Scotland: private water supply grant
In Scotland, you can apply for a grant of up to £800 towards improving a private water supply for example to install treatment, replace lead pipes or put in new water tanks. Councils run the scheme, so contact your council's environmental health department. You can't get the grant if the work has already started or finished, or for a new house (mygov.scot).
Testing
Local authorities regulate private supplies in England, Wales and Scotland. In England the Drinking Water Inspectorate oversees them (DWI); in Scotland it's the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR). In Northern Ireland, supplies to a single private dwelling aren't monitored, but you can ask your council's environmental health department to test yours (DAERA).
Treatment and boreholes
Treatment costs depend on what's in the water, which is why a test comes first. UV, filtration and softening are priced by the supplier after a test. A new borehole is priced on depth and geology after a survey. We don't publish typical figures unless they come from suppliers or official bodies, so ask for itemised quotes.
See our private water supply and water treatment pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grant for a private water supply?
In Scotland, yes: up to £800 per property towards improvements such as treatment or replacing lead pipes. Apply through your council before work starts.
Who tests a private water supply?
Your local authority in England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, single private wells aren't monitored, but you can ask your council's environmental health department for a test.