The Private Water Supplies (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016

Regulation 7

SCHEDULE 2

Regulation 10A

“SCHEDULE 2A Monitoring of radioactive substances

Radon

1.— (1) In relation to the radon parameter in the radioactive substances parameters table, a local authority—

(a) must ensure that a representative survey is carried out in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) to determine the likelihood of a supply failing to comply with the relevant parametric concentration or value specified in the radioactive substances parameters table; and

(b) must carry out monitoring where there is reason to believe, on the basis of the results of the representative surveys or other reliable information, including any risk assessment carried out in accordance with regulation 6, that the parametric value for the radon parameter laid down in the radioactive substances parameters table might be exceeded.

(2) A representative survey must be designed in such a way—

(a) as to be capable of determining the scale and nature of likely exposure to radon in water intended for human consumption originating from different types of groundwater sources and wells in different geological areas; and

(b) that underlying parameters, especially the geology and hydrology of the area, radioactivity of rock or soil, and well type, can be identified and used to direct further action to areas of likely high exposure.

Tritium

2.— (1) In relation to the tritium parameter in the radioactive substances parameters table, a local authority—

(a) must carry out monitoring where an anthropogenic source of tritium or other artificial radionuclides is present within the catchment area and it cannot be shown on the basis of other surveillance programmes or investigations, including any risk assessment carried out in accordance with regulation 6, that the level of tritium is below the parametric value listed in the radioactive substances parameters table; and

(b) must carry out an investigation of the presence of other artificial radionuclides if the concentration of tritium exceeds the parametric value listed in the radioactive substances parameters table.

(2) Where monitoring is required by sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) it must be carried out at the frequencies as set out for audit monitoring in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 2; or

(b) it must (in the case of a private water supply falling within the scope of regulation 10(1)) be carried out at least every five years or more frequently if the risk assessment referred to under sub-paragraph (1)(a) shows this to be necessary.

Indicative Dose

3.— (1) In relation to the indicative dose (“ID”) parameter in the radioactive substances parameters table, a local authority must carry out monitoring where a source of artificial radioactivity or elevated natural radioactivity is present and it cannot be shown on the basis of other surveillance programmes or investigations, including any risk assessment carried out in accordance with regulation 6, that the level of ID is below the parametric value listed the radioactive substances parameters table.

(2) Where monitoring is required by sub-paragraph (1) in relation to artificial radionuclides—

(a) it must be carried out at the frequencies as set out for audit monitoring in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 2;

(b) it must (in the case of a private water supply falling within the scope of regulation 10(1)) be carried out at least every five years and more frequently if the risk assessment shows this to be necessary.

(3) Where monitoring is required by sub-paragraph (1) in relation to a source of elevated natural radioactivity—

(a) the local authority—

(i) may decide the frequency of monitoring in its area depending on the screening strategy adopted by the authority; and

(ii) must notify the Welsh Ministers in writing of its decision under sub-paragraph (i); and

(b) the frequency of monitoring decided under sub-paragraph (a)(i) may vary from a single check measurement to the frequencies as set out for audit monitoring in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 2.

(4) Where a local authority decides under sub-paragraph (3) that a single check measurement for natural radioactivity is appropriate, the local authority must carry out a further check if any change occurs in relation to the supply which is likely to influence the concentrations of radionuclides in the supply.

Water treatment

4.   Where treatment to reduce the level of radionuclides in a private water supply has been undertaken, the local authority must monitor the supply for total indicative dose, radon and tritium in accordance the provisions of this Part and the frequencies as set out for audit monitoring in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 2 to verify the continued efficacy of that treatment.

Averaging

5.   Where a parametric value in the radioactive substances parameters table is exceeded in relation to a particular sample taken by a local authority, the Welsh Ministers must specify, by notice in writing to the local authority, the extent of resampling necessary to ensure that the measured values are representative of an average activity concentration for a full year.”