A private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company. Many properties and businesses in rural areas of Wales are not connected to the public water supply system. In these situations, water is drawn from a local source, often a borehole, well or spring.

The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2010 place a duty on local authorities in Wales to sample and risk assess all private water supplies in their area within 5 years, with the exception of supplies serving a single dwelling. The frequency of sampling and risk assessment is specified in the regulations.

Private water supplies in Wales are regulated under the Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2010. These were introduced following a consultation in 2009.

For further information on private water supplies please visit http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/wales/wsi2010/pdf/wsi_20100066_mi.pdf