Northumberland County Council is recommending that owners of private water supplies have their supply checked regularly to make sure it is safe to drink. 
 

Even if you have been drinking from your supply for years, you can't be sure it's safe just by looking at it.  Your water might look, smell and taste clean but it can still carry impurities that could put people at risk, particularly children; elderly people and people with a weakened immune system. 
 

The county council’s environmental health officers can come out and assess the safety of the supply from the source to the tap. This involves an inspection of the source as well as storage tanks, pipework and any treatment systems, as well as testing for chemical and bacterial contamination. 
 

A private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company and there are over 1,000 in the county. 

Most private supplies are situated in remote, rural parts of the county. The source of the supply may be a spring, borehole, well, stream, river, lake, pond, rainwater. The supply may serve just one property or several properties through a network of pipes. 

The council has a legal responsibility to sample, monitor and risk assess private water supplies in Northumberland. 
 

Where a private water supply is used for more than one house, for commercial purposes in premises including, food businesses, Bed and Breakfast, holiday rentals; a workplace (employing other people); in a public building; a professional from the council will visit to inspect the supply and take water samples. 
 

If you own your house and it is the only property supplied by a water source, and only your family drink the water, the council will only take a sample if you request a check 
 

Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Looking after our Communities said: 

“Fresh, clean and safe drinking water is something most of us in Northumberland take for granted.  However, for those on private water supplies this not guaranteed.  
 

“Regular checks are essential for protecting public health and we urge anyone using a private water supply to ensure their water is safe. 

“Even if water looks clear, untreated water can contain chemical contamination or microorganisms from animal droppings or human sewage which may not be detectable by taste or smell. 
 

 “Landlords also have a responsibility to ensure private water supplies are checked regularly to make sure it remains fit for human consumption. Drinking contaminated water can have serious and long-lasting health consequences and could result in claims being made against them by those consuming the water they supply.  "
 

Further details can be found on the council’s website:   nland.cc/water, or by ringing 01670 623870, or by emailing public.protection@northumberland.gov.uk.