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Statutory Instruments made by the National Assembly for Wales


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2001 No. 3911 (W.323)

WATER, ENGLAND AND WALES

The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001

  Made 7th December 2001 
  Laid before Parliament 10th December 2001 
  Coming into force in accordance with regulation 1(2) to (5)


ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS


PART I

General
1. Citation, commencement and application
2. Interpretation

PART II

Water Supply Zones
3. Water supply zones

PART III

Wholesomeness
4. Wholesomeness

PART IV

Monitoring of Water Supplies
5. Interpretation and application
6. Monitoring: general provisions
7. Sampling points
8. Authorisation of supply points
9. Numbers of samples
10. Sampling: further provisions

PART V

Monitoring: Additional Provisions
11. Interpretation
12. Sampling for particular substances and parameters
13. Sampling at treatment works
14. Sampling at service reservoirs
15. Sampling: new sources
16. Collection and analysis of samples

PART VI

Investigations, Authorisation of Departures and Remedial Action
17. Investigations: Schedule 1 parameters
18. Investigations: indicator parameters
19. Action by National Assembly for Wales
20. Authorisation of temporary supply of water that is not wholesome
21. Authorisations: terms and conditions
22. Authorisations: other limitations
23. Publicity for authorisations
24. Revocations and modification of authorisations

PART VII

Water Treatment
25. Interpretation
26. Treatment of raw water
27. Risk assessment for cryptosporidium
28. Procedure following risk assessment, and prohibition of supply
29. Treatment for cryptosporidium
30. Contamination from pipes
31. Application and introduction of substances and products
32. Use of processes
33. Offences

PART VIII

Records and Information
34. Maintenance of records
35. Provision of information
36. Publication of information

PART IX

Functions of Local Authorities in Relation to Water Quality
37. Application and interpretation
38. Duties of local authorities: supplementary provision

PART X

Enforcement
39. Contraventions by water undertakers

PART XI

Amendment and Revocation of Regulations and Saving and Transitional Provision
40. Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989
41. Transitional provision: programmes of work
42. Transitional provision: authorisations
43. Revocation of Regulations and savings

SCHEDULES

  1 Prescribed concentrations and values
  Table A -  Microbiological parameters
  Table B -  Chemical parameters

  2 Indicator parameters

  3 Monitoring
  Table 1 -  Parameters and circumstances for check monitoring
  Table 2 -  Annual sampling frequencies: water supply zones
  Table 3 -  Annual sampling frequencies: treatment works or supply points

  4 Analytical methodology

  5 Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989

  6 Programmes of work

The National Assembly for Wales, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by sections 67, 69, and 213(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991[
1], and, in relation to Wales, section 77(3) and (4) of that Act[2], and in exercise of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, hereby makes the following Regulations:



PART I

GENERAL

Citation, commencement and application
     1.  - (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001.

    (2) This regulation, regulations 2, 25, 27 to 29, 39, 40 and 41, paragraph (1) of regulation 43, and so much of regulation 33 as relates to any contravention of paragraph (9) of regulation 28 or any contravention of a provision of regulation 29, shall come into force on 1st January 2002.

    (3) Regulations 3 and 42 shall come into force on 1st June 2003.

    (4) Regulations 4 and 17 to 24, paragraphs (4) and (5) of regulation 30, and paragraph (2) of regulation 43, shall come into force on 25th December 2003.

    (5) All other provisions of these Regulations shall come into force on 1st January 2004.

    (6) Parts I to VIII, X and XI of these Regulations apply in relation to the supply of water by water undertakers whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales.

    (7) Part IX of these Regulations applies to local authorities in Wales, as regards the discharge of functions under that Part in relation to water undertakers - 

Interpretation
    
2.  - (1) In these Regulations - 

and includes their relevant metabolites, degradation and reaction products;

    (2) Other expressions used both in these Regulations and in Council Directive 98/83/EC (on the quality of water intended for human consumption)[7] have the same meaning in these Regulations as they have in that Directive.

    (3) Subject to paragraph (4), references in these Regulations to a service reservoir are references to any structure, other than a structure at a treatment works, in which a reserve of water that has been treated with a view to complying with the requirements of regulation 4 is contained and stored for the purpose of meeting a variable demand for the supply of water.

    (4) Where references in these Regulations to a service reservoir would, but for this paragraph, include references to a structure comprising more than one compartment - 



PART II

WATER SUPPLY ZONES

Water supply zones
     3.  - (1) Before the beginning of each year in which it intends to supply water for regulation 4(1) purposes, a water undertaker shall designate the names and areas within its area of supply that are to be its water supply zones for that year.

    (2) A water supply zone may not comprise an area whose population immediately before the beginning of the year in question is estimated by the water undertaker to exceed 100,000.

    (3) A water undertaker may not vary a designation under paragraph (1) after the beginning of the year in relation to which the designation has effect.



PART III

WHOLESOMENESS

Wholesomeness
    
4.  - (1) Water supplied - 

shall, subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter III, as it applies to the supply of water for those domestic purposes, if the requirements of paragraph (2) are satisfied.

    (2) The requirements of this paragraph are - 

    (3) The point at which the requirements of paragraph (2), in so far as they relate to the parameters set out in Part I of Table A and in Table B in Schedule 1 are to be complied with is - 

    (4) Water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes shall not be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter III if, on transfer from a treatment works for supply for those purposes - 

    (5) Subject to paragraph (6), water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes shall not be regarded as wholesome for the purposes of Chapter III if, on transfer from a service reservoir for supply for those purposes, it contains a concentration of the coliform bacteria or E.coli parameter in excess of the prescribed concentrations.

    (6) Water transferred from a service reservoir for supply for regulation 4(1) purposes shall not be regarded as unwholesome for the purposes of Chapter III because the maximum concentration for the coliform bacteria parameter is exceeded if, as regards the samples taken in any year in which the reservoir in question is in use, the results of analysis for that parameter establish that in at least 95 per cent of those samples coliforms were absent.



PART IV

MONITORING OF WATER SUPPLIES

Interpretation and application of Part IV
    
5.  - (1) In this Part "audit monitoring" means monitoring for the purpose of obtaining information from which it may be established - 

    (2) In this Part, "check monitoring" means monitoring for the purpose of obtaining information at regular intervals - 

for the purpose of determining - 

    (3) This Part applies to water supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes by a water undertaker in the performance of its duties under Chapter III.

Monitoring: general provisions
    
6.  - (1) For the purpose of determining whether water to which this Part applies satisfies the provisions of Part III or, if a departure has been authorised under Part VI in relation to that supply, those provisions as read with the terms of that authorisation, a water undertaker shall take, or cause to be taken, and analyse, or cause to be analysed, not less than the number of samples of the water within each of its water supply zones specified in, or in accordance with provisions of, this Part.

    (2) Except in a case to which paragraph (3) applies, the parameters listed in Tables A and B in Schedule 1 and the indicator parameters shall be subject - 

    (3) Where - 

samples of water from each tanker from which water is distributed shall be taken 48 hours after the commencement of the distribution from that tanker and every 48 hours thereafter until the distribution is discontinued.

    (4) Of the samples taken in accordance with paragraph (3) in relation to each distribution, the first shall be analysed for compliance with the parameters E. coli, hydrogen ion and conductivity (item 2 in Table A in Schedule 1, item 3 in Part II of Table B in that Schedule and item 6 in Schedule 2, respectively), and the second and any subsequent samples shall be analysed for compliance with those and every other parameter.

    (5) For the purposes of the application of paragraph (2)(b) to the aluminium, Clostridium perfringens, iron and manganese parameters (items 1, 3, 9 and 10 in Table 1 in Schedule 3), a supply which consists of both ground water and surface water shall be deemed to be a supply which consists only of surface water.

    (6) The copper, lead and nickel parameters and, subject to paragraph (7), the parameters relevant to radioactivity (total indicative dose and tritium), shall be monitored in such manner as the National Assembly for Wales shall determine from time to time and shall specify by notice in writing given to each water undertaker.

    (7) If, in relation to any water supply zone, the National Assembly for Wales is satisfied that water supplied to that zone for regulation 4(1) purposes - 

it shall notify the water undertaker which supplies water to that zone that the total indicative dose parameter (item 8 in Schedule 2) or, as the case may be, the tritium parameter (item 10 in that Schedule) need not be monitored.

