Public water supply
The public water supply is drawn from sources around the country. The nature of the source of water will dictate its treatment requirements, and its original location will determine its final destination.
Typically, the first stage of the water supply process is the collection of rainwater in reservoirs, either from rivers and streams or from groundwater. This is directed to water treatment works where it is treated and then stored in covered reservoirs before being pumped out via a distribution network of pipes and pumping stations.
Water is distributed to consumers through large pipes referred to as mains. These pipes are buried underground and are sometimes located below roads and pavements.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, water and sewerage services are publicly owned. Scottish Water provides the services in Scotland and Northern Ireland Water provides services in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, relevant legislation is set out in the Water Industry (Scotland) Act.
In England and Wales, water supply services are privately owned by regional companies that provide both water and sewerage services, or water only.
Local monopoly water companies have a duty under section 45 of the Water Industry Act 1991 to respond to requests for new connections for domestic purposes, but can charge for providing the connection.
For more information see: Mains water.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.