A private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company (mains drinking water).
Our private water supplies page explains supplies that use underground and surface sources.
There is another type of private water supply known as either an ‘onward distribution’ or ‘private distribution’ network. In this situation a water company sells water to an individual who then further distributes it through their own pipe network to other properties not in their ownership. The individual paying the water company will usually distribute the water at a cost to the consumer.
Responsibility for the maintenance of any private supply is with the owner or collective owners (this can be set out in a formal agreement, or an informal arrangement may exist instead).
Why private water supplies may not be useable
Common reasons for a private water supply no longer being useable are because:
1. It has dried up, this is most likely during drought conditions. However, the supply may also no longer be able to cope with demand if someone else has interfered with the supply or if an additional draw is required (such as for another property).
2. The water has frozen in the pipes - which can happen if a network was installed incorrectly.
3. The water is so unwholesome that it represents a significant danger to health of consumers.
Without a court order or a pre-existing agreement (for example deeds) it is illegal for someone to deliberately cut your supply off.
Preparing for the loss of water
As the owner is responsible for the supply there should be an emergency plan in place so that quick action can be taken in the event of water supply failure.
When creating an emergency plan you should consider the following:
1. Can you get access to an alternative supply of water? As a general rule each person will consume 150 litres of water a day (according to the Consumer Council for Water). This figure is based on all aspects of consumption from drinking to doing the laundry.
2. Are any possible alternative supplies safe to use? Consider where the supply is coming from, whether it requires treating, and if there is a suitable amount of water available.
3. Where can you source bottled water? In an emergency situation it’s possible to get by on considerably less water for a few days so you can plan to use bottled water in the short term.
4. What are the potential causes of water failure and how can they be prevented? For example, if the water source has a low water output then a holding tank that can refill during low demand may be useful.
There is no legal requirement for anyone to provide you with an alternative water supply in the event that a private water supply that you own fails.
However, if you are paying someone for water from a private supply you have the right to expect a wholesome supply which is sufficient to cover your needs (unless you have agreed otherwise).
Can the water company help me?
Wrexham is served by two water companies:
Hafren Dyfrdwy supplies nearly all the mains water users in the county borough.
Hafren Dyfrdwy has stated that they will try to provide water to private water supply users in the event that their private supply can’t be used. The owner of the private water supply will need to cover the cost of this.
The aid Hafren Dyfrdwy can provide ranges from supplying bottled water to supplying a bowser. Each request is considered on its own merits. There are conditions in place for this aid - it can only be provided if the emergency supplies / equipment are not required by their customers, whom they have a duty to provide water to. They will also operate a priority system whereby the most vulnerable users will be helped first.
There are also other commercial companies who can provide a similar service.
Further advice
You can contact us about private water supplies if you need further advice.