    (8) The National Assembly for Wales shall, by notice in writing - 

    (9) A water undertaker which receives a notice under paragraph (8) shall then monitor the total indicative dose parameter or, as the case may be, the tritium parameter in accordance with the notice having effect for the time being under paragraph (6).

Sampling points
    
7. Except in relation to water supplied from a tanker, sampling points in respect of every parameter, other than a parameter for which samples are taken from a supply point authorised by or under regulation 8, shall be selected at random unless, by notice in writing to a water undertaker (whether or not on the application of the water undertaker), the National Assembly for Wales otherwise determines.

Authorisation of supply points
    
8.  - (1) The National Assembly for Wales, being satisfied that analysis of samples taken from - 

will produce data in respect of the parameters specified as items 7, 8 and 9 to 25 in column (1) of Table 3 in Schedule 3 which are unlikely to differ in any material respect from the data that would be produced in respect of those parameters from analysis of samples obtained from sampling points, hereby authorises the use for the purposes of regulation 6 of samples in relation to those parameters taken for a water supply zone from a blending point, a service reservoir of that description or a treatment works.

    (2) Subject to paragraph (3), the National Assembly for Wales may, in relation to any parameter other than a parameter referred to in paragraph (1), on the written application of a water undertaker, authorise the use for the purposes of regulation 6 of samples taken for a water supply zone otherwise than from a sampling point; and any such authorisation may extend to all samples in relation to that parameter or to such number or proportion of those samples as is specified in the authorisation.

    (3) The National Assembly for Wales shall not grant an authorisation under paragraph (2) unless it is satisfied that analysis of samples taken from a point other than a sampling point will produce data in respect of the parameter in question which are unlikely to differ in any material respect from the data that would be produced in respect of that parameter from analysis of samples obtained from sampling points.

    (4) Subject to paragraph (5), the National Assembly for Wales may at any time modify or revoke an authorisation under paragraph (2).

    (5) Unless it appears to the National Assembly for Wales that the immediate modification or revocation of an authorisation under paragraph (2) is required in the interests of public health, it shall not modify or revoke such an authorisation without giving to the water undertaker to which the authorisation relates at least six weeks' notice of its intention to modify or revoke.

    (6) A water undertaker shall notify the National Assembly for Wales as soon as it has reasonable grounds for believing that an analysis of samples taken for a water supply zone from a point other than a sampling point would produce data in respect of the parameter in question which would differ in a material respect from the data produced by an analysis of samples taken from any of the sampling points within that zone; and the National Assembly for Wales shall thereupon, and without the need for prior notice to the water undertaker, revoke the authorisation.

Numbers of samples
    
9.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in each year a water undertaker shall take, or cause to be taken - 

    (2) Where, in respect of a parameter subject to check monitoring - 

    (3) Where the following year is 2004, paragraph (2)(b) shall apply as if for "these Regulations" there were substituted "the 1989 Regulations"; and where the following year is 2005, paragraph (2)(b) shall apply as if before "these Regulations" there were inserted "the 1989 Regulations and".

    (4) Samples required to be taken by this regulation shall be taken at regular intervals.

    (5) In this regulation - 

Sampling: further provisions
    
10. As soon as a water undertaker has reasonable grounds for believing that any element, organism or substance, other than residual disinfectant or a parameter, whether alone or in combination with a parameter or any other element, organism or substance, may cause the supply within any of its water supply zones to be a supply which does not satisfy - 

it shall take, or cause to be taken, sufficient samples from water within that zone (whether from a service reservoir, a treatment works or otherwise) in respect of that element, organism or substance, in order to establish whether that water is wholesome.



PART V

MONITORING  -  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Interpretation of Part V
    
11. In this Part, in relation to residual disinfectant or a parameter specified as item 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 in column (1) of Table 3 in Schedule 3, and the supply of a volume of water within one of the ranges shown in column (3) of that Table, "the standard number" and "the reduced number" means the number shown in column (5) and column (4), respectively, of that Table as applicable to residual disinfectant or the parameter in question by reference to a volume of water within that range.

Sampling for particular substances and parameters
    
12. For the purposes of establishing the quality of water to be supplied to any of its water supply zones, a water undertaker shall take, or cause to be taken, and analyse, or cause to be analysed, not less than the number of samples specified in this Part.

Sampling at treatment works
    
13.  - (1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (4) and (6), in each year a water undertaker shall take, or cause to be taken, from the point at which water leaves each treatment works which serves its water supply zones, the standard number of samples for analysis - 

    (2) Where in each of two successive years the results of the analysis of samples taken, subject to paragraph (3), in accordance with these Regulations have established - 

the number of samples to be taken in respect of that parameter in the next following year from the point at which water leaves that treatment works may, subject to paragraph (4), be the reduced number.

    (3) Paragraph (2) shall apply - 

    (4) In respect of the coliform bacteria parameter and the E. coli parameter, the reduced number of samples may be taken in accordance with paragraph (2) only if the water undertaker is of the opinion - 

    (5) Samples required to be taken by this regulation shall be taken at regular intervals.

    (6) Where a particular treatment works is in use for part only of a year, the minimum number of samples to be taken from that works in that year shall bear to the standard number or, as the case may be, the reduced number, the same proportion as the number of days in that year in which the treatment works have been in use bears to 365.

Sampling at service reservoirs
    
14. A water undertaker shall take, or cause to be taken, from each of its service reservoirs in each week in which the reservoir is in use, one sample for analysis - 

Sampling: new sources
    
15.  - (1) This regulation applies as respects - 

    (2) A water undertaker shall - 

take, or cause to be taken, in accordance with paragraph (3), such samples of that water as will enable it to establish - 

    (3) Samples shall be taken - 

Collection and analysis of samples
    
16.  - (1) A water undertaker shall secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that in taking, handling, transporting, storing and analysing, any sample required to be taken for the purposes of Part IV or this Part of these Regulations, or causing any such sample to be taken, handled, transported, stored and analysed, the appropriate requirements are satisfied.

    (2) In paragraph (1) "the appropriate requirements" means such of the following requirements as are applicable - 

    (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(e), "laboratory" means a person who undertakes the analysis of samples for the purposes of this Part, whether at the time and place at which the samples are taken or otherwise.

    (4) A water undertaker shall maintain such records as are sufficient to enable it to establish, in relation to each sample taken for the purposes of Part IV or this Part, that such of the appropriate requirements as are applicable to that sample have been satisfied.

    (5) Subject to paragraph (7), for the purpose of establishing, within acceptable limits of deviation and detection, whether the sample contains concentrations or values which contravene the prescribed concentrations or values, or exceed the specifications for indicator parameters - 

    (6) For the purposes of paragraph (5) - 

    (7) Subject to paragraph (9), the National Assembly for Wales may, on the application of any person, authorise a method of analysis other than that specified in paragraph (5)(a) ("the prescribed method").

    (8) An application for the purposes of paragraph (7) shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by - 

    (9) The National Assembly for Wales shall not authorise the use of the method proposed in the application unless it is satisfied that the results obtained by the use of that method are at least as reliable as those produced by the use of the prescribed method.

    (10) An authorisation under paragraph (7) may be subject to such conditions as the National Assembly for Wales thinks fit.

    (11) The National Assembly for Wales may at any time, by notice in writing served on the water undertaker to which an authorisation under paragraph (7) has been given, revoke the authorisation, but no such notice shall be served later than three months before the date on which the revocation is stated to take effect.



PART VI

INVESTIGATIONS, AUTHORISATION OF DEPARTURES AND REMEDIAL ACTION

Investigations: Schedule 1 parameters
    
17.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (3), where a water undertaker has reason to believe that water supplied by it for regulation 4(1) purposes - 

the water undertaker shall immediately take such steps as are necessary to identify the matters specified in paragraph (2) below.

    (2) The matters referred to in paragraph (1) are - 

    (3) Where a departure has been authorised under Part VI - 

    (4) The matters referred to in paragraph (3) are - 

    (5) As soon as may be after the matters specified in paragraph (2) or (4), as the case may be, have been identified, the water undertaker shall notify the National Assembly for Wales - 

    (6) Where the water undertaker has identified a failure attributable to the domestic distribution system or to the maintenance of that system, it shall, at the same time as notification is given under paragraph (5) - 

    (7) A water undertaker which has complied with the requirements of paragraphs (5) and (6) need not, in respect of the same failure or apprehended failure, comply with the requirements of regulation 35(9).

