Private Water Supplies - An overview
Abstraction Legislation
The average UK household consumption is 150-200 litres of water per person per day. A property owner can now use up to 20000 litres (4400 gallons) of water per day for any purpose without the need for an Abstraction Licence. Should the requirement be for more than this then SCL Water can apply for an Abstraction Licence on your behalf.
Establishing the likely water quality and quantity from local ground conditions is critical if water abstraction is required. SCL Water can provide this service and in addition we can apply to the Environment Agency for additional abstraction requirements. for further information please click here (Hydrogeological Services)
We recommend that a site visit be undertaken to ensure both borehole drilling and long term installation is viable. Access and positioning of overhead cables are key to location. It is important to note that any borehole construction must be 50 metres from any sewage plant discharge point.
SCL Water advises all customers to establish the local geology by undertaking a Hydrogeological Survey prior to discussion with a drilling company about either cost or borehole construction. Once the survey is complete then discussions with a number of drilling companies can take place to establish the appropriate drilling technique. It is most important to stress that the geology will determine the drilling and that comissioning a drilling company without a survey may add significant risk to the sustainability of the abstraction.
Following the borehole construction then the available quantity of water can be established with a controlled flow test. This stage is important in being able to establish the selection of the borehole pump to optimise supply.
Once the quantity of water from a borehole has been established then it should be tested for water quality. The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) have published standards that must be adhered to if the supply is to be consumed by people. SCL Water can undertake water sampling and obtain a water analysis from Public Analysts that will establish any necessary filtration to raise the water to drinking standards (potable)
The sustainability and quality of the water will determine the pump sizing , any storage requirements and the necessary filtration. Please contact us to discuss all these steps and visit our filtration web page for information on treatment systems. Filtration systems
This web page has focussed on the relaxed abstraction legislation and pumping and filtration opportunities for those having a borehole constructed. It is worth noting that exactly the same opportunities exist for those who already have a well. SCL Water is pleased to discuss the use of well water and any necessary filtration. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
On occasions it is necessary to view the construction of either a borehole or well. SCL Water have camera equipment that we use to record the structure following which we can attempt to identify construction problems. Please telephone us for further information. Camera Inspection
Please do not hesitate to telephone us as we are happy to discuss your requirements with you.
Alternatively browse our web pages for further detail or simply telephone us as we are happy to discuss your requirements with you.
FREEPHONE (UK Only): 08000 748132
FROM ABROAD: 00 44 1769 575990
EMAIL: info@sclwater.co.uk
