Inspectorate is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It was formed in 1990 to provide independent assurance that water supplies in England and Wales are safe and that drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers.
Issues with drinking water quality should be reported to water companies unless it is privately supplied. In those instances, problems should be reported to the environmental health department of the local council.
In England and Wales, drinking water quality standards include wide safety margins for:
- Micro-organisms.
- Chemicals such as nitrates and pesticides.
- Metals such as lead and copper.
- The way water looks and how it tastes.
[edit] Scotland
The Scottish counterpart to the DWI is the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR).
In Scotland, the quality of drinking water is tested against 10 key parameters:
- Coliforms.
- E.coli.
- Iron.
- Turbidity.
- Manganese.
- Lead.
- Hydrogen Ion (pH).
- Colour.
- Aluminium.
- Trihalomethanes (THMs).
Local water can be checked on the Scottish Water Website.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.