    (8) Where such a failure as is mentioned in paragraph (6) affects the supply of water to the public in premises in which water is so supplied, the water undertaker shall, as soon as may be, notify such persons as the National Assembly for Wales may from time to time determine for the purposes of this paragraph of the matters of which notice is given to consumers in accordance with paragraph (6)(a).

    (9) Where such a failure as is mentioned in paragraph (1) relates to the copper or lead parameter, the water undertaker shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence, modify or replace such of its pipes and their associated fittings as it knows or has reason to believe have the potential for contributing to copper or lead in the water supplied to the premises, so as to eliminate that potential (whether or not the presence of copper or lead in those pipes contributed to the failure).

Investigations: indicator parameters
    
18.  - (1) Where a water undertaker has reason to believe that water supplied by it for regulation 4(1) purposes does not meet the specifications for indicator parameters set out in Schedule 2, it shall take such steps as are necessary to identify - 

    (2) As soon as may be after the matters specified in paragraph (1) have been identified, the water undertaker shall notify the National Assembly for Wales - 

    (3) Where, in a case to which paragraph (1)(c) applies, the inability to meet the specification has been identified as attributable to the domestic distribution system or to the maintenance of that system, the water undertaker shall, at the same time as notification is given under paragraph (2) - 

    (4) Where such an inability as is mentioned in paragraph (3) is, in the opinion of the water undertaker, likely to affect the supply of water to the public in premises in which water is so supplied, it shall, at the same time as notice is given under paragraph (2), notify such persons as the National Assembly for Wales may from time to time determine for the purposes of this paragraph of the matters of which notice is given to consumers in accordance with paragraph (3)(a).

Action by National Assembly for Wales
    
19.  - (1) Where - 

the National Assembly for Wales may, by notice in writing to the water undertaker, require the water undertaker to seek a departure in accordance with regulation 20.

    (2) The exercise by the National Assembly for Wales of the power conferred by paragraph (1) shall not preclude the exercise by it, in relation to the same circumstances, of the power conferred by section 18 of the Act.

    (3) Where - 

the National Assembly for Wales shall consider whether the terms of the authorisation under regulation 20 should be modified.

    (4) Where - 

the National Assembly for Wales may, by notice in writing to the water undertaker, require the water undertaker to take such steps as may be determined by the National Assembly for Wales and specified in the notice.

    (5) It shall be the duty of a water undertaker to which a notice under paragraph (4) has been given to take the steps specified in the notice.

Authorisation of temporary supply of water that is not wholesome
    
20.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the National Assembly for Wales may, upon the written application of a water undertaker, authorise in accordance with regulation 21 a departure from the provisions of Part III of these Regulations in so far as they relate to - 

    (2) The National Assembly for Wales shall not authorise a departure under paragraph (1) unless it is satisfied - 

    (3) A water undertaker shall provide with its application - 

    (4) At the same time as it makes an application for an authorisation under paragraph (1), the water undertaker shall serve on - 

a copy of the application and of the statement, scheme and summary referred to in paragraph (3).

    (5) A body on whom documents have been served in accordance with paragraph (4) may make representations to the National Assembly for Wales in connection with the application; and any such representations shall be made not later than the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the date on which the application for the authorisation is made.

Authorisations: terms and conditions
    
21.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), a departure may be authorised under regulation 20 for such period as is in the National Assembly for Wales's opinion reasonably required for securing a supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes that fully satisfies the requirements of Part III ("the departure period").

    (2) No departure period may exceed three years.

    (3) Subject to paragraph (4), an authorisation under regulation 20 - 

    (4) Where the National Assembly for Wales is of the opinion - 

the particulars to be specified in the authorisation shall be those required by paragraph (3)(a)(iii) and (ix), and sub-paragraphs (b) to (e) of that paragraph shall not apply.

    (5) Where it appears to the National Assembly for Wales that a supply of water that fully satisfies the requirements of Part III cannot be restored by the end of the departure period, it may authorise a further departure.

    (6) Paragraphs (1) to (4) shall apply to a further departure as they apply to a departure authorised under regulation 20.

    (7) Where it appears to the National Assembly for Wales that a supply of water that fully satisfies the requirements of Part III cannot be restored by the end of the departure period relevant to an authorisation under paragraph (5), it may, in accordance with Article 9(2) of Council Directive 98/83/EEC, authorise a third departure.

    (8) Paragraph (3) shall apply to a departure authorised under paragraph (7) as it applies to a departure authorised under regulation 20, but with the substitution for the words "Subject to paragraph (4)" of the words "Subject to any direction of the Commission".

Authorisations: other limitations
    
22. An authorisation under regulation 20 or regulation 21 may be limited to water supplied - 

Publicity for authorisations
    
23. As soon as reasonably practicable after a departure has been authorised, the water undertaker shall - 

Revocation and modification of authorisations
    
24.  - (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the National Assembly for Wales may at any time modify or revoke an authorisation under regulation 20.

    (2) The National Assembly for Wales shall not revoke or modify an authorisation under regulation 20 without giving at least six months' notice in writing of its intention to do so to - 

but it may revoke or modify an authorisation without notice if it appears to it that immediate revocation or modification is required in the interests of public health.

    (3) A water undertaker on whose application a departure has been authorised under this Part shall notify the National Assembly for Wales as soon as the circumstances which gave rise to the application cease to exist; and the National Assembly for Wales shall thereupon revoke the authorisation without the need for prior notice.



PART VII

WATER TREATMENT

Interpretation
    
25. In this Part - 

Treatment of raw water
    
26.  - (1) In carrying out such of its functions under Chapter III as comprise the supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes, a water undertaker shall not, subject to paragraph (2), supply water from any source which consists of or includes raw water unless the water has been disinfected and, in the case of surface water, subjected to at least such further treatment as is specified in paragraph (3).

    (2) Paragraph (1) shall not require a water undertaker to disinfect such groundwaters as are specified in an authorisation given by the National Assembly for Wales for the purposes of this paragraph.

    (3) The further treatment mentioned in paragraph (1) is such treatment as is required to secure compliance with Council Directive 75/440/EC (quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water)[
8]; and for the purposes of this regulation, surface water shall be treated as falling within category A1 or A2 or A3 set out in Annex I to that Directive if it is abstracted from waters for which the classification to be currently satisfied in accordance with section 82(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991[9] is, as appropriate, DW1 or DW2 or DW3, as set out in the Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking Water) (Classification) Regulations 1996[10].

    (4) Except with the consent of the National Assembly for Wales, water shall not be abstracted for supply for regulation 4(1) purposes which include drinking except from waters to be treated as falling within category A1 or A2 or A3 in the Annex mentioned in paragraph (3).

Risk assessment for cryptosporidium
     27.  - (1) Where at any time before 1st January 2002 a water undertaker has been required to comply with regulation 23B of the 1989 Regulations[11] at a treatment works, it may on or after that date carry out a risk assessment.

    (2) Where a risk assessment has not been submitted to the National Assembly for Wales pursuant to regulation 23A(1) of the 1989 Regulations, in respect of any treatment works from which water was first supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes after 30th June 1999[12] and before 1 January 2002, the water undertaker operating that works shall carry out a risk assessment on or before 28 February 2002.

    (3) Where, at any time after 31 December 2001, a water undertaker proposes to bring into operation a treatment works from which it intends to supply water for regulation 4(1) purposes, it shall carry out a risk assessment in respect of that works.

    (4) Where a water undertaker becomes aware of any factors which make it likely that a risk assessment will establish that there is a significant risk from cryptosporidium it shall notify the National Assembly for Wales in writing, specifying the relevant factors.

    (5) The National Assembly for Wales may at any time by notice in writing require a water undertaker to carry out a risk assessment by a date specified in the notice to establish whether there is a significant risk from cryptosporidium.

Procedure following risk assessment, and prohibition of supply
     28.  - (1) Where a water undertaker carries out a risk assessment under any provision of regulation 27, it shall submit to the National Assembly for Wales a report of the assessment.

