About private water supplies

Having a private water supply means you get water for your home or business from a source that is not the public water supply, known as the mains water network.

Sources for private water supplies include:

• lochs
• boreholes
• streams

Costs and responsibilities

Installing and maintaining a private water supply can be expensive and take a long time.

Your responsibilities as a private water supply owner can include:

• registering the supply
• maintaining the equipment
• treating your water so it's safe to use
• reporting problems with your supply

Get advice before setting up a private water supply

Due to the cost and responsibilities involved with a private water supply, you should consider connecting to the mains water network instead. 

This will mean:

• Scottish Water will have responsibility for your supply
• your supply will be good quality and more reliable

View Scottish Water's information on connecting to the mains network.

If you still want a private supply, get advice from your local council first. They can tell you about registering, risk assessing and testing the supply.

You may be able to get a grant of up to £800 to help with the costs of improving a private supply.