|  River
water can be used as a private water supply
but it is highly susceptible to changes in
the local environment and on a seasonal basis.
The same is true for ponds, lakes and Lochs
depending on teh size and the rate of change
of water.
The quality of these surface
water levels can vary on all parameters especially
microbiological content, turbidity and nitrate
levels.
Changes in local land use
will cause changes to the raw water source.
The treatment will need to be adaptable to
cope with all qualities.
A period of heavy rainfall
will increase the flow, but the run off from
the surrounding area will increase the level
of contamination. The typical variation of
the water source to be treated will be need
to be tested as a system which treats the
summer quality may not be suitable to treat
the winter quality.
Surface water will have lower
levels of iron and manganese and may not require
treatment for these elements, however it is
more likely that the level of nitrates present
will be over the specified limit at points
throughout the year and the microbiological
content may rise perodically.
Typically, an increase will
occur after fertilisation of the local area
and periods of heavy rainfall.
Anybody
who uses a natural untreated water source
for the provision of their drinking water
should confirm that it is a safe supply
through regular testing.
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