    (2) A report of a risk assessment shall set out the results of the assessment, including - 

    (3) Where the National Assembly for Wales considers that the assessment that is the subject of a report submitted to it in accordance with paragraph (1) has not been carried out satisfactorily, the National Assembly for Wales shall serve a notice on the water undertaker which - 

and the water undertaker shall comply with the requirement by the date specified.

    (4) Where - 

the National Assembly for Wales shall notify the water undertaker that it is so satisfied; and if at the time of the submission of the report the water undertaker was, or was treated as, required to comply with regulation 29 requirements, the water undertaker shall cease to be required to comply with them from the date on which it receives the notification.

    (5) Where - 

the National Assembly for Wales shall notify the water undertaker that it is so satisfied and shall require the water undertaker to provide it with an estimate of the earliest practicable date by which it can comply with regulation 29 requirements.

    (6) A water undertaker which has received a notice under paragraph (5) shall provide the estimate required by the notice within three months of the receipt of the notice.

    (7) Where the National Assembly for Wales receives an estimate pursuant to a notice under paragraph (6) it shall give the water undertaker notice of the date which it considers to be the earliest practicable date by which the water undertaker can comply with regulation 29 requirements; and the water undertaker shall comply with those requirements from that date.

    (8) Where a water undertaker is required to comply with regulation 29 requirements at a treatment works, it may at any time carry out a further risk assessment for that treatment works to establish whether there continues to be a significant risk from cryptosporidium.

    (9) A water undertaker shall not supply water for regulation 4(1) purposes from any treatment works on or after 1st January 2002 unless - 

Treatment for cryptosporidium
    
29.  - (1) A water undertaker which, immediately before 1st January 2002, is subject to a requirement under regulation 23A of the 1989 Regulations to comply with the requirements of regulation 23B of those Regulations shall, for the purposes of the following provisions of this regulation and of regulation 28 of these Regulations, be treated on and after 1st January 2002 as subject to a requirement under regulation 28 to comply with regulation 29 requirements.

    (2) A water undertaker which is, or is treated as, required under regulation 28 to comply with regulation 29 requirements shall, in carrying out such of its functions under Part III of the Act as relate to the supply of water for regulation 4(1) purposes, use a process for treating the water intended to be supplied which secures that the average number of cryptosporidium oocysts per 10 litres of water is less than one.

    (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), a process secures that the average number of cryptosporidium oocysts per 10 litres of water is less than one only if - 

    (4) A water undertaker which is, or is treated as, required under regulation 28 to comply with regulation 29 requirements shall, in using the process referred to in paragraph (2), monitor its effectiveness by securing compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (5) to (15).

    (5) Subject to paragraph (6), a continuous sample of water, consisting of at least 40 litres per hour on average during each sampling period, shall be taken from each point at which water leaves the treatment works and steps shall be taken to ensure that the sample is not contaminated when being taken.

    (6) Where water which is subjected to the same treatment at the same treatment facilities before it leaves a treatment works leaves the works from more than one point, paragraph (5) shall require a continuous sample to be taken at only one of those points.

    (7) For the purposes of the requirement in paragraph (5) to take a continuous sample of water, no account shall be taken of - 

    (8) A sample of water taken pursuant to paragraph (5) shall, as it is taken and without any further treatment, be passed through an approved collection device contained in approved sampling equipment which records the volume of water sampled.

    (9) Subject to paragraph (10), a water undertaker shall change the collection device through which water is being passed in accordance with paragraph (8) at least once a day by removing it in an approved manner from the relevant sampling equipment and replacing it in an approved manner with a clean collection device; and a record shall be made of the volume of water passed through the collection device which has been removed and that record shall be retained for a period of one year or such longer period as the National Assembly for Wales may, by notice in writing to the water undertaker, require.

    (10) Where, due to interruptions in the taking of a sample during periods when water is not being supplied from a monitoring point, the rate of water passed through a collection device is less than 200 litres per day, a water undertaker shall not be required to change the collection device in accordance with paragraph (9) until the day on which the total volume of water that has passed through the device equals or exceeds 200 litres.

    (11) A collection device removed from sampling equipment shall, prior to being analysed, be maintained in an approved manner so as to secure that there is no material alteration of the state of the device which could affect the results of the analysis.

    (12) A collection device shall, subject to paragraph (13), within three days of the date on which it is removed from the sampling equipment be analysed for the purposes of establishing whether it contains cryptosporidium oocysts at a level which indicates that the water sampled has not been treated so as to secure that the average number of cryptosporidium oocysts per 10 litres of water is less than one.

    (13) Where - 

a water undertaker shall immediately change the collection device through which the water is being passed, and the removed collection device shall be analysed as soon as practicable and in any case not later than the end of the day after that on which it was removed.

    (14) The analysis of collection devices for the purposes of this regulation shall be carried out at an approved laboratory using approved equipment and approved analytical systems and methods.

    (15) Following the analysis of a collection device for the purposes of this regulation, the person by whom or under whose supervision the analysis has been carried out shall, within the applicable time limit for the analysis set out in paragraph (12) or (13), certify the results of the analysis, setting out the average number of cryptosporidium oocysts per 10 litres of water contained in the water sampled, as indicated by the level of cryptosporidium oocysts contained in the collection device.

    (16) In this regulation - 

Contamination from pipes
    
30.  - (1) Where there is a risk ("the prescribed risk") that water supplied by a water undertaker would, for the reason mentioned in paragraph (2), after leaving the water undertaker's pipes - 

the water undertaker shall, subject to paragraph (3), treat the water in such a way as will, in its opinion, eliminate the prescribed risk or reduce it to a minimum.

    (2) The reason referred to in paragraph (1) is the presence in the water of a concentration of copper or lead which is attributable to the fact that copper or lead is the major component of such a pipe as is mentioned in section 68(3)(a) of the Act, or its associated fittings.

    (3) Paragraph (1) shall not require a water undertaker to treat water - 

    (4) Where at any time in the period beginning with 25th December 2003 and ending immediately before 25th December 2013, a water undertaker - 

    (5) This paragraph applies to a pipe - 

Application and introduction of substances and products
    
31.  - (1) In this regulation - 

    (2) Subject to paragraph (3), a water undertaker shall not apply any substance or product to, or introduce any substance or product into, water which is to be supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes unless one of the requirements of paragraph (4) is satisfied.

    (3) A substance or product which, at the time of its application or introduction, bears an appropriate CE marking in accordance with the Directive, or conforms to - 

may be applied or introduced, notwithstanding that none of the requirements of paragraph (4) is satisfied; but any such application or introduction shall be subject to - 

    (4) The requirements of this paragraph are - 

    (5) An application for such an approval as is mentioned in paragraph (4)(a) may be made by any person.

    (6) If the National Assembly for Wales decides to issue an approval under paragraph (4)(a), it may include in the approval such conditions as it considers appropriate and, subject to paragraph (10), may at any time revoke or vary any approval it has previously given.

    (7) Where substances or products are applied or introduced in any case in which the requirement mentioned in paragraph (4)(c) is satisfied, their application or introduction shall be discontinued within 12 months of the date on which they were first applied or introduced or, if the National Assembly for Wales by notice given in writing to the water undertaker so directs, within such other period (whether longer or shorter) as may be specified in the notice.

    (8) The National Assembly for Wales may, by notice given in writing to any water undertaker, prohibit the water undertaker from applying to, or introducing into, water intended to be supplied for regulation 4(1) purposes any substance or product which the water undertaker would otherwise be authorised to apply or introduce by virtue of - 

    (9) A prohibition under paragraph (8) may be without limitation as to time or for such period as is specified in the notice.

    (10) The National Assembly for Wales may - 

but, unless the National Assembly for Wales is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the interests of public health without notice, shall not do any of those things without giving all such persons as are, in the opinion of the National Assembly for Wales, likely to be affected by the revocation or modification of the approval or by the giving of the notice at least 6 months' notice in writing of its intention.

    (11) Notice shall be given forthwith by the National Assembly for Wales to all persons likely to be affected by the making of such an instrument as is mentioned in paragraph (10)(a) or (b).

    (12) At least once in each year beginning with the year 2004, the National Assembly for Wales shall issue a list of all the substances and products in relation to which - 

with particulars of the action taken.

Use of processes
     32.  - (1) The National Assembly for Wales may at any time by notice in writing given to a water undertaker require the water undertaker to make an application to it for approval of the use of any process; and may prohibit the water undertaker for such period as may be specified in the notice from using any such process in connection with the supply by the water undertaker of water for regulation 4(1) purposes.

