Drinking water supplies

Information on mains water supplies in the district and the regulations relating to private water supplies (PWS) including the responsibilities of owners and operators of PWS as well as our role as the regulator.

What is a private water supply

Drinking water in the district is supplied by two water companies Thames Water and Affinity Water. However, there are a number of private water supplies (PWS) which source their water directly from groundwater or surface water. There are a variety of private water supplies including:

  • Boreholes
  • Wells
  • Springs
  • Streams
  • Onward distribution of mains water

Epping Forest District Council is responsible for implementing the regulations and carrying out risk assessments to identify actual and potential hazards that may affect the health of those drinking the water. Where the supply is found to be unsafe, we ensure that the necessary improvements are made by the owners or people who control the supply.

If your property is served by public mains water and you are experiencing issues with your supply you should raise your issue directly with the water company that supplies you.

Register your private water supply

Why do I need to register my supply with you?

 We can carry a risk assessment and monitoring if required under the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016.

  • Provide and inform other agencies to ensure there is no risk to your supply, such as land spreading
  • Inform you in the event of potential contamination in the groundwater that may affect your supply
  • Keep you updated on any changes of legislation involving private water supplies and your responsibilities

If you would like to register your private water supply or have an issue with a private water supply within the district please use our reporting tool below and a member of the Environmental Protection & Drainage Team will contact you.

Register or report a private water supply online

Guidance and advice

Further detailed information and guidance is available on the Drinking Water Inspectorates’ (DWI) website including information on fees, parameters, legislation and monitoring.

If you have any further questions or experiencing water quality issues then contact the Environmental Protection team at:

More information