DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer: 

Councils must make sure private water supplies - those not provided by Scottish Water - are safe to drink. This means regularly checking the quality of the water, carrying out risk assessments, and taking action if there’s a risk to people’s health. Councils work with property owners to improve water safety and ensure that private supplies meet national standards and can take action if the supply poses a health risk.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Environmental health


Duty type

Public impact


Social determinant of health

Health and social care

Emerging policy and legislation


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Bodies with shared interest

Scottish Water
Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health In Scotland (SOCOEHS)
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
Public Health Scotland (PHS)

Standards and frameworks


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