    (2) The National Assembly for Wales may refuse the application or impose on any approval given for the purposes of this regulation such conditions as it thinks fit and, subject to paragraph (3), may at any time by notice in writing to the water undertaker revoke an approval so given or modify or revoke any condition imposed by virtue of this paragraph.

    (3) Subject to paragraph (4), the National Assembly for Wales shall not - 

unless the National Assembly for Wales has given to the water undertaker at least 6 months' notice in writing of the National Assembly for Wales' intention to revoke, modify or prohibit, as the case may be.

    (4) Paragraph (3) shall not apply in any case in which the National Assembly for Wales is of the opinion that the immediate revocation, modification or prohibition is necessary in the interests of public health.

    (5) Paragraph (12) of regulation 31 shall apply for the purposes of this regulation as if - 

Offences
    
33.  - (1) A water undertaker which contravenes regulation 28(9) or regulation 29(2) or (4) shall be guilty of an offence and liable - 

    (2) In any proceedings under paragraph (1) above for contravention of regulation 29(2), a copy of a certificate given pursuant to paragraph (15) of that regulation shall be admissible in evidence as to the number of cryptosporidium oocysts per 10 litres of water.

    (3) A water undertaker which applies or introduces any substance or product in contravention of regulation 31(2) or a notice given under regulation 31(8), or uses any process in contravention of a prohibition imposed under regulation 32(1) or without complying with a condition imposed by virtue of regulation 32(2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable - 

    (4) In any proceedings against a water undertaker for an offence under paragraph (1) above it shall be a defence for that water undertaker to show that it took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.

    (5) If any person, in certifying the results of an analysis pursuant to regulation 29(15) or furnishing any information or making any application under regulation 31 or 32, makes any statement which he or she knows to be false in a material particular, or recklessly makes any statement which is false in a material particular, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable - 

    (6) Proceedings for an offence under paragraph (5) shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the National Assembly for Wales or the Director of Public Prosecutions.



PART VIII

RECORDS AND INFORMATION

Maintenance of records
    
34.  - (1) A water undertaker shall prepare and maintain, in respect of each of its water supply zones, a record containing - 

    (2) A water undertaker shall make - 

    (3) Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the water undertaker shall at least once in each year review and bring up to date the record required to be kept by paragraph (1).

    (4) Nothing in this regulation shall require a water undertaker to retain a record - 

Provision of information
    
35.  - (1) A water undertaker shall make available for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours and free of charge at least one of its offices any record maintained by it in accordance with regulation 34.

    (2) A water undertaker shall afford to any person facilities to take or obtain a copy of any part of a record maintained in accordance with regulation 34 - 

    (3) A water undertaker shall include in or append to at least one of the accounts sent to each customer in any year a statement informing them  - 

    (4) A water undertaker shall, not later than 30th June 2005 and not later than 30th June in each year thereafter, supply to each local authority to any part of whose area the water undertaker supplied water in the preceding year, information concerning the general quality of water supplied during that year to premises in the authority's area, and - 

    (5) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 

    (6) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 

    (7) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 

    (8) As soon as may be after the occurrence of any event which, by reason of its effect or likely effect on the water supplied by a water undertaker, gives rise or is likely to give rise to a significant risk to the health of persons residing in the area of a local authority or a health authority, the water undertaker shall notify each such authority and the relevant customer services committee of the occurence.

    (9) A water undertaker shall send to the National Assembly for Wales a copy of every notification given under paragraph (8).

    (10) Where an authority have received a notification under paragraph (8), they may require the water undertaker to provide them with such information relating to the event and its consequences as they may reasonably require.

Publication of information
    
36.  - (1) A water undertaker shall, not later than 30th June 2005 and not later than 30th June in each year thereafter, publish a report relating to the preceding year containing - 

    (2) A report under paragraph (1) may include such other information as the water undertaker thinks fit.

    (3) At the same time as it publishes a report in accordance with paragraph (1) the water undertaker shall send a copy of it to every local authority within whose area the water undertaker supplied water in the preceding year.

    (4) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 

    (5) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 

    (6) The particulars referred to in this paragraph are - 



PART IX

FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN RELATION TO WATER QUALITY

Application and interpretation
    
37.  - (1) This Part applies to the performance by a local authority of their duty under section 77(1) of the Act[17] insofar as that duty relates to water supplies which are not private supplies.

    (2) In this Part "relevant water undertaker", in relation to a local authority, means a water undertaker any of whose supply zones include an area which is situated within the area of that authority.

Duties of local authorities: supplementary provision
     38.  - (1) In performing their duty under section 77(1) of the Act (general functions of local authorities in relation to water quality), a local authority - 

    (2) Regulation 16 shall apply to samples taken by virtue of paragraph (1) as it applies to samples taken for the purposes of Parts IV and V of these Regulations; but with the following modifications - 



PART X

ENFORCEMENT

Contraventions by water undertakers
    
39. Any duty or requirement imposed by Parts IV to VIII of these Regulations on a water undertaker shall be enforceable under section 18 of the Act by the National Assembly for Wales or the Director, whether or not the duty or requirement constitutes an offence.



PART XI

AMENDMENT AND REVOCATION OF REGULATIONS AND SAVING AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION

Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989
    
40. The 1989 Regulations shall be amended, with effect from 1st January 2002, in accordance with Schedule 5.

Transitional provision: programmes of work
    
41.  - (1) Every water undertaker which intends to supply water, on and after 25th December 2003, for regulation 4(1) purposes shall, not later than 31st March 2002, submit to the National Assembly for Wales for its approval a programme of work designed to secure, so far as reasonably practicable - 

and that, accordingly, section 68 (duties of water undertakers with respect to water quality) of the Act is complied with.

    (2) Programmes of work shall be drawn up in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 6.

    (3) The National Assembly for Wales may approve a programme of work with or without modification.

    (4) If a water undertaker - 

the National Assembly for Wales may draw up a programme of work and any such programme shall be treated for the purposes of paragraphs (5) and (6) as a programme of work drawn up by the water undertaker and approved by the National Assembly for Wales.

    (5) Whenever it comes to the attention of a water undertaker that the steps to be taken in accordance with a programme of work submitted to, or approved by, the National Assembly for Wales, or treated as so approved, are insufficient to secure that the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are met, it shall notify the National Assembly for Wales of the additional steps to be taken to secure that those requirements are met.

    (6) The National Assembly for Wales may at any time, and whether or not on the application of a water undertaker, modify any programme of work where it is of the opinion that such modification is required to secure that the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are met.

    (7) It shall be the duty of each water undertaker - 

    (8) The duties imposed by paragraph (7) shall be enforceable under section 18 of the Act by the National Assembly for Wales.

Transitional provision: authorisations
    
42.  - (1) A water undertaker which - 

may apply to the National Assembly for Wales for an authorisation under this regulation.

    (2) An application under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 25th September 2003.

    (3) For the purpose of making and determining applications under paragraph (1) and publicising authorisations under this regulation, it shall be assumed - 

and so much of any other provision of these Regulations as relates to those regulations (in so far as not already in force), were in force at the material time; and

    (4) On and after 25th December 2003, an authorisation under this regulation shall have effect for the purposes of these Regulations as an authorisation under regulation 20.

Revocation of Regulations and savings
    
43.  - (1) The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations 1999[18] and the following provisions of the 1989 Regulations shall be revoked - 

    (2) On 25th December 2003 - 

shall be revoked.

    (3) On 1st January 2004 - 

shall be revoked.

    (4) Nothing in paragraph (3) revokes any of the provisions referred to in that paragraph so far as they relate to local authorities in England.

    (5) Nothing in paragraph (3) shall affect any obligation of a water undertaker under the 1989 Regulations to compile and retain records, make information available and produce reports in respect of years ending on or before 31st December 2003.



Signed on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales under section 66(1) of the Government of Wales Act 1998[23].


Rhodri Morgan
First Secretary

7th December 2001



SCHEDULE 1
regulations 2 and 4


PRESCRIBED CONCENTRATIONS AND VALUES




TABLE A

MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS


Part I: Directive requirements
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
1. Enterococci 0 number/100ml Consumers' taps
2. Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0 number/100ml Consumers' taps


Part II: National requirements
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
1. Coliform bacteria 0 number/100ml Service reservoirs* and water treatment works
2. Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0 number/100ml Service reservoirs and water treatment works

Note: *Compliance required as to 95% of samples from each service reservoir (regulation 4(6)).



TABLE B

CHEMICAL PARAMETERS


Part I: Directive requirements
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
1. Acrylamide 0.10 µg/l (i)
2. Antimony 5.0 µgSb/l Consumers' taps
3. Arsenic 10 µgAs/l Consumers' taps
4. Benzene 1.0 µg/l Consumers' taps
5. Benzo(a)pyrene 0.010 µg/l Consumers' taps
6. Boron 1.0 mgB/l Consumers' taps
7. Bromate 10 µgBrO3/l Consumers' taps
8. Cadmium 5.0 µgCd/l Consumers' taps
9. Chromium 50 µgCr/l Consumers' taps
10. Copper(i) 2.0 mgCu/l Consumers' taps
11. Cyanide 50 µgCN/l Consumers' taps
12. 1, 2 dichloroethane 3.0 µg/l Consumers' taps
13. Epichlorohydrin 0.10 µg/l (i)
14. Fluoride 1.5 mgF/l Consumers' taps
15. Lead(ii) (a) 25, from 25th December 2003 until immediately before 25th December 2013

µgPb/l Consumers' taps
          (b) 10, on and after 25th December 2013

µgPb/l Consumers' taps
16. Mercury 1.0 µgHg/l Consumers' taps
17. Nickel (ii) 20 µgNi/l Consumers' taps
18. Nitrate (iii) 50 mgNO3/l Consumers' taps
19. Nitrite (iii) 0.50 mgNO2/l Consumers' taps
          0.10      Treatment Works
20. Pesticides (iv)(v)

Aldrin      )

Dieldrin      )

Heptachlor      )

Heptachlor      )

epoxide      )

0.030 µg/l Consumers' taps
     other pesticides 0.10 µg/l Consumers' taps
21. Pesticides: Total (vi) 0.50 µg/l Consumers' taps
22. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (vii) 0.10 µg/l Consumers' taps
23. Selenium 10 µgSe/l Consumers' taps
24. Tetrachloroethene and Trichloroethene (viii) 10 µg/l Consumers' taps
25. Trihalomethanes: Total (ix) 100 µg/l Consumers' taps
26. Vinyl chloride 0.50 µg/l (i)

Notes:


Part II: National requirements
Item Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum unless otherwise stated) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
1. Aluminium 200 µgAl/l Consumers' taps
2. Colour 20 mg/l Pt/Co Consumers' taps
3. Hydrogen ion 10.0 pH value Consumers' taps
          6.5 (minimum) pH value Consumers' taps
4. Iron 200 µgFe/l Consumers' taps
5. Manganese 50 µgMn/l Consumers' taps
6. Odour 3 at 25°C Dilution number Consumers' taps
7. Sodium 200 mgNa/l Consumers' taps
8. Taste 3 at 25°C Dilution number Consumers' taps
9. Tetrachlorome-thane 3 µg/l Consumers' taps
10. Turbidity 4 NTU Consumers' taps



SCHEDULE 2
regulations 2 and 4


INDICATOR PARAMETERS


Item Parameters Specification Concentration or Value (maximum) or State Units of Measurement Point of monitoring
1. Ammonium 0.50 mgNH4/l Consumers' taps
2. Chloride (i) 250 mgCl/l Supply point*
3. Clostridium perfringens (including spores) 0 Number/100ml Supply point*
4. Coliform bacteria 0 Number/100ml Consumers' taps
5. Colony counts No abnormal change Number/1ml at 22°C Consumers' taps, service
               Number/1ml at 37°C Reservoirs and treatment works
6. Conductivity (i) 2500 µS/cm at 20°C Supply point*
7. Hydrogen ion 9.5 pHvalue Consumers' taps
8. Sulphate (i) 250 mgSO4 /l Supply point*
9. Total indicative dose (for radioactivity) (ii) 0.10 mSv/year Supply point*
10. Total organic carbon (TOC) No abnormal change mgC/l Supply point*
11. Tritium (for radioactivity) 100 Bq/l Supply point*
12. Turbidity 1 NTU Treatment works

Notes:

*May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution.



SCHEDULE 3
Part IV


MONITORING




TABLE 1

PARAMETERS AND CIRCUMSTANCES FOR CHECK MONITORING

(1) (2) (3)
Item Parameter Circumstances
1. Aluminium When used as flocculant or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
2. Ammonium     
3. Clostridium perfringens (including spores) Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
4. Coliform bacteria     
5. Colony counts     
6. Colour     
7. Conductivity     
8. Escherichia coli (E. coli)     
9. Hydrogen ion     
10. Iron When used as flocculant or where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
11. Manganese Where the water originates from, or is influenced by, surface waters
12. Nitrate When chloramination is practised
13. Nitrite When chloramination is practised
14. Odour     
15. Taste     
16. Turbidity     



TABLE 2

ANNUAL SAMPLING FREQUENCIES: WATER SUPPLY ZONES

(1) (2) (3) (4)
Substances and parameters subject to check monitoring Estimated population of water supply zone Reduced Standard
E. coli               
Coliform bacteria <100      4
Residual disinfectant ≥100      12 per 5,000 population(i)
Aluminium               
Ammonium               
Clostridium perfringens (including spores)* <100 1 2
     100 - 4,999 2 4
     5,000 - 9,999 6 12
Colony counts 10,000 - 29,999 12 24
Colour 30,000 - 49,999 18 36
Conductivity* 50,000 - 79,999 26 52
Hydrogen ion 80,000 - 100,000 38 76
Iron               
Manganese               
Nitrate(ii)               
Nitrite(ii)               
Odour               
Taste               
Turbidity               
Parameters subject to audit monitoring               
Aluminium               
Antimony               
Arsenic               
Benzene* <100      1
Benzo(a)pyrene 100 - 4,999      4
Boron* 5,000 - 100,000      8
Bromate(iii)               
Cadmium               
Chromium               
Copper               
Cyanide*               
1,2 dichloroethane*               
Enterococci               
Fluoride*               
Iron               
Lead               
Manganese               
Mercury*               
Nickel               
Nitrate (ii)               
Nitrite (ii)               
Pesticides and related products*               
Polycyclic aromatic <100      1
hydrocarbons 100 - 4,999      4
Selenium 5,000 - 100,000      8
Sodium               
Trichloroethene               
/Tetrachloroethene*               
Tetrachloromethane*               
Trihalomethanes               
Chloride*               
Sulphate*               
Total organic carbon*               
Tritium*               
Gross alpha* (iv)               
Gross beta* (iv)               

Notes: * Sampling for these parameters may be within water supply zones or at supply points as specified in Table 3, subject to notes (ii) and (iii) below.



TABLE 3

ANNUAL SAMPLING FREQUENCIES: TREATMENT WORKS OR SUPPLY POINTS*

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Item Substances and parameters Volume of water supplied m3/d Reduced Standard
1. E. Coli <20      4
2. Coliform bacteria 20 - 1,999 12 52
3. Colony counts 2,000 - 5,999 52 104
4. Nitrite (ii) 6,000 - 11,999 104 208
5. Residual disinfectant ≥12,000 104 365
6. Turbidity               
Subject to check monitoring               
7. Clostridium perfringens(i) <20      2
          20  -  999 2 4
8. Conductivity 1,000  -  1,999 6 12
          2,000  -  5,999 12 24
          6,000  -  9,999 18 36
          10,000  -  15,999 26 52
          16,000  -  32,999 52 104
          33,000  -  49,999 78 156
          50,000  -  67,999 104 208
          68,000  -  84,999 130 260
          85,000  -  101,999 156 312
          102,000  - 119,999 183 365
          120,000  -  241,999 365 730
          242,000  -  484,999 730 1,460
          485,000  -  728,999 1,095 2,190
Subject to audit monitoring               
9. Benzene               
10. Boron               
11. Bromate (iv)               
12. Cyanide               
13. 1,2 dichloroethane               
14. Fluoride               
15. Mercury <20      1
16. Nitrite (iii) 20 - 999      4
17. Pesticides and Related products 1,000 - 49,999 8     
          50,000 - 89,999 12     
          90,000 - 299,999 24     
          300,000 - 649,000 36     
18. Trichloroethene )

Tetrachloroethene)

≥650,000 48     
19. Tetrachloromethane               
20. Chloride               
21. Sulphate               
22. Total organic carbon               
23. Tritium               
24. Gross alpha (v)               
25. Gross beta (v)               

Notes: *Sampling is at treatment works for the substances and parameters shown in column (1) of the Table as items 1 to 6 and at supply points for the other substances and parameters, except nitrite, subject to notes (ii) and (iii) below.



