Private water supplies are generally found in rural or remote areas not served by the mains supply. The Food & Safety Regulation Unit is responsible for ensuring that their water quality meets the standards laid down in the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 1992.
Samples of drinking water are taken from houses served by private supplies on a pre-programmed basis for laboratory analysis. If problems are discovered, advice is given to the owners and consumers of the private supply, on how to improve the situation.
Recreational water samples are also taken for analysis from swimming pools and spa pools. It is important that swimming pools are maintained properly and that the water is properly cleaned and disinfected in order to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria. Generally swimming pool waters in the Falkirk area are good quality and meet requirements.
Mains drinking water supplies suffering problems such as strange taste, smell, discolouration or poor pressure, should be referred in the first instance to Scottish Water|:
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households 0845 601 8855
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businesses 0845 602 885
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24-hour emergency hotline 0845 600 8855
If problems persist, Food and Safety Regulation can be contacted for advice.
Water pollution problems in rivers, burns, tributaries and lochs are dealt with by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)|:
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head office 01786 457700
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24-hour emergency hotline 0800 807060