Holiday let owners warned on private water supply safety
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Holiday accommodation providers are being urged to ensure private water supplies are safe as Scotland prepares for an easing of lockdown restrictions.
With the tourism and hospitality sector set to re-open fully by July 15, Highland Council's environmental health officers want operators to take care in ensuring visitor safety.
A large number of self-catering and tourist accommodation in the Highlands are served by private water supplies.
With many closed during the lockdown period, the council is warning that water supply systems may not have been maintained, jeopardising the quality and safety of drinking water.
A spokesperson said: “Property owners are advised to inspect and carry out essential maintenance to their private water supply system prior to receiving their first guests.”
The environmental health department has prepared this simple checklist to help property owners prepare:
Inspect the water system from “water source to tap” looking for any issues such as choked or damaged pipework and overgrown vegetation that may need cutting back.
Check storage tanks (exterior and interior), clean them and ensure they are in good condition.
Check the treatment system is in good working order and all necessary maintenance has been carried out e.g. replacing the UV bulb, changing the filters.
Clean and disinfect the water supply system (shock chlorinate).
Prior to re-occupation, run the water supply for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Check no other maintenance is required not included in the above.
Anyone with any concerns regarding the water supply or the effectiveness of any water treatment system, is asked to follow public health advice and boil all water used for drinking, brushing of teeth or washing vegetables and fruit until such time as they are confident that the supply system can provide safe drinking water.
Further information on maintaining a private water supply is available at https://www.mygov.scot/maintain-private-water-supply/ or by contacting environmental health on 01349 886603 or at email envhealth@highland.gov.uk.
