Private Wells

Unregulated Supply

Do you own a Private Well? Is this well used solely for your own private domestic use? If the answer is Yes to both of these questions, then your well is classed as an unregulated private water supply under the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 (PDF) - 2,754 kbs .

Sligo County Council has published a leaflet entitled ‘Keeping your Unregulated Private Water Supply Safe’ - Keeping your Unregulated Water Supply Safe (Information leaflet) (PDF) - 640 kbs . This leaflet outlines what you can do to protect your supply and keep it safe.

Regulated Supply

If your well is used for the supply of water to a public or commercial activity, e.g. Bed and Breakfast, community centre, school, dairy farm etc., then your supply is classed as a regulated supply and you are required to comply with the requirements of the

European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 (PDF) - 2,754 kbs

In all cases it is advisable to get your private water supply tested regularly. You will not be able to tell without sampling and analysis whether your water is safe because contamination may not change the taste, colour or smell of your water. For advice in relation to testing of your private water supply, you can contact Sligo County Council’s Environment Section or the Environmental Health Officers at the Health Service Executive.

Have you Checked your Well Water Supply? (PDF) - 1,843 kbs