Drinking water quality
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The term ‘potable water’ refers to water that is safe for humans to drink. This may be referred to as ‘drinking water’.
The term ‘water quality’ refers to the chemical, physical and biological composition of water in relation to the use that it is intended for.
[edit] England and Wales
Drinking water quality is overseen in England and Wales by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). The Drinking Water Inspectorate is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It was formed in 1990 to provide independent assurance that water supplies in England and Wales are safe and that drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers.
Issues with drinking water quality should be reported to water companies unless it is privately supplied. In those instances, problems should be reported to the environmental health department of the local council.
In England and Wales, drinking water quality standards include wide safety margins for:
- Micro-organisms.
- Chemicals such as nitrates and pesticides.
- Metals such as lead and copper.
- The way water looks and how it tastes.
[edit] Scotland
The Scottish counterpart to the DWI is the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR).
In Scotland, the quality of drinking water is tested against 10 key parameters:
- Coliforms.
- E.coli.
- Iron.
- Turbidity.
- Manganese.
- Lead.
- Hydrogen Ion (pH).
- Colour.
- Aluminium.
- Trihalomethanes (THMs).
Local water can be checked on the Scottish Water Website.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.