SCHEDULE 4
regulation 16


ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY




TABLE A1

PARAMETERS FOR WHICH, SUBJECT TO REGULATION 16(7), METHODS OF ANALYSIS ARE PRESCRIBED

(1) (2)
Parameter Method
Clostridium perfringens (including spores) Membrane filtration followed by anaerobic incubation of the membrane on m-CP agar* at 44 ± 1°C for 21 ± 3 hours. Count opaque yellow colonies that turn pink or red after exposure to ammonium hydroxide vapours for 20 to 30 seconds.
Coliform bacteria ISO 9308-1
Colony count 22°C  -  enumeration of culturable microorganisms prEN ISO 6222
Colony count 37°C -  enumeration of culturable microorganisms prEN ISO 6222
Enterococci ISO 7899-2
Escherichia coli (E. coli) ISO 9308-1

*The composition of m-CP agar is:

Basal medium     
Tryptose 30.0g
Yeast extract 20.0g
Sucrose 5.0g
L-cysteine hydrochloride 1.0g
MgSO4·7H2O 0.1g
Bromocresol purple 40.0mg
Agar 15.0g
Water 1,000.0ml

Dissolve the ingredients of the basal medium, adjust pH to 7.6 and autoclave at 121°C for15 minutes. Allow the medium to cool and add:

D-cycloserine 400.0mg
Polymyxine-B sulphate 25.0mg
Indoxyl-[beta]-D-glucoside 60.0mg
to be dissolved in 8ml sterile water before addition     
Filter  -  sterilised 0.5% phenolphthalein diphosphate solution 20.0ml
Filter  -  sterilised 4.5% FeCl3· 6H2O 2.0ml



TABLE A2

PARAMETERS IN RELATION TO WHICH METHODS OF ANALYSIS MUST SATISFY PRESCRIBED CHARACTERISTICS

(1) (2) (3) (4)
Parameters Trueness % of prescribed concentration or value or specification Precision % of prescribed concentration or value or specification Limit of detection % of prescribed concentration or value or specification
Aluminium 10 10 10
Ammonium 10 10 10
Antimony 25 25 25
Arsenic 10 10 10
Benzene 25 25 25
Benzo(a)pyrene 25 25 25
Boron 10 10 10
Bromate 25 25 25
Cadmium 10 10 10
Chloride 10 10 10
Chromium 10 10 10
Colour 10 10 10
Conductivity 10 10 10
Copper 10 10 10
Cyanide(i) 10 10 10
1,2-dichloroethane 25 25 10
Fluoride 10 10 10
Iron 10 10 10
Lead 10 10 10
Manganese 10 10 10
Mercury 20 10 20
Nickel 10 10 10
Nitrate 10 10 10
Nitrite 10 10 10
Pesticides and related products(ii) 25 25 25
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(iii) 25 25 25
Selenium 10 10 10
Sodium 10 10 10
Sulphate 10 10 10
Tetrachloromethane 20 20 20
Trichloroethene(iv) 25 25 10
Trihalomethanes: Total(iii) 25 25 10
Turbidity(v) 10 10 10
Turbidity (vi) 25 25 25

Notes:



SCHEDULE 5
regulation 40


AMENDMENT OF THE WATER SUPPLY (WATER QUALITY) REGULATIONS 1989


The amendments to the 1989 Regulations referred to in regulation 40 are - 





SCHEDULE 6
regulation 41


PROGRAMMES OF WORK


A water undertaker's programme of work shall - 



TABLE

Enterococci

Acrylamide

Antimony

Arsenic

Benzene

Benzo(a)pyrene

Boron

Bromate

Copper

1,2-dichloroethane

Epichlorohydrin

Lead

Nickel

Nitrite

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Tetrachloroethene ) sum of concentrations

Trichloroethene )

Trihalomethanes  -  Total (sum of concentrations of chloroform, bromoform, dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane)

Vinyl chloride



EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note does not form part of the Regulations.)


These Regulations supplement Chapter III (Water Supply) of the Water Industry Act 1991 ("the 1991 Act"), amend, for a limited period, the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 ("the 1989 Regulations") and, on 1st January 2004, revoke and replace those Regulations. They are primarily concerned with the quality of water supplied by water undertakers whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales for drinking, washing, cooking and food preparation, and for food production, and with arrangements for the publication of information about water quality.

The Regulations are directed at the achievement of the objective set out in Article 2 of Council Directive 98/83/EC (OJ No. L 330, 5.12.98, p.32) ("the 1998 Directive"), namely, to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean. In particular, effect is given in Part III of the Regulations to Articles 4 and 5 of the 1998 Directive which relate to the quality of water intended for human consumption and, in Part V, to Article 7 (monitoring) of that Directive.

Subject to the exceptions mentioned below, the Regulations come into force on 1st January 2004. Regulations 1 and 2 (which deal with commencement, application and interpretation), regulation 25 (which deals with interpretation of Part VII), regulations 27 to 29 (which deal with cryptosporidium), so much of regulation 33 (which deals with offences) as relates to contraventions of paragraph (9) of regulation 28 or regulation 29, regulation 39 (which deals with contraventions by water undertakers), regulation 40 (which introduces the amendments to the 1989 Regulations set out in Schedule 5), regulation 41 (a transitional provision requiring the submission of programmes of work) and paragraph (1) of regulation 43 (revoking parts of the 1989 Regulations) come into force on 1st January 2002.

Regulation 3 (which deals with water supply zones) and regulation 42 (a transitional provision enabling applications to be made for authorisations) come into force on 1st June 2003.

Regulation 4 (which prescribes new standards of wholesomeness), regulations 17 to 24 (which deal with sampling), paragraphs (4) and (5) of regulation 30 (which deals with lead pipes) and paragraph (2) of regulation 43 (which revokes provisions of the 1989 Regulations superseded by regulations 4 and 17 to 24) come into force on 25th December 2003, when the 1998 Directive takes effect.

Part I of the Regulations (regulations 1 and 2) defines terms that are used in the Regulations.

Part II (regulation 3) requires water undertakers to identify annually the areas ("water supply zones") that are to be relevant for a particular year for the purposes of the application of provisions of the Regulations. A water supply zone may not comprise an area in which the estimated population exceeds 100,000. Water undertakers may not alter the boundaries of water supply zones during the year.

Part III (regulation 4) prescribes standards of wholesomeness in respect of water that is supplied by water undertakers for cooking, drinking, food preparation and washing and other domestic purposes and to premises for food production purposes. These various purposes are referred to in the Regulations as "regulation 4(1) purposes". In particular, regulation 4 provides that water is to be regarded as wholesome if it contains concentrations or values in respect of various properties, elements, organisms and substances that do not contravene prescribed maximum and, in some cases, minimum concentrations or values. Some of the prescribed maximum and minimum concentrations and values are specified in regulation 4, but most are included in Tables A and B which appear in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. They include the values specified in Parts A and B of Annex 1 to the 1998 Directive. There are also specifications for indicator parameters in Schedule 2.

Part IV (regulations 5 to 10) provides for the monitoring of water supplies by reference to the analysis of samples. Regulation 5 defines two monitoring regimes; "audit" monitoring and "check" monitoring. Regulation 6 requires water undertakers to take a minimum number of samples each year in respect of a variety of properties, elements, organisms and substances. It also makes special provision for monitoring supplies from tankers. Regulation 7 requires water undertakers to select at random the consumers' taps from which samples are to be taken. Regulation 8 authorises the taking of samples from points other than consumers' taps ("supply points") and allows the National Assembly for Wales to authorise other supply points. Regulation 9 deals with the number of samples to be taken. These are specified in Tables 1 and 2 in Schedule 3 to the Regulations, and are not less than those specified in Annex II to the 1998 Directive. Regulation 10 requires samples to be taken where water undertakers have reason to believe that the quality of the water within their water supply zone has been adversely affected by the presence of certain elements, organisms or substances.

