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 only some 100 properties in the borough that are not connected to the mains supply. They take their water from a variety of local sources such as boreholes or wells. Larger water supplies providing water for more than one dwelling or for commercial use are sampled on a regular basis by Environmental Health to check the bacteriological and chemical quality.

The majority of our private water supplies provide water for individual dwellings. We do not routinely sample the water in these properties, as it is the responsibility of the home owner to ensure that the water supply is safe to drink. We can arrange for the water to be tested at the owners request, but there will be a charge for this service. Any problems that are identified by sampling are discussed with the property owner and appropriate advice given.

• If you are an owner/occupier of a single property which has a private water supply, what should you know?
• Other water pollution issues - (Environment Agency)