Why we collect samples
IWNL will collect water samples from your kitchen tap to ensure the water quality meets the standards set by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016. These are random samples, so one of our samplers may knock on your door unexpectedly. They will carry ID badges at al times to identify who they are before entering the premises. If there are any concerns raised about water quality, possibly by your neighbours, IWNL might also collect samples from your property. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for testing, we will only get in touch if there is an issue, so if you don’t hear from us about these then there is no need to be concerned.
Each sampling process takes approximately 40 minutes and includes a free plumbing check (also called a fittings inspection).
Process
- The technician will ask at the doorstep if you have a water softener and will verify this by checking under the kitchen sink once inside.
- You will be asked to remove any items from the kitchen sink, such as cutlery or plates.
- The technician will remove any fittings from your tap, like an aerator, and will reinstall them before leaving.
- Your water will be tested for temperature, free chlorine, and total chlorine.
- A swab will be taken from your kitchen tap.
- The technician will disinfect the tap with a chlorous solution before collecting a sample for bacteriological analysis.
- The tap will be flushed for at least 4 minutes.
- The technician will ensure your kitchen tap and surrounding areas are left as they were found.
- In some cases, a sample may also be taken from the bathroom tap.
Fittings Inspection
IWNL is responsible for ensuring that the supply system complies with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. This helps protect the quality and safety of the water supply.
Our technician will ask to carry out a plumbing check, which should take no longer than 15 minutes.
Process
- Photos will be taken of your kitchen tap, including any aerators, and the technician will clean and refit them if necessary.
- Photos will be taken of the area under your sink to check for correct installation, including the stopcock, backflow protection valves, and any water-saving devices like pressure-reducing valves or descalers.
- The technician will check and take photos of your garden tap to assess its backflow protection.
- They will inspect and take photos of your utility room taps or appliances.
- Photos will be taken of your boiler and any hot water cylinders.
- The technician will visit your bathroom to take photos of the basin and bath taps, shower hose (checking for a shower clip), and the inlet valve of your toilet.
The technician might suggest improvements for some fittings, such as placing the shower hose back into its clip for safety. If there are significant concerns, the water regulations team will provide a detailed report highlighting necessary improvements to ensure compliance with the regulations.