Private supply water sampling

For small supplies, water sampling tests for conductivity, enterococci, escherichia coli (E.coli), hydrogen ion (pH value) and turbidity. Additionally any other parameters identified by the risk assessment must be monitored.

Monitoring of these parameters must be completed at least once every five years and more frequently if required by the risk assessment.

For large and commercial supplies two levels of monitoring are carried out:

  • check monitoring
  • audit monitoring

Check monitoring is carried out frequently for only a few important parameters. Audit monitoring is carried out infrequently for the remaining parameters. Both frequencies are also dependent on the size of the source or numbers supplied.

Check monitoring

The parameters, ammonium, coliform bacteria, colony counts, colour, conductivity, E.coli, pH, odour, taste and turbidity, must be monitored in all large supplies under check monitoring. Additional parameters must be monitored if certain circumstances are met.

Audit monitoring

This type of monitoring includes a large number of suggested parameters as outlined in table 3 of the private water supplies - technical manual, 2010.

The council may exclude parameters if certain conditions are met.