Private water supplies

If a private water supply does not meet the requirements of the legislation, such as a sample has failed to meet the legal standards or a risk assessment highlights a potential problem with a private water supply, then grant assistance may be available to help make improvements to the supply.

Grants available

• grants of up to £800 are available to help you improve your private water supply
• the Grant Scheme is non means tested
• if you share your supply with a number of neighbouring premises, you may wish to consider making a joint application. A joint approach is likely to provide the most effective long term solution to improve your water quality
• to apply for a grant, contact environmental health online

Exemptions to grant approval

There are some exceptions to grant approval, the most common being:

• properties under construction
• houses which are the subject of a Closing Order, Demolition Order or a Dangerous Building Notice
• empty or unoccupied premises
• connection to the mains

The grant process

• before a grant application can be submitted, a risk assessment of the whole supply from source to tap must be carried out and a water sample will be taken and sent to the lab for analysis
• once the sample results have been received, this information and the outcome of the risk assessment will be used to compile a report which details the improvements that need to be carried out and a grant application form will be included
• the grant application form should be completed and returned with one estimate covering all of the costs of the required works along with written authorisation from all others on the supply who consent to you making this application on their behalf
• a grant approval certificate is then issued along with a grant claim form. Please note work must not start until you have received this document at which point you have 12 months to complete the works detailed on the schedule of works and claim the grant money
• once the works are complete, the grant claim form should be submitted enclosing original receipted invoices for the improvements made
• when the grant claim is received arrangements will be made for an officer to revisit and inspect the improvement works and sample the supply to send away for analysis
• when all the identified works are found to be completed satisfactorily and samples pass analysis, payment of grant monies will be initiated

Send completed forms to:

Environmental Health
Scottish Borders Council
Council Headquarters
Newtown St Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA