Drinking Water

Yorkshire Water
If you are concerned about the quality of your mains water supply you should contact your supplier - i.e. Yorkshire Water plc. (for this region).  They can be contacted via their 24 hour helpline: 0845 1 24 24 24, or visit their website (see 'Related Links').

OFWAT
If you are unahappy with the service provided by Yorkshire Water you should contact OFWAT, which is the regulatory body for the industry. See 'Related Links' for their website.

Drinking Water Inspectorate
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the principal agency that regulate the supply of both public and private supplies of drinking water.  They can be contacted on telephone: 020 7082 8024, and they have a more detailed information available on their website (see 'Related Links').

Environmental Protection Team
The Council's Environmental Protection Team will also look into possible microbiological or chemical contamination of local water supplies, particularly if this relates to a private water supply (such as from bore-holes) or a food manufacturer.  If you have concerns regarding private water supplies you can contact the Environmental Protection Team on 0845 8 506 506, or by using the Contact Us link.

Bathing and Leisure Waters

The water in commercial bathing and leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, paddling pools and jacuzzis etc. should be treated to prevent microbiological contamination, but not overdosed with chemicals that could also cause harm.  It is the responsibility of such commercial operators, under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure public health and safety is not put at risk.

If you suspect that such water facilities are contaminated, and you are not satisfied by the explanation offered by the commercial operator, you can contact the Council's Environmental Protection Team.  An officer from the Team will investigate your case and, if necessary, will take samples of the suspect water for bacterial and chemical analysis.

Pollution of Watercourses

If you have concerns regarding possible pollution to rivers, streams or other watercourses you should contact the the Environment Agency on their 24 hour helpline: 0870 8 506 506, or visit their website (see 'Related Links').