NEW regulations are being applied by Northumberland Council to ensure the safety of private drinking water supplies.

The authority is writing to all owners of private supplies to inform them about the new rules on the quality of drinking water not supplied by Northumbrian Water.

There are more than 1,000 private water supplies in Northumberland and public protection officers will determine if they pose a risk to health.

Victoria Barrington, head of public protection, said: ”Where we find supplies which are not up to standard we will be requiring the appropriate improvements, including treatment.”