Private water supplies - Caravan Site & Campsites

If you are planning or in the process of establishing a new caravan or campsite, which is to be connected to a private water supply please let us know so that we can give you more advice.

It is important to be aware of the regulations which apply to these water sources and your responsibilities as a site owner / manager. For further information we recommend you visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s web pages on private supplies and engage the services of a water engineer to assess the suitability of your supply for this purpose.

Mid Devon District Council is required by law to monitor private water supplies to ensure safety standards are met. Campsites are considered to be a ‘public activity’ under regulation 9 of the Private Water Supply Regulations 2016 (as amended). They require routine risk assessment and annual sampling*, regardless of the site’s licensable status under other legislation.

This work must be carried out and the results verified prior to the site opening. Please contact us via email, health@middevon.gov.uk at the earliest opportunity if you are considering such a venture.

Please note that planning permission is required to open a caravan or camping site unless you are a Certified Site from an authorised licensing group (such as the Camping and Caravanning Club), where you may be permitted to accommodate up to 5 caravans or motorhomes, and 10 tents for a maximum of 28 consecutive days at any one time.

*Mid Devon District Council make charge to recover costs for sampling and risk assessment of private water supplies, details of which can be found on our website.