Water quality and safety

Who is responsible for water quality

The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the national body that makes sure drinking water in England is safe.

Different organisations are responsible for testing water, depending on the type of supply and the issue. This page explains who does what.

Water pollution

The Environment Agency looks after rivers, streams and groundwater in England.

Contact the Environment Agency if pollution may be harming:

• the natural environment
• rivers, streams or other watercourses
• groundwater

Contact the Environment Agency website for further information and advice.

Private water supplies

Some homes and businesses in the borough are not connected to mains water. They may get their drinking water from a private supply, such as a borehole or spring.

We are the responsible authority for:

• monitoring the quality of private water supplies
• making sure the water is safe to drink

 Find out more about Private Water Supplies page.

Bathing water

We are responsible for checking the quality of all of the swimming pools across Cheshire East,

This includes:

• leisure centres
• private health clubs
• hotels
• jacuzzis
• outdoor pools.

We test these on a regular basis for chemical and microbiological quality.

Mains water supply

Most homes are supplied by mains drinking water.

United Utilities are responsible for investigating problems with mains water quality.

If your mains water has:

• a strange taste, or
• an unusual smell

Contact United Utilities first so they can investigate. 

Onward water distribution

Onward distribution (also know as private distribution) is where drinking water is supplied through a third party, not directly by a water company.

This can include: 

• a landowner
• a site owner
• an event organier

Third parties may need to:

• carry out a risk assessment
• prepare a Water Safety Plan
• arrange water testing

We check these supplies to make sure the water remains safe to drink.

Contact Environmental health

Email: privatewatersupplies@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Phone: 0300 123 5015