Private Water Supply During Drought Conditions.
With the current drought in mind and with the increasing threat to water stability in future, we encourage you to ensure you have contingency plans in place to address insufficiency in your private water supply.
Insufficiency, particularly during extended hot summers, is becoming increasingly likely whether your water is drawn from a borehole, well, spring and surface supply.
If you have recently undertaken a DWI Risk Assessment on your private water supply you will remember there is a section asking you to set out what action you would take in the event of supply failure. Now is the time to review that plan and ensure it is workable and future proof.
However, if you are using a supply that has not been subject to a Risk Assessment in recent years, please consider what you might do to address insufficiency and start to plan ahead.
The following list offers routes to explore:
- Investigate ways to save water – all mains water companies have valuable advice on their websites that will translate to any water supply. https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-restrictions
- Use water efficiently- for example, take showers instead of baths, turn taps off when brushing teeth, re-use bath water, stop using hosepipes.
- Investigate how to get a bowser of water – explore mains water companies to find out who could provide one at short notice. Find companies that supply water bowsers suitable for drinking water. You must ensure that the temporary water supply is wholesome by specifying best practice (e.g.BS 8551)
- Secure a supply of bottled water – wholesale/ retail ‘clubs’ perhaps
- Consider Harvesting/Storing grey water from baths/showers/sinks in order to preserve your clean water for human consumption.
- Regularly monitor the water levels in your well or borehole or check spring flows. Ensure your pump is positioned below the water level. Your pump can be damaged if it is trying to pump in a dry well or borehole. Consider lowering your pump if possible. Please consider seeking advice from your Water Engineer.
- Contract with water engineer – keep your supply pumps/treatment serviced and maintained to operate at maximum efficiency and potability.
- Please note water companies and the local authority have no legal obligation to supply you with an alternate supply.
If you require any further advice please contact us on ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk
