Small Private Supply (SPS) is a private drinking water supply that serves a commercial, public, or business activity and is not supplied by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water). Examples include water supplies serving:
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Restaurants and cafés
- Nursing homes
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Factories and food production businesses
- Campsites and holiday parks
- Sports facilities and visitor attractions
Typically, the water comes from a private source such as a well, spring, borehole, river, or lake, and the water supply is owned and managed by the business or organisation using it.
Operators of commercial private water supplies are required to comply with the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023.
South Dublin County Council
South Dublin County Council acts as the Supervisory Authority for commercial private water supplies within its administrative area.
The Council's responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a register of regulated private water supplies.
- Carrying out inspections and audits of supplies.
- Monitoring compliance with drinking water quality standards.
- Reviewing water quality sampling results.
- Requiring corrective actions where deficiencies are identified.
- Taking enforcement action where there is a risk to public health.
If water quality is found to present a risk to human health, the Council may require immediate remedial measures and may impose restrictions on the use of the water until the issue is resolved.
Drinking water from private sources can be vulnerable to contamination from:
- Agricultural activities
- Septic tanks and wastewater systems
- Animal waste
- Surface water runoff
- Poorly maintained wells, boreholes, or treatment systems
Regular monitoring and effective management help protect public health and ensure consumers have access to safe drinking water.
How is it Regulated?
- The owner or operator of the supply is responsible for ensuring that drinking water is safe, wholesome, and clean.
- Water must meet the microbiological, chemical, and indicator standards specified in the Regulations.
- Appropriate treatment, maintenance, monitoring, and risk management measures must be in place.
- Records relating to monitoring and water quality must be maintained.
- The European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023, S.I. No. 99/2023 require a risk-based approach to drinking water safety to include a Risk Assessment (RA) and Risk Management (RM) of public and private water supplies. These shall be carried out by the water supplier for the first time not later than 12th July 2027 and reviewed at regular intervals of not greater than 6 years. RA and RM Plans and any updates should be reported to SDCC Water Quality section.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the Regulations or with directions issued by the Council may result in prosecution. On summary conviction, penalties may include a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Food Safety Requirements
Businesses involved in food preparation, manufacture, processing, catering or hospitality that operate a private water supply must ensure that the water is safe and suitable for human consumption. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) oversees compliance with food safety requirements. Failure to provide safe drinking water may result in enforcement action under both drinking water and food safety legislation
Contact: waterquality@sdublincoco