UKAS Accredited Potability (Drinking Water) Testing
Guaranteed Technical Competence
Our UKAS accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard is your assurance of technically valid results, competence of staff, and the reliability of our methods.
Regulatory Compliance
Focus
Our services are specifically designed to help you meet your legal duties under the HSE’s ACoP L8 and HSG274 guidelines, ensuring you are fully compliant.
Clear, Actionable
Reporting
We provide more than just data. You receive a comprehensive certificate of analysis with jargon-free interpretation to help you understand your results and take the right actions.
Legally Defensible
Results
Using a UKAS accredited laboratory provides a robust audit trail and demonstrates due diligence, giving you peace of mind in the event of regulatory scrutiny.
What is Potability Testing?
Potability testing is the scientific analysis of a water sample to determine if it is safe for human consumption. In the UK, drinking water must be ‘wholesome,’ a standard defined by strict regulations that set maximum limits for a wide range of microbiological and chemical contaminants.
Our UKAS accredited testing provides you with a definitive analysis of your water quality, ensuring it is safe for your family, employees, or customers.
Who Needs Drinking Water Testing?
Any person or business responsible for a water supply that is not provided by a licensed water company has a duty to ensure it is safe. This includes:
Healthcare Facilities:
Hospitals and care homes must ensure their water is safe for all uses, including for vulnerable patients.
Regular testing helps comply with guidance like HTM 04-01 and prevents risks from waterborne pathogens.
Private Water Supplies:
Homeowners and communities using water from wells, boreholes, springs, or streams must test regularly to ensure the water is free from harmful contaminants.
Commercial Premises:
Businesses such as hotels, food manufacturers, and offices have a legal duty to provide safe drinking water for staff and the public.
Landlords & Property Managers:
Ensuring the potability of water in tenanted properties is a key part of a landlord’s duty of care.
What We Test For: A Comprehensive Analysis
Our potability testing screens for a wide range of parameters to ensure your water complies with the standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). This includes:
Key Microbiological Parameters:
E. coli & Coliforms: The presence of these bacteria indicates potential faecal contamination and a serious health risk. The legal limit for E. coli in drinking water is zero.
Enterococci: Another primary indicator of faecal contamination. The legal limit for Enterococci in drinking water is also zero.
Total Viable Count (TVC): A measure of the overall microbial “health” of your water, indicating the general level of bacteria.
Key Chemical Parameters:
Metals (Lead, Copper, Nickel, Iron, Manganese): Essential for identifying contamination from plumbing and pipework.
Nitrates & Nitrites: Often associated with agricultural runoff and can pose a health risk, particularly to infants.
pH Level: Determines the acidity or alkalinity of the water, which can affect taste and cause corrosion in pipes.
Turbidity & Colour: Measures the clarity and appearance of the water, which should be clear and colourless.
- Note: We are unaccredited for these analysis elements.
Our Straightforward Testing Process
Step 1:
Sample Delivery to Us
Ensure sample integrity from the moment of collection until it reaches our laboratory. This should include the following:
- Use Sterile sample bottles
- Follow clear instructions
- Use cooled transport
Step 2
Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is analysed in our UKAS accredited laboratory to the highest international standards.
- Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
- Microbiological & chemical tests
- Validated methods
Step 3:
Reporting
You receive a professional certificate of analysis that is clear, simple, and easy to understand.
- Official Certificate of Analysis
- Support available
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I test my private water supply?
A: It is recommended to test your private water supply at least once a year for bacteria. Chemical testing frequency can vary but should be done every few years or if you notice any change in taste, odour, or appearance.
Q: My water looks and tastes fine. Do I still need to test it?
A: Yes. Many of the most serious contaminants, including harmful bacteria and chemicals like lead, have no taste, colour, or smell. Testing is the only way to be certain your water is safe.
Q: What happens if my water fails the test?
A: If bacteria like E. coli are detected, the water is not safe to drink and you should boil it before use. We can provide advice on the likely causes and recommend remedial actions, such as disinfection or the installation of a UV filter.