Last reviewed: 28.5.2011 - 4.10pm
Every year, we carry out over 400,000 tests on samples of water that we routinely collect from our treatment works, reservoirs and randomly selected customer properties, to ensure your drinking water is of the highest quality.
Water quality regulation
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) monitor and enforce water quality regulations on behalf of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Their job is to assess the wholesomeness of drinking water, and carry out audits of all water suppliers to examine all aspects of water quality, treatment, monitoring and anlaysis.
The quality of our drinking water is determined by standards set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 (and associated amendments).
Drinking water quality
Our water is tested against fifty different things to determine the microbiological, chemical, radiological and aesthetic qualities of it.
These standards are outlined in the legislation to protect public health and our compliance is monitored by the DWI.
Results from water samples collected at our treatment works, service reservoirs and customer taps are compared to these quality standards and any failures are then reported to the DWI.
Testing our water
Samples collected from customers properties are carried out by our authorised employees. The safety of our customers is important to us so please ensure that you are familiar with our bogus caller advice.
Once the samples have been collected they are passed to our advanced laboratory for analysis.
We employ highly trained staff with extensive analytical skills in microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, metals analysis and materials testing.
The laboratory and sampling teams are independently assessed and accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
