Private Water Supply Risk Assessment

At Raincloud, we provide specialist Private Water Supply Risk Assessment (PWSRA) to support planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), environmental permitting and due diligence for developments located near private water supplies.

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Private Water Supply Risk Assessment (PWSRA)

What is a Private Water Supply Risk Assessment (PWSRA)

A Private Water Supply Risk Assessment (PWSRA) is a specialist assessment that identifies potential risks to a private drinking water supply from existing activities or proposed development.

 The purpose of a PWSRA is to determine whether a development could affect the quantity or quality of water available to a private water supply, and to recommend measures to protect the supply where necessary.

 Private water supplies can include:

  • Springs

  • Boreholes

  • Wells

  • Surface water abstractions

  • Shared private water supplies

A well-prepared PWSRA helps demonstrate to planning authorities and environmental regulators that risks have been identified and appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

Using the latest environmental datasets, geological mapping, hydrogeological information and planning guidance, Raincloud evaluates how development proposals may interact with groundwater resources and private drinking water supplies during both construction and operation.

 Our Private Water Supply Risk Assessments typically consider:

  • Springs, wells and boreholes used for private water supplies

  • Groundwater flow paths and source catchments

  • Hydrogeological and geological conditions

  • Water quality and pollution risks

  • Ground disturbance and excavation works

  • Surface water drainage proposals

  • Changes to groundwater recharge

  • Construction-related contamination risks

  • Effects on water availability and yield

  • Cumulative impacts from surrounding developments

 Our assessments focus on identifying risks to private water supplies at an early stage, allowing appropriate mitigation measures to be incorporated into the project design before planning submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • A Private Water Supply Risk Assessment is usually required where a proposed development has the potential to affect a nearby private water supply.

     Planning authorities frequently request a PWSRA where development is located close to:

    • Private wells

    • Boreholes

    • Springs

    • Groundwater abstractions

    • Drinking water source catchments

     A PWSRA may be required for:

    • Residential developments

    • Renewable developments

    • Commercial developments

    • Infrastructure projects

    • Mineral extraction sites

    • Waste management facilities

     The need for a PWSRA often arises where development could:

    • Introduce sources of pollution

    • Alter groundwater flow patterns

    • Affect groundwater recharge rates

    • Increase sediment runoff

    • Impact water quality

    • Reduce water availability

    • Affect drinking water supplies during construction

     Many planning authorities now expect developers to demonstrate that private water supplies have been considered before planning permission is granted, particularly in rural areas where private supplies are common.

  • Not every development requires a WFD Assessment, but many projects affecting the water environment benefit from early screening.

    A WFD Assessment may be required if your development:

     ·        Is located adjacent to a river, stream or ditch

    ·        Includes a watercourse crossing

    ·        Requires an outfall into a waterbody

    ·        Alters river channels or banks

    ·        Introduces new surface water discharges

    ·        Affects groundwater resources

    ·        Interacts with floodplain environments

    ·        Involves substantial earthworks close to watercourses

     Planning authorities and regulators will typically consider:

    ·        Location of the Site

    ·        Nature of the Development

    ·        Potential for Environmental Effects

  • The timescale of a Private Water Supply Risk Assessment depends on the complexity of the site, the number of private water supplies affected and the level of investigation required.

    Projects involving multiple private water supplies or complex groundwater conditions may require more detailed assessment than straightforward developments with limited risk pathways.

  • The cost of a Private Water Supply Risk Assessment depends on the complexity of the site, the number of private water supplies affected and the level of investigation required.

     Projects involving multiple private water supplies or complex groundwater conditions may require more detailed assessment than straightforward developments with limited risk pathways.

     Costs can often be reduced by undertaking a PWSRA early in the planning process, allowing risks to be identified before design proposals are finalised.

     Get in touch via our contact form or email hello@raincloud-consulting.co.uk and we will provide a free, clear and competitive fixed-fee quotation with no hidden costs.