All private water supplies in Scotland are routinely tested in accordance with the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The frequency of testing depends on the size of the supply or the use it is being put to.
Where a private supply is being used for a commercial activity such as meat processing or food production, sampling must be carried out annually.
Commercial activity includes bed and breakfast or holiday lettings. Sampling is also on an annual basis where the supply serves fifty or more people. Small supplies are sampled every four years.
The cost of sampling is borne by the supply holders and varies depending on the analysis required. Grants may be available for the upgrading of sub-standard supplies.
Sampling and administration of the grant scheme is carried out by the Pollution Control Team within Environmental Health.
How to register private water supplies
Find out more about private water supplies and how to register on our water quality webpage.