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
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.