Your Water Quality
In Scotland, drinking water standards are set down by law in The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001, which are in line with all European Community (EC) requirements.
It is the Drinking Water Quality Regulator's (DWQR) job to make sure that we meet these standards, and produce an adequate and high quality supply of water to your taps.
Every year we take samples from your taps, our service reservoirs and treatment works and carry out over 300,000 tests, to ensure that you receive consistently high quality drinking water. It's reassuring to know that over 99% of our samples pass all of our tests.
Why is water treated?
When rain falls from the sky, it is not safe enough to drink. Water contains micro organisms that can damage our health Our water treatment process removes harmful organisms to make sure your water is clear, fresh and safe to drink and use for washing, cleaning, bathing, cooking...
What's in your water?
Depending on the natural environment found near the water supply source, your water may contain traces of some of the substances listed below.
Aluminium
Some aluminium does occur naturally in water, however in some areas aluminium may be present in minute quantities where it has been used as part of a treatment process to clarify and cleanse the water. The regulation level is set at 200 micrograms per litre.
Fluoride
Some fluoride does occur naturally in water, the regulation level is set at 1500 micrograms per litre. We do not add any additional fluoride to your water.
Iron and manganese
Upland surface water can be naturally acidic and can dissolve to form compounds of iron and manganese from the soil and minerals.
Levels of naturally occuring iron and manganese can vary from season to season
and according to rainfall. The regulation level is set at 200 micrograms per litre for iron and 50 micrograms per litre for manganese. There are no health risks from either of these substances, the regulatory levels are set to avoid colouring, tastes and staining.
Lead
In Scotland lead does not occur naturally in significant concentrations in the water supply, and is only a problem when the water comes into contact with lead pipes, joints and cisterns. The regulation level is set at 25 micrograms per litre (reducing to 10 micrograms in 2013).
How water quality is measured
The water we supply to your taps must meet the highest standards set by the government and the EU and we regularly test the water at water treatment works and from customers' taps to ensure that your water conforms to the highest standards
Click here to find out more about where our water comes from
What if a sample fails?
With over 99% of our samples meeting the required regulatory standards, we provide a quality supply of fresh drinking water straight into the heart of your home. This means you have a reliable supply of fresh drinking water on tap to help keep you hydrated throughout the day.
