The vast majority of the 44,000 properties in the borough are connected to the mains water supply, which is controlled by Anglian Water. Any problems relating to mains water quality, such as abnormal taste or colour should be referred to Anglian Water who can be contacted on 08457 145145.
There are about 100 properties in the borough that are not connected to a mains supply. They take their water from a variety of local sources such as boreholes or wells. The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 determines the type and frequency of sampling and risk assessment that is required at each supply. Large supplies for commercial use or to many different dwellings require more frequent testing.
The Regulations permit Local Authorities to recover the costs associated with providing particular services in fulfilling their duties under these regulations; please see our current scheme of charging for water sampling.
The majority of private water supplies in the borough serve only one property and are classed as a "single domestic property". These premises are not required to have routine sampling.
If you live in a single domestic property supplied by a private water supply and wish to have your drinking water sampled and tested, it is recommended that you contact an analytical laboratory. The Council can arrange for sampling to be carried out but there will be a charge for this service.