Part V (regulations 11 to 16) contains additional provisions relating to sampling. Regulations 13 and 14 require samples to be taken in respect of particular organisms and substances, at treatment works and at reservoirs which store treated water. Regulation 15 requires samples to be taken before water is supplied from new sources and from sources which have not recently been used. Regulation 16 prescribes requirements relating to the taking, handling, storage, transport and analysis of samples.

Part VI (regulations 17 to 24) provides for the investigation of every failure to satisfy a concentration, value or state prescribed by regulation 4 and for a report to be made to the National Assembly for Wales. Where a failure relates to a Table B parameter, and certain other conditions are met, the National Assembly for Wales may require the water undertaker to apply to it for an authorisation allowing a departure from the requirements of Part III, as regards that parameter. The circumstances in which such authorisations may be issued, and the conditions to which they are subject, are contained in regulations 21 and 22, respectively. (Article 9 of the 1998 Directive permits derogations from the parametric values). Provision is made in regulation 23 for publicising authorisations. Regulation 24 provides for the modification and withdrawal of authorisations.

Part VII (regulations 25 to 33) deals with the treatment of water and regulates the substances, processes and products that may be used by water undertakers in connection with the supply of water. Regulation 26 imposes requirements relating to the disinfection of water and imposes additional requirements for the treatment of surface water. It prohibits the abstraction for the supply of drinking water of waters below category A3, as required by Council Directive 75/440/EEC (quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water). Regulations 27 to 29 relate specifically to cryptosporidium. Regulation 27 provides for the carrying out of risk assessments. Regulations 28 and 29 re-enact, with amendments, the requirements of regulations 23A and 23B of the 1989 Regulations. Regulation 28(9) prohibits the supply of water from treatment works for regulation 4(1) purposes on and after 1st January 2002 unless a risk assessment has been carried out and either the National Assembly for Wales has authorised the supply or remedial treatment has been required and is being carried out. Regulation 30 makes provision for securing the elimination or reduction to a minimum of the risk that water will be contaminated after supply by excessive concentrations of copper or lead. Regulation 31 specifies the circumstances in which water undertakers may apply or introduce substances or products into water supplied for drinking, washing or cooking. Regulation 32 enables the National Assembly for Wales to require that its approval be obtained to the use of processes. Contravention of some of the requirements of regulations 28, 29, 31 and 32 is made a criminal offence by regulation 33, as is the making of false statements.

Part VIII deals with the provision of information by water undertakers. Regulation 34 requires water undertakers to prepare and maintain records containing information about the quality of water supplied in their water supply zones. Regulation 35 requires each water undertaker to make available for public inspection, and to supply local authorities with, information about the quality of water within its water supply zones, the extent to which Part IV of the Regulations has been complied with, details of any departures authorised under Part VI of the Regulations and of the action which has been taken to comply with enforcement orders under section 18 of the 1991 Act. It also requires each water undertaker to give notice of any occurrence which gives rise, or may give rise, to a significant risk to health. Notice is to be given to each local authority and health authority in whose area reside persons to whose health there is or may be a significant risk, and to the relevant customer service committee. Regulation 36 requires water undertakers to publish an annual report containing information about the quality of water in the area for which they are responsible.

Part IX (regulations 37 and 38) imposes requirements on local authorities in the performance of their duties in relation to the quality of water supplied by water undertakers. Regulation 38 provides for the making of arrangements between the authorities and the water undertakers about the provision of information. It also enables local authorities to take such samples of water as they may reasonably require.

Part X (regulation 39) provides that contraventions by water undertakers of duties or requirements imposed by Parts V to VIII of the Regulations are to be enforceable under section 18 of the 1991 Act by the National Assembly for Wales. This provision is additional to the criminal sanctions provided by regulation 33 in relation to contraventions of regulations 28 and 29, 31 and 32.

Part XI (regulations 40 to 43) amends the 1989 Regulations, makes transitional provisions and revokes the 1989 Regulations and other related provisions subject to savings. The amendments to the 1989 Regulations, which take effect on 1st January 2002, are set out in Schedule 5 (regulation 40). Regulation 41 requires the water undertakers to submit for the National Assembly for Wales' approval programmes of work designed to secure that the standards of wholesomeness prescribed in Part III of the Regulations will, so far as reasonably practicable, be achieved when that Part comes into force on 25th December 2003. Programmes of work are to be prepared in accordance with Schedule 6 and are to be submitted to the National Assembly for Wales before 1st April 2002. They may be approved by the National Assembly for Wales with or without modification, and may be modified where the National Assembly for Wales considers it necessary to do so for the purpose of securing that wholesomeness standards will be met on and after 25th December 2003. If a water undertaker fails to submit a programme of works, or if the submitted programme fails to meet the requirements of Schedule 6, or is otherwise unacceptable, the National Assembly for Wales may prepare one. Programmes of work will be enforceable under section 18 of the 1991 Act by the National Assembly for Wales.

Regulation 42 makes further transitional provision to enable water undertakers to apply in advance for the National Assembly for Wales' authorisation in relation to matters which, on and after 25th December 2003, will need to be authorised under Part VI of the Regulations.

Regulation 43 revokes, in stages, the 1989 Regulations, various sets of amending regulations and the amendments made by regulation 40, in relation to water undertakers whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales and in relation to local authorities in Wales as regards the discharge of functions in relation to those undertakers. Regulation 22 of the Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991 and regulation 8(1) of the Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking Water) (Classification) Regulations 1996 are also revoked to the same extent, in consequence of the revocation of the 1989 Regulations. The revocation of the 1989 Regulations does not affect the obligations of water undertakers to keep records, provide information, and make reports for the year ending on 31st December 2003.

A regulatory appraisal in respect of the Regulations may be obtained from the National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ. [A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.]

Copies of the ISO standards referred to in Table A1 in Schedule 4 may be obtained from BSI, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.


Notes:

[1] 1991 c.56. Section 213 is amended by the Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c.43). Functions under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991 for making regulations concerning water supplied by water undertakers, and functions under section 69 of that Act were transferred to the National Assembly for Wales in relation to any water undertaker whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales by the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/672), Schedule 1, as substituted by S.I. 2000/253, Schedule 3. Functions under section 213 of the Water Industry Act 1991 are exercisable by the National Assembly for Wales to the same extent as the powers, duties and other provisions to which that section applies are exercisable by the Assembly; see S.I. 1999/672, Schedule 1, as substituted by S.I. 2000/253, Schedule 3.back

[2] Functions under section 77(3) and (4) of the Water Industry Act 1991 are transferred to the National Assembly for Wales, so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, by S.I. 1999/672, Schedule 1, as substituted by S.I. 2000/253, Schedule 3.back

[3] S.I. 1989/1147, amended by S.I. 1989/1384, 1991/1837, and 2790, 1996/3001 and 1999/1524.back

[4] 1991 c.57.back

[5] 1977 c.49. Section 8 was substituted by the Health Authorities Act 1995 (c.17), section 1.back

[6] See, as to the functions of customer services committees, section 29 of the Water Industry Act 1991.back

[7] O.J. L330, 5.12.98, p.32.back

[8] O.J. No. L194, 16.6.75, p.26.back

[9] 1991 c.57.back

[10] S.I. 1996/3001.back

[11] Regulations 23A and 23B were inserted by S.I. 1999/1524.back

[12] The date on which regulation 23A of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 came into force.back

[13] O.J. No. L40, 11.2.89, p.12.back

[14] Cmnd 2073.back

[15] Cmnd 2183.back

[16] O.J. No. L204, 21.7.98, p.37, amended by Council Directive 98/48/EC (O.J. No. L217, 5.8.98, p.18).back

[17] As to the application of section 77(1) to the councils of counties in which there are no distinct councils see regulation 5(7) of S.I. 1994/867 as substituted by S.I. 1996/611.back

[18] S.I. 1999/1524.back

[19] S.I. 1989/1384.back

[20] S.I. 1991/1837.back

[21] S.I. 1991/2790, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.back

[22] S.I. 1996/3001.back

[23] 1998 c.38.back



ISBN 0 11 090431 1


  Prepared 1 March 2002


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